Chapter 38

Edward

Mustang and Ayana hadn't been gone long. He wasn't expecting them back so soon, so he was surprised when she kicked Al's door open and marched across the room with Mustang right behind her.

"Ayana, what's wrong?" Al asked, picking up on her foul mood. Which honestly wasn't a hard thing to gather; she looked very upset.

She grabbed her staff, which had been leaning against the wall, and spun around to head back out the door. She growled over her shoulder, "I'll be back later." Mustang didn't try to follow her as she left.

"Colonel, what the hell happened?" Ed asked him, completely bewildered at her attitude.

Mustang sighed and rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "Let's just say the meeting didn't go well."

"Really? Grumman doesn't want to be allies with her world?" Al asked. "I thought it was a good idea, and I was sure the Gen… I mean, the Fuhrer would, too."

Mustang walked over and sat in an empty chair against the wall. "He doesn't seem to be interested, no. But I think there's more to it than that, although I don't think he'd admit it outright."

Ed waited for him to continue, but the Colonel just sat in silence, thinking. Finally, he asked, "So what else is there?"

Mustang looked like he'd been pulled out of deep thought. "I think he's afraid. He'd never admit it, but it makes sense. He told the Avatar that he's been sending soldiers through the portal, so that he knows 'what he's up against'." He air-quoted the last part, repeating exactly what the Fuhrer had said. "I think that's what angered her; it wasn't the refusal to establish diplomatic relations, it's the fact that he's sending soldiers through the portal, some of whom have yet to return. And that he thinks the spirits, or maybe her nation, are a threat."

He and Al were silent as they mulled this theory over. He spoke first, "To be honest, if I were in his position, I'd probably be afraid, too. I mean… I was uneasy the first time she took me to the spirit realm; it's nothing like our world. I can see how it would make someone nervous."

Mustang gave a small nod. "And what's more, there's merit in being uneasy about her world, too. If everyone there is as powerful as she is, they would be a force to be reckoned with."

That's true, he hadn't thought about it that way. "But that's all the more reason to have them as allies, not enemies!"

"I know, Fullmetal." Mustang sighed. "Grumman's ordered her to close the portal behind her when she leaves. He doesn't seem to want to take any chances."

He was shocked. He was hoping she'd leave it open, so she could come back and visit sometime… or maybe he could go visit her. If she closed it, he'd never see her again. And that thought was devastating.

Mustang stood and headed for the door. Before he left, he turned to lock eyes with him. "I'd make the most of the time you have left if I were you. Fuhrer Grumman also told her he wanted her gone as soon as possible." He closed the door softly behind him.

"No wonder she's so angry." Al commented.

Ed's brain was reeling, it suddenly felt like he had no time left with her at all. He'd taken the past year for granted; he hadn't enjoyed it enough. Every moment had been precious, and he felt like he'd squandered it all.

He lowered himself onto the edge of Al's bed in silence, deep in thought.

"Brother." Al said softly, bringing his thoughts to a halt. "You should go find her."

"She took her glider, Al. I can't fly." He replied miserably.

"I'll bet if you went to the roof, you'd find her." Al suggested. But he still didn't move. He did want to go find her but didn't know what he'd say when he saw her. He didn't want their final hours to be him sulking about the little time they had left. He wanted it to be meaningful.

As always, Al seemed to be able to read his mind somehow. "Ed. Isn't a little time better than no time at all?" And when he still didn't respond, he added. "You love her, don't you? Then go find her."

He was startled that Al called him out like that. But he didn't bother denying it as he met his brother's eyes. His gaze gave him the confidence he needed. He stood and headed for the stairs to the roof.

He climbed the stairs two at a time and reached the rooftop access door quickly. He opened it and surveyed the roof. He was surprised when he spotted her standing at the edge, the glider open but held loosely beside her. She stood surveying the city below her with the gentle breeze lifting her golden-brown hair slightly. It seemed to shine brightly as the sun set behind them.

He walked up behind her, making sure his footsteps were loud so his approach didn't startle her into falling off the building. Although now that he thought about it, he needn't have bothered, since she could probably sense him, anyways. He paused a few steps behind her and waited for her to say something.

Without looking back at him, she spoke. "The Fuhrer wants me gone. And he wants me to close the portal after I leave."

"I know. Mustang told us." He said softly.

She still didn't turn around, and when she spoke this time, her voice was shaking in emotion. "He's been sending soldiers through it. If I find out they've been attacking spirits…" She trailed off, her fists clenching. Then she sighed. "Maybe it is best if its closed."

"Don't say that!" He protested. "If you close it, we'll never see each other again!"

She finally turned around to face him and jumped down from the roof's ledge. She tossed her glider aside, not even bothering to fold it. Closing the distance in two steps, she reached her arm behind his neck to pull him close and kissed him.

He hadn't been expecting that but recovered quickly. He kissed her back with enthusiasm. It didn't last long as she pulled away and gazed into his eyes with tears in her own. "I'm sorry, Ed. I'm so sorry. I don't know what to do. I don't want to leave you but…" She couldn't continue as the emotions overwhelmed her, and he pulled her into a hug. He squeezed tightly as he tried to swallow past the lump that had formed in his throat.

They stood there for several minutes while she recovered. She finally pulled away from his embrace and wiped the tears from her eyes with her hands. Neither of them spoke again for a long time; they didn't need to. They simply enjoyed each other's company as they watched the sun set over Central City.

The next morning, he woke to find Ayana meditating, which he thought was strange. Why would she need to go to the spirit realm when she'd physically be there soon? But by the time he'd returned from breakfast she was back, and informed him she'd be leaving at noon. He went with her to see Mustang, and she updated him and invited anyone who so desired to walk down to the portal with her to see her off.

Of course he went, walking alongside Alphonse. He had a sneaking suspicion that Al was moving slow on purpose to extend the time they had, because he seemed to be lagging more than usual. No one said anything, though, and they all kept pace with him. Mustang had also decided to come, as did the rest of his crew.

They finally made it all the way down and entered what used to be Father's lair. This was the first time he had been down here since the Promised Day, and the room still gave him an eerie vibe. It had changed, though; more lighting had been installed, the massive throne-like chair was gone, and a platform had been built on all sides of the portal, making entry easier. The two alchemized pillars were gone, and the blasted hole in the ceiling had been repaired. There were soldiers stationed around the portal, and Fuhrer Grumman stood talking with them. He noticed their group's arrival and wrapped up his conversation. He approached them with a stony expression.

"My men have confirmed that all who have entered recently have reported back safely. You are free to enter and close it."

"How many are missing?" Ayana asked.

Grumman gave her a probing, and slightly confused, look. "Four. They left many days ago, though. They are not likely to return at this point, so I see no reason to delay any further."

She nodded and turned to face everyone. "I just… I want to say thank you. For all the adventures… and for making me feel welcome here. I'll miss you all terribly."

"We'll miss you too, Ayana." Al answered in a thick voice. "Don't forget about us."

She smiled at him. "I won't. I promise." Her gaze shifted to meet his, and he wanted so badly to reach out, grab her hand, and run back up the stairs with her. But he knew how foolish that would be.

She stepped over to him and kissed his lips one last time. She pulled away slightly and they stood with their foreheads together, and he felt overwhelming sadness envelope his heart. Her eyes were closed, but even so, he could see a tear trailing down her cheek. She opened her eyes and gazed into his, then whispered softly for his ears alone. "I love you, Ed. I promise, we'll see each other again someday." And then she turned away and didn't look back as she crossed into the portal.

They waited for the portal to close. The minutes ticked by, and the Fuhrer began getting antsy, tapping his foot impatiently. Ed glanced around as he started to feel confused. Was there something wrong? It should be obvious when it closed, right? He figured it would turn back into a black orb.

Several minutes had gone by now, and the Fuhrer had stalked over to his soldiers and was talking softly. Ed looked up at Mustang and saw a grin on his face. That was uncharacteristic of him; usually he tried to shield his emotions.

Grumman had begun pacing, and finally pointed at one of his soldiers and shouted. "Get in there and see what the holdup is!"

"Y-yes sir!" The soldier saluted and marched into the portal. He was gone for less than a minute before he reappeared. He was gasping and shaking with his hands on his knees as he tried to calm himself.

"Well? Report, soldier!" The Fuhrer ordered sternly.

The soldier straightened and saluted. "Sir! I did not see the girl on the other side. However, there is a large spirit who informed me that under no circumstances is any human allowed access through the portal unless they've been whitelisted, sir."

Grumman looked outraged. He marched over and stood in front of Mustang. He growled dangerously, "What is the meaning of this, Colonel?"

Mustang had put his emotionless mask back on again. "I assure you, sir, I have no idea. She did not discuss anything with me after our meeting yesterday."

Ed couldn't stop himself from grinning. It seems she had realized she held all the trump cards, and Grumman could do nothing about it. This must be why she was meditating this morning. Her final words to him echoed in his brain, and he was overjoyed that she meant to keep that promise by keeping the portal open.

"If I may, sir." Mustang continued, and Grumman looked at him sharply. "If you'd like to get some answers, I believe I have an idea of who might be on the whitelist the spirit mentioned." The Colonel looked pointedly at Ed.

Grumman followed his gaze and stared daggers at him. "Young man, if you don't mind, please go in there and ask the spirit why the portal is not being closed as commanded."

"Sure." He could hardly contain his mirth at the situation. He strode forward confidently and entered the portal.

Only to find himself face to face with a massive bird spirit. One he'd never seen before. For some reason he'd been expecting Raashu. Or even Kin.

It looked almost like he would imagine a phoenix would, with two massive wings. It stood on two feet, comparable to chicken legs in appearance. It had multiple horns protruding from its head, which fanned backwards in an attractive way. What looked like a mane of hair grew from the top of its head and ran all the way down its back to the tip of its long, slithery tail. It was golden in color, with ruby accents on its wings and tail, and its eyes glittered black as it peered at him. He gaped at it, lost for words.

"Who are you, and why do you dare to pass the portal?" Its voice was thick with authority, deep and commanding. "What is your name?"

Taken aback by the voice, he stammered, "I'm Edward Elric!"

The spirit's demeanor instantly changed. He folded his wings and relaxed his head, making himself look less threatening. "Edward Elric. You are allowed to pass unharmed."

"Thanks, but I've just been sent for information." He looked around hopefully. "Where's Ayana?"

"The Avatar has left." It may not be trying to intimidate him anymore, but its voice still held a commanding tone. "She has placed me here to guard this portal. It is my duty to protect it. She has tasked me to prevent all humans from passing through, except a select few. It is my solemn duty to obey the Avatar. You, Edward Elric, are one of the few."

Impressed, he asked, "Who else is whitelisted?"

"A human with the name Alphonse Elric, and another known only as Tenzin. No other human may pass. All spirits are free to come and go as they please."

"That's a pretty exclusive list. I'm honored." He responded truthfully. There was one more thing Grumman had wanted him to ask. "I have one more question I was told to ask you, but first, may I know your name?"

The spirit swelled with pride. "I am Kei Shei Rah. I am a dragonbird spirit."

"Kei Shei Rah, my superior wants to know why the portal is not closed."

Kei Shei Rah blinked at him. "Because the Avatar did not close it."

He'd taken it too literal. Ed tried again. "No, I mean… I think he wants to know why she didn't close it."

The dragonbird still looked confused. "How can I presume to know the reasons behind the Avatar's actions? She wants it open, therefore it is open. I do not question the Avatar's judgement."

That was probably the best answer he was going to get. "Thank you, Kei Shei Rah. I'm sure I'll see you again."

"Goodbye, Edward Elric."

He walked back through the portal to find everyone still clustered around, waiting for him.

"What did it say?" Grumman asked. It seemed he'd calmed down somewhat.

"He said it's open because she wants it open." He replied simply. "Oh, and the whitelist is short. Only Al and I are on it." He didn't think Grumman needed to know she'd given access to someone from her world, too. That would probably just make him even more upset.

Grumman wasn't happy. "That's hardly a reason! Surely it said something else?"

He shrugged. "You can go ask him yourself, if you don't believe me."

The Fuhrer blubbered. He turned to his two soldiers. "I want guards stationed here at all times! Keep it in the rotation of those already aware of this portal. I want to keep its existence quiet." They saluted in response.

Turning to Mustang, the Fuhrer growled, "I don't like this, Mustang. We have an open door right into the heart of Central Command! We have to convince her to…." He trailed off as someone came through the portal. Edward recognized Kin, but he appeared much smaller here. He was only slightly bigger than a normal goat. He wasn't alone though, there was someone on his back.

"Caleb!" One of Grumman's soldiers ran over to help his comrade off the back of the goat dog. He was pale and unconscious, but otherwise looked fine.

Everyone rushed over to take a look, and Kin promptly disappeared back through the portal without saying a word. But he did shoot Ed a wink as he left. It looked like there was something written in mud on Caleb's forehead, and he craned his neck to read it better.

1 of 4

"Ha!" Grumman laughed as he shook his head. Addressing the soldier, he said, "Take him up to the infirmary. Then come straight back to your post." The soldier moved to obey. Grumman walked away, still chucking to himself, and didn't say another word as he climbed the stairs.

Edward

Over the next several days, Kin and Zotu delivered the three remaining soldiers from the portal. Unfortunately, only one of them returned alive.

The second man had appeared three days after Ayana's departure. He was alive, but insane. His eyes were open, but he didn't appear to really see anything. He constantly mumbled his name, but nothing else. Ed was glad he hadn't been present to see any of that.

Zotu walked through with the next one a week later; the poor creature was covered in the blood of the human he bore. Ed hadn't been there for that one, either, but he'd been told the man's injuries were horrific. He was missing one leg from the hip down and had so many bite marks and lacerations across his skin that the morticians had trouble identifying him visually and had to use dental records instead. He and Al had been discussing the possibility of trying to meditate into the spirit world themselves to try to find Ayana, but they never mentioned it to each other again after that incident. That, along with their experience with the catgator, convinced them once and for all that she had not been lying when she'd told them it was dangerous for outsiders who were unfamiliar with that realm.

The last one came five days later, and while he had been present for it, he wished he hadn't. Mustang had convinced Grumman to include his crew in on the rotation of guards, since they were already 'in the know'. It had been Breda and Fuery on guard that evening when Kin appeared with the final man, and he happened to be with Mustang when he received the call. They'd rushed down to the portal to find the soldier unharmed physically, aside from looking malnourished. But he was completely missing his face. There was nothing there but blank skin.

"That's.…" Mustang began in shock.

"Crazy. I know." Breda finished for him. "How does that even happen?"

"How long has it been?" Ed asked. He thought maybe he could catch Ayana on the other side if it hadn't been too long.

"I don't know, kid, but give it a shot. She might still be there." Breda replied. He didn't hesitate as he strode forward through the portal.

She wasn't there.

"Damn it." He swore under his breath.

"Edward Elric, it is a pleasure to see you again." Kei Shei Rah greeted.

"Was Ayana just here?" He asked desperately.

The dragonbird looked at him sadly. "Yes, the Avatar, Raashu, and Kin recently delivered one of Koh's victims to you. Tragic ending."

He looked around, hoping she'd just appear out of nowhere. "Is she coming back?"

"I think not. She left in a hurry."

Why would she be in a hurry? Puzzled, he decided there was no point in staying. "Thank you." He tried not to sound disappointed as he said it. He went back through the portal and found that Breda and Mustang had already taken the faceless man away. He tried not to picture it as he climbed the stairs and headed back to join his brother.

Al was finally discharged a few days later. He still tired quickly, since his muscles were still in the process of gaining their strength back, but he was no longer skin and bones. Together they headed to the train station. They needed to go visit Granny and Winry; they hadn't seen them since they'd gotten their bodies back.

They boarded the train and found an empty compartment. Plopping on the bench, he realized with sadness that this was the first train ride in over a year that he'd taken without Ayana by his side. His heart ached at the memories.

"Don't worry, Brother. I'm sure she'll come visit soon." Al tried to reassure him.

Looking at his little brother's eyes, his real, flesh and blood ones, filled him with hope. "Yeah. We'll see her soon."

Ayana

With the help of Raashu's canine nose, it had been simple to track down the lost soldiers. Retrieving their bodies hadn't been quite as easy, but she managed. Each time she'd sent Kin or Zotu into the portal, she'd waited, hoping she'd see Edward rush through to greet her. Each time, she was disappointed when it didn't happen. So, upon delivering the last man, she decided not to allow herself to get her hopes up just to have them crash down again. She left immediately after delivering the body to Kin.

Raashu took her back to her portal, where they crossed through and emerged at the South Pole. While she did feel sadness at leaving Amestris and her new friends, she was eager to get home. There were a lot of people she needed to visit, including her parents. And she was sure there was some aftermath of Harmonic Convergence that needed her attention.

Having shrunk in size after crossing the portal, Raashu's legs were shorter, and they didn't travel as quickly. But they still made decent time, and they were able to board the next ship departing out of the Southern Water Tribe's harbor. She spent the days at sea mulling over her adventures in Amestris and thinking about Edward. She was already missing him sorely and decided to go back and visit as soon as possible. But that would probably still be a couple months away.

The ship made good time, and as she stood on the deck with Raashu by her side, they watched the skyline of Republic City appear on the horizon. The realization finally hit her completely. She was home.

Fifteen months later

Alphonse

Al walked out onto the porch, having been shooed out of the kitchen by Winry. She had just finished baking his favorite dessert, apple pie, and had yelled at him when he'd tried to sneak a bite. He figured he was safe from her flying wrenches out here, away from the pie.

He spied Edward sitting under the large tree in the front yard, leaning against the trunk with his hands behind his head. Den was lying next to him, curled up in a nap. He hopped down the steps, walked over to his brother, and sank down beside him. Ed opened his eyes at his approach.

"Winry kicked me out of the kitchen. She's made some apple pie."

"Let me guess, we can't enjoy it because she wants to save it for some unknown reason?"

"Something like that." They laughed, then sat in amiable silence as their chuckles faded.

"You know, Al." Ed began as he gazed up at the branches. "It's been over a year."

"Yeah." He replied. He didn't have to ask what Ed was talking about. He knew.

"I've been thinking. I've been relaxing here long enough. It's time for another adventure. I think I'm going to hit the road and start traveling the world."

He glanced at Ed with a knowing look. "Which world, Brother?"

Ed lowered his eyes to meet his gaze. He was wearing a wide grin.

A/N: Thanks for sticking with me all the way to the end! I really hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And yes, obvious cliffhanger/opening for a sequel. I'm happy to inform ya'll that I've got the sequel done already and will be start posting shortly. It's about half the word count that this story was. I'm also working on a #3 but I'm not entirely sure if I'll post that one… It's mostly OC and I'm not 100% sure I'm confident in it yet. If you're a fan and are interested in helping out, message me and I'll send an outline/portions of it for 3rd party opinions. I also have a few one-shot side stories I have ideas on but can't decide on good endings for them… If I ever figure those out I'll post them, too. But anyway… Thanks again! See you for the next one!