Chapter 30 –
Ed stood in front of the stage where he and all the others being honoured today during the memorial service would be seated. He couldn't pretend he wasn't upset by the fact that Al wasn't speaking to him still and had chosen to stay close to Izumi and Sig once they were in the courtyard. It had been an extremely awkward dinner last night. Neither Gracia nor Elysia had missed the fact that something massive had happened between the brothers or the fact that whatever it was wasn't good but, much to Ed's relief, Gracia never asked and Elysia was satisfied with a generic response of how he and Al had had a fight that afternoon. The young girl had told them it wasn't good to fight and that they should try and resolve it, to which Ed had told her they likely would soon. Gracia didn't look like she fully believed it would happen as soon as Ed had implied but she was willing to let it go, at least until Elysia was in bed that night.
Once the young girl was, Gracia had demanded to know what had happened between the two of them. Al hadn't answered her, just shot Ed a look before he headed for their room to grab his pyjamas so he could go into the bathroom and shower. Ed hadn't been surprised by his little brother's actions and he'd told Gracia that something he'd done 15 months ago to save his own life and hadn't told anyone about had been brought up and that Al wasn't taking it well. Gracia hadn't been satisfied with that answer and had asked what exactly Ed had done that was so bad that Al would act the way he was. Shiro and Lance hadn't looked thrilled to be hearing Ed's answer for the second time but it had nothing on Gracia's immediate tearful reaction.
The Hughes matriarch had pulled Ed into a hug so tight that Ed was a little worried she'd accidentally snap a rib. It took a few moments for Gracia to gather herself enough to ask Ed to explain everything but Ed had shaken his head, telling her that he'd already promised everyone else that he would be answering their questions soon enough and that he didn't want to do so twice. Gracia hadn't been happy but she'd managed to convince Ed to let her know when that conversation was going to take place so she could be there. Ed had agreed but only when Gracia had promised that Elysia wouldn't be there to hear it. He didn't want his little sister to hear about what he'd done in that Baschool mine shaft.
"Big brother Ed?" Elysia's voice brought Ed out of his thoughts and he looked down at her, giving her a big smile.
"What's up, El?" he asked as he gave into her silent request to be picked up. He took the opportunity to look around and see where everyone else was while he did so.
As Ed had thought, Al was still with Izumi and Sig, who were currently talking to Mei and Xao-Mei. Ling and Lan Fan were speaking with Fuhrer Grumman, who was also speaking with Scar and the Ishvalen elders who had arrived on the last train from Resembool the previous night, Scar having come earlier to attend the meeting with Grumman. General Armstrong was speaking with Major Miles, using him as a convenient excuse to escape her family, including Major Armstrong. Ross and Rebecca were with the majority of Mustang's team, speaking quietly amongst one another. The chimeras were watching both Ed and Al carefully and Ed knew that Darius or Heinkel had told Zampano and Jerso what had happened the previous afternoon. Gracia was speaking with Hawkeye and Mustang, likely trying to get Mustang to tell her when the discussion with Ed would take place and Voltron had been entertaining Elysia, at least until the young girl decided she wanted her big brother and had left them to stand a little awkwardly off to the side.
"Why did you sleep in the loungeroom last night?" Elysia asked as they stayed in front of the stage area, mainly so Ed didn't have to talk to anyone.
Ed sighed through his nose lightly. Al still hadn't been talking to him by the time Ed had gone for his own shower and since the eldest Elric couldn't stand the cold shoulder and he didn't want to cause an argument, he'd asked Lance if he wouldn't mind switching beds. The Blue Paladin had looked like he wanted to repeat Elysia's words from dinner but had held himself back from doing so and agreed to the request, much to Ed's relief. Ed had thought he'd been up early enough for Elysia not to notice the different sleeping arrangements but evidently he'd been wrong.
"Al and I haven't been able to fix what happened between us yesterday. I think we're gonna talk after all of this is over today so maybe it'll be fixed tonight," Ed told her. Elysia didn't look too happy about the fact that her brothers were still arguing but she gave a small nod. Her eyes lit up at something she could see over Ed's shoulder before they seemed to dull into confusion and a touch of fear but Ed knew exactly what it was. He couldn't stop the grin from forming on his face when five loud, warning growls sounded while a Lion pressed against his back and the grin only stretched further at the shriek emitted by his childhood friend. "You should've figured that coming at me like that wouldn't have ended well with them around," Ed told Winry as he faced her, shifting Elysia so she was on his hip rather than clinging to his front so she could see everything.
Winry was looking at the five Lions currently standing in front of Ed and blocking her from getting near him with a mixture of fear, wariness and awe. His words registered and she turned blazing blue eyes on him. "Why the hell did they almost attack me? I didn't do anything!" Winry claimed as she glared at Ed, who raised an unimpressed brow.
"So you weren't gonna hit me or something for some reason you think is justified?" Ed asked, knowing full well that had likely been his childhood friend's plan. He didn't need the Lions' confirmation to know it either.
"Well you would deserve it! You're the one who went up against a war criminal and put my precious automail at risk again!" Winry told him, scowling when the Lions didn't seem impressed by her answer.
"Actually, no I didn't," Ed told her. "They did," he said, nodding to the humans of Voltron, most of whom were looking like they were tossing up whether they should stop their Lions from acting so threatening or not, "while my job was freeing two of the Lions and their humans and taking down those holding them hostage. I never got so much as a scratch on any part of me so whatever you'd been about to do as payback or whatever for getting into a fight – which, let me remind you, is my job – wouldn't have been justified," Ed informed her bluntly. As much as he cared about Winry, he didn't have the patience or energy needed to put up with her usual behaviour today and his care level at how blunt he sounded was below zero. "Not to mention that you saw I had Elysia and my back was to you. What if I'd moved and you'd accidentally gotten her instead? Or what if I'd sensed something coming at me and moved to protect both me and her and you got hurt?" Ed asked, brow raised questioningly.
Winry puffed up, ready to defend herself when another voice spoke. "He's right, Winry," Pinako said as she joined them, puffing on her pipe. She smiled at Elysia, who waved in greeting from where she was perched on Ed's hip. "Not to mention you almost attacked a highly-respected State Alchemist in front of plenty of soldiers who are on high alert for any kind of attack considering how many big wigs are in attendance," Pinako continued saying, ignoring the slightly shocked noise Winry had made.
Winry's eyes widened as she allowed Pinako's words to sink in and Ed almost rolled his eyes as she took in the extra security measures Grumman had implemented, including soldiers whose sole job was to keep an eye out for any kind of danger to those in the courtyard. Ed glanced at Voltron, who now seemed to be watching Winry intently since she was no longer acting in a way that would seem threatening to an outside party towards Ed. The Lions still hadn't shifted from their spots in front of the blonde alchemist and Ed was mildly curious as to whether they planned on it. He noticed Pinako's shrewd eyes glance off to his side before they came back to Ed while Winry was still trying to come to terms with the fact that she'd almost gotten herself arrested or shot because she hadn't thought her actions through enough.
"What's going on between you and Alphonse?" Pinako asked. She didn't react to the way Ed seemed to tighten his grip on Elysia, nor how both the Lions and humans of Voltron seemed to move a bit closer to the young blonde in question. Winry blinked as she looked between her two best friends and realised for the first time that they weren't standing together or in fact acting like the other was even nearby.
"Something I hadn't told him about was revealed when Darius and Heinkel asked me about it yesterday," Ed told them, voice a touch stiff and defensive. "No one outside of me, Darius, Heinkel and two others actually knew about it and Al's not happy with the information or the fact that I kept it from him," he said. Winry opened her mouth, likely to demand to know what it was but Ed's glare made her shut it. "I'm not talking about it in front of the public," he informed her, though the flick of his eyes to Elysia told the two Rockbell women that she was the main reason Ed wasn't speaking about it with them right now.
"Fine," Winry huffed before she glanced at Alphonse once more. "Introduce me to your friends so I can go and say hello to Al," Winry ordered, causing Ed to roll his eyes at her. He knew exactly why Winry wanted to go and speak with Al and it wasn't just to say hello.
"This is Voltron, a specialised team who accidentally found themselves in the Ishvalen desert after the war criminal they were hunting down used a power they had no knowledge of," Ed said, sticking to the cover story Voltron had created back in Ishval before he actually got to the introduction part. "Guys, this is Winry, my childhood friend and automail mechanic," he said, looking over his shoulder at the pilots of Voltron before he looked down at the Lions. "You don't have to keep guarding me, you know. I think she's learned her lesson," Ed said, a smirk curving at the corners of his lips when he heard Winry's huff.
"We know but we're still gonna," Green informed him, her eyes still on Winry as though she expected the blonde mechanic to try something.
Ed didn't bother to argue against them, knowing just how futile it would be. Winry was skirting around them cautiously as she approached Elysia. "Hi, Elysia. I'm sorry if I scared you before," Winry said once she'd given the young girl a kiss on the cheek.
"It's okay, big sissy Winry!" Elysia chirped cheerfully. Though she had never seen Winry attack Edward in her usual manner, she had heard her big brother complain about it plenty of times so she knew that Winry wasn't really going to hurt her big brother badly.
There was a warning growl from Red as Winry took a step back, almost stepping on her tail. "Are they going to get over what I was going to do any time soon?" Winry asked as she navigated her way back to Pinako's side. The Lions didn't look pleased with her complaining.
"It's taken them nearly six months to warm up enough to Mustang that they no longer watch him like a hawk when he's near them and me and he hadn't tried to attack me when they first saw him," Ed told her, leaving her to read between the lines. The small scowl on her face told Ed she'd managed to do so fairly quickly.
"It was really nice to meet you and I hope we get the chance to actually talk later on but I'm gonna go and say hello to my other idiot best friend before the ceremony gets started," Winry said after a few moments of her trying to figure out a way to get the Lions on her good side.
"So do we, Miss Winry," Shiro said honestly. Despite the less than impressive first meeting, he certainly wouldn't mind speaking with Ed and Al's childhood best friend a little more. There was huff in his mind that told him that Black wasn't as enthusiastic about it but he decided to ignore it. All of the Lions could be very petty when it came to their behaviour regarding someone they felt had slighted them or someone they care about.
Winry gave Ed a look that had the blonde rolling his eyes but nodding in agreement to whatever it is. Seemingly happy by that, Winry waved to Elysia before she headed for Alphonse, apparently not even slightly phased by the looks she was getting from those who'd been close enough to hear the exchange between Ed and the two Rockbell women. As he watched her head over to Alphonse, Ed noted that Grumman was directing soldiers and a quick glance at his pocket watch told him that the ceremony would be starting shortly.
"Looks like everything's gonna start soon," Ed told them all. "Do you remember what Fuhrer Grumman told us when we first arrived this morning?" he asked Elysia, who nodded energetically enough that her ponytails nearly hit Ed in the face.
"We're gonna go on the big stage and be in front of lotsa people while the Fuhrer talks about Promised Day and gives you and big brother Al and Uncle Roy and everyone else who made the bad guy go away some presents," she repeated as she went through the instructions Grumman had given her and Gracia that morning. "Afta' that, he's gonna give Mama something because Daddy did something really important 'fore he was gone. Then me and Mama can choose whether we're gonna stay with you on the big stage or if we wanna go sit with Granny and big sissy Winry and the Lions and their humans," she said, nodding to herself as she spoke.
Ed gave Elysia a tighter hug before he let go of her. "That's exactly right. You did so good remembering all of that," he praised her, making Elysia flush a little.
"Where are they gonna sit?" Pinako asked, gesturing with her pipe to the Lions still around Ed and the humans standing just behind him.
"Grumman said he'd try and arrange it so they're near you and Winry but on the edge of the seating section so the Lions aren't cramped up in the rows," Ed told her. A streak of black caught his attention and his golden eyes followed Li Jun as he took up his chosen position. His attention was brought back to the ground when the sound of someone clearing their throat could be heard nearby. "What is it?" Ed asked the soldier once he realised it had been her who'd made the noise and had dismissed her from her salute.
"I've been tasked with showing Mrs. Rockbell and our diplomatic guests to their seats as well as informing you that Fuhrer Grumman would like you and Miss Elysia to start making your way up the stage," she told him. Despite her only being a captain, there was none of the nervousness in her voice or body language that Ed was so used to seeing from people of lower-rank than him and who'd never actually spoken to him before and he found himself wishing all the soldiers could be like this one.
"Thank you for letting us know," Ed said, dipping his head at her before he turned to Voltron. "You guys should get going. I don't think the Fuhrer would appreciate it if you held up the memorial service from starting," he said, speaking mainly to the Lions, who all rolled their eyes at him but did leave his side to join back up with their humans.
"We'll see you after the ceremony," Lance said, giving Ed's shoulder a squeeze as he and the rest of Voltron passed Ed to join the captain tasked with showing them their seats.
"Will do," Ed told him, giving him a smile before he nodded to Pinako and watched them start following the soldier to their seats, stopping only to collect Winry along the way. "You ready to go on the stage, kiddo?" Ed asked the young girl still clinging to him.
"Uh-huh," she told him, eyes now fixed on the stage.
"Are you gonna walk up there by yourself or am I carrying you?" Ed asked as he slowly made his way towards the staircase sitting next to the stage to make getting on it easier.
"Mama said I'm not allowed to get my dress dirty or torn so can you carry me, big brother?" Elysia asked as she eyes the steps dubiously.
"Course I can," he told her, adjusting his grip on her slightly. He didn't want to risk Gracia's displeasure if Elysia did manage to trip on her way up to the stage. Even though he could mend the dress or clean it easily with alchemy, Gracia still wouldn't have been impressed.
"Thanks, big brother," Elysia said as she curled up against his shoulder, watching everyone as they walked past them.
Ed didn't say anything to Mustang or Hawkeye when he joined them, though he did smile at Hawkeye's silent 'are you alright?' look. Gracia didn't seem surprised that Elysia had managed to talk Ed into carrying her and Ed huffed a little when Gracia tried to straighten his jackets for him. Al, Izumi and Sig followed the four of them up the staircase but none of them spoke a word to Ed and the blonde couldn't help but grimace at that. It meant that Izumi was still upset and that never ended well for him. Sig likely didn't know what to do or say but Ed was certain he felt the bigger man's hand graze his back as Samantha directed them to the chairs they'd be sitting in.
"Now, are you going to be sitting with your big brother or your mother, Elysia?" Samantha asked after she'd finished directing the chimeras and Scar to sit next to each other with Mei, Ling and Lan Fan on Scar's other side.
Elysia contemplated her choices. "Can big brother Ed sit next to Mama?" she asked finally.
Samantha smiled at her. "That can be arranged," she promised before she set her sights on Mustang and his team. "You'll be sitting in the front row with Master Sergeant Fuery on the end and working your way up by ranks. General Mustang will be sitting in the middle with Lieutenant-Colonel Elric on his left, Gracia next to him and Alphonse on Gracia's other side, if that's alright with you, Alphonse?" Samantha asked and received a nod from the blonde in question. Samantha gave him a thankful smile before her attention was grabbed by the Armstrong siblings, Lieutenant Ross and Rebecca joining them on the stage.
Armed with their orders, everyone took their seats, though Ed did so a little apprehensively. Mustang hadn't spoken a word to him since the previous afternoon and Ed wasn't looking forward to sitting next to someone who was still angry with him. Elysia seemed to be perfectly happy with the arrangements since it meant she was next to her uncle and her mother while on one of her big brother's laps so Ed buried down his feelings on the matter so Elysia wouldn't sense them. Gracia squeezed his left arm slightly before she turned to Al and spoke in a voice low enough that Ed couldn't make out what she was saying with Samantha currently directing the last of the group into their seats.
Ed watched everyone down in the seating area in front of the stage mill around as they all tried finding their seats. It was easy to spot the Lions sitting on the outer edge of the front half of the seats set up on Ed's right and it only took Ed a couple more moments to spot the Paladins, Pinako and Winry in their seats. Winry and Pinako were sitting together with Hunk on the end of the row. Behind Hunk and Winry were Lance and Pidge and in the row behind them were Shiro and Keith, creating a human barrier between the other civilians and the Lions. Ed thought it was pretty clever of Grumman to arrange the seating that way. Most of Central was used to the idea of the Lions being around but that didn't mean they would've been comfortable with having them sitting right next to them. Now they would have at least two humans between them and the Lions.
"Are you doing okay? You don't seem very comfortable," Blue asked, eyes fixed on him from where she lay next to Lance and Green.
"Yeah. Not thrilled about the seating arrangements considering what went down yesterday but I've survived worse," Ed told her, a small smirk on his face that was hidden by Elysia.
Unsurprisingly, none of the Lions seemed impressed by his attempts to dismiss their concerns. "We'll be there when you have to talk about it, you know. We'll make sure none of them do or say anything stupid and that they'll regret later," Red told him, her earnest tone forcing Ed to fight down a blush.
"I think I'll need you there as my bodyguards. Especially when Winry finds out," Ed said, his tone equally joking and serious. "Thanks, guys," Ed whispered, even though they were speaking through their bond. Movement to his left had his eyes flicking in that direction and watching Samantha nod to Grumman, silently telling him everything was ready. "Guess we'd better pay attention," he said with a small sigh, earning himself several chuckles before the Lions pulled away from the bond so Ed could listen to Grumman address Amestris.
Grumman stood behind the podium and gazed out at those who were seated in front of him. He waited a few moments for the movement in the seats to settle down before he started speaking. "One year ago today, Amestris faced a threat that no one but a handful of people knew was coming," he said, his voice clear and level. "A year ago, our late Fuhrer, King Bradley, was ousted as a traitor to our military and, more importantly, our country. A year ago, Central Command and the surrounding area became a warzone as our military fought against itself while confusion and fear ran rampant throughout the citizens of Amestris. A year ago, Brigadier-General Mustang led a coup d'état against the traitors sitting in the military high command while Lieutenant-Colonel Elric led a handful of people into Central to locate and take out the true mastermind behind what has become known as Promised Day. A year ago today we lost thousands of lives throughout Amestris due to the machinations of one being who desired a power that didn't belong to it." There was nothing but silence as Grumman's words rang out over those present and Ed tightened his grip a little on the now subdued Elysia.
"Over a year and a half ago, Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and his brother uncovered the illegal experimentations happening in Laboratory Five but before they could investigate anything further, the laboratory was destroyed while Lieutenant-Colonel Elric was inside it. As he recovered from the injuries he sustained, Brigadier-General Maes Hughes and Major Alex Louise Armstrong took his and his brother's, Alphonse Elric, statements and started an investigation of their own," Grumman said. Ed could feel Gracia move next to him and he didn't bother trying to hide the fact that he grabbed her hand to squeeze it. "Using his position as Fuhrer, Bradley ordered the four of them to drop their investigation, giving them a story that he was running his own internal investigation and would call upon them when he required their aid as his reason," Grumman continued.
"Going against his orders in order to follow his instincts, Brigadier-General Hughes continued digging further into the beings Lieutenant-Colonel Elric had identified as homunculi," Grumman said. Ed felt the familiar wave of guilt and self-hate roll through him as Grumman spoke but the Lions were quick to replace it with their love and support. Because he was sitting on his right, Ed never noticed Mustang touching his arm in a show of support but the keen eyes of the Lions didn't miss the action. "Determined to protect the Elric brothers – whom he and his family had grown close too – and to solve the mystery in front of him, Brigadier-General Hughes eventually uncovered a vital piece of information that he knew was important enough that the homunculi wouldn't want it known," Grumman told them. "In his attempts to get that piece of information to Brigadier-General Roy Mustang, the one person he felt he could trust, Brigadier-General Hughes became the first person to be silenced in order to keep the plans for Promised Day a secret," Grumman said.
Elysia wriggled on Ed's lap and he let his eyes fall to her to see what was wrong only to find himself looking at her reaching for his and Gracia's joined hands so she could offer her mother and big brother what comfort she could. Gracia's eyes were glistening but no tears were falling just yet and, not for the first time, Ed found himself admiring Gracia's strength. He forced his attention back onto Grumman, who had now moved on to recount the fight between Al, Ed, Izumi and the Greed they'd faced in Dublith and how Major Armstrong and Wrath had joined the brothers in Dublith. Ed let Grumman's voice wash over him as the man continued relaying the events that had led up to the battle for Amestris – including the true story behind the slaughter of Ishval – that took place exactly one year ago in the courtyard they were currently in.
It took nearly half an hour for Grumman to reach the final battle between Ed and Father and the ultimate sacrifice Greed had made to ensure Ed won the battle. "The homunculous, Greed, gave up his immortality and therefore his life in order to create a weakness in his creator that Lieutenant-Colonel Elric was able to exploit. In doing so, Lieutenant-Colonel Elric ended the life of Father and secured Amestris' victory, enabling all of us here today to survive past that fateful day one year ago," Grumman said, no small amount of pride in his voice. He paused for a few moments before he continued. "Today is not just a day to remember those lives we lost because of a power-hungry being's desire to rule the world but it is also a day to officially recognise and honour those amongst us that without whom, we would simply not be here," Grumman said.
Even though he'd been expecting it, Ed still felt the mix of annoyance and nervousness build up in him as he realised that in a matter of minutes, he would need to walk across the stage and accept the medal Grumman would offer him. Grumman's voice managed to cut through his thoughts yet again and Ed forced himself to use the time it took for him be announced to calm down.
"The first person I'd like to honour today is 1st Lieutenant Maria Ross. Falsely accused of causing Brigadier-General Hughes' death, Lieutenant Ross found herself in a jail cell and robbed of her right to a fair trial," Grumman explained and Ed saw Maria straighten slightly. "Thanks to the help given by some of those who knew of her innocence, Lieutenant Ross was able to escape Central before she was sentenced to death. Because of the fact that her death had been faked in order to keep her safe, Lieutenant Ross was in the unique position of being able to aid those who fought for Amestris a year ago smuggle weapons into the city without fear that she would be caught. Even though her only task was to help arm those fighting for us, Lieutenant Ross proceeded to arm herself and join in the fight to try and save innocent lives," Grumman said, looking at Ross, who was now on her feet and crossing the stage to accept her medal. "Because of your actions on Promised Day and in the weeks before helping plan the coup, it is my honour to present you with this medal," Grumman said, his voice a touch quieter since he was turned away from the microphone but Ed knew his voice still carried over everyone as he saluted her.
Ross immediately returned the salute as she accepted the velvet box containing the medal Grumman had presented her. "It was my honour to defend our country, Fuhrer Grumman," Ross said as Grumman nodded to her to lower her salute.
With a final nod, Grumman dismissed her and Ross headed back to her seat. Ed flashed her a smile that she returned while Grumman spoke once more into the microphone. "The next person who I would like to honour today is 2nd Lieutenant Rebecca Catalina, who risked her safety to act as a messenger between myself and numerous allies to ensure important information reached them in time," Grumman said and Rebecca straightened in her seat, ready for the cue from Samantha. "Not only that but Lieutenant Catalina also joined Lieutenant Ross in supplying weapons to our forces and helped Brigadier-General Mustang and some of his soldiers get closer to Central Command when they were pinned down," he told everyone as Rebecca received the nod and started her walk towards Grumman where they went through the same motions Grumman and Rebecca had done. "Because of your willingness to risk your life to act as a messenger and join Lieutenant Ross, it is my honour to present you this medal." As Maria had done barely a minute before, Rebecca saluted Grumman, who mimicked her, as she accepted the medal.
Rebecca – knowing first hand that Ed didn't like the whole idea of accepting a medal in front of a crowd – winked at the blonde, earning herself an eyeroll, as she passed him. He was still shaking his head when Grumman announced the next person to be presented their medal. "The next person who I have decided to award this medal to is Sig Curtis," Grumman announced. "Though he wasn't part of our military and therefore had no reason to help us, Mr. Curtis did so in order to protect his wife, Izumi, and her students, Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Alphonse Elric. His aid on Promised Day saw the end brought to the homunculous, Sloth, with the aid of his wife, Major Alex Louise Armstrong and Lieutenant-General Olivier Mira Armstrong," Grumman said and Ed grinned up at Sig as he walked towards Grumman as Samantha's nod. "On behalf of Amestris, I would like to thank you for your assistance on Promised Day," Grumman said as he shook Sig's hand.
"It was my honour, Fuhrer Grumman," Sig rumbled as he accepted the velvet box. A final smile and nod had Sig walking back towards Izumi, though he made sure to give both Elrics a smile as he did so.
"Major Alex Louise Armstrong, the Strongarm Alchemist, not only uncovered information after the collapse of the Fifth Laboratory but he also aided Brigadier-General Mustang and Lieutenant-Colonel Elric in uncovering further information. On Promised Day, he joined our coup and fought to protect our country, fighting against a homunculous whilst heavily injured. Given only a few minutes to rest, Major Armstrong didn't hesitate to join Lieutenant-Colonel Elric, Alphonse Elric, Izumi Curtis, Van Hohenheim, Brigadier-General Mustang and several others in trying to take down Father when he was forced aboveground," Grumman recounted. Ed swore he could feel Armstrong trying to keep his emotions in check as he walked towards Grumman. "Thank you for your aid on Promised Day, Major Armstrong," Grumman said as he saluted the emotive man and presented him the medal.
"It was my honour to assist those in fighting for our country, Your Excellency," Armstrong said, his voice far lower than Ed had truly been expecting.
Rather than turn back to the microphone immediately, Grumman nodded to Samantha, who in turn got to her feet and joined him on stage. "The next four individuals I would like to honour during this ceremony are Master Sergeant Kain Fuery, 2nd Lieutenant Vato Falman, and 1st Lieutenants Heymans Breda and Jean Havoc," Grumman said. The four men in question were beckoned to Grumman's side by Samantha, who was now holding four small velvet boxes. "Sergeant Kain Fuery was instrumental in ensuring those on our side were able to stay in communication with one another and he helped keep the radio broadcast by Mrs. Bradley on the air," Grumman said before he took a box from Samantha, saluted Fuery and turned back to the microphone. "Lieutenant Falman aided our troops from Fort Briggs in fortifying Central Command, preventing our enemy from breaching the outer walls and from leaving the base. Even when he was faced by King Bradley, Lieutenant Falman never wavered in his duty and held the northern gates firmly closed," Grumman told them all as he mimicked what he'd done with Fuery with Falman.
"Lieutenant Breda assisted Brigadier-General Mustang and Lieutenant-Colonel Elric in gathering information for the plans for the coup d'état and he ensured that the radio station who was broadcasting live on Promised Day wouldn't be overtaken by enemy soldiers," Grumman said, presenting Breda with his medal before he once again turned to the microphone for the last presentation in this group. "Lieutenant Havoc, despite being grievously injured in his fight against the homunculous, Lust, and retired from the military, was able to supply our side with the weapons needed to help us gain our victory," Grumman said before he presented Havoc his medal. "It was my honour to present the four of you with these medals and on behalf of the military, I'd like to thank you for your actions on the Promised Day," Grumman said as he saluted all four of them.
The four men nodded as they returned the salutes, holding their velvet boxes in their left hands. Grumman dismissed them with a nod and the four made their way back to their seats, exchanging winks and grins with Ed, Elysia and Mustang as they did so. Samantha had moved back to her seat just before Grumman started talking once more. "Captain Riza Hawkeye not only used her position as Fuhrer Bradley's personal assistant to aide Brigadier-General Mustang and myself in gathering information against him – at great personal risk to herself – but she also uncovered the identity of the last homunculous in doing so. Joining General Mustang on the front lines, she eventually assisted Lieutenant-Colonel Elric, Scar and those with them in the initial fight against the white abominations created by the traitors within the military," Grumman said, standing tall as he spoke proudly about his granddaughter's actions. "She almost paid the ultimate price for her loyalty to her country during the fight between General Mustang, Scar, Darius, Zampano, Jerso and the brainwashed victims of Father's. Thanks to the actions of Princess Mei Chang, who utilised her alkahestry to do so, Captain Hawkeye's grievous injury was healed enough to ensure she was able to receive medical help when she could," Grumman said. It wasn't obvious to most everyone but to those who knew Grumman's tells, they could see the emotions he was trying to hide as the memory of how close they were to losing Hawkeye played on his mind.
Hawkeye was by his side in only a few moments and Ed could see the sympathy and affection in her eyes as she watched her grandfather. "Thank you for this honour, Fuhrer Grumman," Hawkeye said as she saluted the older man.
Grumman returned the salute, though Ed suspected that the old man had really wanted to pull Hawkeye into a hug, and Hawkeye returned to her seat as Grumman moved on to the next person he was awarding. "Lieutenant-General Olivier Mira Armstrong brought with her the full force of Fort Briggs when we asked for her aide in overthrowing the corrupt members of the military," Grumman informed those sitting in front of him and listening over the radio. "At great risk to herself, General Armstrong also offered to – and was successful in – infiltrating the late Fuhrer King Bradley's corrupt inner circle of generals and soon found herself to be our main informant. She played the role so well that none of the corrupt generals suspected her true loyalty lay with Amestris until the morning of Promised Day," Grumman said and Samantha gestured to General Armstrong to stand. "After defeating the generals with her, General Armstrong set up the main communications room for the fighters in Central Command and proceeded to join her brother, Major Alex Louise Armstrong, in fighting against and ultimately defeating the homunculous, Sloth, with the additional aide of Izumi and Sig Curtis," he recounted. Turning to the general, who was now waiting as patiently as Ed had ever seen her do so, Grumman saluted her as he presented her with the medal. "You have not only upheld your family's legacy but you also created one of your own. It is my honour to present you with the medal in recognition of your actions on Promised Day."
"It was my honour to help rid our military of the treacherous dogs we were infested with," Armstrong said and Ed honestly couldn't be surprised at her words. He honestly would've been more surprised if it had been something closer to Hawkeye's or Rebecca's responses.
The female Armstrong didn't bother looking at any of them as she made her way back to her seat while Grumman moved on. "The next four men found out they had been manipulated by the military after fighting against Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Alphonse Elric. Upon learning the truth behind what Bradley and the corrupt generals were planning to do to Amestris, they swiftly joined the Elric brothers in their preparations for Promised Day," Grumman revealed. "Darius, Heinkel, Zampano and Jerso deserted the military once they were told the truth. While Zampano and Jerso joined Alphonse Elric in aiding Scar's and Princess Mei Chang's deciphering of vital notes written by Scar's late brother, Darius and Heinkel joined Lieutenant-Colonel Elric in his preparations. Though given the opportunity to do so, not one of them took the Elric brothers up on their offer to escape Amestris before Promised Day. Rather, they joined them, Van Hohenheim, Emperor Ling and his two guards, Lan Fan and Fu, in facing the homunculi, Pride and Gluttony, the night before Promised Day. Heinkel bravely stayed behind with Alphonse Elric to guard the prison they'd trapped Pride in while the other three joined everyone else in infiltrating Central and getting into the underground tunnel systems," Grumman told them all. Samantha was once again next to Grumman and was now gesturing for the chimeras to join her.
"Once underground, Zampano, Jerso and Darius aided Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Scar in their fight against the white abominations. Once joined by Brigadier-General Mustang, Captain Hawkeye and Princess Mei Chang, they assisted in the fight against the brainwashed victims ordered to fight against them. Despite the injuries they'd gained by that stage, they still joined everyone in the fight against the homunculous, Wrath, - or as all of us knew him, Fuhrer King Bradley – and eventually wounded him enough for Scar to defeat him," Grumman said. Once he'd finished recapping their actions on Promised Day, Grumman presented each of them with their medal, shaking their hands as he did so. "Thank you for your assistance on Promised Day."
"Someone had to make sure the kid didn't get himself injured again before the big fight," Darius said, low enough that the microphone didn't pick up his voice but Ed sure did. Unfortunately for the blonde, he had to settle for glaring at the gorilla chimera rather than flip him off like he wanted to.
Grumman's eyes twinkled as he grinned at them before dismissing them. Ed's glare didn't seem to phase Darius as he walked past the blonde. "The next three people I would like to honour had no reason to assist us like they did. Amestris isn't their country and they had no family living here. However, that didn't stop them from aiding Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Brigadier-General Mustang in their plans to stop Father on Promised Day when they found out about it," Grumman announced. "Emperor Ling Yao was accompanied by his guards, Lan Fan and Fu, when they first met Lieutenant-Colonel Elric in Rush Valley. Although their meeting didn't start off on the right foot, Emperor Ling and his guards were soon helping Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Alphonse Elric in capturing the homunculous, Gluttony, in order to ask it questions regarding the Promised Day. The answers they received led them to Father's lair under Central, where they uncovered further information that proved to be important," Grumman told them all. Samantha was now signalling to the Xingese to make their way across the stage to where she was waiting.
Grumman took the first velvet box from Samantha before he presented it to Ling. "Thank you for aiding our country in our fight to save it," Grumman said as he offered Ling a bow that the emperor returned once Grumman had straightened. The Fuhrer's attention went to Mei next and he gave her a kind smile. "Thank you for coming back to assist us when you had the opportunity to avoid the fighting," he said, presenting her with her medal before he bowed, just as he'd done so for Ling. Once he'd straightened, Grumman took the last box from Samantha and presented it to Lan Fan. "Thank you for helping us succeed in our victory and I would like to take this opportunity to once again express my condolences for the loss of your grandfather," he said to her, bowing once more after she'd accepted the medal.
"Thank you for your kind words, Fuhrer Grumman," Lan Fan said as she returned the gesture.
Grumman gave her a kind smile before Samantha looked significantly at their vacated chairs, a subtle hint for them to head back for them. Ed was certain he saw a small smirk on Grumman's face when not a single one of the Xingese dared to linger next to him after Samantha's silent orders. "The next man who I will be presenting with the medal for their actions on Promised Day is one who has a contentious relationship with Amestris," Grumman said and Ed barely managed to stop himself from looking for Scar. "After losing his home and family in the Ishvalen Civil War, Scar vowed to get justice for his people by exterminating those he saw as responsible for the destruction of Ishval: State Alchemists. Managing to take down nearly two dozen State Alchemists, Scar soon discovered the truth about who was truly behind the destruction of Ishval and he soon found himself trying to uncover everything he could while staying out of the military's eyes. Teaming up with Princess Mei Chang, former State Alchemist, Doctor Timothy Marcoh, and a former lieutenant-colonel, Scar moved north where he encountered the Elric brothers once more," Grumman recounted. "Forming a temporary alliance, Scar escaped the grip of the military with the aid of Lieutenant-Colonel Elric, Alphonse Elric and their childhood friend, Winry Rockbell. Once they were joined by Alphonse Elric, they spent their time and energy decoding notes left by Scar's late brother and eventually they uncovered the array that would later be used by Scar on Promised Day to aide our fighters," Grumman said before he turned to grab the next velvet box while Scar approached the podium. "I wish to thank you on behalf of Amestris for your actions on Promised Day."
"My anger was taken out on the wrong people and I owed it to both Amestris and what remained of Ishval to ensure that those who were truly behind the genocide of my people paid for their crimes," Scar told Grumman even as he accepted the medal.
Grumman nodded his head in acknowledgement of Scar's words before he gave him an almost apologetic smile as Samantha gestured for Scar to move back to his seat. Ed was going to have to remember to congratulate Samantha on keeping the ceremony on track after this was all over and done with. He tightened his grip on Elysia, who had been doing a very good job at keeping herself still, despite likely being very bored by now.
"The next woman I would like to call up to receive her medal for her actions on Promised Day is Mrs. Izumi Curtis," Grumman announced. "Mrs. Curtis was one of the five people chosen by Father that he needed to complete his plans for Promised Day. A formidable woman and alchemist, Mrs. Curtis found out about the homunculi and Promised Day from her students, Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Alphonse Elric on their first visit to Dublith after the collapse of the Fifth Laboratory. The three of them realised that Mrs. Curtis could very well be a candidate for Father's plans but, rather than flee the country, Mrs. Curtis decided to head north with her husband and use her alchemy to help the Fort Briggs soldiers enter Central Command without being detected. Both she and her husband then joined Lieutenant-General Armstrong and Major Armstrong in defeating the homunculous, Sloth, before she joined the fight against Father both under the city and in this courtyard," Grumman said as Samantha nodded to Izumi, giving her the cue to head for Grumman, which she did. "On behalf of Amestris, it is my honour to present you with this medal as a symbol of your actions on Promised Day," Grumman said as he handed her the velvet box that contained her medal.
"It was my honour to help defend our country against those who wished to see it destroyed," Izumi said as she accepted the box and shook Grumman's hand.
Izumi was quick to leave Grumman's side and head back to her seat next to Sig and Ed was a little ashamed to admit that he "accidentally" avoided her eyes as she walked past by pretending to check on Elysia in that moment. He only lifted his eyes off the young girl when he heard Grumman talking once more. "Just like Izumi Curtis, Alphonse Elric was not officially part of our military but he was granted permission to accompany his brother, Lieutenant-Colonel Elric, on most of his missions. Though they were together for most of the five years of Lieutenant-Colonel Elric's contract with the military, three months before Promised Day, they were forced to split up in order to make their enemy's job of tracking them harder. Braving the bitter cold of the northern weather, Alphonse Elric left his brother in Baschool in order to alert Scar, Princess Mei and their group of the fact that Lieutenant-General Armstrong was no longer at Fort Briggs and therefore the fortress was no longer a safe place for them," Grumman explained to the whole of Amestris. "After helping decode the notes left by Scar's late brother, Alphonse accompanied everyone to an unnamed slum where they spent time figuring out their next move. Several weeks later, Alphonse found himself in Liore with Zampano, Jerso and former Lieutenant-Colonel Yoki where they ran into Van Hohenheim and discovered the date Promised Day would take place. Reuniting with his brother in Kanama, Alphonse was the key player in the plan to trap the homunculous, Pride." At this point, Samantha gestured for Alphonse to start heading towards Grumman.
"Even after Pride escaped, all Alphonse could think of doing was getting to Central as quickly as possible in order to fight by his brother's side and help those fighting on our side. During the fight with Father, Alphonse was instrumental in protecting several allies, including Princess Mei Chang, and saving their lives," Grumman said before he turned to Alphonse and presented him with the velvet box containing his medal. "It is my honour to present you with this medal for your actions on Promised Day," Grumman said, shaking Al's hand as he handed him the medal.
"Thank you for this honour, Fuhrer Grumman," Alphonse said, voice perfectly polite as he accepted the award.
Grumman gave him a smile before he turned back to the podium to announce the next recipient. Alphonse didn't need Samantha to let him know that that was his cue to head back to his seat and as he did so, his eyes met Ed's. The elder Elric was probably far more relieved than he should've been when Al returned his small smile.
"As the leader and main driving force of the coup d'état, Brigadier-General Mustang was an integral part of the Promised Day battle. Using his connections within Central, East City and Fort Briggs, he was able to successfully pull off a revolt, ridding the military of a corrupt Fuhrer and a traitorous high command," Grumman said, his voice ringing over the courtyard once more. Ed saw Elysia twist on his lap to give her uncle a proud smile and he was barely able to hide a soft one of his own at her actions. That didn't mean he was spared from teasing comments from certain Lions and he made sure they knew he was thoroughly unimpressed with their teasing. "Fighting on the front lines to start with, General Mustang and Captain Hawkeye were aided in reaching Central Command by Lieutenants Ross and Catalina, where they then joined Lieutenant-Colonel Elric, Scar, Princess Mei Chang, Zampano, Jerso and Darius in destroying the white abominations the military had released. Once they were dealt with, General Mustang joined the group in fighting against the brainwashed victims of Father and later fought against Wrath before he was kidnapped by Father in order to be used by him for his plans. Though blinded by Father, General Mustang continued to assist in the fight, aided by first Izumi Curtis then Captain Hawkeye. Once his sight was restored, General Mustang returned back to duty and was instrumental in assisting in the cleaning and rebuilding efforts, both here in Central and in Ishval," Grumman told them all as Mustang was silently ordered by Samantha to join the Fuhrer. The twinkle in Grumman's eyes when he turned to face Mustang told Ed that he definitely saw Samantha's actions. "In honour of your actions and sacrifices on Promised Day, I would like to present you with this medal as a symbol of your loyalty to Amestris," Grumman said, saluting Mustang as he handed over the familiar velvet box.
"It was my privilege to be able to fight for my country and protect it and her people from the threats she faced a year ago," Mustang said, saluting Grumman back.
Ed wasn't happy when he saw Grumman dismiss the salute because he knew that it meant it would be his turn. He almost hoped that something would happen to disrupt the ceremony so he could avoid this but he knew that even if it did, Grumman would insist of finishing the memorial service and he would still have to go through with this. Squeezing Elysia to get her attention as Mustang walked back, Ed whispered to her, "You're gonna have to get ready to hop up in a minute because I'll need to go up to the Fuhrer."
"I know, big brother," Elysia whispered back as Mustang settled himself back in the seat next to Ed.
"Without the actions of the next person to be awarded this medal, it is very likely that the plot to destroy our country wouldn't have been uncovered in time," Grumman said and Ed refused to look anywhere other than Elysia's hand, which was now gripping his. "Lieutenant-Colonel Elric uncovered the first sign that there was a plot against our country during his investigation of the Fifth Laboratory the night it was destroyed nearly eight months before Promised Day. Once he uncovered that piece of information, he took it upon himself to try and uncover the rest of the plan with only his brother helping him. Eventually, Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Brigadier-General Mustang shared the information they had with one another and formed as much of the plan for the coup d'état as they could before Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and his brother went north and disappeared from the military and public's eye for nearly three months," Grumman said. Ed looked up just in time to see Samantha giving him an understanding smile even as she gestured firmly for him to get up and start walking. "After battling against the homunculous, Pride, in Kanama and leaving his brother to help guard him, Lieutenant-Colonel Elric snuck into Central City via the Third Laboratory with Van Hohenheim, Jerso, Zampano, Darius, Scar and Lan Fan accompanying him," Grumman said as Ed nudged Elysia, letting her know he needed to get up now. The young girl hopped off his lap and let him get up before she claimed his seat for her own.
Ed shook his head at her and ruffled her pigtails before he headed for Grumman, who was still talking. "Lieutenant-Colonel Elric fought against numerous enemies before Father kidnapped him and tried to enact on his plan. When his plan started to fail and he forced aboveground and into this courtyard, Father tried to eliminate those around him, including Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Izumi Curtis. Saved by the actions of Van Hohenheim, Lieutenant-Colonel Elric joined back in the fight, though his right arm was severely damaged." Ed had joined Grumman by this time and was now standing slightly behind and to the side of the Fuhrer, feeling all of the eyes of those below and behind him on him. "After a long fight, Father was destroyed at the hands of Lieutenant-Colonel Elric, with the aid of the homunculous, Greed, and Amestris was no longer in danger of being destroyed," Grumman recounted before he grabbed one of the last five boxes on the podium and faced Ed. "Lieutenant-Colonel Elric, it is my honour as Fuhrer to present you with this medal in recognition of everything you did in order to save Amestris," Grumman said, handing the velvet box over while he saluted.
Ed saluted him back immediately as he accepted the medal. "Can't say it was fun but I'd do it again if I needed to," Ed told him, his trademark smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Let's hope you never need to," Grumman said, causing Ed to nod in agreement. Movement in the corner of his eye showed Samantha gesturing for Ed to go sit back down and Grumman grinned. "I think you should listen to Samantha before she escorts you back to your seat," he suggested and Ed grinned.
"You're probably right," Ed said before nodding to Grumman once and heading back to his seat so that Grumman could move on to the next part of the memorial service. Elysia was quick to hop up off his seat so he could sit and was just as quick to crawl back into his lap once he was seated. As her insistence, Ed handed Elysia the velvet box so she could hold it.
"There are four people who I will be honouring posthumously today for their actions on Promised Day or in the months before it," Grumman announced. "I would like for Lieutenant-General Armstrong to join me once more to accept the medal being awarded to the late Captain Buccaneer, who gave his life in order to deal a significant blow against the homunculous Wrath," Grumman said. The moment she'd heard her name, Armstrong was on her feet and striding towards Grumman once more. "Captain Buccaneer was an exceptional soldier and the military still feels his loss today," Grumman said as he handed Armstrong the velvet box containing a medal that would be identical to hers but would never be worn by its recipient. Armstrong didn't say anything as she and Grumman saluted each other and she was quick to head back to her seat.
"Next, I would like for Lan Fan to join me once more to accept the medal being awarded to her late grandfather, Fu, who gave his life in much the same way as Captain Buccaneer did. His actions enabled Captain Buccaneer to inflict the damage on Wrath that he did," Grumman said as Lan Fan got to her feet and moving towards Grumman. It was obvious to Ed that Lan Fan had to make herself entrust Ling's safety to Li Jun for the few moments she would be away from his side. "Your grandfather had no reason to stay in Amestris to aid us in our battle and he paid the ultimate price for that aide. I know this certainly isn't enough to make up for his loss but I hope that it helps you remember that Amestris is forever in your grandfather's debt," Grumman said as he bowed to Lan Fan once she'd accepted the medal.
"That is very kind of you to say, Fuhrer Grumman. Thank you for honouring my grandfather," Lan Fan said, mimicking his bow before she returned to her seat, her eyes a little wetter than they had been before.
Grumman turned back to the podium and took a steadying breath. "I now ask for Lieutenant-Colonel Elric and Alphonse Elric to join me once more in order to accept the medal being awarded to their father, Van Hohenheim, without whom the battle for Amestris may have lasted longer than it had and whose countermeasures proved invaluable to our country," Grumman said. Ed had barely a moment to steel himself for this before he had Elysia shift off his lap once more so he could stand and join Alphonse where he stood next to Grumman. "Your father may not have lost his life during the Promised Day battle but he did lose it as a direct result of the battle and his role in it," Grumman said as he presented the medal. Even though they hadn't discussed this last night since they weren't talking to one another, Al didn't hesitate to reach for the medal and Ed didn't shift to give any indication that he wanted to take it.
"Thank you, Fuhrer Grumman," Alphonse said as he shook Grumman's hand. Ed merely saluted the Fuhrer in lieu of words.
Grumman was quick to dismiss Ed from his salute and they both moved silently back to their seats. Ed knew who would be honoured next and he gave Gracia what he hoped was a supportive smile as he picked Elysia up so he could sit down again. Gracia seemed to appreciate the gesture if the smile she gave him in return meant what he thought it did. A glance at Mustang told Ed that he was just as worried for Gracia as Ed was but Ed was quick to avert his attention back to Elysia before Mustang could say or do anything.
"The final person to honoured tonight is the person who uncovered what the threat to Amestris was," Grumman said, facing the crowd in front of him. "I ask that Gracia and Elysia Hughes joins me in order to accept this medal on behalf of the late Brigadier-General Hughes, who gave his life trying to pass along vital information needed to save our country," Grumman said. Gracia stood immediately, her eyes shining a little as she reached for Elysia's hand. Ed gave the little girl an encouraging nod as he helped her off his lap and accepted his own medal back from her. "Brigadier-General Hughes was a good man who should've lived a long, happy life with his family and I am so sorry that he didn't get that chance because our military was infested with traitors," Grumman said as he handed Gracia the velvet box that contained the medal that Hughes would've worn pinned to his chest had he still been alive that day.
"Thank you, Fuhrer Grumman," Gracia said, her voice clear and strong as she faced him.
"Thank you, Fuhrer Grumman," Elysia echoed, fidgeting a little where she stood next to her mother.
Grumman smiled at the young girl before he nodded to Gracia, who returned the gesture before she led Elysia back over the seats. "You okay?" Ed whispered to Gracia as she settled into her seat. Elysia chose to sit on her mother's lap this time, not that Ed minded or was even surprised by her actions.
"I'm okay," Gracia assured him, voice just as quiet. Her green eyes flicked to something over Ed's shoulder and her reassuring smile grew a little more, telling Ed that Mustang had silently asked the same question Ed had.
"Now I ask that you join me in remembering those who were lost during the battle of Central as I read their names out loud," Grumman said, producing several pages of names. Thousands had died in Amestris as a result of the array used by Father causing deadly accidents or too much stress on the body from the shock of having their soul forcibly removed but dozens had died in Central solely as a result of the battle that warred between Mustang's side and the rest of the military.
No one spoke as Grumman started listing the ranks – if they were military – and names of those who had been killed during the battle a year ago. Ed couldn't help but feel a growing sense of guilt at each name read. These were people who hadn't done anything to deserve the deaths they'd suffered in a war that wouldn't have happened if not for one being believing he deserved ultimate power. Though he'd come a long way from blaming himself for every death that occurred because he hadn't been quick enough to stop Father from using that array or preventing Promised Day from happening in the first place, Ed still felt some responsibility for them and he didn't think anyone could convince him to let go of it completely.
Finally, Grumman read off the last name on his list and looked back up at those in front of him. "I am sure that most of you noticed the large, covered object in the courtyard behind you," Grumman said once he'd taken a sip of water. "Several weeks ago, I commissioned a local artist to create several plaques that have the names of all of those lost during the battle and the names of those who all received a medal today. These plaques will stand as a permanent reminder of the losses we suffered and the challenges we overcame as a country," Grumman told them all. "I am also officially announcing that the 15th of April will be declared a public holiday from this moment on. The only businesses that shall be open are ones who wish to be on this day while the military and hospitals are the only other places that will operate as they normally do," Grumman announced. Elysia's eyes lit up as she realised that it meant that she wouldn't have to go to school on that day and Ed barely managed to keep his amusement off his face. "To those of you who are listening over the radio, the live broadcast is about to come to an end but I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for tuning into the memorial service broadcast this morning and paying your respects alongside the rest of us." Grumman gave a nod to the civilians manning the small desk that had been off to the side of the reporters' section and they cut the broadcast.
"Now, I'll ask that those on the stage with me join me in uncovering the plaques. Please wait until we are at the plaques before you leave your seats to join us," Grumman requested before he nodded to Samantha, who was quick to silently order those sitting up on the stage to follow Grumman, who was now walking towards the stairs.
Those seated closest to the stairs left the stage behind Grumman before the rest quickly followed them off the stage in the order they were seated. Elysia had claimed one of Gracia's hands and one of Ed's while she was waiting for their turn to move and she was quick to start tugging on them to follow Mustang and Hawkeye when they moved first. Gracia glanced behind her to find Al following them, walking alongside Zampano and Jerso rather than by himself like she had feared. He gave her a warm smile that she returned before she focused on where she was walking before she accidentally tripped over something.
They quickly stood where Samantha ordered them to stand near the massive, covered commissioned honorific artwork. Grumman stood proudly next to it while four soldiers surrounded the object, standing with a corner of the covering in their hands, ready for Grumman to give them the go ahead to unveil it. The soldiers who had been standing around the seating area were busy organising those who had been seated before the stage area so that the reporters would have the chance to get the photos they wanted while making sure none of the generals or other people seated where Voltron had been felt like they weren't getting a good enough view. Ed sought out and found the Paladins waiting kind of off to the side of the whole group and Ed knew it was mainly because the Lions would've preferred not being caught up in the crowd.
Once everyone was gathered, Samantha gave Grumman a nod, who in turn nodded to the four soldiers waiting for his silent order. "You will, of course, be more than welcome to have a closer look at them during the lunch that has been kindly organised by the Armstrong family but please allow me to give you your first look at the remembrance plaques," Grumman said as the four soldiers quickly but efficiently pulled the tarp back to unveil the bronze plaques that had been commissioned for this moment.
Grumman allowed a few moments as the tell-tale clicks of the cameras started sounding the moment the covering had been pulled away. The four soldiers were quick to fold the tarp up to a manageable size so one of them could place it somewhere out of sight while the other three joined the rest of the soldiers keeping an eye on their surroundings. Once Grumman had deemed that enough photos had been taken, he spoke once more. "I would like to thank all of you for attending this memorial service for the first anniversary of Promised Day. As I mentioned before, there is a lunch waiting to be enjoyed by those of you who wish to do so that was generously donated and organised by the Armstrong family," Grumman said. "If you would like to follow the soldiers behind you, they will start to lead you to where the lunch is being held," he told everyone gathered.
He waited a few more moments as everyone bar the reporters, those with Grumman and Voltron started following the soldiers, as they had been instructed to do. Grumman noticed the waiting reporters and nodded, almost in resignation. "You are welcome to take photos of those who were honoured today but you will need to wait for the majority of the other attendees to leave the courtyard so you're not having to shout over them," Grumman said, addressing the reporters as a whole. Ed looked as happy about having to wait to eat because of photos as some of the reporters were about having to wait to take those photos.
"This whole process had better not take more than a few minutes," Red grumbled from where she stood behind the reporters. "I'm hungry and it won't take much to tempt me into eating a reporter or two to hurry this all along," she said and Ed fully believed her.
"If it gets us out of here quicker, I'll encourage you taking a chunk or two out of a reporter," Ed told her, even as he started paying attention to the reporters, who were now being directed by Samantha.
"Shiro would like me to tell you that you shouldn't encourage anyone to bite a reporter, hungry or not," Black dutifully relayed and Ed barely managed to hide his snort as a sneeze.
"He can't stop all of you, can he? And it's not like he can read my mind," Ed said as Samantha turned her sights on those who were about to be photographed. The resulting laughter in his mind was all the answer Ed needed and it was enough to keep his smirk in place for the first couple of photos.
A/N - well this is technically late but it is what it is. I had a busy weekend and didn't take my laptop with me so couldn't post until now. I hope you all enjoyed this very subdued chapter and I apologise that the angst started in the last chapter won't be dealt with in this one. Thank you to those of you who left me a review and I hope some of you feel kind enough to leave one on this chapter. I'll try and post it a bit earlier next week so I stay on schedule. See you all then
