Disclaimer: No part of this publication is affiliated with, owned or endorsed by Square Enix, Madman Entertainment, Yen Press, or Monthly Shōnen Gangan to include any affiliation with the author and illustrator of the true Fullmetal Alchemist (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi) series, Hiromu Arakawa.

This story is being uplifted. This chapter has been updated and edited as of July 6, 2019.

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Chapter 06: What's Next?

"This is the song that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend. Some people STARTED singing it, not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because...This is the song that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend…arrhhhhhhhhhhhfffffff." Edward Elric threw out his hands, landing on his back in frustration. Bored and forever stuck in the blank abyss, with Truth, and his brother's gate for scenery.

Though Ed was not amused, Truth was. "You ended up annoying yourself more than me." For a small fellow, the human was chock full of surprises (And of course, the entity knew to keep that bit to itself).

The young adult sighed heavily. "I was hoping annoying the shit out of you would get me kicked out of here..."

"You forget, I watch humans. This, with you, is nothing."

Continuing to mutter more to himself then to Truth, "What's next?" Nothing was his answer. Nothing could be pulled out of his ass.

The deal was struck the moment his left hand slammed down activating the array. The events had gone through the alchemist mind, continuously. There was not much else to do but to redraw the elaborate array with the mind's eye, to piece together the seemingly endless recycling of history, and to think about the theory of harassing souls for energy.

Letting his arms fall out to his sides, Ed rambled to no one in particular, "What a dangerous idea. Let's round everyone up, specifically, those we don't like and suck their soul out for the betterment of all humanity, juxtaposing the very idea being humane. Humans are so hypocritical! It's almost the same every century, Xerxes, Cretian War, Ishaval, Armetris, now, granted a much smaller scale, PHISH. How the hell do you sit and watch it?"

Truth answered with a shrug.

Grumbling, Ed couldn't stop thinking, even with a soul without a brain. Hold on. Ed shot up. He was still connected to his body; he wouldn't be able to think as a human if he wasn't still connected to it. This was the exact reverse for Al! If Al figured it out… No! "He's going to try and correct it. Damn it! Damn it! DAMN IT! He better leave it alone. My body better reject this idiotic crap before anyone tries anything."

Truth slowly turned to face the ranting human next to him. "Has Edward Elric given up?"

"No." Humbly Ed averted its gaze, "I am done with others suffering because of me."

"Oh I see. That is vexing." The ghostly figure put a finger to his lip, "If your brother does show up, I won't be surprised. I admit - what a shock it was when you showed up with Donavan! Like *boop* surprise! 'I can get here even without alchemy!'" It shook its head, "And it was not something you deviously planned, like most humans would do. To get greedy at what they do not have. Only you Edward, only you. Talk about hope for humanity. "

"That's not the whole truth." replied Edward. "I missed it, but yeah, I was not going to go looking to get it back. Hey..." Continuing with a straying thought, "I will remember to put that on my resume. Achievements: Shocked Truth."

Truth chuckled, "That would make you stand out. There aren't many that can claim that, not that you need it."

The place fell silent again. Another frustrated growl came from the nineteen year old genius, "My brother is a saint! Why hasn't he been canonized? Never needing to eat or sleep in that armor… what did he do with all the extra time? This would have already driven me to insanity. Oh wait! I was already… insane before arrived! Where has all the sanity gone?! …"

Wondering how much time has passed since he departed his body, Ed said with a bit of a whine, "How long has it been?"

Truth chuckled once more. "Silly, there is no time here. Time is based on an earth standard invented by humans. The rotation of the axis, sun rays and-"

The blonde cut in. "Do you think I'm that dense?"

"No, definitely not. I am merely giving you the logic you failed to see." The ghostly figure paused, then added, "There is no need for time here, it's not like you have a train to catch or a date to meet." Starting to feel sorry for the trapped hyperactive guest, thus Truth changed the surroundings. Ed watched the white retreat, replaced by a vivid, bright, empty street corner. Edward's favorite café in Central had appeared before of him.

Echoing from memory, came from all around. Mustang's voice dispersed though the streets, "How many times are you going to meet with death?" Ed's stomach tightened with longing.

Truth genuinely smiled, lifting a finger to the air, "To which you replied," now Ed's voice dispersed, "I donno, but next time I am meeting him for tea." Chuckling Truth motioned with his hand, "How about we play tea-time then?"

Looking up at the building then to Truth, Ed laughed. "You are making me eat my words now."

Getting out of the street, Elric sat down across the table from Truth. It waved it's hand, like magic, tea appeared.

With the new surroundings, human instinct yanked at him, yelling that this scene was unnaturally and monumentally wrong. The picture perfect scenario of an apocalypse, where only Ed remained, sent an eerie chill down Edward's back. No bustling people, empty... so abnormally horrifically empty. Better judgment reminded him this wasn't reality. The white abyss was beginning to feel like the better option.

Trying to distract himself, Ed struck up conversation. "You're not death though."

"Maybe I am. I have many names. It's like I am one of those animals… what are they called again, ah! The chameleon! Weird eyes those buggers have."

"But you are also me."

Smiling, Truth stirred its tea. "All is one, one is all." Ed snorted, with eyes continuing to wonder. Taking notice of the companions heightening level of anxiety, the ghostly figure said, "Your biggest fear has come true hasn't it?" The blonde-ponytailed human lowered his head. Edward was not completely alone; Truth was present but as the entity pointed out, "To be alone. The fear and despair of losing everyone you love."

Ed thought, 'What was this, fuck with Edward hour?'

Lifting the tea up with its coaster, Truth pushed on, "You understand this better than most. Every living being has its own fears. BUT here is the funny thing," with a pinky up about to sip the little cup of tea, "uncontrolled fear is blinding. In your case, it is deafening. Take a moment to listen, Edward."

Exhaling, Ed took its advice and focused on his hearing…


"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Mustang snapped, jumping to his feet and kicking his chair over. The restrained sleeping body on the bed never stirred. The standing man, body and soul, with all the raw emotions coursing through his veins, watched the patient's chest rise and fall with the slow rhythmic pattern.

They had given Ed's body sleeping medication to keep subdued. The thing didn't know it should rest, constantly trying to get up and search, to the point they had bound it down by the one wrist and two ankles. The hypothesis was proven: Edward Elric had a thick skull. The body wouldn't even adhere to any demands!

Roy's foot stung, hurting himself more than the chair; it was of no consequence. The fatigued and restless commander still remained in his spot, hands balled into fits at his sides.

This is how Riza Hawkeye found him once she entered the room. The Major's attire was the same as that of her superior officer. Their military jackets were removed and replaced by the white dress blouse tucked neatly into their trousers, covering their black undershirt.

Always the rock, though malleable inside, Hawkeye pulled her best friend from his damning thoughts, "Sir?"

Mustang covered his face with his hand, to hide whatever form of shame and shattered emotion he could. Quietly, the Hawk moved in, fixing the chair, guiding him back down into it. Pulling another chair over to sit nearby, and waited for Roy to collect himself.

Finally running his hand up and through his short raven locks, "I don't have a clue." That hoarse voice was the best indication of what their leader was doing to himself, inside.

"No one expects you to know. It's inhumanly possible to know everything, including all of alchemy." Hawkeye joked, "With the exception of Colonel Elric of course."

Feeling the commander needed a reminder from his old teenage friend, Riza joked, "Normal people specialize in their craft of Alchemy, Mr. Flame. Besides, you can work together with Alphonse once he arrives. You're two minds will be better than one." Riza was always good for logic.

The Major's positive energy and voice of reason was a breath of fresh air. Sighing, the Flame Alchemist, gave the Ed's lame body a glance.

Five days prior, the Brigadier General had to get on the phone inform the younger Elric brother:

"Are you sure you don't want me to do this for you, sir?" Hawkeye offered, trying to lessen the load on her CO's plate.

Mustang shook his head, "My mission, my failure." It was times like these that were reminders of the hardest parts to the position he held, and how much harder it would become as he climbed higher. You think this task would have become easier, having this task time and time again. But this, this was on a completely different level. This was the Elric brothers. A true family that stuck together, succeeding in their goal, only for the elder brother to be ripped of his soul.

How could a phone call do a justice? It couldn't. If Al were still in the country, Mustang would have been in person, making it clear of where blame should lie.

Picking up the receiver of the hospital telephone, the line clicked after many connections, finally a young woman's voice, speaking in her native language, "Hello? This is Mei Chang speaking."

Mustang's Amestrian accent was thick when he spoke in Mei's language, but it was clearly understand, "Hello Ms. Chang. This is Brigadier General Roy Mustang. I am looking to speak with Alphonse Elric, but before I do, I need you to do me a favor?"

Slightly taken aback, Mei wondered what she could possibly do from Xing. "Sure, anything!"

"I need you to be at Al's side." The solemn tone brought a pause.

She asked with uncertainty, "I will…Does this have to do with-?"

Roy broke off her sentence before she could say the name, "I need to speak with Alphonse, please."

After a quick moment the chipper Al was on the line, speaking in their common language, "Hello Mr. Mustang, sir! How can I help you?"

A shadow of a smile appeared on Roy. After all these years, Al was still nervous when speaking to the officer. Swallowing hard the General said, "Al, I am calling in regards to your brother."

"What do you mean? He alright, right?!"

"No..." Mustang could picture Al instantly pale. "He has lost his right arm again. The rest of his body is here in the hospital." Silence, Roy continued, "He is alive but without a soul." Roy shocked himself at how fluid that came out without cracking.

More silence followed then, Al's voice again, "Arm.. what- how- he - he couldn't." Mustang let Al process the words spoken. Then as he was about to utter words, with a sound of continuance, the younger Elric interrupted, with strength and determination in his tone, "No. Explain when I'm there. Don't let anyone touch the evidence. I need to see it as is. I'm leaving now. Where did this happen?"

"The town of Pendleton, located one hour out of West City. There is only one hospital here." Roy cringed; the phone was slammed down on the other end.

His next call was to Winry Rockbell. Ms. Rockbell was currently on her way over from Rush Valley, and had insisted that she explain the circumstances to her grandmother.

Since the beginning of this mess, Roy barely slept, he couldn't stop thinking. Refusing to leave, his heart stung, it was all torment. Occasionally coming back to the nagging selfish thought: Having the time to understand and know what Metal and Fire shared, how could Roy live without?

Other thoughts raged at the … the… THIS! How do you label this fucked up conundrum? Maybe Havoc had it right, "downright cruelty". It all further enriched Mustang's admiration for Scar's strong convictions for retaining faith in a god. One that Roy could not possibly believe in. Merciful?! How the fuck was this merciful?! God was never human for where was the humane treatment in the Elric case?

There was a soft knock on the door catching the attention of two soldier's in Edward's hospital room. Frank peered inside. Keeping his voice soft, not to disturb anyone, "There is someone here to visit a 'Mr. Willingham'." A broad smile appeared on Frank's face. "May I let her in?"

Mustang nodded; perplexed as to who would want to see him and not Ed. Frank disappeared for a moment, than led Ms. Linda in. She was carrying two plates piled with home cooked lovin'. "I heard you were in here with this lovely lady. So I thought it proper to bring dinner to you."

Roy went to stand and greet the lady but was told to remain seated as the plate was placed in his hands, with a fork, knife, and napkin. It was dinner time already? Talk about special treatment. The soldiers weren't use to this.

The plump lady asked kindly, "Franklin, my dear, could you bring in some drinks for the two?"

Frank decided to joke despite the situation. "Alright, scotch for Travis, or whatever your name is." Turning attention to the passed out figure on the bed, "What? What is this?! Ed, you moron, you already had enough to drink?" This got the group to chuckle a bit. Shaking his head, the cook elbowed Ms. Linda. "Can you believe it? It's not even eight o'clock? Such a light weight. Must be the small stature." That got some laughter going, and Frank continued, "Yeah I hope you heard that Eddie! You asshole!" Sighing with fake disappointment, he faced Hawkeye "Anyway, excuse me ma'am. What would you be having this evening Ms..?"

"Just call me Riza. Whiskey, on the rocks."

Emerald eyes went wide, as he took a step back. "Oh ho ho! Finally a strong kickass woman in town." Taking his leave, Frank threw a thumbs up. "You got it."

Cupping Roy's chin in hand, turning it left and right, Ms. Linda examined the soldier like the grandmother she was. "You look horrible my dear! Look at what worry had done to you." Letting go and taking a step back, shaking her head. "I am surprised you don't have salt and pepper growing out of your head!"

Between Roy's shock and confusion and Ms. Linda's sincerity, Riza was forced to stifle a giggle.

The grandmother continued, "I am not leaving until you eat everything off that plate. Growing or not, you still need your nutrition!"

Taking a bite for herself, Hawkeye's chestnut eyes lit up, "This is delicious ma'am. Thank you."

"I thought you soldiers needed a touch of home. As my late husband always said, there is nothing better to help moral than a warm home cooked meal made from the heart. He was also a commanding officer, and worried just as much as," catching Mustang's eye, "you, my dear. Oh! And I would not waste your time to simply bring food. I have come to personally say, Mr. Willingham-Mustang, you need not worry about my vote. The way you handled this mess, how you pulled the authoritativeness back, to leave the people alone, after the mission, that was the first time I've seen this all truly be for the people."

At first Roy was taken of track, still basking in blissful food. In seeing the slight befuddlement, Ms. Linda handed over a folded up paper from her purse. It finally dawned on him. Grumman must have announced the election, along with the candidates. When looking at newspaper, his portrait with three others, took up the front page. A biography of each and a small summary for the plans they had for the country, were located on the inside.

Mustang peered over the top of the newspaper to Hawkeye, "So now it starts."

Riza, nodding and beaming, chewed a mouth full of food. After swallowing she said, "With all due respect, sir: We have to keep strong despite the challenges. You know Ed would kick your ass, so I will do one better and shot your butt, if you slow down now."

Oh he wouldn't like that now, smiling to the inward joke, Mustang glanced back that the bed, where Ms. Linda was approaching.

Now the kind thoughtful woman was clearly bringing out the mother from within. Running her hand though the loose golden hair, getting it out of his face. Those bright beady eyes scanned the boy's continence, absorbing it all as if it were her child. "Who is he… Edward Elric? Where is he from? Where is his family?"

Mustang had to clear his throat before he tried to answer, thankfully interrupted as Frank slipped back in with a tray of drinks. Three waters, one scotch, one whiskey, and one glass of wine.

"I thought you were kidding." Hawkeye stated when taking her whiskey with an amused, thankful look. Mustang gladly took his, as Ms. Linda waved her hand to place it somewhere else for now. She was too busy musing over Ed.

After taking a sip of the scotch, Mustang answered Ms. Linda's previous question, "Nineteen years old, about to be twenty next month. Edward Elric is a prodigy among alchemists, a man strong in his values and morals, achieving the impossible, never settling for less. Orphaned, with his brother, at the age of five to grow and become the youngest state alchemist to ever enlist at the age of twelve. Ends up saving the country at age eighteen.

"As you have seen him act as Timothy Hughes, that is, in truth, the type of man he is. Kind, quick-witted, annoying, and impulsive. Known for having the small dog complex. Best compared to a Chihuahua."

Hawkeye snorted, eyeing Roy. "Couldn't have said it better myself. Without the Chihuahua, and annoying part."

"Sorry I stand corrected; Not annoying, I should have said a pain in my ass." Mustang did not miss the tiniest smirk on Riza's face. Did this woman ever miss a beat? How the hell does she know?

Frank crossed his arms, "That all must be ruff. He never complains."

"Never complains? Have you met the guy?" Mustang retorted.

"To you maybe but not about life." Frank turned around to see Havoc in the hallway, trying to get Hawkeye's attention. Gaining Hawkeye's attention for him, Havoc explained he needed to borrow her for a moment, thus Frank also took his leave with her.

Taking a mouthful of the warm meal, Mustang listened to Ms. Linda speak to Ed. "You've been through a lot haven't you? Such a shame. No one should live without the love from a mother. Oh... I must be wrong, she never really left you has she?" Talking now to the commander, "The last time I saw him, he was really happy."

Mustang took a sip of his scotch, hoping it would the remedy to wash down anguish. Ms. Linda then pondered, "From what I understand, his soul is gone?" When Ms. Linda saw Mustang slowly nod, she sighed. "I don't quite understand it. All this Alchemy and science stuff, geniuses the lot of you. Do you at least talk to him?"

Mustang lifted an eyebrow, why would he? It was clear from observation and prior experience, that that there was only a body, not Ed. "No."

"You should. You never know the mysteries that surround us." After fixing Ed's hair, the mother pulled herself away, beginning to walk over to Roy. "Hope. We can only hope. No one can take that away, unless you allow them to take away your hope. I bet Mr. Elric can hear you wherever he is. My husband never learned that talking can be therapeutic, learn from my husband's mistake." After giving Mustang a kiss on the cheek good bye, "If it would be alright, I would like to visit again."

"Of course. Thank you for the meal. Your husband was correct, this meal is wonderful."

And as she walked out the door, she stood for a second, "And good luck in the election Brigadier General. For the heaven's sake, we need a man up there with a strong will and kind heart." She softly closed the door behind her. Roy's military jacked bobbed back and forth on the hook causing a black book to fall to the floor with a clatter.

Placing the plate aside, Roy went to retrieve the book off the floor. Of course! There had to be answers somewhere in Fullmetal's notes! With a smile back on his face, and renewed spirit, Mustang pulled his chair to sit closer to his other half (which ironically was only half there).

While chowing down, Roy started studying the book, to be ready for when Al arrived. He could at least contribute.

"I am expecting you to be there when I am sworn in. I will not tolerate being stood up… son-of-a-bitch Colonel Chihuahua." With a light sad chuckle, he muttered at the end, "Yeah I hate you too."


The young alchemist had slammed his hand down on the café table, making the tea cups dance. "You can crack all the small jokes and stick them-!" The last part silenced him. Hiding under his bangs, his clenched fist on the table bore white knuckles, trembling ever so slightly.

"No matter where you are Edowardo Elric-kun, you are never alone." The entity picked up its tea once more studying the human carefully.

Ed was able to keep himself together, clearly wanting to both punch and kiss the man that was somewhere so close yet so far away.

Exhaling heavily, Fullmetal decided it best to pick at Truth's brain, or whatever it was that held it's fast amount of information.

"What's with all the sacrificing? Seems barbaric."

"Balance. The universe works in a constant balance. Come on! You know this!" Truth's response gave off a bit of disappointment. "If you came to me and I always gave you what you wanted, what is the sense of living? Living is to struggle, to learn from mistakes, no matter how painful or hard. Everyone has their own levels of challenge. Your challenges were extraordinarily difficult, but you overcame them. You look in hindsight, but honestly, if you changed one thing, you would not be the person you are sitting on front of me. Would you?

"Humans are given a limit in that life, what you call time, an added variant to that challenge of living. It was in hopes it would give a sense of urgency. Another little funny thing, you humans say there is never enough time, or that it is to, short."

Ed begrudgingly asked, "Are you seriously going to start?"

Chuckling, Truth shook its head, "No no… It's tempting. But, as I was saying, your species have one of the longest time spans on that planet. 'Time' does fly when it is not used wisely, don't you agree?"

Ed nodded. How could he not? The young alchemist understood what Truth was teaching. He saw it in relation to his own life, when finally slowing down his pace, it lead him to look though a different lens. His time was short with Mustang, but had felt very long to reach the goal with his brother. It was all about perception, 'time' was irrelevant.

"But I digressed from my main point to the balancing universe discussion. My job isn't easy. If I do too much, people get dependent, and when nothing is done they lose hope. The key is to use a light touch. When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all (1)."


The candidate for the presidency studied that black book, all night and into the early morning, striping it apart line for line. There were areas filled with seemingly random facts, the engineering of core research of many specialties, and all were included with little side notes on the corners and sides of the pages. There was no sparing of space on a page, where ever ink or graphite could be put, it would be found.

Roy found something cute about the little Muppet authoring the words in the margins. There were basic reminders of what was needed from the market: Apples, oil, polish. On different page frustration: Theory proven fact: Colonel is a bastard with small dick neurosis. More reminders, written with tactful finesse: Morally bankrupt Colonel with a God complex needs another report on the stupidity of man. Some not so cheery: Tucker- biological alchemy- Dead End. Find reversal for Nina (an idea Ed had later been consumed by). Marco- decision: stone no longer a factor for use.

This book exposed a lot of what Fullmetal had to hide. But Mustang had a feeling this was only the tip of the iceberg. This is endless…. The intricate cycles, musings of a math genius, and history? Wait a minute… Xerxes connections? After seeing Ross off? Al?

Mustang sat up in his chair. The onyx eyes scanned for the date at the top. It was a week after the Gluttony incident, where the Elric brothers and Ling, were left at the battlefield with the homunculus. He had only heard snip-bits of these events. The consumption and return from Gluttony was on the list of how many times Ed had endured the gate and how crafty he was at pulling the impossible. That was the extent to the knowledge. So starting from the top:

Xerxes/ Al's Body

Ruins of Xerxes were found; a piece intentionally destroyed to hide their secret.

I had the unfortunate finding that the people of Xerxes did not disappear. Trapped, powering the stones within the homunculi brigade, most likely including 'Father'. Envy brought forth the proof of this claim with its true form. The people could speak though the skin, confused, wrought with despair.

[Scribbled on the side: Envy confessed to impersonating the soldier that shot the child in order to spark the Ishvalan rebellion]. Holy shit.

Gluttony's rampage unveiled his true power. 'Father' created him with the intention of having a convenient path to the gate on the side. Ling, Envy, and I can contest how much of a failure it was; a black abyss, ankle deep in blood, on a plain infinitely stretching 360°. Anything Gluttony consumes is dropped there, and that's where the missing piece to the ruins is located.

I replicated the Xerxes array. Idea: we could cross to the real gate and guide us out, we are doing live human transmutation, ourselves not from the dead. A sacrifice would be required, ie the biggest risk factor. Envy offered. With knowledge of using their soul energy as sacrifice, I activated the array. Theory proven correct, making it to the true gate, but instead of one, there are two. Al's body is sitting in front of the second one. I couldn't move fast enough to reach it before my gate opened. But when I told Al to come toward me, he said, "I can't. You aren't my soul. I can't go with you."

Somehow, Al and I are linked. At least all hope is not lost.

[Another note: Owe Colonel Bastard 520 cenz. Team is spread. We know to much and are being played like a fiddle. Censoring reports.]

Rubbing his forehead, Mustang took a second to absorb what he had read. Could this mean Ed was trapped at the gate? The reversal of Al? A sacrifice had to still be made to get his soul back, but at what cost? Immediately, without hesitation, Roy thought, Would the gate take my alchemy as payment?

The whole thought process was interrupted when he heard a metal box and all its components crash to the floor. Winry Rockbell had arrived, standing in the doorway frozen. The last time she had seem Edward this bad, was the day the brothers tried to bring their mother back from the dead. The mechanic swept through and started to slowly peal back the bandaging on the right shoulder. By passing all greetings, silent tears left those cobalt blue eyes, speech still strong, "No infection?"

Mustang answered, "None."

Nodding Winry continued her work. Havoc leaning on the doorway muttered, "I already spoke to the staff, they are willing to let you use the facility if automail is decided for him."

After exposing and examining the wound, the metal plates, anchors, and screws were all in place. "This is the same exact tare as last time… All I would have to do is add connecting ports, half the work is already done." Wiping her face on her shoulders, she continued, "I already brought a replacement with me. Damn idiot, always have to give an arm and a leg?!"

"Just an arm this time Winry." Havoc smirking.

"Idiot."

The nurse came in with supplies as Winry started to change the bandages for her brother.

Mustang started to explain. "Ms. Rockbell he-"

But was cut off by Winry. "Wait until Al is here, so you don't have to explain more than once." There was a long silence, before Winry said, "Congratulations. A lot of people in Rush Valley are talking about you. As Ed's superior officer at the time of the fighting, which nearly destroyed half the town, the compensation you sent will go a long way for you."

Wither that was meant to make Mustang feel better or worse, was anyone's guess.


"In the, Pluralistic Honor Institution of Science and the Heavens, what was their belief in regards to what happens when you die?" Truth asked.

"You are judged at a gate." As soon as the words left Ed's mouth, the scenery changed yet again. Truth sat before a pearly white gate, behind a luxurious white marble desk propped higher to look down upon Ed. The human sat behind another smaller marble slab table that had the faintest electric blue hue.

"So you are here, dead so to speak, and I happen to be a gate keeper. I get to judge, allowing you into paradise, or casting you out to a realm of despair. What do you believe I would judge you on?" It seemed truth was having the time of its existence.

Ed didn't know what to think of this, was this for real? Couldn't help to play this game. If he failed, wouldn't the 'realm of despair' land him right back on Earth?

Deciding that even if it was or was not, there wasn't anywhere else to go, so why not play along with sincerity "Um, Reole?"

Truth's amused chuckle, made the human nervous. "And why is that?"

"I was the catalyst to a civil war leading to thousands of deaths."

Leaning over a bit, the entity rested its elbows on the desk. "And those deaths are solely your fault, blood on your hands as they say?"

Crossing his arms, Ed said, "Yes, if I approached it differently or let it be-"

"The same would have occurred. The plans were already in motion, the area was already restless. You only accelerated the matter. You did not know the whole story, or the velocity of the tensions. And in the end, the experience humbled you, changing your style in how to deal with those kinds of issues. Look at how you handled Pendleton with its PHISH-y business.

You're a silent seed planting prophet."

Blinking a few times, Ed tried to clear his mind to make sure he heard that right, "Excuse me?"

"You plant seeds."

"Do you have some narcotic substance that you're not sharing with me?" Ed sat up. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"Winry Rockbell. Faced with the truth of the past, in the presence of her parent's killer, and armed with a tool for retribution, you stopped her. Why?"

"It wouldn't have accomplished anything." Truth waited to hear what it wanted to come from Ed, "It would have caused more grief in the end."

"YES! You understand things on a different level. You told her, 'Your hands are not used to kill people, they are hands that let people live.' In the same instance, you reminded her that she constructed a leg for you to stand up on. Let's go by your theory, let's say you were responsible for Reole, does that not make her too, responsible for giving you the arm and hand, bloodied from that civil war?"

Ed defended, "No! How would she have known I was going to do that?"

Truth smiled. "Same principle of a catalyst. Where does the blame end? How can I hold you responsible for what you did not know? Things went on in the world around you, in which you have had no control over. All actions constructed from hate, anguish, vengeance, or even those good intentions, ideas, and extra miles from the heart, reverberate. Everyone is connected by a string, all actions are vibrations felt by the lives you impact, positive or negative. They will bounce back or continue to vibrate on in ways you do recognize. To people you don't know, maybe relatives, neighbors, or other people when you are long gone; spanning distances and time.

"Sit tight young alchemist, we have much to go over."


Al walked in quietly, nodding a hello to Mustang, while giving Winry a warm hug.

How odd it was not to hear the old clanking of metal coming up a hallway. Come to think of it, that use to be Mustang's warning that Fullmetal was about to make his dramatic entrance.

The younger brother, with travel wrinkled clothes, walked over to the body's side. The moment it sensed Al, the dull eyes shot open, staring unblinkingly back at the bright autumn ones. Sighing, Alphonse felt Mei link their hands as he said, "Brother, what have you gotten yourself into now?"

The body's left hand moved and stopped at the limits of the restraints, lazily trying to reach the person before him. Al reached out to it, saying calmly, "Don't worry. I'm going to figure this out. Just you wait." Taking the hand and laying it back down, Al then ruffled his brother's hair. This brought tears to Winry's eyes, while inwardly yelling at herself for being a cry baby.

The body's eyes watched every move Al made. The younger Elric turned to Mustang and asked, "How are you, Mustang, sir?"

"Al, just call me Roy." Mustang was already on his feet, shaking Als flesh hand. "And I should be asking you that question."

"I am glad I am not here to bury him. Clapping his hands together, Al looked ready to take on the world. So, let's get started. Take me to where it all happened, fill me in on the way." As they, Mustang, Winry, and Al, started walking out of the hospital, the rest of the Mustang team asked if they could join. Al accepted of course, more brains working the better. On the way, they all stop at the café for a drink and a bite to eat on the go.

This change of direction, with no more waiting and now acting on movement forward, recharged Mustang and brought the old commander back out from the foggy haze. With their Alchemic minds in play, they entered the PHISH facility.

Father Cush and Rose Thomas were sitting, talking, when they noticed the group enter. Father Cush, dressed in civilian clothing, quickly jumped to his feet. "For a second I thought Ed was walking in with you, Mr. Mustang!"

Al was smiling from ear to ear, "I don't know if that is a compliment or something to worry about. My brother is a huge troublemaker." Inside of course he was always proud to be Ed's brother.

Rose gasped. "Al? Alphonse?!" Al nodded and was greeted by a tackle hug. In a sincere, heartfelt tone, Rose asked, "How is he?"

"Alive."

Holding Al at arm's length, Rose studied him. "Look at you! This is incredible! Where have you been?"

"I have been studying Alkehistry in Xing. This is Mei Chang, do you remember Win-" They were already hugging at the reunion.

Rose also hugged Mei hello. "This is my first time meeting someone from Xing! I would love to chat with you at some point that is if you don't mind."

Mei was all smiles, "Of course!"

Al turned to the priest, politely asking, "Would you mind if we examined the room my brother was in when the events occurred?"

"Oh please, follow me. Does anyone know Alchemy to activate the door?" Once the priest asked, Al pressed his hand on the first door, which opened to expose the hallway littered with rubble.

Hawkeye explained with her usual professional air, "We had to breach the second door by blasting it open."

Nodding with acknowledgment to her words, Alphonse took the lead, walking into the room, finding a glass littered stone floor, with a large array spanning its surface. His eyes followed the line to his right that connected the array to the stage, where the gate replica loomed over. Then to his left, the where multiple lines spanned up the clinical walls to connect with empty indents. Pointing to the walls, Al asked, "What was up there?"

The kind priest answered, "If I am remembering correctly, flasks. I was only here for a moment before I went searching for help."

Rose chimed in. "They were flasks, Scar an-"

"Scar's here?!" This shocked Al.

"Yes, he didn't want to leave yet. He wanted to meet with you to see if he could be of any assistance." Rose put her arms behind her back.

With a small smile, Al shook his head, "To think of where we use to be, and where we are now." Taking out a small note pad and pen, he began to scratch the circle, muttering, "Flasks… Father said something about the little homunculus in the flask…"

"You mean the Homunculi's Father?" Mustang inquired.

"No, my dad." With each footstep Al took, it was accompanied by the sound of crunching and crushing glass. "Who was in here when it happened?"

"I was." Mustang followed Al around the cycle. "Fullmetal and Donavan were on the stage. There were approximately 20 to 25 people in the room when I arrived. Donavan, has the same ability as us when using alchemy, clapping his hands he created a transmutation cycle that took them out of here. The array we are standing on, activated, and it all goes black from there."

"So they went to the gate..." Al slightly cringed. How many more times before you crack brother?

Climbing the stairs to the stage together, Al's grip tightened around his pencil, at the sight. Blood splattered a smear to where Ed dragged himself to start his own array.

Mustang visited this room once before this time, and was able to conclude was Al was already piecing together, "Fullmetal gave up his right arm to be able to activate that array. He knew something was going to happen to the people in the room."

Winry asked, "So this is a human transmutation cycle?"

Al corrected, "No. Something completely different." He continued to walk around the blood smeared incoherent design of a circle.

"So why would they be brought to that place, what that gate?" Winry climbed the steps and flinched with empathetic pain to the sight, of what must have been, agony.

"The guy was trying to pull something off that required the gates supernatural ability to accomplish…" Al knelled down and rested on his heels his face in utter shock, when Rose said, "They were trying to harness the power of the soul."

"What?!" Al's exclamation bounced off the walls. "And here I was guessing this crazy guy was trying to bring back homunculi."

Havoc spoke up this time. "That would have been a great theory Al. Only we have witness testimony that his goal was to gather souls and use their energy."

"Like a philosopher's stone?"

"No more like a renewable source, not collecting, compressing, and spending it. The thing I do not understand is how that transmutation even worked, its just a mess..." Mustang put his hands into his pockets toying with his lighter (having carried one ever since the incident with Lust).

Al stood up, putting his hands onto Mustang's shoulders, guiding him to a certain spot. "There would be no other way to explain this to you without showing you." Mustangs eyes widened. The blur he saw before, became a three dimensional transmutation circle beyond his wildest dreams. It could only be seen from this angle, and now it had depth and mean, with multiple layers rather then a simple two dimensional array.

Al did not even know how to sketch Ed's array, completely astonished at what his brother had produced. "How did he come up with this? I don't think I can even copy this down correctly."

Breda jumped up onto the stage, "I try to copy as well and we can compare later to see if we missed anything."

Nodding, Al thought that was a great idea. The group exchanged thoughts and mingled, there murmurs filled up the empty room. Al took a moment, staring down at the blood array. "Brother was frightened…its all in his strokes." Lifting his head to look out to the others, Mustang followed the gaze, as Al continued, "Waking to an entire room filled with bodies on the ground." Proud of his sibling, Al smiled looking back at the array, "He wanted it to work. Reminds me of the circle he made when I woke up in the armor." Unable to concentrate, he moved to be cross-legged. But the complexity of it was a daunting task to figure out how this transmutation circle worked, and what the keys were to reverse it. How could you get to the gate without preforming human transmutation?

Mustang sat next to him, pulling out the black book and handing it over. "I haven't had the chance to complete it, but my guess is, he's waiting at the gate. Vice-versa of what you went through."

Hope shined though Alphonse's eyes. "Sir! You're a genius."

"No, I had more time to think about it, while waiting. The only perplexing part: I don't understand how your body didn't decompose after all that time, where here, we have to worry. Hawkeye informed me that you might remember Barry?"

"Yes, but it was Ed who was sustaining me. His deep sleeping and infinite appetite, along with the stunted growth was because this body was feeding off him. That plain is on a different set of rules than here. We are on a time limit here for the two factors, decomposition and/or rejection. Then I will be here for a funeral."


"Back to the seed planting Mr. Elric. Rose Thomas. Thanks to you her tree is now growing and extending to spread those seeds to others. Courage and conviction! The hash lesson you left, Get up and walk forward. Oh! We can't forget they mayor if Youswell. He trusted in no one, and all but lost hope. You waltzed into his life, saved the town, making what seemed impossible to be possible. Leaving the lesson that there are righteous people, it is okay to hope and trust, and good guys don't finish last!

"Scar. Seeing the devotion to your brother reminded this Ishvalan of his own sibling's devotion to him. That seed you planed needed a lot of watering from multiple encounters, events, and people. It was during his interaction with Winry and your actions to guard her, that finally broke the barriers that walled up his mind."

Ed mumbled, "What is the point of this?"

"Say since we are on the topic, if Scar were sitting where you are, how should I judge him?" Truth sat back, arms folded.

"On who he is now. He's changed, just as you said, having learned a lot. Look at what he is doing, working slowly to rebuild with Mustang's help." Ed's stomach twisted again. All Fullmetal wanted to do was keep Roy out of his mind, he never believed he could miss someone this much.

"Why should I judge you on different criteria?" Truth peered down at the human who was becoming annoyed.

"Alright, I get your point. Let Reole go, not my fault."

"Now tell me what I should judge you on."

Rolling his eyes, Ed thought for a second and his face flushed. "I- uh…"

The entity nodded, "I know what you are about to say, so say it."

Fullmetal looked up. "If we are talking PHISH standards, or some social standards then you would judge me because I fell for a guy."

"So?"

"That's not normal."

"Nor is your hatred for milk." Truth paused. "You're missing the point aren't you?" Ed's blank stare was the answer. "You are a smart individual but when it comes to yourself you are clueless! Humans tell you that your hatred for milk is abnormal, but please define normal."

"Normal is a conformed standard."

"Who is 'normal'?"

"Al."

Truth leaned over again. "A male Homo sapian who spent half his life as a soul attached to a suit of armor and is a stray cat magnate, has conformed to a standard like the rest of the species?"

Ed narrowed his eyes. "I am not liking the vocabulary being used here, thing that is up on its high horse."

"Mr. Elric, please state your answer to my question that started this whole debate. The one about what I should judge you on."

"I fell in love with a man."

"Does that not sound odd as it rolls of the tongue? There needs to be more love in that world, who am I to judge against love. Love is light, like hope and pure joy. Why is that something deemed negative, all based on physicality?" Truth sat back once more, still pressing on. "What should I judge you on Edward Elric?"


Hawkeye walked up to the stage, "Sir, could we take you away for a moment?"

Mustang glanced over to Al who nodded an okay. The General jumped off the stage and followed Hawkeye to the main church. The rest of the team, minus Breda, tailed behind. Hawkeye opened a door to the living quarters, lined with other doors on the left, and on the right, windows letting the afternoon sun shine in. Upon reaching a specific door, Hawkeye let them all into a conference room.

Once they were all settled, Hawkeye poured coffee that was prepared, on the table for everyone. "Father Cush graciously allowed us to use the room and provided this for us."

Havoc jumped to the point, "Sir, it's time to plan our campaign."

For the next half an hour they rattled off the campaign trail, planned on what kind of speeches and where. Not knowing much about the agricultural industry, Mustang voiced he needed to go and physically learn from the farmers to they can see he was eyes and ears on all issues and economic fronts.

That's when Fuery brought it up, "What about stopping in Ishval?"

Roy tapped his pencil on the table. "I don't see how that would benefit anyone."

"We can give it a shot, they already know you are the one trying to help rebuild the infrastructure with Scar."

Falman suggested, "Maybe it is best if we kept Scar to do the name dropping."

"I am not using Scar like that; we owe him more respect. We will take that idea up at a later date. Anything else?"

Havoc spoke, "Yes. Breda's notes here indicate that people like to see a family man." Chuckling Jean brought up a good point, "Hughes was right. He's coming back to haunt you. You should have found a wife, long ago."

Mustang was not liking this idea. "Is it really necessary? I am a man devoted to my country, no one to distract me from that goal."

Havoc nodded yes that it was necessary, along with Fuery. Jean explained, "You have been a military man all your life. You have also been in war, killing people. They want to see a family portrait, there is only so much words can say about your intentions and who you are. It's all in the actions. Can a strong military man like yourself, love? It shows humility and compassion. That you know the struggles of a family, shows you can relate to the common citizen. And also that you know what it is like to fear losing something you love."

Hoping the excuse would work, Mustang stated, "I can't just find someone."

Havoc shrugged. "We can try during your travels, or it be fixed."

"Lying to the public?"

"Yes."

Rolling his eyes, Mustang muttered. "Great, already starting on a 'truthful note.'"

"You would be lying anyway, sir." Mustang's head slowly turned to look at Hawkeye. "Boys, can you give the Brigadier General and I the room for a moment?"

A chorus of 'yeah, yes and sure's' followed by the shuffling of chairs, shifting of paper, and the snapping of books and then all was quiet as the door clicked shut.

"Sir, may I speak freely."

"When do I ever restrict you?"

Without the slightest bit of hesitation, Major Hawkeye asked her superior officer and hopeful future president, "What has happened between you and Colonel Elric?"

"Nothing gets past you."

Riza gave him a stern stare. "Nothing does. I need for you to trust me, be honest."

"Would it bother you if I admit to be in a relationship with Fullmetal?" Mustang was back to fiddling with lighter in his pocket.

"Why would I care?" Roy gave her and its obvious why look. "Seriously, you think I would judge you on something so ridiculous? Who you love is your business, not mine. As my best friend, all I care about is if you're happy. But it is also my job to watch your back. How serious are you two?"

"Serious enough." Mustang's wall was down again, and it showed. Worry and longing had returned. "What gave it away?"

"I've had a good inkling for a while. How the two of you interact, wither you knew it or not. According to Havoc, I also have a 'radar' for this. I can also use these powerful tools called eyes, for observation. This week alone was a good indication." The Major continued, "Others, that are not our friends, might also notice."

The state alchemist averted his eyes, "So you are advising to simply forget about Ed?"

"Not at all, we can make it work, somehow. What you will have to do is get married and it can't just be anyone as your fake wife. It has to be someone you trust with this information. I am willing to play the part,... that is after I speak to Jean about it."

Scrunching up his eyebrows, Mustang pondered, "Are you sure? -wait since when have Jean and you been an item- how did I miss that one?"

"Yes I am. We have your back, sir. Professional, as always, never to put you in a situation where you have to oust us due to fraternization issues."

The seemingly random topic flew off Mustang's mind and out his mouth. "And what of the sacrifice to be paid to get Ed back?"

The Hawk's eyes narrowed, "What do you mean, sir?"

"When Al and I-"

Hawkeye snapped into a rant. "Al AND You? I understand that you love him, and is our comrade. One team one fight. This will sound callous and insensitive, however. First let me point out, the last time you went through the gate it took your sight, which was returned with the souls of Ishvalans. Do their lives mean nothing? Next, People are vain; one thing could change the entire picture of who you are. Be it a wheelchair or something else. Simple people will take that for weakness and illness. Do you hear what you are saying? Sacrifice! What if the reversal is wrong with a rebound? What then?

"Which brings me to my last point: You have a country you need to protect, a country with an uncertain future. Need I remind you, Creta is constantly pounding at our door, and Darchma is at the brink of declaring war on us? The other three candidates could not come close to averting either crisis. With you, we have your pregame alliance already in play with Ling, so all of Xing can back us up. Ed knew full well what he was doing up there. We all know what we do and we do it for you.

"Roy, stop for a second and reverse it with Ed. How would you feel waking up to find out you are the reason for holding him back."

Mustang slammed his fist on the table. "And nothing stopped him from righting his wrong."

"This isn't your fault!"

The General stood. "Nine hours to recon? No planned recon? Don't you dare tell me that I wasn't wrong. If that body rejects this state and that heart stops, it could be as early as tomorrow that I will be burying Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, the Alchemist for the People!" A tear fell from the corner of his eye. "What then will the papers headline for the candidate, Roy Mustang?"

After a moment, Riza stood up, turned Roy to face her and she hugged him. "Sir, you're useless when it rains."

Returning the hug, they both chuckled through their tears.

When the two had composed themselves, they left the conference room and headed back to the investigation.

It was past dark when Rose rushed into the room from the main building. "Everyone, you have to come see this."

Upon leaving the building, Roy's ears caught onto singing instead of the public outcries from that day. Once they exited the church, the group saw the glow of candle lights. It seemed the entire town was out. Slowly descending the stairs, Winry gripped Al's arm. There was a memorial wall, filled with hopes, prayers, wishes, and thank yous.

Winry was in tears; Rose was in tears, even Al. "It's amazing what my brother can do without even trying…" Rose nodded in agreement.

A strong hand fell on Al's shoulder; Scar nodded his hello which was returned.

The small group of Ishvalans sang a prayer for Edward's healing, the PHISH sang a song for energy and safe guarding of life, and the little Leto group sang for renewal and love.

The candles were like a sea of stars, souls of light, bright and dim, flickering into the night.

Once it all came to an end, candles were left, and some of the crowd stayed other dispersed. When Mustang and the group walked up the street passed Ol'Lucky's Tavern, two little voices called out, "Mr. Mustang! Mr. Mustang!"

Mustang turned around, Jaden and Jake were running up to him. Both gave him a bear hug around the knees. Jake asked excitedly, "If you win the election, can we visit you in Central?"

Thinking, what would Hughes do? Roy went down one knee to be at their level. "Sure, only if you promise to bring your Grandma with you."

"PROMISE!" Ruffling their hair, Jaden asked, "How is Mr. Hughes doing? Did you bring him ice cream?"

"Not yet. But I promise not to forget."

"Don't forget his favorite is Banana!"


"I ask you again, what should I judge you on Edward Elric?"

Ed sat for a long while. If the question was asked simply, without social context and without PHISH, Leto, or Ishvalan theology, then it would be a historical question. Wait how would it be historical, there was no past tense in the equation. It was perception. It could be currently. What on him could Truth judge him by, which brought him to this answer: "What I harbor in my soul."

Truth laughed happily. "Oh you are an amazing creature. Indeed!"

"Is that why some souls were brighter and darker than others in the flasks?"

"You got it. Some harbor more negative than the positive, others are clouded by contexts and restrictions holding themselves back from true happiness. You can make mistakes, but did your soul learn from them? Oh, I think you are the only one to really understand Elric."

Smirking, Ed jested. "You know I think you should have a talk with Roy, he has this awful god complex."


Al retired to the Inn (to continue with research) with the rest of the group. Mustang made his way back to the hospital. After taking off his military jacket and hanging it on the back of the door, the worn out soldier took one of the chairs and pulled where Ed's left hand lie.

Sitting down, Roy started to talk to Ed. "We're closer to a solution. You're brother's here and Winry has an extra arm for you. The town was all out hoping for your safe return. You're one influential Colonel Chihuahua. If all goes well, what could you possibly do next?"

Laying arm on the bed to use as a pillow, placing a hand on top of Fullmetal's, Mustang's sleep laden voice muttered, "I'm right here Ed, I'm not going to let you fall."


Ed smirked at the gate, "Thanks. Sleep well, General Bastard."


To Be Continued...


In the next chapter: Sacrifices, Speeches, and Secretaries
Oh and that awkward Wedding.


Chapter 07: Our Sacrifice


(1) Futurama: Godfellas Ep. Quote.

AN: Yes, you may be wondering, where has all the insanity gone? Oh, trust me like Mustang trusts Riza. It is still there and what happens, you will have to wait and read for yourself.

Granted this is not the strongest chapter. I used it to explain some more, lay more foundation, and tie some things together.

I STILL WANT TO KNOW THINGS. THAT BOX BELOW IS A GREAT FORM OF COMMUNICATION! PLEASE? REVIEW? ANY KINDS OF LOVIN'?!