What time is it? IT'S PUELLA/FULLMETAL TIME!
Sorry it took so long to update, but I'm here now. I hope you guys have enjoyed the previous chapters and I hope you are prepared, because here is where things start to get… tense.
Now that we know Soul Timers are really souls, how will are heroes deal with this newfound knowledge? Will they learn to accept it and find the strength to keep moving forward? But if they don't... then what?
The next morning at school, the bell rang and homeroom had started.
Random Student – Stand. Bow.
All the students in Izumi's classroom stood up, bowed to her, and then sat back down. Alphonse then looked over to Winry's desk, which was empty. Later on, Alphonse and Edward went up to the roof together to talk.
Alphonse – Edward… You already knew?
Edward – Yeah.
Alphonse – Then why didn't you tell us?
Edward – If I had told you earlier, would you have really believed me?
Alphonse was silent for a moment, then he looked over at Edward.
Alphonse – Why would Kyubey do something so cruel to us?
Edward narrowed his eyes.
Edward – He doesn't think what he does is cruel. He's a life form that cannot comprehend human values.
Alphonse looked surprised.
Edward – He would probably just say that it's equivalent exchange for the miracles he grants.
Alphonse then turned towards Edward.
Alphonse – That's stupid! There's no way you can call that equivalent exchange! To have that done to her body… when all Winry wanted was to heal someone she loved!
Edward looked down slightly.
Edward – That doesn't change the fact that it was a miracle.
Alphonse then looked at Edward curiously again.
Edward – After all, it made something impossible possible. Even if Winry Rockbell and her mother spent every minute of their lives caring for Maes Hughes, he most likely still wouldn't have lived through that surgery.
Edward then turned to face Alphonse.
Edward – The truth is, the value of a miracle is far greater than that of an entire human life. And that is exactly what that creature sells.
Alphonse's eyes then widened once he realized what Edward was saying.
Alphonse – You mean Winry will never be able to go back to her old life?
Edward – Yeah.
Alphonse – But unless she uses her magic, she won't need any Grief Gears, right? Then what if she just stopped fighting wraiths and witches?
Edward – If only it were that simple. Don't forget that our Soul Timers are both our souls and our sources of magic. Even just maintaining our bodies, we use very little ounces of magic. So we will need Grief Gears, eventually. And the only way to get them is to defeat wraiths and witches.
Alphonse – No way.
Edward – I told you before, it's easier just to give up on Winry Rockbell.
Alphonse – Even so… I still can't do that! Because, Winry… she saved my life!
Alphonse remembered when Winry saved him from getting killed by Kirsten.
Alphonse – If she hadn't become a magical contractor then, both May and I would have died!
Edward – Don't confuse gratitude with responsibility.
Alphonse looked down slightly.
Edward – You don't have any ability to save Winry Rockbell. I told you before I would do whatever I could to help her. Don't try to repay her just to alleviate your own sense of guilt. Making such presumptions only winds up as acts of stupidity.
Alphonse then looked up at Edward again.
Alphonse – Edward, why must you always be so harsh? Is it because you believe you're also no longer human?
Edward was silent for a moment before he answered.
Edward – If I didn't accept myself as human… it would mean I'm doing the same to all magical contractors and people themselves, too.
Alphonse looked a bit surprised. Edward then held out his Soul Timer and looked at it.
Edward – When you think about it, even a regular human body is considered a vessel for the soul. The only difference for magical contractors is that our souls have been taken out of our bodies. What really makes us human is our hearts. And that's something that humans and magical contractors both have.
Alphonse continued to stare surprisingly at Edward.
Edward – But, most magical contractors fail to see that. And the same goes for Winry Rockbell.
Edward put away his Soul Timer and lowered his head, and Alphonse looked at him sadly again.
Back at Winry's house, she was still lying in bed with the blankets completely draped over her. Just then, there was a knock on her door.
Gracia – Winry? Are you feeling better? Please, let me in.
Gracia was shown standing outside Winry's room, looking at her door worriedly.
Winry – I'm sorry. I just want to be alone. Go away.
Gracia sighed and left. Winry was then shown underneath her covers, still wearing her pajamas, with her hair down, and staring blankly at her Soul Timer, which was open and glowing. The big needle had now ticked down to the number three. Winry thought back to the other night, after Alphonse told her that Soul Timers were really their souls. She then remembered the talk she and Kyubey had when she came home.
Winry – You tricked us, didn't you?
Kyubey – I told you precisely what I wanted from the start: For you to become magical contractors.
Winry was shown standing in front of the desk in her room while Kyubey sat on a chair beside it.
Kyubey – I just didn't explain exactly what form you'd be taking to do that.
Winry angrily grabbed the chair from her desk and threw it to the ground. Then she walked over to Kyubey, slammed her hands on the chair he was sitting on, and looked at him angrily.
Winry – Why didn't you ever tell us?!
Kyubey – Because you never asked. Even though you didn't know, there wouldn't have been any inconvenience. In fact, even Roy never noticed to the very end.
Winry gripped the chair harder as her anger rose.
Kyubey – After all, you humans don't physically sense your souls to being with. Actually, all they really are is a little cluster of neurons. Just a nerve center with functions similar to a circulatory organ.
Kyubey looked straight at Winry's chest, where her soul used to be located.
Kyubey – For all that, if they stop functioning, even your conscious minds seem to crumble along with them. So to help prevent that, I put your souls in a form that's easier to keep track of and protect.
Kyubey climbed off the chair and ran over to Winry's desk.
Kyubey – That makes it as safe as possible for you to battle wraiths and witches. Right?
Winry stood up and continued to look at Kyubey angrily.
Winry – Well, no one asked for your "help" with something so ridiculous!
Kyubey shook his head.
Kyubey – You still don't fully understand what it is to do battle, do you?
Winry looked surprised.
Kyubey – For instance, say that you've been impaled with a spear. How much pain do you think you could take before you simply went into shock?
Kyubey jumped up onto Winry's desk and sat near her Soul Timer, which was open. Winry looked at Kyubey curiously as he put his paw on the inside of her Soul Timer, causing it to glow bright blue. Winry then gripped her stomach and doubled over in pain. She quickly fell to her knees and then fell to the floor as the excruciating pain spread throughout her body.
Kyubey – This is what real "pain" feels like. See? You could be totally incapacitated with just one hit.
As Winry continued to roll on the floor, letting out cries pain. She remembered when she got hit by Riza's lance the first time they battled. The pain she felt then was nothing compared to the pain she was feeling now.
Kyubey – You only managed to finish the fight with Riza… because you were spared the full extent of your body's pain. It was only possible because your mind and body weren't directly connected. And as a result, you were able to live through that fight.
Tears began leaking from Winry's eyes, even though they were shut tight, as she continued to let out strangled cries. Kyubey finally took his paw off her Soul Timer, which then stopped glowing. Winry opened her eyes and slowly sat up once the pain faded away.
Kyubey – Once you get better at it, you can even detach yourself enough to block out all sense of pain. That said… It causes your body to respond slower when you command it to move, so I don't recommend it.
Winry looked up at Kyubey, her eyes still full of tears and her body still shaken and unstable from feeling such immense pain.
Winry – Why…? Why would you do such a thing to us…?!
Kyubey – Before you took on this destiny of battling wraiths and witches, wasn't there a wish you wanted granted? That wish has really come true, hasn't it?
Winry's eyes held sadness and disbelief in them as she continued to stare at Kyubey, but she didn't say anything.
Back in the present, Winry continued to mope in in her bed.
Winry – Now that I've got a body like this… how can I even face Mom and Hughes-san again?
Riza – (Its one thing to skip school. But are you really going to do it by lying in bed moping all day?)
Winry sat straight up in surprise once she heard Riza's voice through telepathy. Winry looked over to her window, got out of bed, and pulled both the curtains open to see Riza standing outside of her house, looking up at her.
Riza – (Could you come outside? I just want to talk.)
Winry looked at Riza suspiciously, but in the end she got changed, put her hair back up in its usual ponytail, put on each of her six earrings, and went outside.
The sun began to set as Winry followed Riza to wherever she was taking her.
Riza – Well? Are you starting to regret it? Now that you know about what happened to your body?
Winry didn't answer; she just stared ahead with a blank expression.
Riza – I'm not sure what to think of it. I guess I am still upset with many of the details, but then again, it was only after I obtained this power that I was able to live the way I wanted to. From that perspective, it might not be so bad that I'd regret it.
Winry – So you're trying to see it as "you get what you pay for?"
Riza chuckled.
Riza – Perhaps so. That's pretty much how I've lived all this time. If you live only for your own benefit, then you need to pay the prices for your own mistakes as well. So you won't have to blame anyone, and you won't regret anything.
Riza stopped walking and turned around to smile at Winry.
Riza – If you think about it that way, you can pull through just about any kind of situation without the need to feel depressed.
Winry looked up at Riza, but her expression remained the same.
Eventually, Riza and Winry stopped in front of what looked like the ruins of a burned down facility, located far outside of East City. Riza brought Winry inside the ruins and the two of them walked around until they came to the center of the burned building.
Winry – Why did you bring me all the way out here?
Riza – It's a long story. We might be here for quite a while.
Winry looked around curiously.
Winry – What exactly is this place?
Riza – This… was my father's research facility.
Winry looked back at Riza curiously.
Riza – He was a military scientist who devoted his life to come up with a new technology that would be an asset to mankind. He would most often take me to his study and show me his research. I myself was always fascinated by his dreams and assertions, that's why I decided to further my education by entering the military academy.
Riza's memories were shown as she explained.
Riza – Because of my sharpshooter abilities and the manpower shortages in the region during the war, I was shipped out to the front lines to act as a sniper. That's where I met Roy Mustang, who at the time was only a major but also a valuable resource to the army. We were assigned as partners and we grew quite close. Eventually, Mustang was promoted to colonel and I was assigned as his first lieutenant.
Winry seemed to show more interest as she listened to Riza.
Riza – During that time, my father had finally invented a new technology that he believed would bring the start of a new age upon the world. However, no one gave any interest to his research as the war raged on. The top generals just said that they didn't have the time to even view his notes when they needed every available man they could find out on the field. Eventually, no one would even stop to listen to my father anymore. No matter what he said, no matter how many times he tried to explain, nobody gave him even a slight glance. It got so bad, that my father began to doubt his own beliefs and dreams. I couldn't stand seeing him like that. He wasn't saying anything wrong, yet people treated him like he was some sort of outcast. If they would just stop to listen for 5 minutes, they would understand his intentions. But no one did.
Riza's memories continued to flash by as she spoke.
Riza – The only one who ever truly took my father's research to heart was Mustang. But even with our current ranks, we couldn't do anything to help my father any further. And then… Mustang was retired from the military due to losing his eyesight after surviving a giant bomb explosion. But you must already know what really happened, don't you?
Riza was then shown, when she was younger, wearing her military uniform, standing outside at the entrance of an open door, leading to a dark room. Her hair was also as short as a guy's.
Riza – I was angry. I couldn't accept that after everything my father had achieved, this was the reward he got in return.
Back in the present, Riza looked up at the broken ceiling.
Riza – Then, Kyubey appeared. So I asked him… to make everyone listen to my father's research seriously.
Winry gasped and her eyes widened with shock. Riza's memories continued to play out as she spoke.
Riza – The next morning, the generals came back to my father, willing to hear about his new technology. And as a result, they were very satisfied with what he had to show them. The entire military even got involved to study his work themselves.
Young Riza was then shown in her magical contractor outfit, fighting a wraith.
Riza – As for me, while I maintained my duty as a soldier, I also began my duty as a magical contractor. It wasn't long before I ran into Mustang again and learned he was also a magical contractor. He was powerful and already very experienced from a year of training, so I asked him to teach me everything he already knew about being a magical contractor. The two of us became a team once again… a team that didn't stain their hands with the blood of other people whether they were our enemies or not, but that saved the lives of the innocent victims that were affected by the cursed beings that labored in this world. That's how I thought of it at the time anyway.
Riza smiled a little as she remembered the times she and Roy fought together.
Riza – I actually felt like a hero. I was wracked with guilt and regret over how many people I was forced to kill as a soldier. But as a magical contractor, I had the chance to atone my sins by protecting people from wraiths and witches. With my father improving humanity at the front, Mustang and I defending humanity from the shadows–I actually believed that we were going to save this world together.
Riza then frowned.
Riza – But one day, my father found out a terrible secret…
Winry looked at Riza with curiosity and slight nervousness.
Riza – His new technology was so great… that the military secretly used it to develop new and very destructive weapons for the war. But by the time he confronted the army about it, they had already unleashed the new weapons. The entire battlefield was tainted with even more blood than it ever had been before. I helplessly watched as my comrades used these machines of destruction to destroy everything and anyone in their path. The lives of a thousand innocent people and even children who had nothing to do with the war were taken… And there was nothing I could do about it. Not even with the new powers I possessed.
Winry looked at Riza with sad and shocked eyes.
Riza – My father drowned himself in guilt and despair once he saw his own inventions to revolutionize the world, being used as destructive weapons of murder. He blamed himself and his own research for causing such a horrible bloodshed. Then one night, he had a breakdown. To make sure that no one could ever use his discoveries for evil purposes ever again, and so his inventions would no longer threaten mankind… my father burned all of his research he worked his entire life for along with his entire facility to the ground. And soon after… he committed suicide to banish his evil soul from the world.
The memories ended and Riza and Winry were shown together in the present once again.
Riza – My wish destroyed my father… and was the cause of the great bloodshed in the Eastern War.
A single tear was shown leaking down Winry's face.
Riza – Because I made a wish for the sake of another person… I brought even more misfortune than before to so many people. After that, I made a vow in my heart to never use magic to help anyone else ever again. From then on… I only used this power for my sake alone.
Winry – What about Mustang-san? What happened between you two?
Riza – During our partnership, Mustang and I grew even closer than before. He was aware of the incident himself and tried to help me pull through it… but that still didn't stop him from hunting familiars and saving people. Mustang was the kind of man who dealt with enemies by acting prideful and arrogant. Even in the military, he was infamous among many other soldiers. You see, he had a huge dream to help the nation; of course there were times when he neglected his duties…
Riza then looked slightly irritated.
Riza – Especially his paperwork… And don't even get me started on how often he tried to use his skills and charm just to score dates with women.
Winry looked slightly nervous as she saw Riza's mood change, but then Riza seemed to regain her composure.
Riza – But even so, whenever there was a window of opportunity for him to be promoted, Mustang wouldn't hesitate to take it. Though it led to many other soldiers developing the idea that he only acted out of self-interest, Mustang's other subordinates and myself always knew he would go to the risks of helping others, even if it cost him his own life. And that is what makes us two so different. You can't have a magical contractor who fights for justice and a magical contractor who fights only for herself work together. So in the end… I split our partnership and left. The next time I ever heard about Roy Mustang again… was when I learned he died from fighting a witch.
Winry looked at Riza in shock.
Riza then turned around to face Winry again.
Riza – Miracles aren't free. If you wish for hope, an equal amount of despair will be rained down upon you, too. That's how this world stays in equivalent balance.
Winry looked down sadly.
Winry – Why are you telling me all of this? If you only live for your own benefit, why are you worrying about me, all of a sudden?
Riza – Because you started off with the same mistake as me. I don't want to see another person like me continue living the kind of life that will only bring more pain and regrets. Mustang was special because he liked the way he lived. With the sole intention to fight for justice, he was able to push himself to those lengths. But, we're not like that. We're not heroes like him.
Winry clenched her fists.
Riza – You've already paid a big enough price for your decision. But it's still not too late for you to turn around as well.
Winry – Hey, can I ask you something?
Riza looked at Winry curiously.
Winry – Did you also leave Mustang-san because you thought you couldn't be like him?
Riza looked down and smiled sadly.
Riza – I guess so. Perhaps, somewhere in my heart I wanted to continue fighting alongside him… But the scars I carried with me were even harder to bear the more I stayed beside him… Because he also reminded me of my father.
Winry finally looked back up at Riza, her eyes were now filled with sympathy and even a little respect.
Winry – I was really wrong about you. I'm sorry for assuming otherwise.
Winry's eyes then lit up with determination once again.
Winry – But even then, I don't regret making my wish for someone else's sake. Actually, after hearing your story, it made me realize that I don't want the feelings I made that wish with to become a lie. That's why I've decided I'll never regret anything. Ever.
Riza looked a bit shocked.
Winry – I don't think I paid too big of a price. Because I believe depending on how we use it, this power can truly be used for wonderful things. The truth is, when I became a magical contractor… I never really thought of myself as a hero or a defender of justice. Just the thought of using magic to help people was enough for me. And even now… I still want to use magic to help people. I know it's dangerous, and I know it's not all fun and games. But those are my true feelings.
Winry then looked down just a little again.
Winry – Which reminds me… When you fought alongside Mustang-san… how did you see him?
Riza looked a little confused.
Winry – Did you really think of him as a serious-minded senior who fights for justice?
Winry then giggled.
Winry – Yeah, that's how I first thought of him too. But, that was all a lie.
Riza looked surprised.
Winry – Mustang-san never wanted to be a defender of justice. All he really wanted was to be with someone else. He put up a facade and presented himself in front of us as a serious-minded senior so he wouldn't look useless or weak. But the truth was… he was actually lonely at heart and always afraid of failing to protect the people important to him.
Riza continued to stare at Winry in shock.
Winry – It wasn't until before his death when he told us who he really was on the inside. And I feel like such an idiot for thinking that that outer character of his was how he truly was. Maybe none of us can become true defenders of justice. But, that doesn't mean we should resort to becoming selfish magical contractors who let familiars run free for our own benefit. That's not what I want anyway.
Riza – What? How are you-
Winry – Of course, I don't have the right to criticize you for the way you think or the way you fight either. That's why, I'll do things my own way and continue my own fight.
Winry turned around and began to leave while Riza stared at her in shock.
Riza – Don't you understand?! We're magical contractors! There's no one else who can do what we do!
Winry stopped walking and turned her head around to look back at Riza.
Winry – I'll keep fighting for the sake of others… and I'll never use magic for myself. If you really can't stand seeing me go on like this, then you're welcome to come and try to kill me again. I won't lose.
Winry then smiled, which startled Riza even more.
Winry – But, I won't resent you anymore either. Thank you, Riza-san.
Riza's eyes widened even more once she heard Winry address her by her name. Winry then continued on her way out of the crumbled facility. Once she left, Riza's eyes started to fill with emotion and she looked down slightly at the ground.
Riza – Why? How can she…?
The next day, Alphonse and May were shown walking to school together. Suddenly Alphonse stopped once he heard running footsteps behind him and May.
May – What's wrong, Alphonse-sama?
Alphonse – It's just that…
Alphonse turned around and gasped slightly, causing May to turn around as well. Winry was shown running up to the two of them with a big smile on her face.
Winry – Al! May! Good morning!
Alphonse and May smiled once they saw their friend.
Alphonse and May – Winry!
Winry then caught up to her friends.
May – Good morning. Where were you yesterday?
Winry – Oh, I was just feeling a little sick…
Alphonse's smile then disappeared and he began to worry again. The three began to walk down the path to school together once again.
Alphonse – (Winry, are you sure you're okay?)
Winry – (Don't worry. I'm all right now.)
Alphonse smiled again.
Winry – So, what did I miss yesterday?
May – Not too much. I'll lend you my notes from yesterday to fill you in.
Winry – Thank you, May.
Alphonse kept glancing at Winry.
Alphonse – (Still, I'm worried. Even though she seems fine, Winry isn't the type who would be completely over something as shocking as this in just one day.)
Once the three friends got to school, Winry seemed to notice something.
Winry – Hold on, you guys. I'll be right back.
Alphonse – Winry? What are you-
Alphonse suddenly gasped in surprise once he saw Winry head towards Edward, who was already sitting at his desk. Winry stopped right in front of him and the two looked at each other for a while.
Edward – What is it?
Winry looked nervously to the side as her cheeks began to turn slightly red, then she looked back at Edward.
Winry – (Well… thank you. For getting back my Soul Timer when it fell on that truck. Al told me you were the one who retrieved it.)
Edward – (Yeah. Be careful from now on.)
Winry – (R-right.)
Winry then walked away, but her cheeks started to heat up even more.
Winry – (What's happening to me? Why do I keep blushing like this whenever I get near him?)
Winry walked back over to Alphonse and May.
May – What were you talking to Edward-san about, Winry?
Winry smiled.
Winry – Nothing really.
May looked suspicious.
May – But, your face is red. Are you…?
Winry – No I'm not! I probably still have a slight cold from yesterday, that's all.
May put up her hands in the air, indicating that she was giving up on the subject. She then smiled at Winry again.
May – Anyway Winry, Alphonse-sama told me that Hughes-san has finally been released from the hospital.
Winry seemed startled from May's statement and Alphonse noticed that she started to look just a tiny bit depressed.
Winry – Yeah, that's right.
Winry then tried to put up a forced smile.
Winry – He's completely fine now.
May – That's great! You must be really happy.
Winry – Y-yeah. I am…
Alphonse began to worry even more as he looked at Winry, noticing her upset expression.
After school ended, Winry went home right away.
Winry – I'm home!
Gracia – Oh, Winry! Can you come here for a minute?
Winry walked into her living room and she looked surprised once she saw Maes sitting on the couch with Gracia.
Maes – Welcome home!
Winry backed up a tiny bit and began to look a little nervous as she looked at Maes.
Maes – Hm? What's wrong, Winry? Gracia told me that you weren't feeling well yesterday. Are you still sick?
Winry regained her composure and tried to smile.
Winry – No, I'm fine. I'm sorry for making you worry.
Winry walked over to the couch and sat next to Gracia.
Winry – What are you doing here, Hughes-san?
Maes put his hand behind his head and began to smile guiltily.
Maes – Well, there's something I have to tell you two…
Gracia and Winry looked interested, so they didn't say anything.
Maes – I probably should have told you both about this before… but I was offered a special opportunity at work to travel abroad to America for a month concerning a business matter.
Gracia and Winry looked shocked.
Maes – Because of the car crash, they were going to give the position to someone else. But, now that I've been discharged, they've asked me once again if I'm still willing to accept the offer.
Gracia – Well, are you going to go?
Maes sighed but kept smiling.
Maes – I know I just got out, but it's an extremely important chance. That's why I was wondering… Gracia, will you and Winry come with me?
Winry and Gracia's eyes widened with surprise.
Gracia – W-what?
Maes – I was already busy enough with work before… Then the accident happened and I made you both worry and wait even longer for me. I don't want to leave you two anymore… but this trip is a huge chance that I can't turn down. That's why, I want you both to go to America with me. It would be a great opportunity for both of you as well… Winry could learn a lot from spending time in a foreign country… plus, we would have many more chances to spend time together.
Gracia smiled, but Winry remained shocked.
Gracia – That's a wonderful idea, Maes! I think we should do it!
Winry looked at her mother, keeping her shocked expression.
Maes – Really?!
Gracia – Of course! Even if I'm gone for a month, it won't affect my job that much.
Winry's eyes then widened with slight realization, then she looked down at the ground sadly.
Maes – That's great! How about you, Winry?
Winry – I'm sorry. I can't go.
Maes and Gracia looked at Winry surprisingly.
Maes – What? Why not?
Winry didn't answer.
Gracia – Winry, what's wrong?
Winry then lifted her head up and she forced another smile.
Winry – It's just that… There are a lot of things I need to take care of here at the moment.
Gracia and Maes looked at Winry confusedly.
Gracia – What-
Winry – Besides… Even if it's only for a month, I don't want to leave all my friends.
Winry paused for a moment, then she looked at the ground again.
Winry – Especially Al. I definitely can't leave him here alone.
Gracia's eyes widened as she began to understand what Winry was saying. Then she smiled.
Gracia – I see. That's how it is.
Winry – I'm sorry, Mom, Hughes-san.
Maes – I understand. I guess we'll all just have to wait again.
Winry noticed how her mother began to look a little sad and how Maes seemed down as well despite the smile he was giving them.
Winry – But, it's still a great opportunity! That's why, Mom why don't you go with Hughes-san to America and I'll stay home by myself.
Gracia and Maes looked at Winry in shock.
Gracia and Maes – What?!
Gracia – But, that's…
Winry – Come on, Mom. I've taken care of myself plenty of times before. Besides, don't you think this would be a good chance to let me take on new responsibilities by letting me stay home by myself for a while?
Gracia – I guess so… but it this really such a good idea?
Maes – I agree. Winry, are you sure you can handle living by yourself for a whole month?
Winry – I'll be fine! I've always wanted a chance like this! Besides, I've already spent lot's of time with you at the hospital when I came to visit, Hughes-san. The amount of time I've spent with you completely surpasses Mom's. This trip will give you both the chance you need to catch up some more!
Maes scratched his head, feeling a bit uneasy.
Maes – I guess that's true.
Maes and Gracia looked at each other for a while, then they both smiled and turned back to Winry.
Maes – Okay, Winry.
Gracia – Just make sure to take care of yourself while we're gone okay?
Winry – Of course I will. So, Hughes-san when are you leaving?
Maes then looked at the two nervously.
Maes – Um… Tomorrow?
Gracia and Winry then turned white and they both looked shocked again.
Winry and Gracia – What?! Tomorrow?!
Gracia looked pretty mad as she marched up to Maes and shouted in his face.
Gracia – And you didn't tell us about this earlier?!
Maes – I-I'm sorry! It just slipped my mind-
Gracia – I swear, Maes!
Gracia then seemed to calm down but she still huffed.
Gracia – Well, there's no use complaining about it now. I'd better go pack.
One Gracia left the room, Maes breathed a sigh of relief, then he saw that Winry looked a little sad.
Maes – Winry, are you sure you're all right?
Winry looked up and tried to cover up her feelings again.
Winry – I'm telling you, I'm fine.
Maes – I don't know. I'm not so sure if it's really a good idea to leave you here by yourself, especially after knowing what happened to you yesterday.
Winry – I'm telling you, it was nothing. Hughes-san, you should focus more on Mom.
Maes – Huh?
Winry – After all, this trip marks the perfect opportunity for you to re-propose to her.
Maes then smiled.
Maes – I guess you're right. I was planning on doing it if she decided to come anyway.
Maes then stood up.
Maes – Thank you, Winry.
Maes walked over and rubbed Winry's head again.
Maes – You're such a good girl.
As Maes rubbed Winry's head, she looked down sadly again without him noticing.
Later on, Winry began to leave her house to go patrolling again, with Kyubey following behind. Alphonse was also standing outside her house again. Once Winry came outside, she was once again surprised to see Alphonse waiting for her.
Winry – Al…
Alphonse smiled at Winry.
Alphonse – Can I come along with you again, Winry?
Winry – But, you don't have any part in any of this. You shouldn't involve yourself with me.
Alphonse – I don't care.
Winry's eyes widened.
Alphonse – I don't want you to be alone, Winry. I know something's been bothering you… and I know you don't want me to worry. But, I still want to help you. That's what friends do for each other.
Winry then began to shake.
Winry – Why…? Why are you always so nice, Al? I don't deserve such kindness…
Alphonse looked shocked. He could also tell from Winry's voice that she was on the verge of tears.
Winry – I had a moment today, where I almost regretted something.
Alphonse looked at Winry worriedly. Tears then started leaking down her cheeks.
Winry – You know, Al… Hughes-san is being sent to America for a month because of his job. And he asked Mom and I to go with him. I told Mom that she should go with him and leave me here by myself. After all… How can I leave with them now that I'm a magical contractor? I'm in charge of this territory, so have to stay here to fight wraiths and witches… that's why I can't go with them. And then, for a split-second, I thought, "If only I hadn't healed Hughes-san… then I wouldn't be left here all alone in the end."
Winry looked up as she began to cry even more.
Winry – I'm not a good girl at all. I wonder… if Mustang-san had ever felt like this, too.
Tears began to form in Alphonse's eyes as he saw Winry cry. So he ran over and embraced her in a big hug, which Winry gladly returned as she cried even more.
Winry – Mom and Hughes-san are going to leave me…! The truth is… I'm tired of waiting! I don't want to wait anymore! But, there's nothing I can do about it! Because I'm already dead… I'm a zombie now…!
Alphonse cried even more himself.
Winry – How can we even be a real family now, when I have a body like this?! How can I possibly call him Dad when he and Mom get married?!
Winry and Alphonse cried some more. After a while, Winry calmed down and the two let go of each other. Winry wiped her eyes once she was free.
Winry – Thank you, Al. I'm sorry for worrying you this whole time.
Alphonse – It's all right. I'll always be here for you, Winry.
Winry nodded and smiled again.
Winry – I'm okay now. I just needed to get it all out. Let's go.
Alphonse looked surprised.
Alphonse – You'll really let me come with you?
Winry – Sure! We've got more wraiths and witches to defeat today!
Alphonse – Right!
Later on that night, Riza was standing on top of an unfinished bridge in a construction area. A labyrinth was sitting just underneath her and it was also fidgeting, meaning that someone was already fighting inside. As Riza continued to stare down at the labyrinth, Edward, who was already changed in his magical contractor outfit, landed behind her.
Edward – This is unexpected. Why are you just sitting quietly and watching?
Riza didn't turn around. She took out her Soul timer and opened it. The inside was glowing and the ticking needle began spinning very quickly to the right.
Riza – She's battling a witch tonight, not a familiar. She's sure to get a set of Grief Gears once she kills it. It's not a waste this time.
Edward – It's not like you to hand over your prey like this for such a reason.
Riza didn't answer, but then she noticed that the labyrinth began to fidget more frequently. She then scowled.
Riza – What is she doing?! It shouldn't take her this long to finish it!
Inside the barrier, the walls were completely white, the ground was pitch black, there was a red statue that had a sun within a sun at the top, and in front of it was a pitch black silhouette of a girl with tree branch hair and root feet, sitting on her knees like she was praying. The runes of the witch's name were shown at both sides of the sun statue saying, Elsa Maria, The Shadow Witch.
Winry was then shown; her entire body was pitch black as well, which made her look like a shadow, although the outlines of her body were shaded blue. Winry was panting heavily as she glared at Elsa Maria with a hard and determined gaze. Once Winry charged at her, black familiars that had long snake-like bodies but had heads shaped as all sorts of different animals appeared out of the ground and headed towards Winry. She stopped and sliced all the familiars that came at her with her sword. Then she got into a stance as more familiars came out of the ground and came at her. Winry grimaced as she killed those familiars as well. Then she charged towards Elsa Maria again, but a bunch of familiars began to block her way. Winry jumped up high into air above the familiars, flipped backwards, formed her magic circle beneath her feet, and pushed off it to give her more speed as she came straight down to slice Elsa Maria. However, just before Winry could strike, Elsa Maria's hair formed into a giant tree branch that blocked Winry. Then the tree branch grew even bigger, trapping Winry within it.
Alphonse was watching safely from the sidelines, he was also shaded completely pitch black except for the golden colored outlines of his body. He gasped in horror once he saw Elsa Maria swallow Winry, leaving only her hand sticking out.
Alphonse – Winry!
Alphonse ran forward but then stopped once he saw something slicing the tree branch. Once the tree branch was broken to bits, Riza, who was also as black as a shadow except for her body's purple outlines, was shown holding an injured Winry. Riza's lance was also separated into its many parts, indicating that she was the one who set Winry free. Once Riza landed on the ground, she placed Winry down and looked towards Elsa Maria.
Riza – You're being too reckless. Think ahead before you charge into a situation. Just stay back for now. I'll finish it off.
Riza twirled her lance around and took a battle stance. But then she looked down surprisingly to see Winry get back up and prepare to charge again.
Riza – What are you doing?!
Winry – Stay out of my way. I can do it myself.
Winry's voice sounded cold and emotionless, which shocked both Alphonse and Riza very much. Winry then took off like a bullet and managed to get all the way to Elsa Maria. Once she did, Winry immediately sliced off Elsa Maria's head, causing blood to splatter. Then, two tentacles from Elsa Maria's body, which had turned into a morphing blob since her head was chopped off, struck Winry to the ground.
Alphonse – Winry!
Alphonse began to run, but Riza stopped him.
Riza – Don't get any closer!
Just then, Alphonse and Riza looked towards Winry confusedly as they heard her begin to laugh. Winry got up and kept laughing even as more tentacles flew by her and injured her even more.
Riza – Are you…?
Just then, Elsa Maria's tentacles struck Winry high up into the air, but Winry just kept laughing while destroying every tentacle coming her way as she came back down. Then Winry landed straight on top of Elsa Maria and sliced her body in half. Winry kept laughing like a maniac as she continued to strike Elsa Maria countlessly and mercilessly with her sword.
Winry – It's really true! If I just detach myself…
Winry's face was then shown. Her eyes couldn't be seen, but she was smiling maniacally and she had many cuts all over her body.
Winry – I really don't feel any pain!
More tentacles grabbed Winry, but she just kept striking Elsa Maria and laughing maniacally. Alphonse and Riza didn't move as they watched her. Neither of their expressions could be seen either, but it could be assumed that they were filled with absolute horror.
Scaaarrrryyyyy much… But, despair can make even the gentlest hearts hard(And maaaybe just a biiit wacko.)
And, that scene with Winry and Ed… Do I sense the signs of a familiar "SHIP" coming along?(Wink, wink.)
I know how in the original anime, Homura said that she was no longer human either, but the reason I didn't make Edward say that is because when he was fighting the other suits of armor in the Fifth Laboratory, he said that he considers both of them and Alphonse human even though they are(souls bonded to an empty shell.) So why should this be any different from then? I mean, at least magical girls, or in my case, magical contractors HAVE bodies that CAN still feel and function as regular human bodies. Alphonse didn't have a body AT ALL.
Wow, souls taken out of bodies that are now empty shells and souls actually bonded to bodies that are empty shells. Is it just me, or are these two anime's like completely the same in SO MANY ways. That's why I decided to do this.
Anyway, look forward to the next chapter! See you next time!
