The Mercury Alchemist

by AveryScarlet

What if there was someone who traveled with the Elric Brother's that never existed before? And that there was actually 8 homunculi? Meet Catherine Cairo, a once normal girl with the love for anime and FMA, wishing for her life to change. What she didn't expect was to be sent to the other side of the gate! Will she find out who she really is and find a way back home? EdxOC AlxOC

44. Chapter 39

'No one is ever truly be free of their past...

Sometimes... it likes to remind you itself

of what happened... just so it won't be

forgotten...'

---

Chapter 39 - Father at the porch

-Me-

We were only a few feet away from passing the cemetery and now I'm starting to have second thoughts whether I should allow Ed to meet his father now or delay their meeting until we get to the Rockbell home, he's got enough on his mind at this point after what's happened. 'Well I guess I can-' I was interrupted from my thoughts when Ed abruptly stops in his tracks. "Ed?" I look at him with worried eyes. He looks straight at me then shifts his focus back to the path ahead of us. "It's nothing," he said, tugging my hand to bring me closer. I can't understand why he's acting so strangely, but I decide not to pry on this and obediently do what I am told for now until we get the proper chance to talk alone. Well I was originally supposed to keep quiet up until we went straight past the graveyard with a very absent old man who should be standing before Trisha's grave.

This causes me to stop dead in my tracks and stare at the spot with horrified eyes. "Cat c'mon," Ed urges me to continue walking. 'No way... what changed?' I thought as I reluctantly follow after Ed. I still can't stop thinking about it. I know everything still went the right direction! SO why isn't he there? 'Did something cause him to side track a bit?' I shake my head at the thought. 'Every event went the exact same order-' My train of thought stops there. I'm wrong, there is one thing that went off and it all points to Jealousy, whose fight nearly got both of us killed if she hadn't suddenly started acting more human. But that's besides the point! Because I passed out due to the extreme amount of energy I harnessed from the catalyst within my body, Ed and the others most likely delayed their departure back to Amestris just to keep an eye on me.

'Now that I think about it... in both the manga and anime they barely specify how long it takes to get from one place to another.' I tried to take a deep breath first before I freak out even more. 'Calm down! Changes were bound to occur the moment we were thrown into this world!' Oh I hope I was right, if not then who knows what will happen later on.

||Rockbell Home||

Ed knocks on the door and not long after, Granny Pinako opens the door, "Oh! I wasn't expecting you to-" she pauses for a moment and stares at our hands. For some strange reason, when she smiles up at Ed it causes his cheeks to turn red for some odd reason. "Sorry to come over without notice but Cat really needs a place to rest for a while before we head back," Ed said with a meek smile. "Ed I don't need-" Granny Pinako answers before I could finish, "Of course. Her room is still the same as she left it." "Actually I was thinking she'd sleep in my room." I had to do a double take after hearing what Ed just suggested, even Pinako wasn't expecting it by how long her jaw was hanging from shock. Without waiting for her answer, Ed mindlessly walks past her and drags me with him straight upstairs.

I try to protest as he steps into the room, "Ed stop! I don't need rest! I've slept long enough to regain my strength." We finally arrive and I nearly have a heart attack when I see Ed practically throw the door open. "I just want to make sure..." he murmurs quietly, still loud enough for me to hear. "Ed..." I sigh, slightly getting frustrated at his over protectiveness. Forcing my hand out of his grip, I hug him from behind before he gets the chance to take it back and force me into the room to sleep, despite the fact I'm wide awake thanks to amount of time I was passed out. I press my forehead against his back, causing Ed to finally stop squirming and listen to what I have to say. "You need to stop worrying about me and worry about yourself. We're in Resembol now and I assure you nothing life threatening will happen while we're here."

I had to at least tell him that or else this conversation will go no where. While I'm at it I should at least apologize for the other thing related to the stone. "I'm sorry..." I mutter. I felt Ed shift in my arms, most likely trying to look over his shoulders and look at me. "What are you sorry for?" Ed questions, confused at my sudden apology. I said in a much quieter tone, "You and Al promised each other never to use the stone no matter what, I made you break that promise thanks to my actions bringing you back." When I got no answer from him, I feared that I had upset him by mentioning his sworn promise he and Al made once they discovered the truth, that is until I felt his hand hold mine. "Thanks Cat..." he murmurs. I chuckle as I pull away from him, "You feeling alright there Ed? You don't normally thank me at random."

I watch him scratch the back of his head and mutter something to himself in a frustrated tone. He finally turns around with a scowl on his face. Ed stares at me for a while before ordering me, "You're staying here for now and that's final. I'll give you three hours then you can do whatever you want." As much as I want to argue that there's no need for me to rest, the fact that he's that concerned about my well being is enough to make me hold back my told and - for now - do as he says. "Alright..." With a short nod from Ed, I step back into the room as he walks past me and steps out of the room, but not before closing the door behind his back. "Three hours, huh? What now..." My eyes wander around semi-empty room as I take my coat, gloves and hat off then laid them out on the bed.

There's not much considering the amount of time the boys spent in the Rockbell home, most of their stuff was destroyed the night the brother's decided to burn down their old house. There was one thing that did catch my attention - an old desk. It must belong to the boys judging from the untouched papers and books that were sprawled on top of the wood. Curious, I decided to take a closer look at what it is that the boys worked on before their long journey to return their bodies back to normal. I trace my fingers on the surface and grimace at the amount of dust I felt. 'They worked so hard in hopes of seeing Trisha again... The law of equivalent exchange is really unfair no matter how hard you look at it. As cruel as this may sound, the exchange to make a living being should have been enough to create a new life. If the intention behind human transmutation was just so people would end up at the Gate then-' I was interrupted from my thoughts when I hear the door behind my back open.

Hoping it was Ed, who changed his mind, I turn with a big smile only to be crestfallen at the sight of Pinako. "I thought you might want something to munch on after being dragged here by Ed," she said, slightly lifting up a metal tray with a plated sandwich and a cup of orange juice. As I sat back down on the mattress, Pinako places the tray on the night stand and hands me the sandwich. "T-Thanks..." I nervously take the plate from her small, wrinkled hands. This is the first in a long time I've been around the old lady. I doubt Winry called her to tell her everything that's happened after the incident with the third lab, most especially THAT about Alice and I. 'What would she think of me if I tell her...?' That sudden thought made my stomach twist, making me unable to bring myself to eat. "That boy really has grown up," she spoke up, earning a confused look from me.

"It's been a long time since I've seen him hold someone's hand like. The last time he did was his mother, Trisha."

I felt a familiar sting in my eyes at the sudden mention of Trisha. Pinako continues as she gazes up at the ceiling, "He loved his mother very much as you can see. When their father left, Ed refused to let go of his mother's hand no matter where they went, sometimes it even made Al jealous at how often he 'hogged' their mother by following her like a hawk." I watch her let out a chuckle with a small smile, sensing the nostalgia radiating off her at the happy memory. Her eyes goes straight back to her lap. "But when she passed away... Ed refused to let anyone be that close to him. He did with Al but that was on rare occasions. He absolutely refused any hand that was offered to him during his time of grief. Even when that shrimp grew up, he always kept his hands in his pockets. Whether it's to hide the shame of what he's done or because he missed his mother's touch, I don't know."

Now that I think of it, during Ed and Al's flashbacks of their child hood, I've only seen Ed hold Trisha's hand. Never Al, Winry, or Pinako. He always kept his hands in his pockets after she passed away. "But it seems like he's found another person very precious and refuses to let them leave his side," Pinako's warm smile caused me to feel so embarrassed that I was unable to hold back from blushing. "T-That's..." I had a hard time picking out the right words to say. When I see her shift to place me properly, I put the plate away and turn towards her, then I watch her place her hands over mine. "You're most likely wondering why I'm telling you this." I wordlessly give her a slow nod, still trying to mentally process where she's going with this conversation.

"Well... I just wanted you to know how grateful I am with you appearing in Ed's life. For the first time in years, he's finally willing to be so close to someone to the point he refuses to let go."

"I'd sacrifice anything to keep you safe... Your life is far more important than mine..." The memory of what he said that night echoes through my mind. Upon this sudden revelation, I clutch my shirt when I felt my heart skip a beat a few times. He almost died before of me, but to remember that I... feel happy. I don't know why, but the idea of how important I was to him brings me great joy. "Seems like he's not the only one." My hand automatically reaches up to my face to feel one corner of my lips lift up. I soon cover my mouth after realizing I was smiling. I wanted to stop as I knew I shouldn't be feeling this way, but no matter what I do, I was still filled with an over-whelming about of happiness. My chest just aches thinking about what Pinako said, in strange yet good way.

Pinako gives me one last smile, pleased at herself on her accomplishment and moves to step out of the room, leaving me by myself to let my thoughts run. 'There's no way... It can't be.' I need to get some fresh air now. Ignoring Ed's orders, I went straight to the window and decided to do the one thing I can do without getting caught, jump out the window. I land on my feet with ease, but trying to get up was harder than I previously thought. 'Sheesh... I guess Ed does have every right to be worried, my body's still not ready to do excessive activities.' I brush my pants and walk to the front of the house. Hopefully, no one will catch me sneaking outside.

When I reached the front, I close my eyes and smile as the familiar breeze of the countryside blows in my direction, content at the peace and quiet Resembol has to offer. "Excuse me," I jump at the unfamiliar voice. I turn my head, ready to greet whoever this new character was only to find myself frozen from head to toe, my ability to breath lost as I stare at the golden eyes of the man that stood on the porch. His brown coat and tricorne hat were very similar to mine. What caught me off guard was his hair... and his eyes. 'A Xerxian? But I thought Hohenheim was the last of his people...' Then I recall the man in Camilla's pictures. 'There could have been other descendants... No! It was made clear Hohenheim was indeed the last Xerxian!' The strange man flashes me a familiar grin, "Have you seen a grumpy forty year old man that has the same hair and eye color as me? He said he'd be here to visit an old friend."

I was soo taken aback at his appearance that I could only shake my head in response. He takes his hat off and lets out a long frustrated sigh as he messes with his hair. The longer I watch him, the more I started to feel this weird ache in my chest. The man catches me staring at him. "If you don't mind me asking... What happened to your arm?" I instinctively brought my automail hand to my chest. "I-I..." It's so easy, just lie to the stranger and get it over with. Now I want to, but for some odd reason I'm unable to bring myself to lie to him. Seeing this, he waves it off, "You don't have to tell me. It must have been very traumatic considering your age." I let out a relieved this as I hid my automail arm behind my back. The man suddenly walks over to the side of the porch and leans against the wooden railings. "Are you a close friend of the Elrics?" Ok, now this is far beyond scary.

"Only the sons... I've never met their parents."
"I see. And how long have you known them? You don't seem to be from around Resembol."
"Around three years."
"And how did you meet?"
"When we were both applying for the state exams, we ended up being partners for the next few months before I was assigned to a different officer. It was only earlier this year that I ended up being his partner again."

I instantly cover my mouth, shocked at how easily the information came out. 'What the heck..? I barely even know this guy and yet I just blurted out everything as if I've known him for a long time!' "Let me change the subject for you. How's Camilla doing?" That caused my suspicions to raise even higher. I wanted to interrogate him this time, but that look in his eyes... sadness? No, it looked more than that. Guilt. "Are you close friends with her?" He lets out a pained chuckle, saying, "Yes... very close in fact. So close that I think that if I meet her again, I think she'll cut me up for not seeing her sooner!" My face pales at the idea of a demonic Camilla while he laughs nervously. Izumi can appear like a nice person in front of others (mostly her husband), but if you tick her off who knows what will happen to your body. 'Somehow I can actually picture Miss Camilla being pissed.'

"You heard from her she has a daughter, right?" That was an unexpected question. If I recall, she did mention having one.

::Memory::

(A/N: I honestly forgot if I ever implemented this... just like with Cat's like 'we all have our share of scares' in two separate chapters between Al and Cat's conversation. Welp! Can't change it now!)

While I was helped Miss Camilla a fix her books I noticed a picture frame that was faced down on empty section of the bookshelf. "Miss Camilla? What is this?" I ask, unconsciously reaching up to the small frame . When I picked it up, I surprised to see that the photo was almost entirely but at, only a much younger Camilla was the only one visible in the photo. I felt miss Camilla's presence behind my back, prompting me to turn around with the frame in hand. She looks down at the frame and gives me a sad smile, "That used to be the family photo of my family before I met my husband. Most of our precious treasures were lost a long time ago to a sudden fire, but my husband was able to somewhat recover the photo. He wanted to repair it as it's the last thing I have from home, but I was against it."

"Why? You kept it for so long, why not have your husband fix it?"
"Because I no longer want to be bound to my past. I never really liked my family so it didn't really bother me as much as I thought it would when the faces of my parents were burnt off."
"Then why would if still keep it?"
"As a memorandum... to remind me how much my husband loves me. He risked his life to save such a small thing."

I still don't get it. If she hated her family so much, she should have tossed it from the beginning. The fact that she still keeps - even a small part of it - the photo with her still eludes me. "You're too young to feel sentimental," I tease. She giggles and continues to sadly smile down at the photo, "My daughter used to tell me the same thing..."

::End of Memory::

"So if he's not here-" his smile deepens and a devious look flashed in his eye, "Then where would he be? Maybe where that boy was heading too?" 'Boy...?' I tilt my head, confused. 'There's only one person that could have-' My eyes went straight to the house then to the dirt path. 'He left already!?' I darted straight in the only possible place Ed could go, and that's to Trisha's grave.

-Normal-

After running off without excusing herself, the man watches with sad eyes as she bolts straight towards the graveyard. If she had stayed any longer then she would have seen him pull out a locket that was similar to Jealousy's, except his was silver and had sapphite in the shape of a rose on the front. He starts to talk to no one in particular, "She's exactly like me when I was her age. I wouldn't be surprised if she inherited my skills in acting and lying, but I hope she's got her mother's strength after the kind of life we forced her to have."

-Back to Me-

It felt like I was running a marathon! When we walk it's like only takes a couple of minutes just ti get there, running makes it feel like it's going to take hours before I could get there in time. "Calm down! You shouldn't panic! This is supposed to happen in the first place!" That's what I keep telling myself, but no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that everything's alright, it still scared me that Ed would be alone to confront his father after so many years since he left. My breathing was starting to labor. Ed will be pissed later when he see's that I've over exerted myself and that I had gone against his orders - not like I was going to entirely obey him in the first place. Soon the graveyard was finally coming into view, and standing merely a foot inside the burial grounds was Ed, frozen in place as he stares up at the taller man that stood before a certain gravestone.

My nerves flared up when I see Hohenheim turn to face Ed and see the look of shock twist to hate in the boy's eyes. I know I should leave them be and watch from the sidelines, but even before I found out everything about FMA was real, I always wanted to be there for Ed as moral support each time I watched him come face to face with his father. Of course, since it was mainly the 2003 version I was most familiar with at the time, I merely wanted to inflict my pain to the man when I saw him flirting with Lt. Ross. Even after receiving all that information from the gate about every even that will occurs here (which I still question), the urge to be there for him was still the same. Except I see the man in a more sympathetic light compared to before. His experience of loss is just as great as his sons.

'But they don't know that yet...' I thought, sad at the mental reminder. I could see they were exchanging word and bit by bit, Ed was starting to lose it. For once in my life, I don't care about the damn timeline. I just want to be there for him for once without thinking of the future. Once I reached the entrance, I skid to a stop and cried out his name, "ED!" Ed slightly turns his body as his eyes widen at my sudden appearance. I bend forward a bit to catch my breath. "What the- I thought I told you to stay in my room and rest!" he yells. I roll my eyes and sarcastically answer back, "Obviously you don't know me well enough to know I only orders that I like." The moment I look up, my eyes immediately fall on Hohenheim, who's glasses concealed whatever emotion he's feeling ight now.

I've never felt so intimidated for so long just by staring at a person. "Hohenheim..." I mutter, which seemed to have caught the attention of the man. He smiles upon spotting me, "You must be Catherine Cairo. Forgive me if my son has been causing you any trouble." "N-No... not at all," I stammer, slightly nervous due to Hohenheim's intimidating aura. I know he can be a serious man at time, but does he have to keep it up even when smiling? Unable to stand his presence any longer, Ed suddenly marches up to me and grabs my hand. "Lets go Cat," he orders without looking back. "But Ed-" I couldn't finish my protest as Ed was already dragging me away from his father. I stare at the back of his head with sad eyes. 'Oh Ed... If only you knew...'

His father is grieving for the loss of his wife and most likely regrets leaving his sons to fend for themselves. It's not like he knew such things would happen that fast. I doubt he even knew of Trisha's sickness, if he had he wouldn't have left to search a way to regain his mortality in the first place. However, it's not my place to tell Ed that. Even when it comes to that point where Ed would start asking me questions related to Hohenheim - that man has to be the one to tell his sons in order for them to understand better than if I were the one to explain. I smile and let out a short sigh while thinking to myself, 'Ed's going to be pissed once he sees how beat up Al's body looks. Hopefully, Alice didn't get in much trouble trying to assist him, especially after putting her in a bad spot by leaving like that.' Then there's Havoc. 'Colonel will... most likely be upset with me.'

Ed abruptly stops. "Cat... Why is he here?" "You mean Hohenheim?" I ask in the form of a question. His grip on my hand tightens out of frustration, shaking all over from the rage that's been building since his father left them without a word. I was hesitant at first to say anything on the matter, but I knew if I don't say anything now, Ed would end up kore pissed than he is now from seeing his father decades later. "He just came back to... check on his family," I said in an unsure tone, biting my lips as I wait for Ed's reaction. "There was something he has to do that's very important, he only came back to see how you guys were doing." Without even a second to process my answer, Ed suddenly turns around in my arms and presses his forehead against mine, silently glaring into my eyes as I nervously stare back at him.

I don't know if my un-sureness can count as a lie for my forehead to 'heat up'as he claims it does, but I know for sure that was one of Hohenheim's intentions when returning to Resembol. After waiting a few minutes for his verdict, Ed lets out an annoyed sigh and pulls back. "That bastard better have a good reason why left..." he mumbles to himself.

++Later++
||Back at the Rockbell's||

I can't tell if Ed's pissed at me or at his father's unexpected return, because the moment we got back, he let's go of my hand and marches straight up to his room without even once looking back, either to avoid me or Hohenheim. "Is everything alright?" Pinako questions as she steps out of the living room. She most likely heard the door slam and Ed's heavy footsteps earlier. If she's not questioning why I was outside, she most likely knew about my escape but decided not to let it slide. I nervously bit my lip and glance to the side. "Let's just say... Ed and I met with a very interesting character when he went to visit his mom." Sensing his presence, I step to the side to reveal the man to the old lady. Her mouth open, wide enough to allow her previous smoking pipe to fall to the group.

"Hohenheim!?" she gaps. At first I thought she would be mad. Instead, she gave him a knowing smile and held back her tears. "About time you come home." Although there's not much history that was shown, I could tell that despite the age gap - and that's a big gap - they still cherish their friendship. "Yeah..." he smiles back. Just seeing their exchange made me feel a bit out of place. "Um... I think should go," I said and move a bit towards the stairs. I was immediately stopped by Hohenheim. "There's no need. I'm sure my son will come around eventually. Besides," he stares down directly at me and continues, "I want to get to know the girl I've been hearing so much about." Huh? Me? Well there was no way I could talk myself out of this.

As much as I respect the man, his presence is still too intimidating. Reluctantly, I nod in agreement and answer, "Let's just keep our voices down. I don't want Ed to march down and nab me if he finds out I've been talking to you." Pinako led us to a certain spot in the house where she was sure Ed won't be able to hear us from upstairs even if he tried. She left Hoheinhem - I quote - a 'couple' of beers and me a simple cup of orange juice. Again, I am baffled that I'm speaking to Hohenheim and watching him drink like as if it was water. 'I guess immortals can't get drunk,' I mused to myself, failing miserably to hold back a smile. He was quick to notice this. "Forgive me," he apologizes while setting the bottle down. "I haven't had a decent drink in a while. Only Pinako knows the best place to get them."

I giggle in response, "It's fine. From what I hear, you've been travelling quite a lot during your time away from home." The moment I said that, I almost wanted to slap myself for being an idiot by saying something so insensitive. He maybe thinking it's find since I don't know his whole story, but still, it feels wrong to blurt something like that out loud. Hohenheim then changes the subject, "You've made quite a name for yourself despite your age. I almost couldn't believe the rumors. Well except for one." At first I didn't understand what he was implying, until I remembered that one little rumor that Ed and I have constantly denied so many times. "We're not dating! People just got that impression since they saw us together a lot! We're just friends!" My cheeks heat up as I tried to explain our relationship.

"Could have fooled me," he muses much to my surprise. It's weird to see the Van Hohenheim joking around so casually with an absolute stranger. "So, how are my son's doing?" My head perks up at his question. At first I was unsure if I had the right to tell him, considering how much Ed wants nothing to do with his father, but the genuine curiosity in his eyes made me think otherwise. This may be a good opportunity to get to know the 450 year old man. I told him in the most sincere way possible without sounding too suspicious, "They've had face a few bumps here and there, but they're still able to move forward. Despite all the hardships they've faced, they refuse to let anything drag them down, that's what's so amazing about them."

Losing their mom and next their bodies, I can't imagine being able to do any of that if I was their age when it happened. "The same must go for you, being from the other side and all." Yeah- Hold on a second, did he just say what I think he said? "I know your secret Catherine, so there's no need to keep your guard up." Okay this must be a sick joke at this point. How many people know about the other side? Let alone me!? "Y-"You know about the other side," I gulp, practically shaking all over in fear. If Marcoh knew about the other side, Izumi realizing it just from observing me, and now Hohenheim flat out telling me he's know this whole time, what about Father? Does the Dwarf in the Flask know me? The thought of it shook me to the core.

Hohenheim reassures me as he raises his hand, "Don't worry about the Homunculus, he has very little knowledge on what you are." How can I not!? 'It's like every important person I meet already knows about the other side! Is this some sick joke or something!?" my thoughts panic. This is not something I should absolutely get used to. As relieved as I am to hear that Father does not entirely know who I am, the fact Hohenheim already knows about the other side like Marcoh and Izumi is beyond terrifying. Just how many alchemists' know about my sides' existence? "However the fact that there's so many of you is troubling," he voices his concerns. "If I am correct, you aren't the only individual to cross over and still breathe." I slowly nod, answering in an unsure tone, "It's just been me and my two other friends."

I absolutely don't want to mention their names yet. Not until I am absolutely sure he knows what he's talking about. I always assumed in the past that the others really know of OUR side, but never if it's a version of this world. Think about it, the 2003 portrayed its own version of earth. Who knows, maybe this world has its own as well, just not the one I came from. For my vision to transition from reality to animation just like that? Yeah, that can't be possible. "If you're testing me than I will tell you the one thing I know about your side," Hohenheim takes out a piece of paper and places it across the table. "The person who left you on that side has been keeping a close eye on you." Cautious, I take the paper paper and I was shocked at what was taped on it. There were various pictures of me during my childhood.

Now that I take a better look at it, it's a letter. Written in... French? "That person kept a brief eye on you until he returned to this side. It had taken him a while to re-learn Amestrian after his prolonged stay there." Guess that's what they call english then. With this much proof, then there's no other choice but to listen what he has to say.

"From what I know, your body has the Catalyst embedded into your body."
"Yes... but it's effects are the opposite of the stone itself. While the stone prolongs ones life, the catalyst shortens it. I'm practically a ticking time bomb."
"But your abilities have been amplified thanks to it. In a way, the Catalyst is what's helped you survive for this long despite your lack of training with alchemy."

That is true. If the Philosopher's Catalyst wasn't a part of me, my alchemy would have taken years to properly develop. Hesitantly, I asked the one thing that'd been in my mind for a while, "Can you tell me... what it's made of? The author of the book Dr. Marcoh gave me is just full of extensive notes on the catalyst and theories on parallel worlds." I took it a miniature version of it from my pocket and use my alchemy to expand it to its original size. He stares at me in amazement as I held it towards him.

-Hohenhaim-

Never in my life have I seen such feats of alchemy that Catherine has just performed before me. She defied the laws of equivalent exchange without even realizing it.'This may be due to the fact that she was exposed to the other side for a certain period of time,' I theorize in my thoughts. 'My old friend, if your theory was correct then your daughter is in more danger than we previously thought.' "Mr. Hohenheim, is everything okay?" Cat spoke up, concerned at my sudden silence. I gaze up at her them back down at the book and start flipping through the pages. 'If neither of us had become subjects to such cruel fates... would your daughter's life have turned out differently?' There were some theories I already knew from my last conversation with him, but there were still many that I have not.

'I see...' I brought the book closure to take a better look at the unfamiliar transmutation circle. The Grand Arcanum. According to what he's found, in a different version of this world, this was meant as a means in creating a philosopher's stone. He adapts the markings of it to make his own version, one that diverted away from its original purpose. The creation of the philosopher's catalyst. "Tell me, how is it you know events that are to occur before they happen?" I ask the girl, practically frightening her half to death. She bites her lips nervously before answering, "On my side... there's this writer who wrote a books series based on the story of Ed and Al's journey in recovering what they've lost. It was adapted into two separate shows; one that deviated away from the original plot halfway since the writer was still working on the books at the time and the other which accurately portrays what's happening right now. Though I was never a part of it so it kind feels like I was thrown in here."

That peeks my interests even further. He did say that he encountered a being that he calls 'Fate' from the other side and had paid the being into making sure the girl would have the knowledge that she requires if she were to be sent back. 'It appears 'Fate' is much more powerful than originally thought. If it has the ability to influence the mind's of a human being that much, what's to say the one our side isn't?' Clearly, Catherine was starting to get nervous the longer I prolong my response.

"Have you told anyone else of this?"
"N-No! Well I was going to with Ed... but just to ensure everyone's safety, I never told the entire story as to how I know so much. Alice was the one to tell everyone while I was still recovering from a fight by saying that their story was a famous tale that nearly everyone one our side has heard."
"A smart thing to do. If word were to accidentally get out that every single event was written in detail due to an outer influence, the Homunculus would take interest and attempt to breach your side."
"You think he would go that far...?"
"If what you're saying is true, then you and the others that have crossed over with you are too invaluable. Such knowledge is very dangerous."

"I get that a lot..." she mutters to herself, gazing down at her lap. What he did to make her prepared may have been a smart move, but it was also very risky as it made her an even bigger target. Her being the catalyst is still drawing the Homunculus' attention and his children know little about what she is except that she's no longer an ordinary human being. 'That's exactly what they were worried about when they first raised her...' I silently shut the book and hand it back to her, earning a confused look from her as she cautiously takes it back with shaky hands. "Mr. Hohenheim-" I instantly correct, "Please, there's no need for formalities. Hohenheim is just fine." "Right Hohenheim... can I ask you something?" With a short nod, she hesitates for a moment before asking, "Your wife, Trisha, did you know about her condition before you left?"

That was a question I expected either of my son's to question me if I were to ever see them. I tightly grip my cup then let go. "I did not... I did make sure that before I left that everything would be fine while I was gone. Pinako had told me that her illness must have occurred after I had left, that's why I failed to know of her passing until I returned to find our home burnt down and... well you seem to know the rest." Catherine seemed somewhat pleased to hear this, but I could tell there was something else bugging her. "You want to know why it's only now that I returned," I said, surprising the girl even further. She bows her head, ashamed. "Yes... I just don't get it. You could have visited them while you were away... or at least wrote to them! I know I shouldn't judge you, but I still don't get why."

I took a long deep breath. I had expected this to have someone ask me that, though that doesn't mean I was prepared to give a proper answer. I proceed to tell her in the most sincere way I could without overthinking it, "I was afraid. I was afraid that if I did make any form of contact, it would only cause much confusion and longing for the boys and that would make me go back. I couldn't just yet, not while the Homunculus continues to breathe and threaten the lives of my family. As you may know, I set out to prevent this while I researching ways to reverse the effects of what he's done to me. I did not want to return because I did not want to be deemed as a failure to them. Even now, I am not sure if my counter to the Homunculus' plot will work. I'm a failure as a husband and a father."

"It will work," she answers firmly. I stare straight into her eyes and felt like I wasn't talking to Catherine, but her father. Although they were of her mother's color, that unwavering determination in her eyes is strikingly similar to his. "I cannot lie to you that I'm not disappointed in you for disappearing like that... but your intentions were pure. You just want to protect what's most precious to you. You could have left as you had enough time to do so, but you didn't. You chose to stay to prevent him from taking everything from you again. You didn't want to stand by and do nothing." She warmly smiles at me just like him too. "You're neither of those things... if you were, you wouldn't have cared enough to try and fight for your family."

I felt defeated. 'To think a child her age could be stronger than I was so long ago...' I let out a short chuckle much to her confusion, 'I think you have every right to worry my friend. She is exactly like you in every way when you were young. Let's just hope she didn't inherit her mother's cynicism and temper or else that self-sacrificing issue you had will become much more problematic. I decide to further question her, this time in a less serious tone, "Your parents... what do you remember of them?" Catherine's eyes widen for a moment before they turn cold. She bits her lip and gazes down at the book. "Nothing much... Honestly, I don't even want to bother remembering the people that abandoned me." As hard it is to hear her say such things, for a child that young to be left alone like her, it wasn't that surprising at all that's what she perceived had happened to her.

"I used to think that if I remember them then I would figure out the reason why they left me in such a god forsaken place like that. But ever since I came to this side... All I've learned about myself is how much of a monster I am..." No matter how hard she tries, I could tell she was fighting back from crying. My eyes soften at this. 'She's just like how we were...' I thought, recalling how life was like before I met Trisha. I do still think that sometimes, but someone her age shouldn't be feeling that way at all. I remain silent so that Catherine could let it all out, seeing as how she's kept it all bottled up for quite a while and being in a similar case like her, it's best to listen to before I say anything.

"I don't regret losing my humanity... but I just don't understand why my parents did it. Why would they put this thing inside me? The only reason I can think of is to save me, but for what? To suffer this short life by myself while they're off living a longer, happier life!? If they didn't want me then they should have just killed me! Not put this stupid Catalyst in the body of a child they never wanted!"

Despite my long years, I've never been good with people. It may have been due to the fact I avoided them in fear of seeing loved ones grow old while I didn't. But as someone who once used to think of myself as a monster, I can relate to her so much. "Catherine, your parents-" Before I could say anything, I was interrupted when Edward appears at the doorway and stares straight at the girl's back. She must have sensed his presence too, because the moment he was about to march over towards him, she turns around and stands. "Ed? What are doing up?" Catherine questions, though it was obvious to the both of us why he was here. "You never came up so-" He pauses and studies her face. "You... what did you say to her?" There was no denying it, the amount of anger in his eyes just shows what exactly he thinks I did.

Catherine decides to talk in my place, "We were just talking Ed! We said some thing's and I ended up remembering something is all!" This doesn't sit well with him. Ed marches straight to her and grabs her hand. "Yeah, something awful which he ended up bringing up!" "No! He-" Without even listening to reason, he drags the girl away from me, but not before he gives me a nice little warning. "If I ever see you near her again... You will regret ever coming back." He actually gave me shiver with how serious he sounded. As she was dragged off, Catherine flashes me an apologetic look before turning her attention back to Edward. I could hear their footsteps even above my head.

"That boy... I swear, he needs to learn to control his emotions properly. If not then it'll take you even longer to say how you truly feel."

-Back to Me-

||Ed's room||

"For crying out loud Ed! Will you just listen to me?" I yell after being dragged back to his room and tossed on his bed. I was going to say something until- "Why the fuck are you taking your pants off!?" I exclaim as I shield my eyes from Ed's sudden stripping act. He immediately slaps a hand over my mouth and shushes me, "Will you shut it...!? If you keep yelling like that they'll get the wrong idea!" I force his hand off and roll my eyes, sarcastically stating, "Oh sure~ Seeing a boy in his underwear in front of a girl sure won't give them that impression." He lets out a long sigh before giving me the most embarrassing order ever, "You're stripping too." ". . . . Excuse me?" Am I hearing things right? Because I could have sworn- "Didn't you hear me? We're going to bed." Okay so I'm not experiencing auditory hallucinations.

"YOU WANT ME TO WHAT!?" I dove straight under the blanket and used it as a shield. He panics once he realizes and tries to correct my wrong impression. "Yeah- Wait... No no no no no! That's not what I meant! What I mean is for you to change too!" "You could have just said THAT instead of ordering me to strip!" I said, covering my now red face. 'Thanks granny! You just made my semi-innocent mind into a complete r-18 mess! I wouldn't have thought we were going to do THAT if you hadn't implanted my head with you damn deceptive words!' "Cat... c'mon I'm sorry," I hear him apologize as he climbs into the bed. "Shut it! You need to control your hormones better, you pervert!" I said from underneath the blanket. He didn't say anything for a few minutes.

"Give me a pillow then," he finally spoke up. I slightly pull the blanket to see Ed grabbing a pillow and places it on the floor. "What are you doing?" I ask him as I sit up. "I'll sleep on the floor and you sleep on the bed," he said, earning a bewildered look from me. "That way one of us can get a proper night's rest for tomorrow." There's no way in hell I'm not going to let him do something as stupid as that. Not after saying something so embarrassing! I immediately argue with him, "No! I'll sleep on the floor! This is your room Ed, I'm just a guest."

"The hell kind of person would I be to let you sleep on the floor? You're on the bed and that's that!"
"Is it just because I'm a girl? Ed, I'm fine with sleeping on the floor!"
"I can't let you do that! I'm trying to be a gentleman here, so for crying out loud just do as i say and go to bed!"
"Oh for the love of- Why are you so persistent in making me sleep in your room? I have my own and so do you!"
"I can't let you sleep by yourself as long as that baster is under the same roof as us!"

I was taken aback at this. I know he hates his father for leaving, but does his distrust in the man run that deep for him to act like this? Obviously, there's no way I can reason with him into letting me sleep in my own bed so... "Let's just share the bed, again." There was a long silent pause between us. I realized what I had just suggested and it was my turn to panic, "It's meaningless if we waste the entire night in arguing over something as stupid as a bed! If either one of us wants to get a good night's rest, we better share instead of continuing this small, meaningless fight!" Thank god the room was dark or else Ed would see how red my face must be at the moment from that clearly suggestive option I laid out for him.

This was the second time I suggested we sleep in the same back, and this time it won't be as short as the first. This is going to be the whole night! 'Please whatever god is out there... make him say no!' Oh how those outer forces hate me. "Fine... Scoot over." I did another double take as I watch his figure get closer. 'This is why I shall forever be an atheist!' Without another word from either of us, we sort of laid in bed next to each other. I was too embarrassed at the situation that I placed myself in a side-lying position so that my back was facing him. My chest was beating harder against my chest the more I felt Ed shift around behind me. "Cat," I heard Ed call over. "Yeah?" I respond, trying my best not to croak. "Can you uh... turn around?" I swear to god this boy is trying my make my heart beat the world record in the fastest beating organ.

Slowly, I turn as instructed and nearly felt like fainting when I found myself staring straight into Ed's eyes. I know this is the most corniest thing to say in a moment like this, but the golden color in his eyes are really mesmerizing up close. "There... now I can make sure you're not having anymore nightmares." That statement was definitely unexpected. "So... you heard me a few times, huh?" I ask, unconsciously scooting closer to Ed. He does the same as he awkwardly answers, "Yeah, it's a little hard to ignore it whenever I wake up from mine." I knew he's had his own share of nightmares, but I never thought that would be the reason why I had caught him one time pretending to be asleep while I was talking to Al after I abruptly woke up.

So I guess that's what Ed meant to Jealousy when he said I talked in my sleep, I must have said some thing's without knowing it. "Looks like the gate sure did a number on us, huh?" We both laugh for a bit, Ed being the first to stop and then me next. "Alice told me while you were asleep that the reason you guys knew so much was because..." He hesitates for a moment, "There's a story about us on your side." I was wondering when he'd ask me about that. For quite a while, I was a bit curious as to what Alice had said to the others to make even the Colonel believe her on the spot. I tried to ask her for the details, but all she did was smile and change the subject. "Oh... That..." Talking about this now is seriously unexpected. "There is and it's pretty popular, especially with the girls. You have quite a fanbase."

"And I'm guessing you were a part of that..." My face practically explodes from embarrassment when he mentions that. Sure I was but that was long before any of this became real to me, it's not as if my kid-self would ever think of actually entering this world. Okay, it may have been my dream, but it was just a dream so I eventually dropped it as I got older. "Guilty as charged. Honestly, it was a chaotic time when all of us had to wait to see the continuation every week." I couldn't help but reminiscence on those boring days, "Well I couldn't exactly as I had a limited amount of cash to buy even one book." We ended up talking about it for a bit, and I made sure to keep the fact that I had a huge crush on him or else I'll never hear the end of it.

"It was a book series? How many volumes?" he questions. I pause for a moment then nervously answer, "Um... 27 volumes, give or take." "That many!?" exclaims the boy, his eyes widening in disbelief.

"No wonder you know so much about us. How could someone cover that much of our lives?"
"Well not everything is in there. There are certain parts that weren't present so the author wasn't exactly accurate on certain events. And don't you dare ask what they are."
"I won't... Man someone that good must be really famous."
"You're not going to ask how she was able to write it all down?"
"Alice didn't have a clue when I asked her, so I'm pretty sure that you don't know as well. I did have a theory on it... except I can't test it out if it's true since I'd rather not try it out."

"Try it out? Oh!" He must have thought it has to do something with the gate, but I know as well as he does that it's not only a risky move, but being there will bring up unwanted memories. We didn't talk much about it afterwards. Ed wanted to hear more about my side now that we have the time. "It's a fair exchange! You know more about my side so I have to learn about yours!" was the excuse he gave me. 'He's probably think it'd be childish to crush on a fictional character...' I thought, feeling slightly depressed. "Alice did mention something," Ed spoke up. "I think it was something about you... Never mind." I was going to press what he was going to say until I saw the bedroom door open up. I instinctively shut my eyes and move myself closer to Ed to make it more believable that I was asleep.

When we heard the sounds of heavy footsteps approaching us, I felt an arm wrap around my waist and force my body to press against Ed's. I would have made a sound if I hadn't remembered that someone else is now in the room with us. And that person was Van Hohenheim. "Look at him... he really doesn't trust me enough to allow Catherine to sleep by herself," Hohenheim, chuckles, amused at the sight of us together in bed. That was definitely something that never happened, then again he is supposed to be here in Resembol by himself when he encounters his father, not with someone like me. Then something unexpected happened, another voice spoke, "After disappearing like that and reappear before him in the worst place possible? I wouldn't be surprised if he used your pillow to kill you in your sleep."

My eyes shot wide open and stare straight at Ed, who seemed just as shocked as I was at Hohenheim's unknown companion. His eyes tell me to keep quiet, which I do and feel him bring me closer to help hide my face better. I could see at the corner of my eye that Hohenheim had his hand hovering over Ed's, mentally debating if he should pat his son's head or not. The stranger continues to tease the man, "Your son most probably think that you're going to do something to her. I wouldn't blame him. You were a big flirt when you were younger!" "Come now... it was you who tried to teach me how to pick up ladies," Hohenheim teases back as he stands up straight and leaves the room. Laughter echoes even after the door was shut. Ed immediately sits up and glares at the door.

I, on the other hand, continued to lay in bed to try and process what had just happened. I hear Ed mutter to himself, "Who knew he had a friend with him... Just where exactly has he been all these years?" I nervously shift under the sheets, causing Ed to refocus his attention on me. "Cat...?" I have no idea who that man was. 'Could he be the one... I met on the porch?' My thoughts shift back to what happened earlier this morning. 'Wait... he looks like that man in Miss Camilla's photos. He's definitely Xerxian, but he spoke with Hohenhaim as if they've known each other for ages... but how can that be?' "Hey, you okay?" I snap out of my trance to find Ed hovering a bit over me. "Yeah... I'm just a little thirsty is all," I lie.

I move to sit up and said, "I think I'll go down and get some water." I know that Ed won't leave unless he has a reason to. If he is to learn the truth about what he brought back that night, what they sacrificed for, Ed has to go down stairs and overhears Hohenheim's conversation with Pinako. As expected, Ed immediately tells me, "No! You stay here and I'll get you your water!" I silently watch as Ed gets out of bed and walks to the door, but stops halfway. "Cat... Thanks." I blink, confused at his sudden words as he leaves the room. Why did Ed have to thank me for?

++Later++

-Ed-

'No... it can't be true! It can't be!' After I went to get Cat her water, I happened to see the door to the dining room cracked open. I knew Cat had a reason for suddenly making such an excuse and knew I wouldn't leave her unless I was forced to. I didn't want her to leave the safety of my room so I went to get it out of impulse. It took me a second to figure out Cat's intention and knew she said that on purpose. And when I went down, I heard the entire thing. Every single word. I ran straight back up to my room and stopped at the doorway to catch my breath. She was still in bed like I was expecting her to, this time asleep. Making a fist, I bit my lip and practically jumped into the bed. She groans in her sleep and rubs her eyes. "Ed...?" Cat mumbles, still half asleep.

I couldn't look her in the eye properly, not after hearing what that old man said. All I could do is hug her, relishing the comforting feeling she gave off just from her presence. She doesn't say anything else. Instead, Cat hugs me back. "I know Ed... I know... I'm sorry but I made you learn about it this way..." Before I would get upset when I learn that Cat kept something from me, but this time it was different. 'She knew... this whole time-' I buried my face in her hair. 'Just how long did that information keep eating away at her?' I couldn't imagine how long she's had to keep it to herself. When she saw my arm and Al's empty body, was she forced to recall that knowledge?

-Back to Me-

It took Ed a while to go to sleep, though by the time he did he absolutely maintained his grip on me. 'And in the morning he has to confirm it with Pinako...' I sigh at the thought as I stare up at Ed's sleeping face. As much as I don't want to see him further hurt himself, he has to know just like how I had him learn the truth about the stone. The difference is that this time I'll be there or him. I won't hide and wait for the best like I've always done in the past. 'Back then I didn't love him... now it's different.' Then I realized something. 'When did I start loving this shrimp? I thought of his as a very close friend as a kid... then I hated him upon reuniting with him... but then-' My mind flashes back to the night Alice 'died'. 'Yeah, we started getting used to one another after that night.'

I reach up and gently touched his left cheek. 'But when did it start? I only realized after you gave my my ring...' It sure as hell wasn't love at first sight when we didn't recognize each other that's for sure. After reflecting on it a lot, I give in and came with the conclusion, 'Does there really have to be a reason? If you think about it, there's really no explanation as to how it happened. Just for now, being with him is fulfilling enough.' The day will come where I'll have to say goodbye. Even if I wanted to stay, I realized that order will have to be restored at one point, meaning those from the other side have to be put back where they belong.

++That Morning++

-Ed-

::Dream::

As I ran down a dark tunnel, a beam of light at the end. "Give him back! He's the only family I have left and I won't let you take him!" I tried to reach out for Al only for Truth appear before me. "Take it…? Do you even know what you're saying? You're the one who tossed him aside and put him in that armor; aren't you Alchemist?" My eyes widened as Truth continued to taunt me, "You even gave up that girl's happiness and stopped her from being complete…" "It's true…" I turned to find Tucker and Nina. "We are exactly the same…accept it, Edward." Black hands appeared from the darknress and grabs me as Tucker said, "We make monsters…" I then turned to see that creature that they made. "You promised..." Gasping, I turn to find Cat standing before me. "Cat?" I reached out to her only for Jealousy to appear behind the girl.

"Don't!" I tried to grab Cat and pull her to safety, but I was too late, forced to watch was Jealousy drives her sword in Cat's body. "Equivalent exchange... right? Your life for her," she tauns me, accompanied with a maniac laugh as Cat falls to the ground. "CAT!"

::End of Dream::

I gasp for air and looks to find I was still in my room. "Mmmm..." I felt something shift in my arms, making me slightly pull the blanket up to find Cat, snuggling up against me in her sleep. I chuckle at this, "Hehehe... And you made such a fuss last night..." What happened in my dream still haunts me. Even after Granny called us to come down to say bye to Hohenheim, I refused to get out of bed, not until Cat wakes up.

-Hohenheim-

After saying my farewells to Pinako, I made my leave for the trainstation only to find him waiting not too far away from the house. I sigh and approach him, "You could have told me you'd be waiting here. I almost thought you left before me." He chuckles at my response, "Sorry, sorry. I just wanted to get the feel of the peace and quiet that Resembol has to offer a bit longer before we depart. It's not often you get this feeling around Amestris." Its been quite a while since we last had a talk like this together. To have an old friend like him to stick around as long as he has, being with him reminds me of our days before our country fell. As we were walking, he suddenly asks me, "Didn't say goodbye to your kid, huh?"

I give him a short glare as I respond, "I should be saying the same to you. Who goes talking to their own daughter as if you're both strangers, Nicholas?" Nicholas just gives me a nervous laugh as I let out another sigh at that aggravating personality of his. Despite how mature he is most of the time, he almost becomes an entirely different person whenever he's around his wife or daughter. "You know... she looks just like her mother," he blurts out of nowhere, gazing up at the sky with sad eyes. "I envy you, you know. Despite how much your kids hate you and refuse to call you 'dad', at least they remember you. Mine didn't even recognize me when she saw me yesterday." There he goes again. Every time he gets depressed, he goes and tortures himself, believing that he alone has to suffer through his mistakes and atone for them.

"Don't be like that," I said as I pat his shoulder. "Your daughter was always all over you after you get back home. I'm just sorry I always had to pull you away from your family to help me out." Nicholas just grins at me, that same determination I saw in Catherine gleaming in his own golden eyes. "And pass up the opportunity to regain what we lost? Non-sense. If it as to make her happier, then I'd sacrifice anything to bring that smile back. I dragged Perenelle into this because I met and fell in love with her, same with Catherine for having conceived her." He looks at me and continues, "Don't get me wrong. It's because of our child that I even bothered trying to interfer with that damn Homunculus. Now I'm even more pissed with how much he's hurt her and her other."

He raises his arm up, which I respond with a knowing smile and bump the sides of our fists together. "So lets do this little brother," he said, his grin widening into an excited smile. I roll my eyes at this old exchange but comply, "Right back at you, big brother." Despite our difference in age appearance - him appearing in his 30's and I in my 40's - and the fact there's no true blood bond between us, those years as slaves made us develop and maintain a bond as strong as my sons. Brotherhood. I don't know what had happened when he disappeared twenty years prior to Xerxes' destruction, but the other side had changed him. From a boy who'd think of only our survival to a man who'd be willing to toss away his own life for others.

-Back to Me-

I was awake early but I refused to wake Ed up, still afraid of what's to come next when he does. 'I'm so useless... Isn't there any way to actually help him?' I thought to myself as I buried my face in Ed's chest. 'Having this much knowledge is useless if I can't use it to save anyone from their pain.' "Hey," Ed suddenly greets, causing me to stare up at him with wide eyes. "I get that you're comfy and all, but you might suffocate yourself if you keep that up." I didn't even know I was that close to him! I was going to move away to give him space but Ed refused. "Ed...?" This was definitely out of character even for him. Then again, there are certain sides of him that I learned after meeting him in person that I've never seen from both the show and the manga, plus the entire timeline that was shoved into my brain.

"Sorry I just... Just give me a few minutes," he said before he hugs me again. I didn't say anything and just let him do what he wants. I stare up at him again and think to myself, 'I never thought Ed would be the hugging type... I wonder if he'll be like this when he marries Winry.' I don't like thinking of their future together and I'm sure Lucas won't be happy too if he learned from Alice or I that Ed and Winry are supposed to become Mr. and Mrs. Elric. "Hey uh... Cat?" Guess even he can't go back to sleep. "Yeah?" When I look back up, I was surprised to see how red his cheeks were. "T-There's something I want to ask you," he said, accompanied with a gulp. Nervous, I nod and await for what he has to ask. It takes him a few minutes to gain the courage to ask me the one question I never thought he'd ask.

"Whowasyourfirstkiss?!" Despite how fast he blurted it out, I knew immediately what he was trying to say and I swear I almost jumped off the bed to distance myself from him. I exclaim as I slightly push myself away from him, "W-Why would you ask me something like that!?" "I don't know! I was just curious is all!" he exclaims and looks away, most likely feeling just as embarrased as I am from what he just asked. I knew it was a lie about his sudden curiousity, but what I still don't understand is why he would ask me that. And why NOW? Out of all the times he has to ask me the one kind of question I am definitely unable to answer him. I know I promised I'd answer any of his questions as much as possible and not keep secrets, but that is the one and only secret that I intend to keep to my grave.

"Well I sure as hell won't tell you!"
"And why not? I told you not to keep secrets from me!"
"Oh no don't you dare pull that card on me Edward! You know information secrets and personal secrets are seperate things! Why in the world would I tell you something as stupid as a first kiss!?"
"It's not stupid! If you've already had one then it shouldn't even be something to hide! You and Alice talk about girl things all the time, so why should this be different!"
"I don't want to sound sexist, but that's because you're not a girl - you're a male! Also, I never even said I lost my first kiss! Even if I did, I wouldn't tell anyone! Even Alice!"

"So you DID lose it!" accuses the boy as he sits up to look down at me. I also sit up and confess out of frustration, "Okay I did! But that doesn't mean I'll tell you!" This went from embarrassing to talk about to just flat out annoying. 'God, how does he know how to frustrate me in just a couple of minutes! And this early in the moring!' my thoughts scream as I plead to Ed, "Can we just not talk about it?! Yeah I lost my first kiss, but it's not like you did too!" For some odd reason, he did not deny it. "Um... Edward?" I reach out for him but he instantly scoots away from me only to fall off the bed. "Ahahaha! Well would you look at the time! I'm pretty sure Granny is up too!" Ed immediately stands up and stupidly looks down at his obviously naked wrist as he nervously laughs. "I'll go check downstairs right now!"

Before I could react, Ed runs straight out of the room, leaving me in a daze as I sat there and stare at the now wide-open door. "What the hell just happened?" I ask to no one in particular.

-Normal-

Although she was still bewildered at the boy's odd behavior, she was too sleepy and hungry to think over it and decided to follow after him. Getting out of bed, it was only then Cat realized how late it was. That and she never changed out of her clothes. "Crap... looks like I have to borrow some of Ed's for now until I get this washed." She groggily walks over to Ed's suitcase only to pause once she opens it. "I can't wear that!" Cat quickly backs away straight into the wall behind her. She at first thought it would be fine since she never brought her own suitcase, but upon seeing what he has left, she immediately woke up and realized she couldn't do it. "But what else am I going to wear...?" I said to myself, glancing down at obviously dirtied clothes. My usual outfit is still in central, and the one I have on is something the Colonel lent me for a disguise.

With not other choice, she ultimately chose to wear his shirt and... boxer shorts. She didn't know how long she's taken to change out of her smelly clothes, but by the time she got downstairs Ed was already discussing something with Pinako. "Well look who's- Oh my sweet jesus!" Pinako nearly faints at what Cat wore. Ed tilts his head, confused at her weird reaction and turns only to feel his cheeks heat up more than they did earlier. Cat wraps her arms around her herself, feeling even more self conscious after hearing what Granny just blurted out. This gave the elderly woman an immediate wrong impression. She takes the wrench from the table beside her and Ed then proceeds to bash the back of the boy's head. "Ed!" Cat exclaims. Pinako hovers over the boy as he crouches down and clutches his head in pain.

"I know I allowed her to sleep in your room, but you are old enough to know that you're not of that age yet!" she scowls him as he slowly stands back up. It took a moment for Cat and Ed to piece together what she's implying. "We didn't do anything!" both blurt out at the same time, red in the face. Cat explains herself to get out of this mess, "I didn't have anything to wear so I grabbed the first thing I could think of! The clothes I had on were just hand-me-downs from our superior!" She didn't want to mention the part about her escaping from the hospital or else she'd had to give the old woman a very lengthy explanation since she looked perfectly fine. Pinako was relieved to hear this, but she still didn't approve on Cat's appearance. "Go and wash your clothes then. Ed and I will staying out for a few hours, and I expect you to be properly dressed by the time we get back."

-Back to Me-

I was going to tell her it was impossible since it will rain later, but I kept it to myself. Granny Pinako grabs her towel and steps out of the house first. Ed stares at me for a moment and turns to leave, but not before I grab his wrist to stop him. "I can go with you if you want..." I offer as I nervously stare down at the ground. The memory on the look of his face when he confirms it for himself scares me. I don't want Ed to be alone once he see's for himself that what Hohenheim said was right. Without saying a word, Ed looks over his shoulder and gives me the same exact look Hohenheim gave him when he was a kid before he left. Though this time it was different. His eyes soften as he forces his arm back and walks over to hug me. He tells me in a soft voice, "No... You stay here. I'll be back soon, I promise."

I understood the truth behind his words and hugs him back for a few minutes before pushing myself out of his grasp. I force a smile as I teasingly tell him, "If you don't then I'm going to run straight after you." He just shakes his head with a smile on his lips. Just as Ed was about to leave again, I remember at the last minute- "Take your coat with you!" He watches me as I grab his coat from the coat hanger and ran straight back to him. "You never know what will happen out there..." I was trying my best to be subtle, but Ed was able to catch on pretty quick. Instead of taking it, he pushing my hands back. "Keep it warm for me when I get back." With nothing else to say, I nod and kept myself from moving as I watch him step out of the house. I bring his coat close my chest, my hands gripping onto the fabric tightly the longer I stare at the closed door.

'Althought I can't be exactly there when it happens,' I thought to myself as I turn away from the door. 'But I can be here for him once he comes home.' I close my eyes and recall the feeling of his warmth. 'He didn't have to tell me to wait for him... I'd still do it even if he didn't say it.' I don't know how I understood what he truly meant. I guess it's all due to the fact I've stuck around him long enough to understand the truth in his words. My heart starts to beat fast again at the thought of Ed again and the warmth I felt from him last night. 'I really have fallen for him...'

-Normal-

And she did as she was told for the next few hours. While waiting, Cat chose to manually clean her clothes instead of using alchemy like she usually did with her actual ones. The main reason was so that she had something to keep her mind off of what's happening out there, and that is by preoccupying herself with meanial tasks that she used to do as a kid. Doing the laundry, trying took cook for herself, working various part-time jobs that were allowed for a kid, and lastly having to pay for her own apartment. She had never been taken away by child services since her only kind neighbor was nice enough to pretend to be her adopted mother. They couldn't live together, but it was enough for her. That was how her simple life was like before arriving to Amestris. "Let's just hope I didn't forget how to clean by hand..." she mutters to herself, shoulders slumped and head bowed to reflect her lack of confidence.

While Cat busied herself with washing, on the outer parts of Resembol, Ed and Pinako prepare themselves for the truth they were about to uncover. Just seeing the darkening skies, Ed is further reminded of the girl that's waiting for him and the sudden gesture she made before he left. "Take your coat with you! You never know what will happen out there..." her voice echoes in his head. "So that's why," he said out loud. "What is it?' Pinako questions the boy after catching him staring up at the sky. Ed shakes his head then shifts his focus back to the remains of his old home, the supposed spot where his 'mother' was buried. Time seemed to pass very quickly. While the two began digging, Cat had already hung her clothes in the bathroom once she saw the skies darken. Biting her lip, Cat stares up at the nearly black clouds get ready for the expected downpour.

"I hope you're okay Ed..." she sighs as she leans against the window and stares out into the distance. She could just imagine everything that's going on out there while she remains confinde to the walls of the Rockbell home. Cat's side starts to ache as the rain started to come down harder, forcing her to stop and retreat to the living room to sooth her sore shoulder. She painfully chuckles upon seeing her automail arm quake, "Hehehe... Having automail really does suck."

-Ed-

||Remains of the Elric Family Home||

I fall to my knees and vomit after feeling my stomach turn and the taste of bile fills up my mouth. "Ed! Don't push yourself..." I could feel Granny massaging my back as I breathed hard after my body forces itself to regurgitate anything that was inside my stomache. She peers at my face and suggests, worried, "Let's head on home. Cat will worried sick if she saw you like this." The mention of Cat causes me to finally stop vomitting. 'Cat...' She didn't want to force me to take me with her and gave me the choice if I wanted her here or not, and I chose not to. "No..." I answer as I force myself back up on my feet, "I'm not going to be able to move forward until I know for sure." The look on that bastard's face appears in my mind as well as the words he said to me moments before Cat suddenly appeared.

"You ran away."

Wiping my mouth, I firmly told Granny, "I won't run away from this! If I do, I won't ever be able to look Cat straight in the eye ever again. I don't want her to think of me as a coward, not after helping me this far to realize the truth she's kept to herself for so long." Cat wanted to go with me but she gave me the choice if I wanted her to come or not, and I chose not to. The reason? 'I can't let her this in person... knowing it only by memory is different than seeing the actual thing. This is something I don't ever want to see.' Granny and I continued to dig despite the pouring rain that was causing my automail arm to ache with every move I make. "I'm sorry but I made you learn about it this way..." Cat's voice echoes in my thoughts as I continued to push my body to dig.

I stop when I accidentally pictured the kind of expression she must have worn when she said that last night. "Don't apologize anymore... I swear you'll never have to ever again," I vowed then resumed digging. The moment I saw a lock of hair and bones, I knew I had found it. The mistake that had lived and died as soon as it was born.

-Back to Me-

||Rockbell Home||

I was starting to get worried about Ed now. The rain finally started to lessen, but neither of them have come back yet. Seeing that they it was going to take them longer to get home than expected, I decided it was best to just wait outside instead of lounging around in the living room couch. I took Ed's coat and stepped outside. And thank god I did because it was colder than I expected for it to be. "Ed..." As much I want to go out looking for him, I promised I'd wait for him to come back. "Please be okay..." I know he is, but I still can't help but worry over what's happening to him out there. "So this is how Winry must have felt the day Ed and Al left," I said to myself, picturing how Winry must have felt the day they both left. "To have to busy herself every single day just so she won't have to worry on what they're doing. I don't think I can ever do that. I already miss him..."

The feeling of his jacket over my shoulders still isn't enough to fill the void. Despite the cold, I refused to go back inside. After what seemed like hours of staring off into vast empty fields, I finally spotted two figures in the distance. Smiling, I practically jumped from where I stood and ran off the porch. "Ed!" I ran far enough so I could properly see them. Pinako stops to sadly smiles back at me while Ed remains oblivious to my calls, most likely still taking in what they've found. I stop midway and stare at the lack of emotion in Ed's eyes. He finally feels my eyes on him and finally looks up. "Cat..." My heart aches to see how low-spirited he looked. Out of impulse, I resumed running straight to him and Ed does the same after watching me approaching him for a few minutes. Our bodies collied to the center.

Our arms wrapping around one another and soon I found us on our knees while still holding one another. "I didn't kill her... Cat, I didn't let my mom die twice..." he mutters into my ear. As if there was some unknown force watching over us, the clouds above us started to part, allowing the sun's light to first spill over us.

To Be Continued

Well... I can't really keep my promise from the previous chapter so... *awkwardly twiddles with fingers* This is awkward. AHEM! Anywhoo~ Someone PMed me recently and claimed that I was taking bits from Blood Alchemist (by LeFay) like the part where Ed and Cat are abandoned on the small island by Izumi because they were fighting. I will say this- I never got around to finish reading that fanfic during the time I was at that part and also Taylor and Cat were fighting with Ed for different reasons. I do realize now there are some similar factors between Taylor and Cat, mainly that they both have the stone running through their veins but there are still obvious differences between about that. I can't change it coz that part has been planned out for a long time. Actually, a lot of parts of the original plan of the fanfic I made up years ago. It just developed over time so I had to make certain changes. HOWEVER! There were fights between Cat and Ed I really want to keep as a way of making them further connect and make their relationship seem more believable. Remember the part with Ed confronting Cat about the letter which she claimed she never wrote, yet a few chapters back she was happy he got it? Yeah... I forgot about that until I spotted the draft in my (now repaired) old laptop. All I could think the moment I saw it was, 'Are you fucking serious!?' Thank god the body switching idea was finally implemented or else I'd be so fuuuuubernucked. So yeah can't do anything to change what's already done and planned. If you find parts similar to someone else's fanfic then that just means they're also a good writer with good ideas. I'm just glad nobody has said once that my oc is a mary sue because I sure as hell don't want Cat to appear overpowering despite the fact she is confirmed to be a walking super weapon at this point. Honestly, I get stressed a lot when reading someone make their oc sound mary sue-ish at a certain point and I fear one day Cat might end up like that someday. Oh and I have some good news. Chapter 1-3 have been fixed. Not by an editor... by me. I was going to leave them be as it does show how much I've progressed over the years, but I decided to look back and damn. I forgot to add in a few details on Cat's progress to becoming an alchemist. XD So I did add some things in chapter 2. And tomorrows my bday... Yay!