Emi and Edward had started to walk back to the house. Emi had wrapped the scarf around her neck. She really liked the present but right now she couldn't express her happiness to him.

"I'm sorry." said Emi

"Why?"

"I know you must have been excited to see me react happily to your surprise party for me but instead I ran off."

"Well Emi what else could you have done after hearing that?"

"True… Edward?"

"Yes?"

"What did the military officer say exactly?"

"Umm he said that both the Rockbell's and Applegate's had died. They had been told to leave the hot zone due to the rebellion getting out of hand, but they refused. They decided to stay and aid anyone who was in need of medical attention and that they were killed during an air raid. They both were in the same village but in different locations-"

"So he didn't say anything else?"

"No… that's pretty much it. You can ask granny Pinako if you like."

"No, I believe you."

"Why do you ask?"

"…. It's nothing, just wanted to know."

They got to the house. Edward was walking up the porch stairs when he stopped. He looked behind him and saw Emi just standing there.

"What's wrong?"

"It's hard for me… to go in."

"Hey come on, you're amongst friends who all care for you and love you. We will always be there for you whenever you go through tough times."

She looked up at him.

"Thank you… it means a lot."

He smiled at her and motioned her to go in with him. They opened the door and went inside. Al and Winry were at the living room table, Winry had stopped crying… a little. Pinako and Trisha were in the living room as well.

"You ok Emi?" asked Trisha

"Yeah." she answered solemnly

"Winry?"

Winry looked up at her.

"I'm sorry." Emi said

"Why are you sorry?" Winry asked

"Instead of sticking with you through this I left you." She turned to Pinako, "Both of you."

"Now Emi you have every right to be upset, I knew that something bad was going to happen when I saw that dog come in here. I just wished they would have picked another time, if they knew about you staying with us they surely would have known it is your birthday." said Pinako

"That's right, Emi I know it might not be the right time. But if you like, do you still feel like… celebrating?" asked Trisha

Emi looked around, the place was still decorated she felt bad saying no.

"Only if it's alright with Pinako and Winry. I know it might not be appropriate but, I feel like this is the best I can do for my parents. Continue living happily is what they would say."

"It's alright with me, and perhaps you're right. I don't think my son would be happy to learn that his mother is… never mind." Pinako stopped

"Happy Birthday Emi." said Winry hugging her

"Thanks."

"Yeah Happy Birthday." said Al

Trisha and Pinako gave her a birthday hug. They were going to cut the cake now. It was nicely decorated with white frosting and a variety of fruits on top, they all sang happy birthday to her. They had told her to blow out the candles.

"Make a wish Emi!" cried Ed

Emi slowly closed her eyes and started to make her wish.

'I wish that my parents as well as Winry's are happy… where ever they are.'

'Good wish kid'

'Quiet.'

She opened her eyes and blew out all 11 candles, they all applauded. They started to cut the cake. It was chocolate with chunks of strawberry in the middle. The frosting wasn't that sweet and neither was the cake, it felt weird in the pit of her stomach to eat something sweet when she was sad but she ate it either way. She didn't want the others to see her sadness.

"Why don't you open your presents while we eat Emi?" asked Trisha

Emi nodded.

"Now that I notice, that's a pretty scarf Emi." said Pinako

"Edward gave it to me."

Edward blushed as he heard her. The first present she opened was Al's and Winry's. They had gotten her a watch, the wrist band was black. The inside of the watch was a shiny dark blue color. The numbers were in roman numerals.

"Thanks you guys it's really pretty." Emi said putting on the watch

The next present was from Pinako, she opened it and it was a kit for automail. Correction, a beginner's kit for automail.

'Ha ha ha that old lady sure knows how to please someone.'

"Thank you granny, will you teach me automail if I can't on my own?"

"Emi it isn't for you to learn by yourself… well not to start off but yes I will teach you."

The last present was from Trisha. She opened the box and pulled out a nice blue black hooded sweater. It didn't have a zipper so she immediately liked it, she didn't know why but she hated zippers. Well on jackets mostly.

"Thank you Ms. Elric."

"I hope it fits you."

Emi put on the sweater, it fit her. A little big but other than that it was perfect. She was wearing the scarf, sweater and watch and held the automail kit.

"You look like an automail student ready to take on the world." said Pinako

"I am."

They all stared at her.

"I promise that I will do my best in learning what my parents knew, as well as automail."

"We both shall become the best automail mechanics right Emi?" said Winry excited

"Yeah."

Sigh…

"What is it Master? Is she still…"

"No Envy, she is alright."

"I don't think I can sit back and wait seven years."

"Envy… you're going to be busy with Father's plans, by the time you know it the seven years will be over and you'll be able to reunite with Ko."

"I just… can't you tell me where she is at so I can keep an eye on her?"

"No Envy."

"Fine! I'll go find her myself."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Envy."

"Pride…"

"You know Fathers punishment for those who disobey."

Tsk… Envy knew what would happen to those who disobeyed. He didn't have any other choice but to obey. He quickly turned towards the door and left leaving Dante and Pride.

"That kid will never let go of his love for Ko, you don't think it will pose a problem do you Pride?"

"I don't know. She always did love Greed more. I sort of feel… sorry for Envy, if that's even how I feel."

"Everyone has a sort of affection towards Ko… how bout you Pride?"

"Other than her being my youngest sister, I do feel a sort of bond. Like protection."

"What any older brother would do for a little sister."

*A couple of months have passed….

Emi had changed… according to Pinako and Trisha.

"She doesn't seem that livelier anymore, I'm worried about her Pinako."

"That child has no one else, Winry has me and the boys have you. I know it's hard but that kid… it looked like it wasn't just her parents that died that day."

"What do you mean?"

"When she was behind the officer I saw her as if she had been the one who was being killed, the color of her skin went pale. Those sparkly eyes went dull, her smile disappeared. When she came back she wasn't the same, she seemed more serious."

"Maybe it will be best if she spends a bit time with me and the boys, she's been with you for three months. I don't mind having her for three months."

"Switching households does seem like a good idea, I will ask her about it when they return home from school."

"How is she by the way? In school I mean."

"She is doing rather well. The teacher has no complaints about her. She is also concerned about her lack of happiness as you may put it."

"And her automail, how is that going?"

"Surprising well, she has caught up to Winry. They are both in the same level now, and to think someone who barely started to learn automail has caught up so quickly compared to someone who has lived and breathed it their whole life. That child is extraordinary, her parents must be proud of her."

Emi, Winry, Edward and Al had just gotten out of school.

"Hey Winry! Race ya!" cried Edward

"What's the wager?" asked Winry

"The loser has to carry the winner's books all the way home, for a week." said Edward

"Brother? Are you sure you want to bet that?" asked Al a little worried

"It's time I beat Winry once and for all!" cried Ed

"You're going to regret it." said Emi a little dull

"Come on Emi you shouldn't be so negative, root for me!" cried Ed

"Fine… kick his butt Winry."

Winry laughed.

"You're supposed to root for me." said Ed sad

"Who cares, ready Ed?" asked Winry

They both got ready, Alphonse got a few feet ahead of them. He had a white cloth with him. He raised it up and suddenly waved it making the two start running.

"They sure are fast huh Emi?"

"Eh… we all know the outcome of this race. Ed will be carrying Winry's books for a week, it's not like I didn't warn him."

"Ha ha ha your right, he's going to be complaining for that whole week."

"We should go and try to catch up to them to see who won."

"Ok"

Emi and Al soon took off. Emi noticed a change in the wind and suddenly stopped.

"What is it Emi?"

"…Its nothing lets go."

She didn't know why but she felt like things were going to change and they weren't good. They caught up with Winry and Edward, Winry had won… again.

"Told you she would win." said Emi to Al

"Yep you called it."

Edward was in the floor sweating and very upset. Al had gone to congratulate Winry. Emi approached him crouching down next to him.

"Hey… you alright?"

"Other than I lost again. I'm fine." said Ed

"I don't get it, why you always do these sorts of things."

"Isn't it obvious?"

…?

Sigh… "Never mind."

They all went to Winry's house to find Pinako and Trisha talking.

"Welcome home." said Pinako

"Hey grandma!" said Winry

"Hey mom!" cried both Ed and Al

Emi walked in quietly, she didn't say a word. Just sat her book bag on the chair and made her way to the kitchen.

"Oh Emi, Ed and Al's mom would like to talk to you." said Pinako

She stopped and slowly turned back to where everyone was at.

"Yes Ms. Elric?"

"Emi what do you say if I asked you to stay with me and the boys for about three months?"

"I would say 'what for?'"

"Well Pinako and I have been talking and decided that it would be best if you spend some time with us and some time with Winry, you know like switching. So you wouldn't get so bored in one place, not that I'm saying it's boring but so you wou-"

"I get it, and it would be fine."

Emi didn't want to be mean but she had a bad feeling, not that she was happy. She was, but she felt like another tragedy was about to hit. But she didn't want to dwell on it.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, um you don't mind moving today do you?" asked Trisha

"No… it would be fine. Though what will happen to my studies?"

"Ah for automail."

"Just because you're moving out for a bit doesn't mean your studies will stop, I will be expecting you every day after school for the lectures." answered Pinako

"Understood."

Emi retreated to her room and gathered what little she had for the time being, her things were still in her house but she didn't feel like going right now.

'Hey kid?'

'What?'

'You're going to be staying with that Ed kid, isn't that sweet. You'll be a lot closer to him than before, I mean the boy does all these things to catch your attention to make you to notice him and make you happy ever since-'

'Stop.'

She pushed it all the way into the depths of her mind. She got all her things and headed down stairs where she got to see Ed hugging his mom lovingly. Her brow furrowed.

"Ready Emi?" asked Ed

"Yeah."

"Well we shall be leaving now." said Trisha

Ed, Al and their mom were leaving.

"Thank you granny Pinako, I hope I wasn't much of a bother during these three months." said Emi

"Nonsense, we just… don't like seeing you sad all the time Emi." said Pinako sincerely

"I'll miss you Emi."

"Winry, it's not like we are not going to see each other ever again."

"You're right, what was I thinking… it's just, I don't-"

Emi hugged her.

"I won't be going anywhere. I'll always be here for you."

She let go of Winry.

"I'll see you tomorrow at school."

"Ok."

They left leaving Pinako and Winry on their own. They made their way to the house.

*Two months later…

Ed, Al and Emi were playing.

"Hey I think we should head back and help out your mom." said Emi

"Yeah, these potatoes we got will surely make her happy." said Al

They all headed back to Ed and Al's house. On the way there Emi got a sharp pain in her chest.

"Ow."

Ed and Al stopped.

"What is it Emi?" asked Ed

"Nothing, I think I'm just a little tired that's all."

"We should hurry then." said Al

'Kiddo?'

'It's that feeling… like before but…'

'Take it easy, just breathe. Maybe you are tired-'

'You know I'm starting to think that you know beforehand what's going to happen and you are keeping it from me, so if you're not going to help I suggest you stay quiet. You've caused enough pain.'

Ed, Al and Emi reached their home. Ed and Al were the first to go in when they both yelled.

"MOM!"

Emi looked as they bend down to help their mom that lay on the floor.

"Noo…."

She quickly turned and left.

"EMI!" cried Al

"I'm going to call Pinako!" she cried back

She started to run faster.

'Why?'

'… don't know kid.'

'Why do the people I care about keep leaving me?'

She reached Winry's house and desperately knocked on the door.

"Emi? What's wrong?" said Pinako

"Ed and Al's mom! We found her on the floor!"

Trisha was laying down on her bed, Ed and Al right beside her. Pinako, Winry and the doctor were there.

"It seems that she has been dealing with it for quite some time now."

"Is there anything…?" asked Pinako

"I'm afraid no." said the doctor

Emi was there but she was on the corner farthest away, she was sitting down with her legs tugged against her body as she heard Ed and Al trying to talk to their mom. She then heard Trisha's low coarse voice. She could barely make out what she was saying… then nothing. She then heard Ed and Al calling for their mom, Winry crying, Pinako and the doctor remained silent. Emi covered her ears as she tried desperately not to cry.

'Face it kid, you have to learn to let go. Don't get attached too much to these creatures, they only last so long.'

'QUIET! I don't want to listen to you right now!' she said inside her head.

The next day was Trisha's funeral, people from the town attended. When the funeral was over only Pinako, Winry, Ed, Al, and Emi remained. Then just Ed, Al and Emi. It had started to rain.

"What are we going to do brother?" asked Al crying

"I don't know…" said Ed

"I'm hungry and cold." said Al

Emi was three tombstones away from them.

'I can't take this anymore.'

'What are you going to do now kid?'

'I don't know… but I sense great changes and darkness up ahead.'

'We've been through it. We just have to face it in a different light.'

'What are you talking about?'

'You ever feel like you're alone but you're not?'

'I don't follow.'

'You will… in the future.'

They returned home, Ed and Al went to their rooms, she decided to stay in the living room. It seemed really quiet without their laughter and their mother constant telling them to 'go to bed'.

It was midnight. She was still in the living room. She was dozing off when she felt someone lay beside her.

"Who-"

"It's me Emi." said an all too familiar voice

"Edward?"

"I can't sleep."

"What about Al?"

"He cried himself to sleep."

….

"Listen, we've come to a decision."

?

"We are going to find ourselves a teacher."

"But you two already have one at school."

"No I mean an alchemy teacher."

"What for?"

"… Promise you won't tell anyone? Not even granny Pinako or Winry?"

Emi didn't like the feeling she was getting on the pit of her stomach but she nodded.

"While we were reading dad's books we came upon a part on human transmutation."

"Human transmutation?"

"Yeah, Emi we can bring mom back."

"That's… you can't do that!"

"Yes we can, we just need the ingredients and well for us… more practice with alchemy. We could bring mom back to life."

"Edward, isn't it forbidden?"

"… How did you know?"

"… Whenever you guys were out and about I too read the books. I can't perform alchemy but I can understand it. Edward this is too risky, what if something goes wrong?"

"No it won't, that's why Al and I are going to look for a teacher. Please don't tell anyone Emi."

"… I won't tell anyone, but I still don't think it's a good idea."

"Thanks." he kissed her on the cheek and snuggled closely to her

It was raining. Edward, Al and Emi were at Winry's house. They were having diner, the rain had not stopped and it looked it wasn't going to stop at any time.

"I hope that the river doesn't overflow." said Pinako

Ed and Al looked at each other.

"Brother."

Ed and Al grabbed their coats as they left the house.

"Where do you think you're going?" screamed Pinako after them

"They are going to the river." said Emi

Once there Ed and Al set up their circle and transmuted a wall but it wasn't strong enough the wall collapsed.

"Stand aside." said a woman

"Lady you shouldn't be here." said a man

The man that was with her held his arm to hold back the man, the lady walked over to the said wall and clapped her hands placing them on the ground. Sparks flew as the wall was being transmuted.

"Who are you?" asked the same man

"I'm a house wife… *BLEEEEECHH!*"

Suddenly the lady started to cough up blood.

"Get me a doctor!" cried the man that was with her

The lady was taken to the nearest doctors' there all the men whom she helped were there.

"Thank you miss, we owe you."

"Yeah I don't know what would have happened if you wouldn't have come by." said the men

"Oh it's alright just another days' work."

"Excuse me pardon me." two little kids voices could be heard

"Excuse me old lady-"

"I'M NOT OLD!" the woman cried making everyone cringe

"Ok lady, we were wondering if you would teach us alchemy." said Al

"In other words, we want to be your apprentices." said Ed

"… no." said the lady

"What? Why not?" asked Ed

"I don't have time to be teaching a bunch of kids' alchemy." said the lady

Winry, Pinako and Emi had just arrived.

"Where are your parents anyway?" the lady asked

"They don't have any," said Pinako, "I've been looking after them."

The lady looked at them, their eyes so full of determination. She gave in,

"I'll give them a month to see if they're even worthy, if they are they will remain with me for a year. If not… they will be immediately returned to you."

"That's fine by me." said Pinako

"You do know that we won't be coming back right Pinako?" said Edward

"I figured you'd say that." she laughed

And so Ed and Al left with the lady aka Izumi Curtis and her husband to Dublith where they would go through trials and if passed will be trained by her. Winry, Emi and Pinako said their goodbyes as they saw them leave.

'Well kiddo… a whole year without the pipsqueak. What are you going to do?'

'The same thing they are….'

'… and that would be?'

'I'm going to train myself."