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Summary: After closing the gate to Shambala, though Al had his memories back, they were completely erased when he decided to stay on the Other Side. He was also turned back to a five-year-old and had no memory of what had happened in Resembol, or on their quest to find the Philosopher s Stone. The two Elric brothers settled in a small town, Sage, and are living peacefully. But, when Ed is traveling to the next town over, he is sucked into a blue vortex. But what awaits Ed on the other side of the vortex? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I guess it s for the better, Ed thought to himself one day. In the small town of Sage that he lived in with Al, everything was peaceful. They lived in a nice big house with a large front yard, and an orchard filled with apple and cherry trees. Though the area around him made him recall his past, Ed never brought up the past events, but kept them in his memory, to remind him.

It had been three years since the closing of the gate. There was a difference of eight years between them, since Al was brought back as an eight-year-old, and Ed was sixteen. The two were accepted into the village without complaint. Ed had become a teacher for the towns peoples kids once they found out how vast his knowledge. And, just as in the other side, Ed was considered a genius.

Al seems so happy here; I wouldn t do anything to take that away from him. Its better than living in a suit of armor Ed looked out the window, looking fondly at his little brother. When Al looked up and saw this, he smiled and waved. Ed smiled back. I would do anything to keep that smile of his.

Ed headed towards the window. Alright everyone, recess is over! Come back in! He called, and the kids came running into the house. They all sat down in the living room, where there was a large chalk board sitting on a stand.

Alright everyone, Ed announced, stepping into the living room. Today s lesson shall be about the life cycle. The students cheered. For some reason, they enjoyed learning.

Everything starts out as a seed, Ed began, drawing a sketch of a seed on the board. Every living thing needs food and water to survive. Next, he drew a river and berries.

As time progresses, He continued on, the living thing grows older and older. It matures and changes shape. And as time goes by, it slowly grows stronger, until it is at its prime, and then is starts to grow weaker and weaker until it passes on. When he had finished explaining, Ed had drawn a circle in which the stages of life were shown. Are there any questions?

Hai, said a boy in the middle.

What is it, Christopher? Ed asked.

Does that cycle apply to us as well? He asked.

Yes, it does. Ed replied.

How? He asked.

Well, everyone here started out as babies, right? They all nodded. Just like a seed, you need food and water to survive. You grow stronger and stronger as you mature, and you grow weak as you get old. And eventually, you pass on as well.

I get it. Christopher said.

Ed smiled. Good. He waited for any more hands to go up. When they didn t, he continued on. Alright everyone, your homework is to find something that is based from the life cycle. And try not to get your parents to tell you. He added, when he saw two of the children whispering to each other. Class is dismissed for today.

Bye-bye! The students called as they ran out the door. Ed waved as he picked up the chalkboard to clean it.

Nii-san, Al said. Ed turned towards his brother. What s for dinner tonight? He asked.

Ed laughed. I believe Leera (Christopher s mom) wanted us to come over for dinner tonight. He laughed again as he saw Al s face light up.

Yea! Al cried, jumping around.

You have to help me clean up, though. Otherwise you won t go. Ed told Al.

Hai! Al replied, collecting the books they used during today s lessons. The tow worked steadily to clean up the mess that was made.

Did you enjoy today s lessons, Al? Ed asked once they had finished cleaning up. He sat down on the couch.

Hai! Nii-san s lessons are always fun! Al exclaimed, a large grin on his face as he say next to his older brother.

I m glad, Ed replied, a gentle smile on his face. Ed got up from the couch. How about we get going? We don t want to be late for dinner.

Al nodded eagerly. He, too, got up from the couch and headed towards the door. Ed turned the lights off, and locked the door behind him. Then, the two headed to Christopher s house, unaware that thing were going to change, and soon.