Kame: well, I was letting my mind wander within my favorite anime when this realization struck me (the fact that I can come up with so many different themes every time I think about it is the reason why I love FMA so). This fic is simply an expression of a theme I spotted in FMA; I am not trying to impose my religious beliefs or any religion in particular on anyone. I am not trying to start a debate on religion; what you believe in is your business. This is from Rose's POV sometime after they left Liore, and it's anime-based. (I mentioned this because in the anime Al tells Rose what happened to them, hence the flashbacks up to when they arrived in Liore). That is why she knows so much. I really don't care about flames; I'll just ignore them and go my merry way.
Alchemist of God
He came into town wearing a blood red coat with a cross on the back and black clothes reminiscent of a preacher. When he brings his hands together, it looks as if he's praying before he slams them on the ground and produce miracles.
Miracles are what I call it; alchemy is what he calls it.
He came and uncovered the truth; he knocked the false prophet off of his throne. An agent of God came and showed us the light. Ironically, the agent doesn't even realize it; he doesn't even believe in Him. When his brother told me their story, I was surprised they couldn't see it.
God gave them talent and intelligence.
He gave them strength to move forward.
Even when the crossed the threshold of His domain, He was still there; He punished Ed and Al by taking limb and body, but God blessed Ed with knowledge and allowed him to bond his brother's soul to a suit of armor.
He gave them hope when they were broken, and the resolve to fix their mistakes; He gave them a path to take in the form of a dog of the military.
The path He wants them to take is long and hard; it is littered with suffering and sacrifices, but one cannot be purged of sin and saved until they have suffered.
God is providing a way for them to atone for what they did.
Most of all, I can tell they have His blessing when I look into Ed's eyes; the eyes that have seen so much suffering, have endured pain and loss, still retain the innocence of a child. Only a pure heart touched by God could maintain such innocence in the face of the world.
Ed thinks God hates him, but he's wrong; he is closer to God's heart than he thinks.