Fullmetal Alchemist

INVADERS OF GALLIA

Episode 20

THE WARRIORS VOW

A Love Passed On

Opening Theme: Rewrite (Fullmetal Alchemist)

"Colonel, you need to sign these. They're the entry forms for the new cadets," Hawkeye declared laying a stack of papers on Mustang's desk.

"Why do they need my signature? Isn't that the Headmaster's job?"

"Right now, sir, you are the headmaster."

"Right, darn it, just my luck," Mustang sighed grabbing the first paper from the stack, "Vario Kraatz, Class G, hobbies, music and women."

"Sounds like your kinda guy, Colonel," Vine declared entering the room, "did you say Vario Kraatz? Crap, so much for my hope of getting a normal student in Class G." Though Vine was still wearing his red cloak and headband, his Amestrian uniform had been replaced by a brown jacket, white shirt, and black pair of pants."

"Well look at you, don't you just look dashing, Raging Blast. Going to meet a girl?" Mustang asked teasingly.

"Haha, honestly, I have no idea. Welkin just said we're meeting an old friend. Speaking of, Welks and Licia are waiting for me at the front gate, so I need to hurry. Just thought I'd let you know I was off. Anything you need me to do while I'm gone?"

"Nope, enjoy your vacation, Raging Blast, because you can count it's the last one you're gonna have for a while," Mustang replied.

"Is that a promise?" Vine asked, "alright then, I'll check in when I get back."

….

"There you are," Welkin called as Vine walked up to him and Alicia, "you ready to go?"

"Ready as I'll ever be I guess. You comin' with us Licia?"

"Nope, I'm gonna stay here and hold down the fort. I think you two need to catch up," Alicia replied, "a little guy time, ya know?"

"Uh, can't say I do," Vine replied, "alright, so where're we goin anyway?"

"Can't ruin the surprise Vine, but I know you haven't been there in a long time," Welkin replied.

"Alright, but at least tell me who we're seeing," Vine pleaded as Welkin started to walk out the gate.

"Someone you haven't visited in a long time, and who I know what's you to visit them," Welkin replied.

"So it's someone I know… hmmm, guy or girl?"

"I'm not telling."

"Oh come on, just a hint?" Vine pleaded.

"No!"

"Yeesh, don't have to yell. You're no fun."

"Have fun you two and stay safe!" Alicia called, "I'll see you when you get back!"

….

It was late in the day when Vine and Welks arrived in Randgriz. "So the person lives in Randgriz. It's not Captain Varrot, is it?"

"I think the captain's visiting Largo on their farm right now. By the way, it's Captain Potter now, not Captain Varrot?" Welkin revealed.

"What! Veggie-nut and the Captain… no way!" Vine replied, "man, why am I always the last to know?"

"Well, it's hard to send you a letter when you fail to leave a forwarding address," Welkin replied laughing, "it's too late to visit the person now, but I think Cordelia wouldn't mind getting a visit from you. I'll go get us rooms at the motel if you want to go visit her."

"Huh? Uhhhhhh… sure I guess," Vine replied, "alright, I'll see ya later then."

"Right, we'll meet in the town square in an hour, sound good?"

"Sounds good, see ya then," Vine replied as the two went their separate ways.

….

Archduchess Cordelia sat in the audience hall of Castle Randgriz staring tiredly up at the ceiling.

"Something wrong, Archduchess?" one of her guards, a young woman with short dark hair asked.

"Hmmm, oh, sorry Elysse, I'm just a little hungry is all," Cordelia replied.

"It's almost dinner time, but I think the cook just finished a fresh batch of cinnamon rolls. You want me to send for some?" Elysse asked.

"That would be wonderful, thank you Elysse," Cordelia replied smiling.

"Alright, I'll be right ba… baaaack!" she suddenly screamed looking towards the entrance.

"What's wrong?" Cordelia asked looking towards the entrance.

"Man, why do you always have to scream?" Vine asked as he walked into the room with a long metal pipe slung casually over his shoulder and a single alchemy glove covering his right hand. He was smiling like a child.

"Vine!" Cordelia exclaimed happily as Elysse reached behind Cordelia's throne and grabbed a lance.

"I've got you now!" she shouted charging at Vine and swinging from overhead.

"Not likely," Vine replied, sidestepping the attack as he transmuted the pole into his sword. Elysse swung twice more. Vine ducked the first and knocked the second away with his sword, forcing Elysse to try one more overhead slash. Vine sidestepped and planted his foot against the staff of the lance, pinning it against the ground as he brought his sword of up swung for Elysse's shoulder! Elysse yelped and closed her eyes waiting for an impact that never came. When she opened her eyes, Vine held a beautiful bouquet of metal flowers in place of the sword. Elysse chuckled as she dropped the lance and took the flowers.

"I almost had you that time," she declared laughing at the colonel.

"Sure did, you're getting good at that. If I don't keep training, you're gonna surpass me as a weapons wielder real soon, Elysse," Vine declared rubbing the back of his head and picking up the lance.

"Oh, don't even. I'll be happy just to be able to scratch you one of these days, Vine," Elysse declared.

"Vine!" Cordelia shouted running and throwing her arms around her friend, "what are you doing here?"

"I'm here on a few days leave from Lanseal. Welkin Gunther asked me to come and visit someone with him, so here I am."

"Is Lt. Gunther here?" Elysse asked.

"He's in Randgriz, but he didn't come with me here. I'm supposed to meet up with him in about 40 minutes in the town square, he's getting us rooms at a local inn," Vine revealed.

"Huh, maybe I'll go see him before you leave," Elysse declared, "So who're you visiting?"

"Haven't the foggiest idea, to be honest. Welks is keeping it a big secret. I'll find out tomorrow," Vine replied.

"Well, I'm glad that you were able to make time to come and see me while you were here, Vine," Cordelia declared, "Elysse, weren't you about to send for some cinnamon rolls? Please make sure you send for enough for Vine as well."

"Yes ma'am, of course," Elysse replied as she went to fulfill the Archduchess orders.

"That kid, I'll be honest, I'm still a little surprised you decided to make her one of the royal guard, not that she's not a good choice, mind ya."

"Of course not, so how are you doing, Vine?" Cordelia asked.

"We're doing alright, Princess. It kinda sucks having to watch those kids fight like that, but I guess it's not much worse than seeing you have to run a country at your age. Even so, we've won some key victories in the south. If we keep going at the rate we are, Gassenarl won't hold out until the end of the year."

"I wasn't talking about the war, Vine. I want to know how you're doing, personally. Are you alright?" Cordelia revealed, placing her hand on Vine's. She looked worried.

"Well… had an Ishvalan try to kill me day before yesterday, that was tough, but I'll survive. I'm tougher then I look," Vine replied.

"I know, but I can't help but worry about you. Promise me one thing while you're here, Vine; visit Isara."

"What?" Vine asked, surprised by Cordelia's request.

"I know she's gone, Vine, but that doesn't mean she can't see you, and it certainly doesn't mean she doesn't want you to visit her. I know you're scared, but I also know that you're not the kind of man who waits long before he faces what he fears. Welkin intends you to meet one person tomorrow who you haven't seen in a long time. Would it hurt to see two?" Vine stood silent for a second, then pulled his hand away from Cordelia's.

"I got her killed, Cordelia. Why would she want to see me?"

"Vine… please, if not for yourself, then for me? I'm worried about you Vine. After the war, you disappeared for two years, and even now that your back, it's still like you're not even here. Like there's a wall between us, and you're trying to keep me out. Please, Vine. You can't run from her forever. I know Isara wants you to go see her," Cordelia pleaded.

"I… I won't make any promises, Cordelia, but… I'll try," Vine sighed in reply.

"I'm back, cinnamon rolls are right behind me," Elysse called running back into the audience chamber, "uhh, did I intrude on something."

"No, I was just leaving."

"Vine," Cordelia pleaded grabbing his hand, "you don't have to meet up with Lt. Gunther for another half an hour yet. Please, stay just a few minutes longer and have a cinnamon roll with me." Vine sighed.

"Alright, just one, then I've gotta go," Vine replied.

"Yes, of course. Thank you, Vine," Cordelia sighed with relief.

….

The next morning, Vine was up bright and early. "Hey, rise and shine, sleepy head," Vine ordered rolling Welkin out of his bed.

"Ahh, Vine, you're on leave, don't you ever sleep in?" Welkin asked.

"This coming from you ya bug nut. I'm surprised your still in bed," Vine replied.

"Guess you're right. Well, early to bed, early to rise I guess, so ready to go visit our friend?"

"At this hour? Won't they still be in bed?" Vine replied.

"No, I don't think so," Welkin replied, "she's always been an earlier riser after all."

"Ahha, so it is a she!" Vine shouted, "alright, let's see who're all the she's I know who live in Randgriz? Ah, I got nothing."

"It'll come to you soon enough," Welkin replied, "now let's go."

….

"So, is it… Susie?"

"No."

"Cherry?"

"No."

"Freesia?"

"No."

"Aika?"

"Are you just going down the list of Squad 7 girls?"

"Pretty much."

"Will you just stop, we'll be there soon and then you can see who it is," Welkin pleaded as he and Vine walked down the street of Randgriz.

"Fine, but where're we goin anyway? Where're we meeting 'em?"

"Here," Welks as he led Vine into a large cemetery.

"Uh… Welks, this is a graveyard," Vine declared, obviously confused.

"Perceptive as always Raging Blast Alchemist," Welks said laughing, "now come on, she'll be just over here."

"Okay, not the happiest place for a reunion," Vine sighed, "but whatever floats your boat, I guess."

"Here she is," Welks declared as Vine turned to look forward. There wasn't a person there. Instead, Welks was looking down at a gravestone."

"Huh?" Vine gasped in confusion looking down at the headstone. His eyes lit up with surprise as he read the words on the stone. Isara Gunther, Gallian Militia, Squad 7, Age: 16. "Welks… I…"

"Hey, Is. It's been a while. Sorry I haven't come to visit in so long," Welkin said looking down at the headstone. He was smiling, but Vine could see the sad tears in his eyes. "Hey, I found someone. I think you'll be happy to see him. It's your old friend, Vine. I know you remember him. He's been in Amestris since the war ended, so he hasn't been able to come see you, but he's here now Is. I'll let you two catch up alone for a bit. I'll just be right over there, okay?" he turned to Vine.

"Welks… what… I…" Vine stuttered.

"I'll give you a few minutes alone. Just talk to her, Vine. She can hear you, and… I know this'll make you feel better."

"Welks… I can't… I just…" he looked up as Welks grabbed his shoulder.

"A wise man told me that the events that leave us with scars are the ones we need to remember. That's why wounds heal, while scars only fade. Losing Isara, scared all of us Vine, but you weren't the one who inflicted that scar. I… I don't think Isara can rest in peace yet, because she's too sad, seeing you blame yourself for her death. You loved her and she loved you. It's time to let the scar fade, Vine. I'll be over there if you need me," Welkin declared as he left without another word. Vine stood speechless and stupefied for a few seconds before walking towards the headstone.

"I don't believe it. I didn't even know where it was," he moaned dropping to his knees and running his hand over the headstone. He was trying to hold back the tears, but it was a lost cause. "How much I loved you? You were like a sister to me, and I didn't know where they buried you. I'm sorry, Is. I'm so sorry. I… sorry, I've made you worry so much. You know, I've always been a bit of a knucklehead. You always did yell at me for being a slow learner. I uhh. I stopped using the Edelweiss' armor for weapon transmutations, so you don't have to worry about your tank anymore. I probably… should have done that anyone of the hundred times you asked me to stop, huh? You… still mad at me for that? I… I don't know, Is. Have I really been scared to face you all this time? I didn't even know where you were, because I was afraid. You have every right to hate me kid. It's been nothing but one broken promise after the other. I always talk about how much I loved you, how much you meant to me, and all I've ever done is let you down. Can you ever forgive me?" Vine was silent for almost a minute, as though waiting for an answer. He wasn't surprised when it didn't come. "I… I heard Rosie sang at your funeral. That song she sang for ya is quite a hit now, I hear. I'm sure you like it. I haven't heard it yet myself. I… You know how me and Rosie always were. I don't think there was ever a time we weren't fighting over this, that, or the other. If it weren't for you, we probably would have killed each other."

"Vine. I wonder what he's talking about over there," Welks sighed as he watched his friend, "Isara… I know you'd want me to help him, but he just won't listen to me. He still blames himself, no matter what I say. He needs your help, Is. You think there's anything you can do for him?"

"Boss man?" a woman's voice called from behind him. He turned and looked in surprise as a lovely woman whose brown hair was tied up into two buns on either side of her head.

"R… Rosie?"

….

"What do you think kid? You probably think I should talk to her huh. You always wanted us to be friends, but now I'm afraid of what she might say. I'm scared Is. Marmota, Batomys, Selvaria Bles, Maximillion… I'd rather face every one of them without my alchemy gloves then face Rosie now. I can't face it. What if she hates me now? I always wanted to be her friend, with everything else that's happened, I don't want to know, kid. I just don't want to know. Although, I'll admit, I do wanna hear your song. What did Welkin call it? Edy was gonna sing it, but she stopped. I wish she'd kept going, just that once. 'A Love Passed On' that's the one. 'A Love Passed On' it's… a good name. I think I'd like it if I heard it, but… I don't know. I just don't know." He sat silent awhile, staring at the headstone, until a gentle sound broke the silence.

"You stood always smiling

Ever quiet, ever tender

And I, a lost child

Always frightened, I remember

That you came and found me

Blinded by unshed tears."

Vine shot to his feet and looked back to the source of the sound, a beautiful song that brought tears to the alchemists' eyes, which widened with surprise when he saw the singer.

"The tear we cry are echoes

That tell what tomorrow will hold

And I wept

In your arms

And I heard

Bells ring out across the land

Bringing peace at last

To your heart my dearest friend

And now, the love that you gave me

Blooms and will live on

Through the tears in us all

Without end."

A warm, gentle breeze blew as two comrades… faced each other for the first time in two long years.

"Vine," the beautiful woman said happily as tears began to spill out of her eyes.

"Rosie…" Vine stuttered as his own tears prevailed and fell freely down the Raging Blast Alchemist's cheeks.

Ending Theme: Rain (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)

"Let me get this straight, Raging Blast, you just get back from three days leave, and now you want time off to go to a concert tonight."

"Uhhh… yes sir."

"Alright, Raging Blast, I'll let you go, but I have a condition. You have to convince Rosie to do a make up show for Class D and Class F tomorrow night."

"Uh… make up show, sir?"

"That's right. I can't leave Lanseal without cadets to defend it, so Class D and F will have to miss tonights. Here' I'd like you to distribute these tickets to Class G and Class A."

"Tickets! Colonel, you're an evil mastermind!"

"Not me, Welkin."

"Ahh, why me!"

Next Time: THE RAIN FALLS Scars begin to Fade

"I'll do it, Rosie, but just remember, you asked for it."