Golem
After all they had suffered together, their sacrifices and their pain, Al had to live without his brother. It was the last exchange made with Truth. Edward's life and body for his own. The younger brother's feelings forcefully buried until his absent father appears one day and gives him hope - but at what cost?
Genre: Horror, Drama, Alternate Universe, "What-If scenario," Isolated Short Story that takes cues from FMAB and FMA, but not canon.
Side characters will be mentioned, but this story focuses primarily on Alphonse, Hohenheim, and Edward - and the dynamic/relationships between them.
Warnings: violence, human experimentation, explicit language, implied incestuous feelings.
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Chapter 1: Second Chance
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This wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to be standing between his mother's grave and that of Brother's.
He didn't hear the last words of friends and colleagues giving their final testament to his brother's life. They all spoke of his bravery, tenacity, intelligence, and unyielding commitment to those he loved. But it all went over Alphonse's head. All he could hear was his brother's last breath and all he could see was the closed mahogany coffin being lowered into the ground. He couldn't cry. His face was a blank slate. He barely heard the quiet sobs next to him from Winry and Pinako. He couldn't summon any emotion. He felt numb, broken. Brother left him. Brother broke his promise.
After everything they sacrificed, this is what it all came to. They were each other's only family, their only anything to be honest. Not once did Alphonse ever imagine that he would lose his brother three years after they finally accomplished their dreams and could finally live their lives in relative peace. But once again, fate would have the last word.
Everything was great. Alphonse slowly recovered from years of the malnutrition his body went through. He finally reached a healthy weight and could walk on his own without getting tired or needing help. He couldn't wait to start working out again and building his muscles. He wanted to spar again with Edward. The dark memories and pain were all in the past. He would never have to watch his brother suffer for his own sake. For the first time in years, Alphonse actually saw his brother smile - really smile. It wasn't a cocky grin, or rebellious smirk. It was a real joyful smile that brightened his brother's face and revealed just how handsome Edward was and how much he had grown. Even better, only Alphonse could make him smile like that.
But things started to change. As Alphonse grew in strength, Edward weakened. It started as occasional muscle cramps and stiffness. They thought it was because of his newly restored limbs. No big deal. Exercise and mild pain relievers would make it go away. Edward shrugged it off with a smirk, saying that it must be the stress and reaching the ripe old age of twenty. They laughed it off and went to the pharmacy for medicine. Alphonse and Winry took turns massaging Edward's overworked limbs to help ease the pain and numbness.
Over time, the pain and numbness were replaced by muscle weakness and chronic soreness. It was difficult for Edward to move his right arm and left leg. Again, no big deal. He was still adjusting. But then a few months later, his left arm and right leg started to act up. Edward had to concentrate to move any limbs and had trouble walking. Edward's limbs felt like they had cinder blocks tied to them. His speech became slurred. His cognitive functions slowed. Memory loss. Difficulty concentrating. Mood swings. A few months later, he had difficulty recognizing faces. He had to think before he could remember someone's name or their face. One time, Alphonse scared Edward because he thought Alphonse was a stranger in the house - even though he just saw his little brother seconds ago.
Mustang finally stepped in. He took Alphonse, Edward, and Winry to the best hospitals in Central. He brought the best doctors and specialists from around the country to help the Hero of the People. They examined him and took samples. They said the same things in one way or another.
He's tired. He's put his body through so much stress. It's his chronic injuries. Stress. Depression. Insomnia. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The doctors went down the list of each and every conceivable reason Edward's health was declining. They threw every medicine and therapy they could think of. Alphonse and Winry became Edward's caretakers. They worked in shifts as Edward needed constant care after he lost the ability to walk on his own.
Finally, they found a doctor who told them what the hell was going on. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A neurological disorder that selectively affected the cells that control voluntary muscles of the body. It was often seen in people who sustained several concussions and head injuries. Thus, Edward was a prime candidate. Movements such as speech, walking, eating, breathing, would become increasingly difficult as the muscles atrophied. But the mind remained mostly clear and aware. Most victims only had months once they were diagnosed. The only thing they could do was keep Edward comfortable and safe until the inevitable happened.
Alphonse could only watch as his brother became imprisoned inside his own body. Though he couldn't get his body to work, Edward's eyes remained alert. He was fully aware of what was going on around him and the reality of his fate. Alphonse heard Edward crying in a rare time his brother was left alone in his own room. But when Alphonse was with him, Edward never cried. He remained strong. He had a sense of humor. He would smirk and give a weak chuckle when Alphonse fumbled with the medicine or tried to carry him up the stairs. Even with weakened muscles, Edward still had his wide grin and that special smile he only gave to Alphonse.
"Why, Brother? Just - why?" Alphonse sobbed.
"A life for a life…" were the last words Edward ever spoke.
Edward withered right before Alphonse's eyes. He couldn't talk anymore. His muscles atrophied. Edward's only means of communicating were through gestures and sounds that reminded Alphonse of a baby babbling. Edward kept deteriorating until he was little more than a lifeless body laid on a narrow hospital bed.
Alphonse was holding Edward's hand when he watched his brother draw his last breath. It was just the two of them. Winry and Mustang had gone home. He remembered Winry giving him a hug and lovingly stroking Edward's hair in a final goodbye. Alphonse heard her sobs steadily growing louder as she moved down the hall. Mustang remained calm when he left, but Alphonse could see the grief in his dark eyes.
"I love you, Brother…" Alphonse whispered brokenly between tears. He swore he felt a weak squeeze of his hand. He looked up to see Edward staring at him, glassy eyed and pale.
'I love you too...'
Edward gave a deep breath and exhaled. But he didn't take another one. Alphonse's mind went blank.
'No...no-no-no-no-no-no-NO!' the rising panic gripped him.
"Brother?" his voice cracked. "Brother!" Edward didn't respond. Edward's face went slack, the color drained from his face, his hand felt even colder in Alphonse's hand. The heart monitor stopped its rhythmic beeping and gave a small alarm.
The doctor came in. Alphonse watched blindly as he checked Edward's vitals and looked to the clock on the far wall and then scribbled something on Edward's chart.
"Time of death...2:04am, October 23rd, 1919..."
Those were the words that repeated in Alphonse's head over and over again while he watched Edward's coffin sink into the freshly dug grave. He glanced up at the people around him. He saw everyone who touched his and Edward's life all grieving for the terrible loss.
Everyone except his father.
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As the months turned into years, Alphonse regained some semblance of a normal life. He had to in honor of his brother's final sacrifice. He wouldn't insult his Edward's memory by drowning in his own grief.
Alphonse followed his goal of becoming a medical alchemist. He lived in Xing for the next five years to study alkahestry and get his medical license. He enlisted in the military - to Winry and Pinako's horror - to gain access to the research that could help him find a cure for the disease that took away the last of his family. Anything to save someone from experiencing the breaking pain he had as he was forced to watch his brother die. He wouldn't wish that pain on his worst enemy.
When he returned to Risembool, he asked Winry to marry him. She said yes, and for the first time in years, Alphonse felt happy.
It was the obvious choice. Winry was the person who stayed by his side through his brother's disease. She had always been there. She never wanted anything from them. Winry never manipulated or used Alphonse and Edward for her own gain. She was the only person the brothers trusted without hesitation. With her, they always had a home to return to.
With Winry, Alphonse felt peace and love. Her beauty and kind nature drew him in and he wanted to have her in his life for as long as possible. They comforted each other and bonded during their mourning. He could fall part in front of her. He didn't have to worry about controlling his emotions and 'being a man.' When she slept next to him in their bed, Alphonse didn't miss laying next to his brother as much.
"How was work?" Winry asked after she gave him a sweet kiss.
"The usual," Alphonse sighed as he removed his shoes and dropped his bag by the door. "Can't wait for flu season to be over."
Alphonse worked as a medic in the military base. He took care of soldiers returning from deployment and their families. He was among the biggest advocates for providing free healthcare to military families, not just the soldiers. Fuhrer Mustang signed this into law only a year after Alphonse enlisted. It was big news and the Amestrians hailed the Elric brothers as 'Heroes of the People.' It was a title that Alphonse was determined to earn.
"Is it bad this year?" Winry set down a cup of tea for her fiance and returned to preparing dinner. It was chicken pot pie. One of Alphonse's favorites.
"Not as bad as last year," Alphonse replied before taking a sip. "People are following advice to prevent spread of the disease. Hopefully, this new vaccine everyone's talking about will be ready by next year."
"Interesting," Winry muttered as she checked the food. "I never thought an epidemic could be prevented with just a tiny shot."
Alphonse nodded. "It has the potential to save thousands of lives. Hopefully, us medical people won't be out of a job."
Winry chuckled. "I seriously doubt it. Here..." she placed a plate of pot pie in front of him. "You look hungry."
"Thanks!" Alphonse started to dig in, but paused when Winry's expression became tense. "What's wrong?"
Winry sighed and went to the living room. She returned with an envelope and placed it on the table. "This came today...it's from your father…"
Alphonse set the plate aside and took the envelope. Hohenheim hadn't spoken to Alphonse in years. He disappeared after the Promised Day and it was as if ne never existed - as always.
Alphonse frowned irritably as he opened the letter. "What does he want?" While he never hated Hohenheim as deeply as his brother, he remained disinterested.
"Alphonse,
I know I haven't been in contact as I should. I want to make it up to you. I'm coming to Central tomorrow and will stop by to explain. But you and Edward have suffered too much and I can't stand by anymore. - Hohenheim."
"What the hell is he talking about?" Alphonse threw the letter on the table and returned to eating dinner. "I honestly can't understand why he needs to be so vague. He's so up his own ass."
"What does he want?" Winry looked just as annoyed. "What's he up to now?"
"Who knows," Alphonse brushed it off. "Probably wants someone to feel sorry for him."
Alphonse remembered a time when he yearned for his father's love. Without their mother, Hohenheim was the only parent they had. Alphonse teased fantasies of their father returning and they could be a family again. It was why he pleaded with Edward that he try to reconcile with Hohenheim. But Edward refused, saying that Hohenheim didn't deserve forgiveness. Alphonse didn't want to think that. Even if Edward was right. Alphonse found himself feeling the same after Edward's death.
Winry held a similar animosity towards Hohenheim. "I don't want him around…" She said with finality. "Nothing good happens when he's around."
"He won't be here for long," Alphonse said. "I'll hear him out and then move on. He just wants attention."
Winry placed her hands on his shoulder. "Just be careful," she whispered gently. "I don't want you to get hurt."
Alphonse took her hand and kissed it. "I won't. It's over with him. He'll be gone soon enough."
With that, Alphonse and Winry finished dinner and spoke of other things as they cleaned the dishes and prepared for bed. Hohenheim was the farthest from Alphonse's mind when Winry removed her nightgown and laid him on their bed
The next day, Alphonse came home. Today was especially hard because it marked the anniversary of Edward's passing. He and Winry planned to visit Pinako for the weekend and visit Edward's grave to pay their respects. He looked forward to it with a sense of that lingering grief. However, he needed to be near Brother again.
"Hey Winry!" he called out. But instead of his fiance's voice, he heard another.
"Hello, Alphonse…"
Alphonse froze. Hohenheim was standing in the kitchen. Winry stood behind him, clearly perturbed.
"How have you been?" Hohenheim greeted with that same indiscernible smile that Edward hated. "It's been a while."
"It has..." Alphonse said flatly. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to visit and see if you're doing well." Alphonse heard Winry snort behind Hohenheim. He glanced down to see her swinging an iron pan in her hand as if ready for Alphonse to give the signal.
"Well, we're fine," Winry spoke up before Alphonse could respond. "Everything is perfectly fine." It was clear she wanted Hohenheim gone.
Hohenheim didn't seem to hear her. "I heard you and Winry were engaged. Congratulations."
"Thank you," Alphonse said. Winry rolled her eyes and went back to whatever she was doing.
"Why are you here?" Alphonse finally asked after an awkward pause. "It's been three years. What do you want this time?"
Alphonse came to understand just why Edward resented their father. Hohenheim didn't seem to understand how his actions spoke louder than his words. He claimed to love his sons and that his leaving was for their own good. But two children wouldn't know that. Hohenheim returned during their darkest time and seemed to pass judgement rather than offer support. If either showed pain or anger at his abandonment, he met them with a vague excuse and a condescending remark about how they were too young and foolish to understand just what he did for them. Even if it was for the greater good, it never replaced the pain and hurt they felt when he left them to watch their mother die. Alphonse didn't truly understand until he had to watch Brother die without a single acknowledgement from their supposed father.
"I don't want anything," Hohenheim broke Alphonse from his thoughts. "I came to make an offer."
Alphonse looked at him suspiciously. "What kind of offer?"
Hohenheim sighed and turned into the kitchen. He sat down and gestured for Alphonse to do the same. Alphonse glanced at Winry, still moving about the kitchen, she gave him a skeptical look but remained quiet, eyes never leaving the back of Hohenheim's head.
Hohenheim seemed to struggle with his words before finally explaining himself. "I understand that you must feel a great amount of anger towards me." Hohenheim was interrupted by Winry's loud scoff. He glanced at her and then continued. "I...don't want your forgiveness because I know it can never be given.
"'Yeah, right," Winry mumbled as she dried the dishes. Alphonse gave her a glance and she quieted with a huff.
Hohenheim continued. "You and Edward were always meant to be together. You were the epitome of soulmates. The bond you shared was indescribable - unconditional. Such a thing should never be lost."
There was something about the way he spoke that made Alphonse shift uncomfortably. He looked to see if Winry heard. She had and was looking at Hohenheim with distrust and slight distaste.
"And?" Alphonse said dryly, remaining neutral.
Hohenheim thought for a long time, and then finally answered. "I've been researching. Scouring through every book and archive to find a way to bring Edward back without the danger of human transmutation."
Alphonse and Winry froze. Alphonse stared blank-eyed at his estranged father. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He sat like a deer in the headlights as he waited for Hohenheim to further explain himself. Surely, he misunderstood.
"I've developed a theory on why human transmutation always fails. It's not about equivalent exchange - it's about consent on the part of the deceased. I don't know what to call it. However, it has the potential to circumvent the law of equivalent exchange. Edward was never supposed to die. I want to rectify that, but I need -"
"Get the hell out of my house!" Alphonse screeched. He stood up from his seat and pointed to the door. "Get your useless ass out of my damn house!"
Hohenheim stood stoically from his chair. "Alphonse...I just-"
"Shut the hell up!" Alphonse yelled. "I should've kicked you out the moment I walked in! You just want to use us for your own sick experiments! As usual!"
"I'm not using you...I want to help you-"
"I don't want to hear it!" Alphonse growled. "This is another of your sick messiah-complex schemes. If you want to commit the ultimate taboo, go ahead! But you're not dragging me and my fiance into this!"
"I'm sorry Alphonse-"
"Stop! Just stop!" Alphonse banged his fist on the table. "It's always 'I'm sorry' with you. But until I actually see that you're sorry, you can step right out that door!"
Hohenheim didn't fight. He slowly walked around the table, past Alphonse, and to the front door.
Before he disappeared into the night, he made one last pitch. "If you could bring your brother back without any consequences or sacrifice, would you do it? Think of the answer and return to me. I'll be in the city until Sunday. If you don't come, I'll leave and you will never have to worry about me ever again."
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Soulmates...Alphonse could see that.
A soulmate was a person with whom one has a feeling of deep, natural affinity. It could be similarity, love, comfort, intimacy, spirituality, compatibility, and trust.
The Elric brothers were all of these things. Alphonse and Edward had a bond that went beyond sibling love. They had a spiritual connection that couldn't be severed. They understood each other in ways no one else could. They accepted each other when no one else did. There was nothing the other could do that would make his brother leave. There was an unconditional trust between them that couldn't be achieved with anyone else. They were all the other had. They were each other's foundation. When Edward died, Alphonse's foundation was torn and he was left with nowhere else to go.
In the months after Edward's death, Alphonse obsessed over the past memories of his brother. Every little trinket or journal from their childhood was held with reverence. Alphonse still had Edward's huge collection of alchemy books. What few photos he had of his brother and their friends were kept in a fine photo album. He even had Edward's state alchemist pocket watch. It made Alphonse feel like Edward was still there.
Sometimes, he would sit and think about what his brother looked like before he deteriorated. His thoughts of his brother were tainted with the dying waif on the hospital bed. So Alphonse prodded until he could remember Edward exactly as he should have been.
Long gold hair. Fine, toned muscles. The rebellious spark in hazel eyes highlighted with a toothy smile. That husky tenor of a voice.
'I want to touch you again, Brother…'
Edward was Alphonse's life for so long, the younger brother didn't know what to do. He was sure others found their bond to be codependent and even a little freakish. Edward was all Alphonse knew. Amidst the trauma, pain, betrayals, violence, and endless suffering, Edward was the only positive thing in Alphonse's life.
"If you could bring your brother back without any consequences or sacrifice, would you do it?"
That was a low blow. So like his father. Finding Alphonse's one weakness and using it to further his own agenda. Empty promises. Hohenheim just wanted to manipulate him into some endeavor that he needed Alphonse for whatever reason. Alphonse wouldn't make that mistake again. He would never play God with his brother's life like that. It went against everything they believed in. And yet…
His brother's face came into view. He missed Edward so badly. What did Hohenheim want?
Alphonse contemplated this as he sipped at his coffee. Winry sat across from him reading the daily newspaper.
"What do you think?" he mumbled to Winry over breakfast.
"Think of what?"
"What Hohenheim said last night?" Alphonse mumbled into the mug.
Winry made a small growl. "Don't you dare tell me you're actually contemplating what he said? He's a con artist, Al! Why do you keep giving him chances?"
"No, I'm not!" He protested, though that wasn't entirely untrue. "It's-It's just that question he asked. Why would he say something like that?"
"Because he wants something from you," Winry frowned. "He has an ulterior motive." She cupped his face. "Please, Al...don't fall for it."
"What is he trying to do?" Alphonse asked in frustration. "What could he possibly be thinking?"
"Don't give a damn about it!" Winry protested. "We've moved on!"
Alphonse's eyes widened. "What if he plans on killing someone? I can't let him do that." He stood. "I need to go after him. If what he asked is true, then I have to stop him!"
"This is what I meant!" Winry shouted. "This is how he gets in your head. I bet you he's not going to do a damn thing. He just wants to use you!"
She grabbed his shoulder to make him look her in the eyes. "We've finally made a life for ourselves. The Promised Day, the homunculi, and everything else is in our past. We have a good home, good jobs, and we're about to get married. Don't ruin things because your father guilt trips you into what he wants." She leaned back over to touch her forehead to his. "Edward wouldn't want that."
"No, he wouldn't…" Alphonse whispered. Winry smiled and gave him a quick kiss. "Just leave him. It's not worth it."
Winry was right. It wasn't worth it. Though he missed his brother more than anything, he wouldn't make that mistake again. Human Transmutation was a taboo for a reason. It was a sin punishable by a fate worse than death. He and Edward were incredibly lucky to have come out with their lives at all.
To commit that sin again would negate everything he and his brother gave up so much for. It would dishonor his brother's memory. He wouldn't let his own grief cloud his judgment.
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And yet, here he was, standing at the door of Hohenheim's room at a local inn.
Alphonse couldn't erase the thought of his brother from his mind since last night. His dreams became memories of nights spent watching his brother sleep. Edward was always so tense and moody during the day. But when asleep, he looked peaceful and young. Alphonse, stuck in his armor, would just watch him until daybreak.
He remembered those nights spent with his brother reading up on everything written about the philosopher's stone and theories on its origin and composition. Edward would stare unblinking at the complex mathematics and recreate them into transmutation circles without a twitch. He and Alphonse spent hours at little cafes and restaurants where they would discuss the theories and techniques they read about and how they could be adapted into making a philosopher's stone.
He thought of Winry and what she said. But then Edward's face would interrupt any reason her words gave.
Those memories bade him to go find his father. Seeing Edward's restored body in Alphonse's mind was too much of a temptation. At least, he had to hear what Hohenheim had to say. He told himself that depending on what Hohenheim said, Alphonse would either walk away or stop him from whatever horrid thing he planned to do. Alphonse wouldn't allow that. Even if he wanted to see his brother again, he wouldn't see him at the cost of someone else's life.
But there was small, traitorous voice that told him he wasn't as noble as he wanted to think.
Alphonse sighed. It was now or never. He knocked on the door and waited.
If Hohenheim was surprised at seeing his son at the door, he didn't show it. "Alphonse…"
"Hohenheim…" Alphonse returned.
"You used to call me Dad," Hohenheim sounded wistful.
"That was when I thought you were our dad," Alphonse answered flatly.
Hohenheim just sighed and stepped back to let Alphonse enter. Alphonse stood in the center of the tiny hotel room and waited for Hohenheim to speak first.
"Did you consider my question?" Hohenheim asked after a long pause.
"I did," Alphonse answered. "And I have an answer…"
"Yes?" Hohenheim pressed.
Alphonse looked down at his feet, thinking of what he wanted to say and then meeting his father's eyes when the words came to him. "I miss Edward more than anything. He was the only family I had. If I could bring him back, yes I would. But I'm not a naive child. Whatever plan you have in your head, I want nothing to do with it. So my answer is no."
"Then why are you here?" Hohenheim asked, emotionless.
Alphonse eyes narrowed, he moved until he was mere inches from his father. Hohenheim didn't flinch.
"I'm here," Alphonse started, emphasizing each word. "Because I want to know what you're planning on doing and if I need to stop you. I won't let you hurt others because you think you're showing me kindness. I won't have it."
"If you say no, then I won't do a thing."
Alphonse was surprised. But it just heightened his wariness. "You won't? Then why bother to show up?"
"It was my last attempt at a semblance of redemption," Hohenheim explained, looking downtrodden for the first time. "I failed at being a father. I'm more of a scientist than a parent. If it's our fate to never see each other again, I at least want to part with a final gift to you and to Edward."
Alphonse had no idea what to say to that. "Just what exactly are you talking about? And say it to me straight this time!"
Hohenheim eased onto the edge of the bed. Alphonse remained standing, ready to storm out if needed. After staring into the distance, Hohenheim finally spoke.
"There is a reason that human transmutation fails," he began. "But if it was truly impossible, people wouldn't try it. The reason it fails is because it regards the human soul as an object instead of a sentient being. A person's body dies, but their soul moves into a different existence. The soul is what makes someone who they are. The body is just a vessel."
Hohenheim paused to check if he had Alphonse's attention. Alphonse just stood there blank-faced and trying to understand where this was going. Satisfied, Hohenheim continued. "The first mistake is trying to bind the soul to an incomplete body. The body must be complete and an exact replica of the former vessel. The soul must be convinced to return of its own will. However, if the soul is at peace, then it won't want to return and it can't be forced. That's why it's so dangerous. You can't force someone to return to their former life with its pain and challenges. One must offer something to the soul that it can't find in the afterlife."
Alphonse heard what Hohenheim was saying. But his mind couldn;t wrap around it. What Hohenheim explained sounded like something out of the occult - not science.
Hohenheim was speaking again. "It's a possible loophole to human transmutation. Equivalent exchange does not apply if the thing being exchanged consents. Souls aren't objects. Souls aren't bound by chemistry, elements and the like. It is something exists beyond alchemy and our limited understanding of the world. Edward's soul is still Edward-"
"I've heard enough!" Alphonse interrupted. "This is absolutely ridiculous! You've gone completely insane! I already learned my lesson the hard way. I'm not going to help you bring Edward back through some twisted idea of equivalent exchange."
Alphonse spun on his heel to go home. "I should've known better. This was a waste of time. You're just playing god - again! I don't need this!"
Alphonse reached the door when his wrist was caught in a tight grip. "Let go of me!"
Hohenheim didn't budge. He looked into his son's eyes with unusual earnest that made Alphonse nervous. "If Edward saw you. If you were the one to retrieve him from the Gate, I'm sure he would two were meant for each other. I saw it. Such pure, unconditional love. Let me return that to you. So you can live the rest of your lives together - as it should be."
Alphonse was thoroughly creeped out. Hohenheim's tone, the way he looked at Alphonse with that arrogant, all-knowing expression left him feeling exposed. He didn't know what his father saw, but he didn't want him to see it anymore.
"You're disgusting!" Alphonse hissed and yanked his wrist away.
"It won't cost you anything..." Hohenheim called after him. "Edward would want to be with you. I'll take all the blame. You'll lose nothing."
"Of course, I would!" Alphonse shouted back over his shoulder and slammed the door.
"I will do it with or without you."
Alphonse stopped and with a growl, yanked the door back open. "You just said you wouldn't if I said no!"
"You think I'm playing God," Hohenheim whispered. "Perhaps I am. I'm a merciful God for my sons. I failed my wife and I failed my children. Let me have this one chance to make everything right and earn your forgiveness."
Alphonse went slack. The emotional and mental stress was getting to him. He knew his father was manipulating him. It was Hohenheim's greatest skill. He knew how to exploit his sons' love for each other.
A memory came to Alphonse. He and Edward were playing in the yard as children. Edward was teaching him how to climb the tree. He looked up to see his brother's bright smile and hands reaching for him.
"What if I fall?'" he heard himself say.
"You won't," Edward said with utmost confidence. "I'll catch you."
Alphonse frowned, but Brother was always right. He could trust Brother. Alphonse hesitantly grabbed the lowest branch and hoisted himself up to grab the one above it. He looked up to see Edward smiling with pride and reaching for him.
"Come on, Al!" Edward said. "Don't be scared. I'm here."
Alphonse almost made it. But he lost his footing. With a yelp, he felt himself fall backwards and cringed in anticipation for the hard impact. But it didn't come. Edward grabbed his hands in time and pulled him back up with a grunt. Relief flooded him, Alphonse grabbed onto Edward for dear life. Edward made an 'oof' noise at the force, but quickly returned the embrace.
When Edward leaned back to look at him, Alphonse froze when Edward's younger self was replaced with his adult form, still smiling at him.
"See?" Edward smiled. "I'm here…"
But now he wasn't. Edward was gone and there was no one to catch him. It left him empty and numb. If he could only see Edward again, just one more time.
Alphonse looked at his father. Hohenheim stared at him with a confidence that made him wonder if he saw the memory too. Alphonse felt himself weaken. If he could see Edward again without consequence and with someone to take the fall if it failed, could he do it?
He hated himself. He had to see.
"Fine," Alphonse grumbled, not willing to admit defeat. "I'll humor you, because it's obvious you won't leave until I come with you. But if you go too far, I'm out. If you give even the tiniest inkling that you're going to hurt anyone, I will stop you and make sure you never do anything like this ever again."
Hohenheim gave a mirthless smile. "I promise, you won't regret this. Thank you."
"We'll see." Without another word, Alphonse marched out of the room, thinking of a way to tell Winry and not get the scolding of his life.
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Golem chapter one!
I'd like to take a moment and thank the movies "Deadgirl" and "the Woman" for the inspiration to write this fic.
While watching FMA and FMAB, I couldn't help but think about the idea of human transmutation and what it exactly is. It's made very clear that humans can't bring back the dead and can't 'play god.' But then this thought came to me:
In christian teachings, we're created in God's image. In each human exists the spirit of God and each human is an independent existence that has the power of choice. No one can force us to do anything without our consent (how you interpret this is based on your own experiences). To force someone is to deny them their right to their own choice and the greatest sin is to take away another's right to choose. Because, in a roundabout way, to force someone is to force the spirit of God. This is where human transmutation messes up.
FMA/FMAB takes a lot of Christian concepts and imagery, so this idea came to me based on the themes presented by FMA/FMAB.
Thanks for reading chapter 1! Please leave a review and comment! They keep me motivated.
EB