For those of you who do not know. My father, who I had a very close relationship with, passed away several years ago. I still miss him greatly and I will never forget him. Although Medesto is inspired by him, he is not entirely a direct replica of my late father. I would hope that any of my readers who have lost any loved ones, pets or humans. I would like for you to remember this. Just because they are gone, doesn't mean that your memory of them will faded away with them as well. As long as you have something to remember them by, they will always still be with you, no matter what.

Shout to Roxy for her personal touches in the chapter!

Personal:

"You had a kind, beautiful heart. You wanted so much more but time after time, you kept being pushed back. And because of that, you just kept hesitating and staling whenever your dream was within your reach. Were you ever gonna go for it... Daddy?" - Linnea

Alchemist Chronicles

Chapter 43 - Apprehensive Heart

Table City, Creta

Staring at him with fear and the thin hairs on her head rising by the passing seconds. "M- Medesto." Roxy nervously whispers.

Ed moves to stand next to Roxy and asks him. "I have a question. Do you have a d-AhhH!" Roxy elbows him in the stomach roughly, cutting him off. He drops to his knees, clutching his stomach in pain.

Medesto sighs. "Still as violent as ever, Roxy. I see." She rolls her eyes at him as she crosses her arms and looks the other way.

Vatanen comforts Ed, patting him on the back. "Hey, buddy. Are you gonna be ok?" Ed nods his head, slowly.

Gridding his teeth, Ed slowly stands back up, straightening himself out and takes a deep breath. He then walks away from Roxy, moving next to Vatanen. Ed clears his throat and says. "As I was saying-" "Edward, don't," Roxy says sadly, quickly interrupting him.

Ed raises an eyebrow at Roxy who is looking at him with concern and worry. 'Why doesn't she want me to tell him about Ari?' Ed asks himself. Medesto notices and looks at Roxy, telling her. "If it's about Marisol, Roxy. I do not care."

Ed and Roxy look at Medesto in shock. "W- Why? What THE HELL!?" Roxy shouts at him.

Medesto looks back at Roxy with an angered tone in his voice. "She made her decision the minute those words spilled from her mouth!"

Roxy - "Borgan made her say those things! Do you really think she meant any of 'em!"

Medesto glares at Roxy who glares back him. "And you expect me to believe that! You expect me to just believe that that's what her daughters Cassandra or Talita told you?"

Staring perplexed at Medesto, she tells him. "And what makes you think that I heard that from them or hell even from Borgan? I haven't seen 'em in years!"

Medesto then looks at Roxy surprised. "So then who told you? Ms. Tanya? Mr. Jorge? Hector even?"

Biting her lip, she starts to say nervously. "I-It wasn't them. Or Cool." Raising an eyebrow, he asks her. "Well then spill. Who was it?"

Just to change the subject, Ed quickly asks Medesto. "So how did you get into The Valley of Milos anyway, Mr. Medesto?"

Nodding in Ed's direction, Medesto looks at and asks Roxy. "Who is this guy, Roxy?" Roxy sighs. "He's a friend of mine that I met in Table City about a year ago after I moved there."

Medesto stares at her in shock then smiles. "You have your own place now? Well good for you, Roxy. I'm proud of you. ...So how's your mother? Oh, and did you ever hear from your father by any chance? I remember you kept telling everyone that you wanted to look for him when you were younger."

Roxy looks down and away sadly. Medesto then sighs and walks forward slowly. His hand grasping the cane tightly as he walks forward little by little, eventually pulling Roxy into a hug once he reaches her. Roxy then slowly wraps her arms around his waist as her emotions get the better of her. "I'm so sorry, Roxy." Medesto tells her.

Vatanen walks over and taps Ed on the shoulder. "Let's give them some time to catch up." Ed nods his head sadly, sighing and the both of them walk out of the room, closing the door behind themselves. Ed and Vatanen drop off the boxes of metal to Gonzales as nightfall emerged.

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Central City, Amestris

The next morning, the Fuhrer only calls Roy to his office. Exchanging 'Good Morning's', He tells the Lt. General. "Fullmetal contacted me earlier this morning from Table City and provided me with some information on a topic that we had discussed prior to his inspection of the city."

Roy sighs as he tells himself. 'Here we go again.' "And what seems to be the trouble?"

Grumman - "There isn't any." Roy looks at Grumman confused. Grumman continues. "In fact, I would like for you to also inspect Table City, including Milos as well. It seems they have have been quite busy these past few weeks since an unexpected company is in town."

Roy raises an eyebrow. "And who or what is this company, Sir?"

Grumman replies. "You will find out soon enough. Be in Table City by tomorrow before sunset. That is all."

As he is leaving the office, he closes the door behind himself and heads back to his own office. Walking in, he requests the assistance of his team as he prepares for his trip.

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Leaving Central HQ and making it to the westbound train to Table City by nightfall, Hawkeye asks him. "If he already has Edward already there to inspect the city, then why is he asking you to inspect it as well?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Roy replies. "If he obviously wants me to pay the city a visit after Fullmetal's official evaluation, then there's more in play then he's leading on. The question is what exactly?" He questions, looking at Hawkeye.

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Arriving at Table City the following morning, Roy and his team head to the post. Colonel Stone is outside, observing a map and is discussing a relation with a few soldiers around him.

As he picks up a few files and turns around, he sees Mustang approaching him. Placing the files back down, he walks over with his hand out towards Roy. They shake hands.

Roy - "Pleasure to see you again, Stone." "Likewise, Mustang." Nodding he head to the direction of the map, he tells Roy. "Follow me, Lt General. There's something I wanna show you. It might bring you some hope." 'Yeah, I'll bet.' Roy says to himself as he follows Stone, leaving his team behind.

After updating Mustang on the plan, Stone tells him. "Now I know what you're thinking. It's crazy but it will work."

Roy - "You do realize that there is a reason for why that last tower remains standing. When the other towers were destroyed especially the ones on the edge of the city, the debris and broken cement were falling down into the valley of Milos. Because of Amestris's peaceful negotiations with the Natives, Milos is also included in the agreements."

Stone - "Alright, fine. Then what about the-" Roy cuts him off. "The Fuhrer has already taken care it, so there's no need to worry about that, Colonel."

Stone breathes a sigh of relief. "Well good to know. (He sighs.) Anyway, That Fullmetal kid that was under your command at one time or another or whatever. I sent him to Milos to check things out. Should be back any minute now." Roy nods his head.

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Walking over to his comrades with Hawkeye, Roy sees a few other soldiers conversating among themselves. Walking a bit farther, he takes a glance at the Central Commons. "Anything on your mind, Sir?" Hawkeye asks him.

Roy, who has a hand under chin, tells her. "I wonder how the Milotians are treating her?"

Riza replies. "Since she is one of their own but from a different tribe, I'm sure they've accepted her and are treating her well."

Roy sighs exhaustedly. "It just bothers me when I don't know where she is exactly down there." Riza sighs as well. 'He's such a worry wort.' She says to herself.

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The next morning, Roy and his team make it back to the tent, walking inside and noticing Edward inside of the Command Post with Stone, Niko and a few other soldiers hovering and decoding a map that has scribbles and small encryptions on it.

Approaching them, Ed looks up and spots them, saluting immediately. "Good morning, Everyone." Roy salutes back, welcoming him as well. "Good morning to you too, Major." The others salute as well. "Where's Sargent Rambo, Fullmetal?"

Ed - "She's handling some business, She'll be back shortly so don't worry about it." "And yet every time you tell me not to worry, that's when I have to worry the most, Edward," Roy tells him, smirking.

Ed replies sarcastically. "Does it look like anything is damaged or anybody is injured?" Raising his eyebrow, Roy then asks him. "So why was I brought out here if there's nothing here for me to observe?" Smirking himself, Ed tells him. "If it's boring up here, then head down to Milos. You might enjoy the people in Valley especially some new folks."

Roy raises an eyebrow then squints his eyes at Ed, asking. "What are you planning, Elric?" "Nothing!" Ed replies quickly. In an exhausted sigh as he runs his fingers through his ponytail as he tells his superior officer and the others. "Look. I get it. I did a ton of unexpected, annoying and random crap when I was younger. But I'm different now. Well kinda. Sort of. So I can't be stupid or reckless anymore. I have a wife and Al has his body back for a few years now." He says smiling. Ed then continues. "Anyway, I completely understand why all you feel that way. I'm just not entirely the same guy that I was before." Ed then rolled his eyes and leaves the tent, annoyed.

The team including Roy sighs. Roy then excuses himself and leaves the tent as well. Catching up to Edward, Ed turns to face him. "I need you to follow me into the Valley. There is something that I need to show you."

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Making it down to the Valley by early afternoon, Roy asks Ed once they make it pass the secret entrance to the cave. "So why have you brought me down here?" Roy asks him. "You'll find out real soon, Roy-Boy," Ed says grinning, while Roy makes an annoyed face.

Arriving to the hall of the cave, Vatanen spots them. Waving to Ed, he hesitates once he sees Roy. "Ed, hello again. And If I remember correctly you must be Mustang." "Yes, I am. It's nice to meet you again, Mr. Vatanen." Roy replies, shaking his hand.

Vatanen then looks back at Ed and asks him. "I guessing you're looking for-" "Is he available?" Ed asks Vatanen. Vatanen sighs. "Yeah. I'll get the door for you. But I have to lock it behind ya. It will unlock from the other side once the both of you are finished." He tells them as he's walking them over to the room.

Ed nods his head and replies. "Thank you." Roy thanks him as well. Vatanen unlocks the door, letting them in and then closing it behind them.

The both of them look forward (Although Ed notices something), As they are watching Medesto use a brown cane as leverage to stand up and face them. 'So this was the unexpected company the Fuhrer mentioned about. Those same eyes and she definitely has a few of his facial features. That's for sure.' Roy notices, smiling sightly.

Medesto asks. "You're Edward Elric right? Roxy's friend that she told me about." He shakes Ed's hand. "And you, sir?" He asks Mustang. "Lieutenant General Roy Mustang from the Amestian Military." "Yeah I'd already figured that out since with what you're wearing, it's certainly not Cretian's attire for their soldiers." He says shaking Roy's hand. Sighing, Medesto continues. "Anyway. What can I help you gentlemen out with today?"

Ed grabs a chair from the side and sits on it backwards, facing Medesto with his arms leaning on the roof of the chair. "I have a few questions to ask you." Medesto then sits back down slowly on the bed, leaning against a few pillows. He nods his head for Ed to continue.

Ed - "I noticed that you tend to twist slightly when you slowly stand up. Is that a condition you have or-" Medesto nods his head yes. "I was injured on the job within the same week my wife died almost ten years ago. Luckily that injury wasn't as worse as the one I got a little over six years ago. It left with a metal plate in my back and I have very difficulty breathing sometimes. Walking far distances without breaks anymore, I cannot." Both Ed and Roy stare sadly. "I'm sorry for your loss," Ed replies quickly. Roy gives his condolences as well. Medesto thanks the both of them.

Roy - "Do you know if your injury is repairable?" Medesto shrugs his shoulder. "I don't know. Haven't been to a doctor in many years." Medesto then asks Ed. "You were trying to say something yesterday before Roxy kept interrupting you. The floor is yours, young man."

Ed takes a deep breath. "When I first met Roxy, she was looking for someone. But she only gave me a nickname."

Medesto - "I know that Marisol is alive Edward. Roxy told me."

Ed stares with concern. "So you do have a daughter?" "Used too. Couldn't even count on blood to be there for me. Regardless of what was said if by bribes or if she just didn't really care anymore. So as far as I'm concerned, I no longer have a child." He says coldly, leaving both of them uncomfortable.

Roy - "So you have no intention of ever seeing her again?" He asks with a raised eyebrow. "Why do the both of you care so much?" Medesto asks, raising one of his eyebrows too.

Medesto then continues. "If I were to continue to talk to the both of you soldiers, then I guess I'm gonna be granted some kind of equivalency in return. Roxy said that you called it, Edward 'an Equivalent Exchange'?" Ed and Roy stare in shock at Medesto.

After a few minutes of silence, he tells them. "Yeah, that's what I thought. Someone always wants the answers from me with their questions but It's never the other way."

Ed stands quickly, pushing the chair he was just sitting on to the side. "So that's it! No regrets or what if's?" "And just why are you so concern with my matters, young man?" Medesto quickly replies.

Roy - "With all due respect Mr. Matos. (Medesto turns to look at Roy.) Is that really what you wish for?" He tells him in a tone. Medesto replies sharply. "And with all due respect, General. I appreciate the kind gesture but I'm declining the free handout. I'd rather handle my own situations on my own terms and regulations."

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Roy is the first to leave the room right afterwards. Before Ed leaves shortly thereafter Roy, he looks at and tells Medesto. "In case if you were wondering. I just sent her into Creta because she wanted to find you... Now I honestly hope that she doesn't." Ed then opens the door, slamming it closed behind him.

Vatanen - "Hey Ed. Relax, buddy. We don't need a sudden cave in or collapse." Ed apologies before running off to catch up with Roy.

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Once they make it back up to the surface and they make it back to the tent, Ed heads back to Stone, Niko, and the others. Roy heads over to his team.

"Is everything alright, General? Is something troubling you?" Riza asks him when he approaches them after returning from his trip with a concerned expression on his face.

"Don't worry about it, Colonel. It's been dealt with." Roy replies, sighing afterwards. Walking back into the tent, he sees Ed overlooking a map of Table City, writing down something on a notepad in front of him. "Everything alright there, Major?" Roy asks.

Stone - "Don't distract him. He's onto something." Roy raises an eyebrow at Stone.

Not even a second later, a long bang goes off in the distance. All of them look over and rush out of the tent. Hawkeye and Niko rush over and salute.

Niko - "Sir, there was just an explosion in the perimeter of the Western dome. No word yet if-" "THEN MOVE YOUR ASSES NOW!" Kaden shouts! Niko jolts and rushes toward the area immediately with other soldiers following him. Turning to Ed. "I want you over there as well, Fullmetal. We are leaving now. Are you ready?" Ed grabs a rifle, hanging the strap over his shoulder and following Colonel Stone with the rest of the troops.

Hawkeye turns Mustang quickly, he shushes her before she could say anything. The others look at him with confusion. Once Stone and his team are at a distance, Roy looks back at Hawkeye. "He's not under my command anymore Hawkeye, only the Fuhrer's. Whatever his orders are, I cannot intervene whatsoever."

Roy continues. "It was explained to me by the Fuhrer himself that it was Edward's decision when he came back." "It makes sense to me though. I mean he is an adult now. Doesn't exactly need us to babysit him or Al anymore." Havoc adds.

Riza notices Roy's distressful expression after a sigh but doesn't say anything. She then asks him. "May I ask Lt General, w-" He cuts her unexpectedly. "Oh, and by the way, I met Janine's father earlier today." He tells Hawkeye and the rest of his team who all stare at him in shock as he walks away with his back turned to them.

End of Chapter 43