SONG OF A BLUE BIRD

CHAPTER 5: PROMISE

The train rolled into the next stop, and Edward immediately rose from his seat and helped Hiederich stand.

"Come on, we have to get you some help!" He placed one of Hiederichs arms around his neck, and began to walk through the train station towards the medical center. Upon seeing the soldiers posted at the front gates, Hiederich tugged gently on Edwards shirt.

"Edward... I can't go in there."

"What? What are you talking about? You need to get some help." Edward was certain Hiederich was now going into shock. What other explaination could here be for his decision not to receive medical aid.

"Edward. I can't go in there. But... I'm alright. It's just a scratch see?" He lifted his sleeve and revealed nothing more than a scratch across his arm.

"A scratch! You had me scared half to death for a scratch!"

Hiederich turned his gaze towards Edward and smiled.

"Were you really worried about me Edward?"

Edward blushed softly and shook his head.

"No. I just... I wanted to make sure you didn't ruin that jacket. It get's cold on trains, what with the windows almost always being open."

"Edward?"

"Alright, alright, I was worried ok? I couldn't help it!"

Hiederich smiled softly, and pulled him closer to him, holding his ear to his chest and speaking in a soft, romantic tone.

"Do you hear this Edward?"

"It's... you're heart."

"Yes, my heart... and it's yours now. It beats for you Edward, always for you. My life, my soul, my love, is yours."

Edward blushed softly, closing his eye's and enjoying this moment for a long time before waking from this wonderful trance and turning his gaze towards the conductor.

"We should get going then. If we leave now, we'll be there by sundown."

"Where exactly are we going Edward? You failed to mention where we were
going."

"To the place it all began."

Hiederich blinked in confussion, but decided not to question Edward at the moment. Anywhere they went would be fine, as long as Edward was by his side. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a container, opening it up and trying hard to pour something into his hand.

"Oh no!"

Edward stared at the container for a moment, before turning his gaze towards Hiederich.

"Is something wrong?"

"It's my medicine. I don't have anymore."

"Wh... what happens if you don't have anymore?"

Hiederich did remained silent, and gave Edward a very sad, and worried gaze that sent a chill down Edwards spine.

"I... I see." Edward rose to his feet, and gazed out of the window and over the horizon.

"Come on Hiederich. I'm taking you home. I'll find a way to get the money to get you you're medicine. Just... don't worry about it. You'll be alright, I promise you."

After a few hours, Hiederich was resting peacefully in a warm bed, provided ever so kindly by the Rockbell's. Edward conversed with the two for a moment, before dashing out of the house and leaving Winry in a huff about how he had once again stayed away from home far too long.

After a few weeks, Edward returned to the house, bursting through the door and waving the money he had earned all around.

"Hiederich! Hiederich! I have the money. Now we can get your medicine."

Pinako turned to face Edward, an expressionless look on her face. Hidto speak to him, but Edward rushed by her quickly and burst into Hiederichs room. The darkness of the room combined with the smell of medical herbs madea very gloomy atmosphere. Winry sat on the floor, her hands holding Hiederichs as tears streamed down her face.

"Hiederich!" Edward dashed forward, and knealt by his side as Winry turned her gaze towards him.

"Edward..." she placed her hand on his shoulder, only to have Edward thrust it away angrily.

"Don't. He's... he's not gone. He's just... asleep! Yes. He's resting. He's waiting for me to come back, and I'm here now." He placed his arms around his neck, lifting him off the pillow and holding him in his arms.

"Come on Hiederich... wake up. I'm here now. You don't have to sleep anymore. I'm here see. I got the money. You'll be fine now. And... and we'll live in the country... and we'll watch the sunrise and set together. And...we'll be happy. Happy and together."

"Edward..."

"HE'S NOT DEAD! HE'S NOT!"

Winry covered her mouth to hide a whimper that escaped her lips as she turned on her heel and left them alone.

"Hiederich... wake up. Wake up now. I'm here..." He looked down at his face slowly, the look of sadness pierced his very soul. He leaned down and kissed his lips softly, all the warmth and passion that had one lived on his tender lips was now replaced with the the grim taste of death. An icy, lonely feeling to them now.

"Hiederich... wake up. Please... I... I need you. Hiederich...
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

A few day's later, a very gloomy Edward stood over a tombstone and gazed down at the words written in stone as Riza approached Edward slowly. She did not get far, as Winry stood in front of her and shook her head.

"Just... leave him alone for a moment. He needs time to deal."

"Winry... he needs to know what happened."

"Not now! Can't you see he's hurting! The love of his life is gone. Do you really want to make things worse? Whatever it is... let it go?

Riza turned her gaze towards Edward, and nodded softly at Winry.

"Alright... for now." She turned on her heel and walked towards a black car. She took one final look at the Rockbells, and at Edward before closing the door loudly and ordering the driver to leave.

Edward now stood alone on the hill top, not moving his gaze from the grave as clenched the flowers in his hand. Taking a deep breath, he lowered himself to the floor and placed the flowers upon the grave, gently running his fingers over the beautiful words that read "Hiederich."

He rose to his feet and smiled softly as a tear streamed down his face.

"Hiederich... we will be together again one day. I promise you this. andwhen that day comes, I will say to you once again... I love you..."

Tears flowing down his face, he turned away from the grave and prepared to face the next challenge he would face. A life without Hiederich.

In dedication to the song of a blue bird awaiting the day he can rejoin his lover who is awaiting him at the gates of heaven.

My friend said this is the last chapter I hop you like it!