Hey guys i got a really long Chappie for ya! Although i didn't get as much reviews as the last chapter, i guess i'm still doing good by the many reviews and support. Anyways i do not own Fullmetal Alchemist, Gypsy by Shakira, and Imaginary by Evanescence! Why you say, just read and find out!
Chapter 13- Paper Flowers
I linger in the doorway
Of alarm clocks screaming
Monsters calling my name
Let me stay
Where the wind will whisper to me
Where the rain drops, as they're falling, tell a story
Imaginary-Evanescence
An hour had passed since the encounter Serenity and the brothers had with meeting Ling Yao, and still Serenity could not find where the boys were fighting. Although the loud noises of battle were loud and clear. Serenity now giving up decided to head to the automail shop, if that man wanted information he wouldn't kill his source, besides he didn't seem like the killing type.
Serenity's mind had lingered back to what Lin had said earlier, about Xerxes being nothing but ruins.
"Of course it would be ruins now," sighed out Serenity, "After what had happened I wouldn't be surprised."
Serenity now walking into Garfield's automail shop noticed no one was inside, she took a seat o the couch that was in the back room and looked at her hands.
"How long has it been since I last saw you…Onii-San?" whispered Serenity, now laying on the couch, her arm over her face.
"I'm so tired," said Serenity exasperatedly. Then she suddenly started hearing moans and screams of other people, closing her eyes shut, Serenity tried to block out the noise.
"I'm scared," whispered Serenity as she became to fall into a silent sleep, her face turning pale, and a tear falling down her cheek, "I'm scared…"
Serenity woke up late that day, with a blanket over her body, and a pillow under her head. Serenity abruptly stood up, looking around the room, until she remembered where she was.
"Hey you're finally awake," said Edward who was in the room, Winry fixing his arm, "You slept for a while."
"Oh," said Serenity hesitantly, "Is it dark outside?"
"Yeah," said Winry, "For some reason Al got kinda worried when you wouldn't wake up."
"Really why?" said Serenity, slowly getting up from the couch, then falling back.
"Hey what's wrong Ree?" asked Ed.
"Its nothing, I just got a bad headache, that's what you get from sleeping too long."
"Oh, if that's it we have some pills in the storage room," said Winry pointing out to the store.
"Okay thank you," Serenity said, walking out the room, only to see Ling Yao and his guards in the room.
"Oh I almost forgot about the pest," said Serenity bringing her hand to her forehead.
"Hello to you too," said Ling Yao who was sitting in a chair.
"Do not speak to the Young Lord like that commoner!" said a young woman and old man clad in black.
"And who the heck are you?" said Serenity pointing to the two in black.
"Ree! You're up how are you feeling?" asked Alphonse who had appeared behind her.
"I'm fine, just got a headache from sleeping too much, then I see some noisy pests."
Serenity now walking to the storage room looked in to find the pills.
"Ah got it!" she exclaimed, she then took to pills and swallowed them dry.
"Ree that's dangerous!" said Winry who had walked into the room.
"But there wasn't any water nearby, and my head really hurts," said Serenity not looking very concerned.
"As long as you didn't choke everything is fine," sighed out Alphonse, "You should go lie down for your head to calm down."
"I don't see why she's got a headache," said Edward walking into the room, "She wasn't the one having to deal with these idiots," he said pointing to Lin and his guards.
Serenity hitting Edward upside his head hard walked off to the back room.
"Oww! You bitch that hurt!" yelled Edward clutching the back of his head.
"I have an excuse what's yours," said Serenity from the back room.
"Brother that was uncalled for," said Alphonse who was scolding his brother.
"Geez Al what's up with you," said Edward still feeling pissed.
"What do you mean?" asked Alphonse.
"You're like always fussing over her, like when we came back you were freaking out that we left Ree behind, and when we saw her asleep you were still fussing over her."
"Uh, well, I was just worried about her that's all," said Alphonse flustered.
"Hmm whatever," said Edward stalking off.
Next day
Winry was still busy fixing his Edward's arm so they would be stuck in Rushvalley for a while. Serenity sitting outside of Garfield's shop, on the steps, feeling bored was fingering her hair that was loose, and was pooled on her knees.
Today Serenity was wearing a black tank top, over it was a baggy long sleeve grey shirt that cut at her shoulders, and was also wearing a white frilly skirt that stopped at her knees, and black sandals.
"I'm so bored," she sighed out, "I wonder what I could do in a town for gear heads."
"Oh good afternoon, Ree," said Alphonse stepping out of the store.
Sitting beside Serenity, Alphonse looked over at Serenity, noticing her hair.
"You have really long hair," he said unconsciously fingering it.
"Mmm," said Serenity not noticing Alphonse, "Yes, I've always had it really long."
"You look bored Ree," said Alphonse, a smile in his voice.
Serenity sighing a little stretched her arms, "Yeah, just a bit, I've not stayed in an area for so long in a while, at least not without any action."
Alphonse a bit startled by her choice of words looked intensely at her, "What kind of action are you talking about."
Serenity realizing what she said could only blush, "Uh nothing really, just you know something happens."
Alphonse about to retort a comment, Serenity immediately stood up looking towards a crowd.
"Hey Alphonse look at that crowd I wonder what's going on," suddenly she grabbed a hold of Alphonse's hand, dragging him to his feet, "C'mon let's go see what's happening."
Alphonse a bit surprised at the sudden contact only nodded and followed. As they got closer to the crowd they heard music flowing from the crowd.
"It must be a traveling band of musicians!" cried Serenity, "I know this song!"
Pushing their way through the crowd, they saw that it was indeed a crowd of musicians. One was playing the drums and others playing flutes, guitars and such.
Suddenly the man that was playing the drums looked over at Serenity who was staring at them.
"Hey there young miss, do you know this song?" asked the man.
"Uh um…yes?" Serenity replied blushing.
"Well it seems no one in this crowd does, would you like to sing for us?"
"Uh no I couldn't!" Serenity exclaimed blushing hard, her hands behind her back.
Suddenly the band of musicians started to whine childishly trying to persuade her to, then the crowd also followed in, cheering her to do so.
"Uh Alphonse!" said Serenity looking over at him with a pleading look.
Alphonse looking over to the side, teasing her, "Hmm looks like everyone wants to hear you, but if you're tone deaf then we best go."
Serenity feeling insulted by Alphonse blushed even harder than before, "I'm not tone deaf!"
"Then miss please sing!" said a bystander.
"Fine!" exclaimed Serenity back at the man. Then looking at the musicians her blush still evident, she nodded, her face looking sheepish.
The music playing softly at first Serenity loosened her body and slowly started to sway to the music. Smiling softly, she closed her eyes, total calmness taking over as she began to sing softly.
Broke my heart on the road
Spent the weekend sewing the pieces back on
Crayons and dolls pass me by
Walking gets to boring when you learn how to fly.
Alphonse staring at Serenity not too surprised, because he always knew she could sing after all when they were little Serenity would sing some nursery rhymes with him all the time.
Not the homecoming kind
Take the top off, and who knows what you might find
Won't confess all my sins
You can bet I'll try it, but you can't always win
Cause I'm a Gypsy, Are you coming with me?
I might steal your clothes and wear them if they fit me
Never made agreements just like a Gypsy
And I won't back down cuz life's already bit me
And I won't cry, I'm too young die if you're gonna quit me
Cause I'm a Gypsy, Cause I'm a Gypsy.
The song continued to flow and more and more people joined the crowd to listen to the performers. Bystanders swaying as well to the music.
I can't hide what I've done
Scars remind me of just how far that I've come
To whom it may concern
Only run with scissors if you want to get hurt
Cause I'm a Gypsy, Are you coming with me?
I might steal your clothes and wear them if they fit me
I don't make agreements just like a Gypsy
And I won't cry, I'm too young to die if you're gonna quit me
Cause I'm a Gypsy
The music now becoming more upbeat now, and people cheering Serenity to continue, Serenity grabbed onto Alphonse's arm dragging him into the spotlight with her.
And I say, hey you, you're no fool
If you say no, ain't it just the way life goes
People fear what they don't know
Come along for the ride, Oh yeah
Come along for the ride, ooh
Cause I'm a Gypsy, Are you coming with me?
I might steal your clothes and wear them if they fit me
Never made agreements just like a Gypsy
And I won't cry, I'm too young to die if you're gonna quit me
Cause I'm a Gypsy
The song finally came to an end, and the suddenly big crowd started clapping and cheering loudly for Serenity. Serenity now blushing furiously quickly bowed to the crowd and musicians, thanking them for their time. Then she quickly grabbed Alphonse's hand and walked off further into town.
"Ree, you were amazing!" said Alphonse, "How did you even know the song?"
Serenity turning to Alphonse, still holding his hand, she brought a finger to her lips and whispered, "Cause I'm a Gypsy." Which then resulted with the both of them laughing hard as they continued to walk into town, still holding hands.
Night time came and those who Alphonse and Serenity left behind started to get worried.
"What's taking Al and Ree so long, they've been gone for most of the day!" exclaimed Edward who was pacing around the room.
Winry still working on Edward's arm calmly looked at Edward, a wicked gleam in her eye, "Maybe they went on a date."
Edward now staring at Winry like she had said the impossible, "Huh?"
"Y'know Ed, a date, Alphonse is a normal boy as opposed to you," said Winry going back to her work smiling peevishly.
"That's impossible, Ree is like the queen of density, and Alphonse isn't too far off, plus he's too young for her," stated Edward, crossing his arms and putting up a defensive front.
"Don't be silly Ed, there's only a year difference between those two, I think its fine just like that." replied Winry.
Ling Yao now entering the room interrupted the conversation, "Guess what I saw in town, your brother and the sour blond holding hands and walking around."
"WHAT!" exclaimed both Edward and Winry.
"No way no way no way!" said Winry squealing like a little girl, "I knew it, Alphonse likes her!"
"Huh, what, when, where, HOW!" exclaimed Edward, not knowing how to take in this information.
Suddenly laughter was heard and Alphonse and Serenity entered the room, Serenity's cheeks a bit pink and Alphonse chatting away with her. Then they stopped noticing all eyes were on them.
"Uh did we miss something?" asked Alphonse.
"I think that's what we should be asking you" snickered Paninya in the background.
"Eh?" said Serenity equally as confused as Alphonse.
"C'mon admit it you guys went on a date behind our backs," teased Winry.
"What, no, we didn't! we were just killing time that's all!" said Alphonse flustered yet again.
All eyes went to Serenity as she looked at her feet then back at Alphonse, "Don't tell me Al, are you gonna try put me on a calendar?"
Edward and Winry groaned out loud as Paninya started to laugh hysterically.
"W-What did I say something funny!" exclaimed Serenity, stomping her foot.
"Uh no Ree, they're just being idiots," Alphonse said with a sweat drop.
A few more days had passed and Winry, Edward, Alphonse, and Ling Yao had boarded on their train to Central.
"We were all in a hurry and this had to happen," sighed out Edward, "We wasted a lot of time fixing my arm and it was all because of you guys!" Edward said pointedly at Ling Yao.
"It'd have been all good if you didn't break again!" scolded Winry who was sitting beside Edward.
"Yeah yeah," said Edward irritated, "It's all to black suited guys fault, I'll make you pay the repair fees."
"I scolded those two, so gimme a break," Ling laughed, who was seated in a seat facing towards Edward and Winry's.
"The Missy is Ran Fan, and the Geezer is Fu," continued Ling, "They are from a family that served us for generations."
Serenity seated in a cabin opposite of where the others were seated, she snorted at what Ling had said.
"What you have two followers, are you from some wealthy family."
"Hah," snorted Edward as well, "You're a man and you're too scared to travel without followers."
"Well it is kind of dangerous for a young teen to be traveling on his own," Ling said sheepishly.
"Young teen?" said Winry.
"How old are you?" asked Alphonse.
"I'm fifteen years old," said Ling with a smile, which resulted with everyone staring dumbfounded at him.
"Aren't you almost sixteen, Ed?" whispered Winry into Edward's ear.
Suddenly getting up from his seat, Edward motioned to Ling to do the same, "Stand Up!"
Ling standing in front of Edward their height difference was as clear as day, Edward was a full head shorter than Lin.
Edward being quiet for a while look over at Ling with an irritated look, he pointed over at Ling "You have a freakishly mature face.
A sword going through the roof of the train, Edward quickly dodging it, an eye peeped through the hole.
"Ah…Ran Fan…" said Alphonse exasperated.
Edward then looking over at Serenity who was staring out the window at the passing valleys.
"So Ree, when are you turning 16?" he asked.
"Hmm, I'm not sure, I usually wait a year then I confirm my age," she replied absentmindedly.
"What! You don't know you're birthday?" exclaimed Winry.
Serenity then looking over at Winry, bluntly said "Well sorry, but I don't even remember what my mother looks like so I don't remember my birthday."
Serenity turning back to the window sighed loudly, "Just ignore me okay, I'm feeling kind of tired."
Serenity really did look tired, she had bags over her eyes, and a restless look in them. Her skin looked somewhat pale, and worn out. Just like the day Edward and Winry spoke to her in the hospital.
"I just can't wait to get off this train."
Finally arriving in Central Serenity and the others got of the train, Serenity stretching her limbs, relieved.
"Well let's go check out headquarters, Lt. Colonel should be at the military council department, right?" said Edward who flung his suitcase over his shoulder.
"Yup," replied Winry who was walking beside him.
A grin spreading on Serenity's face, she clutched onto her carrier bag that was hanging onto her shoulder, walking right beside Alphonse.
"I wonder if he continued to research information on the philosopher's stone…" said Alphonse.
"Hmm I dunno, The Fuhrer is eyes on him though…" replied Edward.
Serenity shook as she heard what Edward, the fuhrer was keeping his eye on Hughes, and the fuhrer was a homunculus.
"Wait what are you guys talking about?" asked Serenity, feeling a bit distressed.
"Men's talk," replied Edward.
"Grrr, its always like that," huffed Winry.
"Look you guys-" said Serenity until she was cut off by Fu.
"Hey, where's the young lord, I thought he was with you the whole time."
Looking around they noticed that Ling really wasn't with them, Edward and Serenity walked ahead, ignoring the fact that someone was missing.
"Well that's too bad, let's go."
Eventually reaching Central Headquarters, the trio had stumbled into meeting Riza Hawkeye and Roy Mustang. Roy explaining that he was transferred to Central headquarters.
"Oh Roy, its been a while since I last saw you," said Serenity shaking Roy's hand, "In my opinion not long enough but it'll do."
"Hey now Serena, is this how you should address your elders?" replied Roy.
Edward and Alphonse confused that Serenity knew Roy Mustang, they interrupted their heated conversation.
"How many times have I told you to stop calling me Serena!"
"Uh Ree, how do you know Colonel Mustang?" asked Edward.
"Eh?" she replied.
"Yeah that's right Serena, and how do you know the Elric brothers?" asked Roy.
"Uh well, you could say I lived with them in my younger days," said Serenity answering Roy's question, then turning to Alphonse and Edward, "And I lived with Mr. Hughes and Mr. Mustang for a while after the Ishvallan civil war."
"Oh…" said Alphonse.
"Yeah it was kind of a surprise finding her on the battlefield and all," said Roy.
"What?" exclaimed Edward and Alphonse, "You were in Ishval during the civil war!"
"Roy you idiot your not supposed to say that!" said Serenity.
"Oh sorry, just thought they'd know by now," he replied.
"Well now we do," said Edward, "Geez Ree what is up with you being in dangerous places?"
"Eh? Did I miss something?" asked Roy.
"No no you didn't!" exclaimed Serenity avoiding any more questions, "oh but how's Mr. Hughes?"
Roy who had turned around to enter the vehicle waiting for him stopped at what Serenity asked. He slowly turned around with a grave expression, then quickly recovered.
"He's no here," he said.
"Huh?" Serenity said raising her brow at his response.
"He went back to the country side," he continued, walking to the car, "Recently there had been some disturbances in Central, so he took his wife and daughter back to the country side. I heard he's taking over the family business. So he's not here anymore."
Serenity sighed with relief smiled softly, everyone else looking a bit disappointed.
"I see…that's too bad," said Edward.
"Its dangerous working in the military after all," said Alphonse.
"Aw but I wanted to see him," pouted Winry.
"Philosopher's stone and Homunculus, right?" said Roy "I'll contact you if I find anything on that. Let's go Lt."
"Yes sir," said Riza.
"Oh and Fullmetal, be careful." he said just before he left, "Don't jump to conclusions and act without thinking it out."
"Yeah, whatever?" Edward said slightly confused for the caution.
Later in the evening that day, the teens were staying at a nearby military hotel. Serenity and Winry were sharing a room, while Edward and Alphonse were sharing another.
Winry was on the bed reading a magazine, while Serenity was on the floor, going through the ruined papers that she saved in her bag.
"Its going to be impossible to restore these papers," sighed out Serenity.
"What are those anyway Ree?" asked Winry.
"Oh these are just some alchemy research a friend of mine made, I was studying it for a while until they were destroyed," most of what Serenity said wasn't a lie.
"Wow, you and the boys are alike, both alchemy junkies," Winry sighed herself.
"Yeah, yeah, say what you want, but this stuff is really important."
Suddenly loud sounds were heard from Edward and Alphonse's room, then an open door. Winry quickly getting to her feet, opened her door to Edward and Alphonse leaving.
"What is it Al?" asked Winry, Serenity standing up from the floor and walking towards Winry.
"Sorry we'll explain everything after we confirm it for ourselves," rushed Edward as he moved Winry aside.
Serenity feeling confused as to why the boys rushed off looked over at Winry.
"I'm sorry Winry, but I'm going to go follow them," said Serenity, knowing something serious happened.
"What, then I'm coming too!" Winry said.
"No Winry I need you to stay here," said Serenity, giving Winry a no nonsense look. Winry hesitantly nodding she gave Serenity a small smile.
"OK, but you better come back soon!"
"Sure," Serenity said, running off to catch up with the boys.
Serenity finally catching up with the boys, they barely even noticed her. Suddenly they ran into 2nd Lt. Maria Ross.
"2nd Lt. Ross!" exclaimed Edward.
"Edward, Alphonse!" she exclaimed.
Then Alphonse pointed to a walking suit of armor like himself, "Its you from that time!"
"What you know her too!" exclaimed the other suit of armor pointing back at Alphonse.
"Ling what are you doing here?" asked Alphonse.
"Hi~" Ling said sheepishly.
"Eck! Don't stand in the way!" said the armor slashing his knife at Alphonse, but Alphonse dodging him.
"2nd Lt. Ross! What's going on! Lt. Colonel Hughes…Did you really…" said Edward, Serenity suddenly stopping in her tracks.
"What about Lt. Colonel Hughes?" she said her voice shook a little.
Ignoring what Serenity had just asked they continued to run after Maria Ross and the suit of Armor.
"Hurry! You'll be killed if the soldiers get here!" yelled the suit of armor at Maria, suddenly stopping to face the teens.
"I'm sorry Edward I'll explain later!" said Maria Ross as she continued to run down the dark alleyway along with Ling Yao.
"Wait a sec-" Edward said until he was cut off by the suit of armor that was slashing his sword around, trying to lure the three away.
"Don't come I have no time to play with you guys," said the armor.
'What the hell is going on!" yelled Serenity.
Suddenly a loud explosion was heard and to the side of the road, you could see a bright flash, like fire had been lit.
"Shit!" exclaimed Edward, who was now running to the source of the explosion along with Serenity. Alphonse eventually following behind.
Edward and Serenity finally reaching the spot, looked to see Roy Mustang and a burnt carcass.
"Hello Fullmetal," said Roy, an emotionless tone in his voice.
"What's going on…" said Edward his anger rising.
"What the hell is going on, explain yourself!" Edward yelled once again. Serenity continuing to stare at the burnt up body.
"Since when was it…why was Lt. Colonel Hughes killed, and why is 2nd Lt Ross…" Edward continued frustrated, "For what reason was 2nd Lt. Ross…"
Serenity now feeling sick to her stomach heard what Edward. Hughes was dead?
"W-What Hughes is dead? No he's at the countryside like how Roy said! Right Roy?" said Serenity, a delirious look in her eyes.
Roy looking over at Serenity and then Edward, immediately punched Edward, who was holding onto his collar.
"You dare lay hands on a higher rank, behave yourself properly," Roy said straightening up his collar.
Edward feeling anger beyond anything, quickly lunged at Mustang, a fist ready to hit him, until he was heal back by his brother Alphonse, who had appeared just on time.
While the boys were making their noise, Serenity continued to look between Roy, the supposed corpse of Maria Ross, and Edward and Alphonse.
She was deeply confused, she didn't know what to think. All that went through her head was that Hughes was dead.
How did he die? Who killed him, why did Roy kill Maria Ross was what Serenity thought in her head.
Suddenly military police officers came in the scene, ushering the teens to sit at the side. All three quiet and confused. Edward staring hatefully at Roy Mustang, Serenity staring at the dirt, her eyes like void, still having a hard time believing what she heard.
Later that Night
Serenity and the others were now at headquarters, sitting in the halls waiting to be told what next to do. Serenity still quiet from the whole ordeal sat in the middle between Edward and Alphonse, clutching her hands into fists.
"I am greatly sorry for not being able to tell you about Brigadier General Hughes' death," apologized major Armstrong to Edward and Alphonse.
"He was killed because he got involved into the Philosopher's stone….It's my fault," said Edward with a pained expression on his face, "I pulled him into this."
"Its not your fault, don't think of it like that," said Major Armstrong.
"Winry was looking forward to meeting Lt. Colonel Hughes…how am I going to explain this to her." said Edward.
Serenity getting up now turned around to face the boys, "I'm going back, Winry's waiting for me."
The boys protesting that Serenity should stay, she ignored them and continued to walk down the hall, leaving everyone behind.
Suddenly a man wearing glasses and clad in a doctor's surgical gown came out the door, the others were waiting by.
"Everyone's here?' asked the man, a serious look in his face. "Since the injury was so severe, you can't tell if she was dead or alive before being completely burnt."
"So its possible that it wasn't her?" asked Armstrong.
"No," the man replied, "It was confirmed that it was Maria Ross from the dental tests on the teeth that were found." he continued, "How cruel to burn a chick like that into a pile of cinder, you must have had a grudge against her, ain't that right…Mr. Mustang?"
Now turning to Mustang the doctor continued to speak, "couldn't you have taken it a bit easy, t makes us doctor's lives easier y'know."
"It had been a long time since I had used my flame, I guess I over did it," replied Roy.
"An Ishval war hero shouldn't go so far as to do this to a young lady, disgusting," said the Doctor, walking off peeved.
A few moments later, Mustang had walked out of headquarters, and he had spotted Serenity sitting at the sidewalk. He slowly walked up to her, stopping when she flinched at his presence.
"….Reena…" said Roy.
"I don't know what's going on Roy, I don't fucking know, and I'm tired, I thought I knew, but I don't, why, why is he dead! Why is Ross dead! Why are people dying everywhere I go!" screamed Serenity clutching onto her head, tears threatening to stream down her face.
"Reena take it easy," said Roy crouching down to Serenity, moving Serenity's hand from pulling her hair out.
Serenity now calming down a little, loosened her hands from the balls of fists they were, then dropped them to her side.
"I have no right to be this devastated, I used him, I never told him anything, even when I knew that searching for the Philosopher's Stone was dangerous I said nothing, I didn't want to get him deeper involved, but it was too late, he was already involved, Edward and Alphonse are involved, and so are you Roy."
Serenity now standing to her feet, she looked up to the starry night, tears falling from her eyes, "If only this was a nightmare I could wake up from, things won't be as painful, but its no longer about me, its about everyone now, I have to put this all to an end."
Serenity laying both her hand on her chest, as if she were praying, she gazed to the ground, tears dropping to the ground. "I just wish I wasn't so scared, after all this time I still haven't grown at all."
"Serena…" said Roy, now standing to his feet, holding onto her shoulders, "What are you talking about?"
"Don't worry Roy, you'll find out soon yourself, just watch yourself Mustang, I'm not sure if you're someone I can trust right now, but I'll leave with you with this warning, the military is a dangerous place to be in."
With that said Serenity left Roy, walking off back to the hotel. Not entirely sure if she was going to tell Winry, since she herself, had still not completely accepted what she heard.
Next Day
The next day had come and Serenity woke up in the bed she had shared with Winry, in the Hughes' home. Remembering how she got here the night before, she discovered that Winry had found out about Hughes' death from the newspaper the boys had in their room. They had both decided to go over to Hughes' home and visit Gracia and Elysia the following morning. However, Serenity was unable to sleep through out the night, so when she had arrived at the Hughes' household, she had collapsed from exhaustion.
Serenity getting up from the bed, noticed that her hair was no longer in a pony tail. She got up from the bed and went down stairs, feeling guilty to see Gracia talking to the Elric boys and Elysia in Winry's lap.
"Oh, boys…" said Serenity quickly looking to the floor.
"Ree, there's something we need to apologize to you for…" said Edward.
"Its okay Edward, I understand already, I should have done something sooner…" whispered Serenity.
Alphonse noticing Serenity hesitation felt immense guilt, "We're so sorry Ree, we didn't know Hughes practically raised you, he died because we involved him with our affairs."
Serenity looking over the boys with grief stricken eyes quickly avoided their gazes and turned hers to Gracia.
"I'm so sorry Mrs. Hughes, I'm partially responsible for this, I should have said something when Hughes said he was searching information on the Philosopher's Stone, I knew that it was a dangerous thing he was searching but I said nothing." said Serenity, on her knees and her head bowed to Gracia, tears streaming yet again.
"I knew from the beginning what the Philosopher's Stone was made of, how many lives it could and has ruined but I still didn't warn him, I didn't want him to be dragged deeper into things, I thought that keeping shut would have kept him safe from finding out more, but I was wrong! Please forgive me!" cried out Serenity, her body shaking all over.
Gracia now on her knees pulled Serenity up, holding her in a hug, "Sssh it's alright, we knew from the start you were hiding a lot of things and still are, its okay, you were like another daughter to Hughes and I since the time we met you."
Serenity controlling her tears wiped her eyes with her sleeves, a small smile on her face.
"And there's still going to be a family waiting for you," said Gracia sternly to Serenity.
"Y-yes ma'am," she replied.
The teens had now left the house when everything had been solved between them and Gracia. As they walked out the gate of Hughes' home they looked up to the window, and caught Gracia holding onto her daughter and softly crying, tears falling down her cheeks, and her hand over her eyes.
A few days had passed and the atmosphere around the teens still felt sour. Serenity hardly ever spoke and was always busy in the room she shared with Winry, busy trying to restore the notes she had to a brand new one.
Winry was in Edward and Alphonse's room, polishing Alphonse's body.
"The more I look the more dents and scratches I see," said Winry, "You guys must be making a hard Journey," resulting with Alphonse chuckling at what she said.
The room becoming quiet, Serenity walked into the room, a concentrated look on her face.
"Oh Ree, what're you doing here?" asked Alphonse.
"I came to ask if you guys had a pencil I could borrow, I'm still working on my notes," she replied, stalking over to their table moving aside books and papers.
"Hey…what're you going to do next?" asked Winry, facing Edward, who was lying on the bed.
After what seemed like a minute Edward said, "Not sure, what do you want me to do?"
Winry suddenly becoming still looked over to Edward, like she didn't hear him right.
"What?" Edward asked.
"You've never…consulted me about…yourselves…" said Winry, still sounding dumbfounded.
"I see," said Edward looking up to the ceiling.
"Nmm," Winry hesitated, "…It scared me, it scared me that you guys were putting yourselves into so much danger that it would cost Mr. Hughes' life…It scared me a lot."
Winry now stopped polishing Alphonse's body slouched her shoulder and continued to speak, "It means that you could get killed, you know? You might just disappear and I might not see you ever again. When I thought of that I got really frightened….to be honest, it made me wish you'd stop traveling."
Serenity now stopping her search for a pencil looked guiltily down at the table.
"But then, when Al mentioned about giving up on getting back your original bodies…I thought 'no I don't want that.'"
Winry now picking up the rag, continued to rub Alphonse's armor like body, "Both are my true feelings. I want you to get your bodies back, but I also want you to stop your dangerous journeys, so um…I'm sorry I'm not really sure what I want either."
"You're very kind Winry," chuckled Alphonse.
"Huh?" Winry said blushing, "What are you saying I'm always kind!"
While the bantering continued, a knock was heard at the door and Edward got up to get it, Serenity finally finding a pencil also got up to the door.
"Yeah who is it?" said Edward as he opened the door. Only to see Major Armstrong towering over him and his hand in the air, clutched in a fist.
"Eh?" said Serenity as she looked over Edward's shoulder.
Suddenly the fist landed at Edward's automail arm, the impact sending him across the hall, and Armstrong walking up to him.
"What was that for Major!" Edward exclaimed, Serenity running over to Edward.
"Oh no this isn't good!" said Armstrong picking Edward up, sparkles evident around his head.
"Your automail is broken!" he continued, "How terrible!"
Putting Edward down, he patted his shoulder, "This is a grave problem indeed, we must have it fixed right away!"
"Huh? What the heck's going on?" said Serenity looking at the scene before her.
Armstrong looking over at Serenity now, picked her up and slung her over his shoulder, "You look gravely ill as well Ms. Serenity, while I escort Edward to Reseembool, I shall bring you along, I heard the air there is good for your health!"
"Huh?" said both Edward and Serenity.
"Winry is right here so I don't need to go ba-"
"Come now don't be reserved!" said Armstrong cutting Edward off.
"What are we going back to Reseembool?" asked Alphonse, who stepped out of the room with Winry.
"Ah, Alphonse Elric," exclaimed Armstrong, "You stay here because you are conspicuous."
With that said Armstrong left the hall, dragging Edward by his collar and Serenity over his shoulder, screaming her head off too be put down.
"Err?" said Alphonse, a bit confused by the situation.
"Going somewhere?" Ling said, who had popped into the scene out of nowhere, which resulted in both Winry and Alphonse jumping on spot.
"L-Ling where did you…" screamed Alphonse.
"Through the window," Ling said pointing to an indeed wide open window.
Oh...My...Gosh! If that wasn't i long chapter to you, I'd like to see you devote one whole day typing up more than seven thousand words,my longest yet!, just for random people to read!
Any who whaddya think so far? Good Bad? I know you must be thinking "Shakira?" well just to say i ain't really a Shakira fan , but to me, her song Gypsy really described Serenity's life somewhat, so i was like why not add it. I know i ain't that creative enough to come up with my own song. I'm a story teller, not a song writer give me a break, i can't rhyme to save my life! Although when i listen to my music, i really listen to the words and then the beat.
Poor Ree, she's in inner turmoil at the mo and is now being kidnapped by a muscle bound freak! What's a girl to do :P So please people review this time i am hoping for twice as many reviews i got for my last chapter...which was one Review! wahhh i know! Thank you 4shadowedice4 for remebering to review!
I've started to notice that people are kinda using my idea of the story with theirs and its kind of making me paranoid, if you want to use an idea that doesn't belong to you you should ask first, I wouldn't mind at first because it would give me a reason to twist the plot of my story, but if you're gonna do so, that's gonna make me feel like quitting this story, cause i don't like to be stolen from, but never mind that this is fanfiction, not Sugar-Induced-Duck's fiction so i should just ignore it for the time being.
Anyways please please review people it make my world go round at the mo! :D Thank you for reading Eternally yours!