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Open Up My Eager Eyes
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I know he didn't do it. Know one will believe me. No matter what I say. Al would never do that to me... Not after all we had been through. I had come home for him. And I was happy with him.
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I walked down the road, gazing peacefully at the puffy, white, cumulus clouds. They floated by lazily. It was as if the summer heat made them slow. I was at peace, a soft expression on my face as I watched everything roll by.
I was in Resembool. It was my second year back from Germany, and I was sad to be separated from my new friends. But I had Al. My little brother, who I risked everything for, as did he for me.
The road I traveled became hilly, slopping up gently. It was lined with soft spring grass, which looked tempting to just lie down on. I pushed that away from my mind. I was going to home. Al and I had rebuilt our home, now that we weren't seeking the Philosopher's Stone anymore. We could finally settle down.
All of my friends were gathering to welcome me back formally. The house hadn't been finished until recently and Al had thought it was only suitable that I was welcomed back home; no where else.
Coming up the path, the house was in sight. The slope went back down and urged me forward. I saw a figure running towards me. I stopped and looked. He had a long tawny ponytail, wearing my old red coat and black pants, white gloves and black jacket, boots and his very own silver pocket-watch. It was Al. I waved and was dismayed that he didn't return the favor.
My brother finally reached me. He was trying to smile, but I could see he was upset, despite the act. I gave him a grin and put a strong hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong, Al?"
I heard a click and felt his arm move. The next thing I knew, Al had a loaded gun pointed at my chest. A tear ran down his cheek and his hand shook. My face was filled with shock and part amusement. I almost laughed. "Nice joke, Al. Come, let's go."
He shook his head 'no' and switched the safety off. All laughter passed away from me. I just couldn't believe, or I didn't want to believe, that Al had a gun pointed at me. He would never harm me. Ever. I heard him pull the trigger and I heard the gun go off, but I didn't feel anything. I was light-headed, but that's all.
I thought to myself, So it was a joke. The gun was never loaded. I didn't even feel anything.
Al just stood there, a horrified look on his face. Tears streamed down it now. He hadn't moved his arm from where he'd 'fired' the gun.
"Come on, Al. Let's go home," I mumbled. "I'm fine."
I felt something warm and I looked down. My shirt was rapidly being consumed with blood. I touched it and examined it. I couldn't be my blood. It must be Alphonse's.
I reached for him and croaked, "Al, where are you hurt? We can go and get you a bandage. Hurry, and we can go home, Al."
He backed away, trembling. Then, he threw the gun down and ran off the road, running up the grassy slopes and heading towards the surrounding forest. My hand followed him, reaching for him, willing for him to come back. I had to go and get help for him. He was hurt. I was sure.
The sun seemed to grow hotter and as I walked, I swaggered. I felt light-headed, as if I was floating away from Earth like a helium balloon. In front of our new house Winry, who was waiting for guests to arrive, saw me and waved. I felt too weak to wave back. Maybe I was too weak because I was so worried about Al. As I came closer, she cocked her head in concern, her long blonde ponytail swaying with her head.
I tried to shout to her, to say that Al was injured and had run off into the woods. But my voice wouldn't work. As I stumbled closer to Winry, she let out a shrill scream and ran to my side. She ran to my side and started crying out 'help!' as loudly as she could to anyone who would listen.
"Ed! Ed, please don't die. Please..." she sobbed to me.
I tried as hard as I could to tell her I was fine and that it was Al who was hurt. But the words wouldn't come out. I fell over and Winry screamed again. She rocked me in her lap and I could feel tears plopping onto my head. I tried one last time to tell Winry, but it was in vain. I was far too weak.
Things became distorted and fuzzy. My ears rang and popped and I felt like vomiting. I lost all feeling in my body. And closed my eyes. Everything became black.
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I know he didn't do it. Know one will believe me. No matter what I say. Al would never do that to me... Not after all we had been through. I had come home for him. And I was happy with him.
I was so happy...
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