This is probably the last one. It has some vauge spoilers from the end and continues on a bit from th end. I liked the beginning, but it went downhill from there. I wanted to have a happy ending...

Also, thanks to the reviews. Again, I appreciate it.

#4: #5: At the Rockbell's

Most nights it is dark at the Rockbell's. I mean that both figuratively and literally. I have known Winry and her grandmother for as long as I can remember. And they have been so close to the Elric brothers through all of that time.

When they first went away, the Elrics, Winry was devastated. She was depressed for days. It was all us girls could do to bring her back from it. I visited her every day. In time she took up her automail studies with renewed passion. In time she continued with life, but she did not forget.

Most nights Winry and Pinako do not keep a single light on in their house. It is pitch black. There is nothing to bring it happiness, there is no joy. In the daytime there is always something to do, someone to talk to in order to keep busy. Late at night there is nothing but memories. The darkness manifests itself in the despair of its inhabitants.

I worried a lot about my friend. I feared that she wore a mask often. That she was not truly open to others. Bur really, how could I blame her? How could I understand why those two boys meant so much to her. I remember them as boys too, but I scarcely saw Winry not in their company.

I would anticipate those few nights where there would be a single light in the house. A single indication of hope. Perhaps Winry and Pinako were still at work on their newest automail, or simply talking to each other. Whatever they were doing, there was a reason to stay awake, to remember. A reason to face reality.

The brothers would come an visit from time to time. The Rockbell house would be partially lit for a time. It could not be fully lightened because Ed and Al would have to leave again. I tried to see them while they visited several times, but they only acted politely towards me then. I never stayed long. Winry just had that connection.

The house would seem darker than ever after the Elrics left. Winry would fall into another emotional rut. But she always bounced back. There was always something keeping her going. Even when it wasn't right there with her.

Then, as if things could not get worse, Al came back. Except he could not remember a thing about the past few years. Could one really say that he was better off than in his previous state. He had a body, but no brother and no understanding why. No understanding of what had gone on for those who remained in Reizenbul.

So one more person joined in the waiting, the darkness, at the Rockbell's. They wait for Ed. They wait for Al to remember. They wait as if they have forever.

Some grew annoyed with the Rockbells. I grew more and more worried. But every time I thought that they had given up, there would be a sign that they had not. Not Yet.

And tonight, the Rockbell house glows in the night. The bright light radiates like a star in the valley. And I know they are truly home.

So...