Disclaimer: I do not own Star Wars or Fullmetal Alchemist.
Edward finished up his coffee, pondering the conversation that had happened moments earlier. Was he really prepared to die for his family?
Back when it was just Al and I, and I suppose Dad, too, once he eventually returned, all we had was each other. We kept sacrificing, one for the other. But Al is right; things are different now. I don't want my kids to lose a parent at such a young age; I don't want them to repeat my mistakes. Then again, we don't have much of a choice. People will get hurt if that circle is left out in the open. It's like the nationwide transmutation circle all over again. Besides, we're all going to go eventually.
Edward remembered some of the things he had done in the years since he lost his alchemy. He caught a shark. He rode a camel in the desert. He got to marry the woman he loved and start a new family. He was still researching alchemy, even to this day. He was living life on his own terms.
Edward smiled mirthlessly. Alchemy. Everywhere he went it followed him, even though he himself could no longer use it. Despite what Ahsoka and Alphonse had told him about his abilities, Edward doubted he could ever use the Force at the same degree that they could. Ever since he gave up his Gate of Truth, he could sense feelings and still had a heightened sensory awareness, but that was pretty much the extent of it. On occasion he had felt as though he was another person, but he chalked that up to tired hallucinations that had to do with the aftermath of the Promised Day. Based on what he had learned about the Force, Edward came to the conclusion that his abilities were—likely permanently—diminished. That was fine with him.
However…
Edward got up. There was something he needed to do. He walked over to Alphonse, who was reading an alkahestry book.
"Something on your mind?" the younger Elric asked, glancing up from the pages.
"Yeah." Edward gave him a serious look. "I'm going to head out for a few hours. There are some things I need to mull over."
Alphonse nodded, a serious look in his eyes. "We'll wait for you."
Edward blinked, a sad smile on his face. Tears streamed down his face as he walked out the door. He held his head high, remembering his own words to someone else in this former town many years ago.
Stand up and walk. You've got two good legs, so get up and use them. You're strong enough to make your own path.
And so he walked, for he knew there was no turning back.