'Humans are foolish beings...

they think they're invincible when in reality...

they're not... All this unnecessary death...

for what? To avoid their own? Is immortality

that fleeting?'

Chapter 40 - Mistakes of the Fool Pt. 1

-Al-

Alice still hasn't woken up yet, and it's starting to make me think she'll never wake up. 'Alice...' I continue to stare down at her sleeping face and held her hand, scared that if I let go that she'll suddenly disappear before me. 'I wonder if this is how brother felt each time something happened to Cat, he always wears this scarey face whenever if someone tells him he has to go home. I always thought he was just exaggerating but-' I bring Alice's hand closer to my face. 'Now I'm just as afraid as he was...' Knock! Knock! "Hey Al... It's me, is it okay to come in?" It was Lucas. I still haven't gained my voice back since the previous shock I experienced after Jealousy disappeared once the Colonel showed up, so I left Alice's side and silently opened the door and steo back to allow him in.

Lucas takes notice of ny silence but doesn't say anything on it. He walks past me and goes straight to Alice's bed, staring down at her as he stands at her bedside. "Win's worried about you... she tells me you've barely said a word since you brought Alice to her room." I didn't respond. Instead, I bow my head in shame, earning an aggravated sigh from the older boy. "Look Al, I know seeing Alice must be tough for you... but you have think about yourself too, imagine what Edward would say if he saw you kike this." The thought of Ed seeing me like this didn't bother me as it should have, more like it further reminded me of Cat and how she'll react once she sees her best friend in this state, questioning me what had happened and why she isn't waking up. Both questions I can't even figure out myself.

"Does Alice hate me...?" I suddenly ask, catching Lucas off guard. "She yelled at me about not knowing anything about her and her real last name. I thought I did... but the more that I think about it, I only know her as Alice Chronos, the girl who's in a fake body like me. I don't know what she was like before that except from the little stories Cat told us about her." Lucas stares at me silently for a moment, then does the same thing Winry usually does to us, smack my head with a wrench. "Hey! What was that for!?" I yell after stopping my shaking head. Lucas points the wrench in between my eyes, glaring down at me for the first time since I've met him in Rush Valley.

"Let me tell you this Alphonse, the reason I have never stopped Alice from leaving Rush Valley wasn't just because I wanted to keep her close to me now that I got to see her again after all these years. It's because I trusted her safety to you."

I abruptly stood up from my seat at this. "But I didn't keep her safe! Look at her," I pointed down at her body and angrily slam a hand on my metal chest. "She hasn't woken up once since we got back! I put her in harms way by allowing her to follow me!" I should have said 'no' back then - if she never followed me then Alice wouldn't be in this state. Lucas keeps his ground, surprisingly unfazed at my sudden outburst. Alice tells me that I can be surprisingly scary when I'm mad. Lowering his wrench, Lucas stares up at me with determined eyes as he said, "You did. She's still in one piece. I mean look at you! Your brother would faint once he sees all those scratch marks all over your body! Cat on the other hand will just figure it out what's wrong with Alice, she won't be mad at you. And I'm sure as hell Alice doesn't blame you either."

That last part makes me recall what she told me before we left Dublith.

::Flash Back::

"You know it's funny," she said much to my confusion. "When I was a kid… I've always told myself that if I ever met you and gained the ability to use alchemy, I'd sacrifice myself so that you'd no longer had to suffer. Now look at me. I can't do that. I can barely help anyone like this." That was the first time I've ever seen her eyes look so sad. Alice was always smiling at me, and despite the amount of emotional pain she's went through, she somehow hides it so well. However, I could see she was just as guilty as I was for what happened. I interject, "You're not useless! You're strong in your own way. Everyone has their faults, but as humans, we try out best to make up for them." Much to my surprise, Alice suddenly turns to face me and practically jumps on me as she latches her arms around my neck. "Alice...?"

She pulls back and smiles, "What happened wasn't your fault, okay? How many times will I say it? I'll protect you Al. Nothing will ever stop me. If something does happen to me just know that it wasn't your fault, I will always choose your safety over mine."

::End of Flashback::

-Me-

Despite much protesting from the boy, I remained by Ed's side as he waits for Izumi to pick up. He was nervous, I could tell from how long his shoulders have been shaking and his now purple hand from clenching it too long. I slip my hand into his and lean against his shoulder, hoping my presence alone would be enough to help him. I know it's not needed as this call was to happen eventually, but I felt that I needed to be there when it happened. "Hello Teacher," Ed greets after Izumi picks up the phone. He squeezes my hands tightly as she answers. "Um... Yeam. I need to ask you something teacher," he said after pausing for a moment. "Well..." Watching Ed struggle to bring up the right words made me feel helpless as even myself I didn't know what to say.

I couldn't hear what Izumi was saying on the other end, but I knew she was asking for Ed to speak whatever it is he wanted to say to her. Finally, he answers, "It has to do with when you tried to transmute your baby..." I press my forehead against his shoulder when Ed squeezes my hand even tighter. I was so close I could hear Izumi's voice through the phone. "What about it, Ed?" Her voice was shaking. She was slowly starting to fear what it is Ed wants to ask her. "The thing is... What Al and I transmuted... it wasn't actually our mother..." He paused again as she starts to raise her voice. I didn't bother listening for what she was saying to him. I was more focused on Ed's. "I'm sorry to ask you this but the child you transmuted... are you it was your child that you brought back?"

After what seemed like hours, Ed finally puts the phone down. "Cat...?" I lift my head up to see him glare down at the phone with much anguish in his eyes. "Thank you... for not giving up on me." This was the first time Ed has ever thanked me - for anything as a matter of fact. I gave him a small smile and moved behind him so I could hug his back. "You have been a jerk sometimes... but it was my fault in the first place for thinking you'd be better off if I didn't tell you some things. If ever, I should be thanking for always putting up with me." I felt him place his hands over mine. He mutters something but I wasn't able to him properly. "What did you say?" I ask, bringing my head beside his. He quickly turns his head away, though I was able to catch sight of his ears turning red.

"I'll tell you... when everything's over," he told me. "Just don't ever take off your ring." I tilt my head a bit, confused at his instructions. "Ok...?"

++Later++

||Graveyard||

After the skies cleared up it was time to go back to Central, but Ed wanted to tell Pinako what we had learned during our time in Xerxes, this time alone. I simply wait at the entrance as two talk about it in front of the graves of Winry's parents. While waiting, I couldn't help but think of the man I met on the porch that was apparently a long time friend of Hohenheim. There were things in their conversation that didn't make sense to me. 'Hohenheim never liked making many friends because of his immortality,' I thought back on the events that led up to the man's current state. 'But to be accompanied by someone? There has to be more to it. He spoke to him as if he's known him for ages, like as if they grew up together.' Hohenheim was born into slavery so there's no way he could gain any friends when he was a child.

Not only that, that man talked as if he was some sort of older figure to Hohenheim. 'There's no way that could happen!' I slightly recall the appearance of the man, he seemed a whole lot younger than the 40 year old-looking man and a lot less mature in comparison. While I was racking my brain over every information I knew about Hohenheim, I didn't even notice that Ed was done talking to Pinako and jump when he abruptly grabbed my hand. "Is something wrong?" he asks, suddenly peering into my face. I stutter as I take a sharp step back, "N-Nothing Ed!" Pinako simply laughs while Ed frowns, clearly showing that he did not believe a word I was saying.

-Ed-

||Train to Central||

A lot of things have happened since I met Cat.

++Two Days Later++

||Central Station||

"Ed... C'mon I'm fine."

"Are you sure? I can carry you on my back if you're still having trouble walking."

As much as I appreciate Ed's concern over my well-being, it's starting to annoy me how extensive his concern is - with the added amount of times he's offered to help me even with the smallest of things. I take his hand, finally making him shut up. "Ed," I playfully scowl at him, "I will say this one and I will say this again. I'm fine. You made sure that I got enough rest so there's nothing to be worried about." "But-" I put a finger to his lips, adding, "And I'm using my real arm, not my fake. So I doubt it will fall off like you think it will." Ed sighs in defeat, scratching the back of his head as he squeezes my hand. "Well... at least nothing happened to Al and the others while we were gone." I nervously glance to the side and bite my lip. "Yeah..."

I really do hope things with Izumi and Sid are alright. Same goes for Pinako.

||Hotel||

"W-What the hell happened to you!?" Was the first thing that came out of Ed's mouth after Winry went to fetch Al from the room Alice and I were staying in. As expected, Al was missing his arm and lower jaw of his helmet. Ed glares at me while I put my arms behind my head and start whistling. He's gonna rant to me later about me not telling him on what happens while we were gone and about Al getting battered up. "And you-" Ed jabs his finger at the prince and his bodyguard having a feast on the small coffee table. "What the hell are you doing here!?" "Eatin' a delicious meal...!" Ling said after gulping down whatever he was chewing. Ling quickly appeared in front of me and kissed my hand. "It's nice to see my princess is going fine!" That immediately got him and Lan Fan booted out of the room by Ed in a heart beat.

There was something off about everyone while Ed was freaking out over his little brother's condition, he wasn't even trying to explain himself like he's supposed to. "Al, where's Alice?" I ask after noticing her lack of appearance at his side. 'Now that I think of it, even Lucas isn't in the room.' Both went dead silence much to my horror. Without thinking, I shove them aside and run straight out of the room.

-Ed-

"Cat! Wait!" I turn to the two for answers. "What the hell happened while we were gone?" Al just bows his head and silently trugs after Cat. Winry covers her mouth and starts to shake all over. The moment I saw Winry trying to hold back from crying, I knew something life threatening happened to Alice. That's all I needed to know to run after them.

-Back to Me-

Lucas didn't bother turning around when I slam the door open. All he did was sit there, staring down at what I had prayed wasn't my best friend - oh how I wish it wasn't. There on my bed was Alice, lying still as if she was... was... "She's just faking it right? Alice can't possibly sleep." No answer. 'No... No way!' my thoughts scream, denying every single scenario that could have caused this to happen. "She said she's just sleeping..." Lucas finally spoke up, his voice cracking. It almost sounded like as if he hadn't used his voice often. "Who? Who said that!?" I demand as I march over to the bed. When he didn't answer me, I grab him by his collar and forcefully bring his face close to mine, forcing him out of his seat and accidentally knocking over the chair.

"Damn it Lucas you have to tell me! Alice is just a soul in a temporary body, anything that causes her to slip will permanently force her soul to the gate! There's no way we can get her back with the same damn blood seal! I don't even know if I'll be get her back if I attempt to bind her soul! There's a fifty-fifty chance she'd even remember a single damn thing that's happened on this side!"

And with her gate closed, she'll be stuck there until someone opens the other side to allow her soul to travel back to the other side.

"Her soul will have no place to go back if we don't do something!"

I was hysteric at this point. All sense of reason was completely gone from my mind - the only thing that mattered was getting the information out of Lucas so that I could figure out what is wrong with her. Minutes went by. I couldn't see Lucas' stupid green eyes as his bangs had them completely covered. I grit my teeth and shove him back. I watch as the older boy falls of the ground, not even trying to stop himself as his back slams against the carpet floor. Lucas starts laughing for no apparent reason, covering his face with his arm as his laughter starts to die down. "You know I was comforting Al while you guys were away," he said, refusing to unveil his eyes.

"I had to reassure that metal brat that you won't be mad at him for not protecting her once you get back. The whole time I had to force myself to worry about him instead of myself! Do you know what that's like?"

When he finally lets his arm slide off, I gasp upon seeing the dark circles around his eyes and the hollow expression. The smile he wore just showed the amount of pain he must be feeling. Although I can tell he's taking a liking to Winry, there's no way he can entirely toss away his old childhood crush on the spot. "Sorry... That was a stupid thing to say," Lucas says as he flashes me an apologetic smile. Sighing, I laid down beside him and stare up at the ceiling. "Don't apologize," I told him. "I'm the one that should be apologizing. I overreacted. You've tried your best to keep your head cool until we got back." Things were bound to happen while we were away, and I thought I'd be prepared for whatever fate threw at me like it always has, though I never expecting it to be this bad.

Each time it happens to me, I always try to suck it up and accept it as is. Seeing things happen to those that shouldn't experience such things is different - very different. We lay there for what felt like an eternity. The lack of words from either of us somehow felt therapeutic, all we needed was the simple, comforting presence of a friend that could lend their shoulder. No words were needed to show how much both of us regret not doing more than what we should have done prior to this. I turn my head to Lucas and he does the same, our eyes acting as mirrors as they reflect the mirroring uneasiness and grief over what has happened. "So... guess that means we're finally friends?" My eyes widen as Lucas forces a grin at me.

Shaking my head, I sat up and stare straight across the room with wry smile. "Sure..." I nod. Lucas sits up with me with warm eyes. This is probably the first time we actually agreed on something, and ironically we made a truce because of Alice, though this time we really mean to make peace with the other. I dryly laugh, "Though you still haven't answered my riddle." Lucas lightly punches my shoulder while muttering under his smile, "Little brat..." Usually I would have reacted to any insult related to my height, though this time I'll let it slide. We did finally become friends after so many years since Alice introduced us.

-Ed-

I lean against the door with my arms crossed and a deep glare to the floor as I listen to the two bitterly laugh with one another. Al was sitting on the floor beside me, blankly staring straight at the wall in front of us. I look down at him and ask, "What happened while we were gone?" No answer. I should have known better than to ask something like that from Al. The thing is, he's never been the type to suddenly go mute over things like this. Even after Nina's death he still tried his best keep himself together while also keeping an eye on me, the big brother who should be the taking care of him during that time. 'Now's the time where I step in,' I thought, determined to be the one to put Al at ease. I'm the only one who understands how he's feeling right now.

Watching the girl you desperately want to protect be the one to do the protecting and almost die while doing so, it's never easy to get rid of the guilt on not doing something sooner. I prop myself on the ground and lean my back against the door. Without looking at him, I struggle for a minute to reach up to his head, when I did I simply pat the top as best as I could. Confused, Al looks down as I lift my head up to stare at the ceiling. "I may not have been there but I want you to know this, it wasn't your fault," I said earnestly. "Cat has thrown her life away on a whim so don't think you're alone in this. I've been thinking of a lot of ways to keep her safe but no matter what I think of, somehow I know Cat would still follow by any means necessary."

"That's because you love Cat," Al blurts out, causing my face to turn red. "N-No I don't! Don't bring up stupid things like that!" I lied, using one hand to cover my face and the other to wave at his face. I cough and changed the subject, "So back to the topic. Alice? She's just as determined to ensure your safety over her own. Both of them knew full well of the consequences if they intervene, but I can tell neither of them care." After much thinking, I could tell Al was starting to feel like himself again. I got up and extend my hand. "C'mon Al... Lets leave them alone for now. There's something I have to tell you about your body."

-Alice

::Dream::

It was cold. Or at least, that's I think I was feeling. It's been so long since I felt anything that I forgot the difference between every single sensation I felt when I was in my body. "Are you awake?" a little girl's voice asks me. Too tired to speak, I nod. The child giggles, "I'm sorry for the trouble. I know I asked you permission, but I was a little too brash in jumping in like that." She reached out and held my head in her small hands. Tears soon fell on my face. "I'm sorry... I just wanted to protect him one last time. Even if he wasn't my Alphonse. I've always hated being useless. I knew how to use a gun, but I always hesitated to point it at any living being. The last and final time I hesitated caused my best friend and I to get kidnapped and her being manipulated to killing the person she loved. I was forced to watch the one I love be painfully tortured before I was taken from my body."

She sounds so... sad. I wish I knew what to do to help her.

"Your transfer to this body caused you to lose memories of previous events you experienced in your last. Not as a chimera, but in another doll. Is it okay, if I unlock them?"

Another body? The idea that I was doing something before I was found in Resembol scared me. What will happen if I allow her?

"Don't worry. I was afraid to when I started to remember things, but I knew that things would be fine if I accept them. The moment I did, I finally felt happy. I know you'll be too!"

She reminds me of myself. I always try to remain positive whenever I can so that others would as well. I finally found my voice and slowly ask her, "Will I... be alright...?" "You will! I promise! Besides..." she trails in her words and starts combing my hair with her fingers. "I want help her. You see, I have this friend out there that I'm sad to leave behind. We finally met again but my time ran out by the time we did. She's very important to me you see. It would mean the world to me if the other me could save her. I want to show you some things about her that I want you to share with your Cat. Is it okay?" I wanted to help her so much that I didn't even give it a second thought when I silently nod in agreement. I felt something warm press itself against my forehead and this weird sensation began to spread throughout my entire body.

"Thank you..."

::End of Dream::

I could heard voices in the darkness, they were hushed but I could tell they were at my side just from how close they were.

"You think Alice will wake up anytime soon?"

"Yeah, I checked the seal and it seems like its like it's still working. I don't know what's keeping Alice, but I think it's safe to say that her soul isn't rejecting her body yet. I just really hope her soul isn't at the gate right now."

"It should be easy for you to know, right? You two were the geeks."

I groan and struggle to open my eyes. It was so bright that I had to strain my eyes to figure out where I am. There were two figures standing beside me, both talking about something. "Oh sure! It would be so easy by just looking at her to see it anything's wrong," one of them answers back in familiar sarcasm. By the time I finally adjusted to the light, my eyes widen to find Lucas and Cat actually having a civil conversation at my bedside. Or at least Cat's version of civil. I remained silent and took in the sight of the two finally get along after what seemed like years since all three of us were together. "Alright sheesh! Don't get so- Alice!" I finally laugh as Lucas and Cat drop their conversation and practically jump on me after one of them spots me trying not to giggle.

"Are you okay? You didn't go to the gate, did you?" Cat asks while searching my eyes. As I sat up, Lucas runs out to tell the others while Cat grabs a chair and brings it over to sit down. "You really scared us Alice," she said after wiping her eyes. "I was starting to fear the worst had happened when I was told you passed out after protecting Al and Hawkeye." "I passed out? I don't remember..." Everything was coming back to me; I was watching Lust attack Al after she told us that she was sure to take out Roy thanks to the tip Jealousy gave her. Panicking, I grab Cat's hands and demand, "I have to see Al! Where is he!? Did Ed fix him yet!?" Cat leans back a bit and stares at me with wide eyes, taken aback at my newfound voice. She tries to reassure me with calm words, "He's fine, Alice. He should be talking with Ed about what we found out about human transmutation."

-Back to Me-

Alice rarely raises her voice up so it was a bit of a shocker to see her go ballistic like that. It's not like it's something you can easily get used to. 'I guess that's what love does to you...' I thought, cracking a small smile as I watch her fall back and let out a relieved sigh. "Speaking of Al," I spoke up with a sly grin, "he's been staying by your side since you fainted." I thought bringing him would make her feel better, but instead it only made Alice frown even more. This was definitely a first. Alice wasn't the type to act like this, she'd usually smile at the mention of the boy. 'What happened while we were gone?' I thought worriedly then ask, "Did something that wasn't supposed to happen occurred?" She flinches and clenches onto the blanket, raising my suspicions even more. Leaning forward in my seat, I ask her in a much more serious tone, "Alice, was is it that you're hiding from me?"

-Jealousy-

"What's wrong with you!?" Envy demands, enraged 'unexpected' turn of events. "How could you let that bastard go off after what he did!? You should have ripped his spine out of his mouth!" Ever since I was able to slip back in without notice, that damned porcupine head hasn't shut up about the fate of Lust and and that Mustang got away with it. "Lust... he killed Lust..." I hear Gluttony whimper as he keeps processing what he just head. It actually made me sorry for the guy, just a little bit. "It's not too late to kill him, so get to it!" Envy orders the younger homunculus. I let out a loud yawn, gaining everyone's attention. "Are you that stupid? Or is that tiny little brain of yours not working again?" I mock the homunculus, jumping down from the pipe I was sitting on and land in front of them. "Your Father would have gotten rid of the Colonel if he thought he was useless."

"What'd you say!?" Just as Envy was about to march over, Wrath stops him by using his sword. Wrath agrees with me, "She's right, we can use Mustang. He's useless if he's dead." Envy's eyes widen as the realization dawned on him, "Use him... you mean the portal?" I roll my eyes in response, answering sarcastically, "No shit you're going to use him. He's one of the only few potential candidates you've chosen since all the others were killed by Scar."

"Shut up you brat or I'll end you myself!"

"Oh really? Kill me? Oh I'm so scared~!"

"ENOUGH!" Wrath bellows, shutting us all up. "I hate for you to hear this Envy, but Jealousy is right. Besides, you don't need to worry about it. And forget Mustang, Father has a mean to handle him." I've been secretly giving the location of all the State Alchemists that are allied with Father through Damian, whose been keeping a very close eye on the Ishvalan ever since I told him his sister will meet him. Thanks to my last trip into Catherine Cairo, I was able to learn certain things that can help keep my cover. "Speaking of candidates," Bradley faces me and states, "Father has chosen five others for his other plan." My thoughts immediately went blank for a moment. Soon, I began to recall the plan their Father formulated in order to prolong his seeming immortal life and how will affect this entire world.

If that monster succeeds for a second time, he'll repeat the cycle and search for those who have crossed the line to get what he wants. With or without the help of his 'children'. 'Just like Dante,' I thought bitterly, seeing the similarities once again between that disgusting excuse for a human being and the one ironically made by humans. I turn my back on them and cross my arms, asking, "So? What is this grand scheme Father is cooking up? I doubt the extra five will act as replacements in case we accidentally lost the current four he has his eyes on." Bradley stood there, his eyes watching me intently as he ponders whether he should tell me or not.

"You've done rather suspicious activities lately with that squadron of yours. I gave you the worst and most intolerable soldiers as you requested since you told us that you won't be mingling with the humans. In fact, you've done the opposite," he said with much suspicion in his eyes. "I dare say it appears as if you're preparing a coup against us."

I didn't react. I knew that if I did, I would just be proving the former human that he's right. We both stare intently at one another in the eye, neither of us blinking. Despite the many familiar faces I have met since I was 'reborn', there are a lot of things I was able to differentiate between them and the ones I face right now. Lust's death may have been saddening for me as she was one of the few homunuculi that I sympathize with. However, I had to remind myself prior to the events in the laboratory that she was indeed a cold hearted monster, a monster that thought was above others up until her death. "So? Speak," he commands. Years of acting as a country's leader shows not only in his voice but also his posture. My expression darkens as I answer, "If I was then you'd have done something by now. Associating with humans in order to keep ones cover is something you yourself should be familiar with."

In a split second, his previous calm demeanor twists into his true wrathful nature. Neither of us were going to attempt to kill the other of course. Although he's 'sleeping', nothing escapes the ears of the creator. I scoff when I saw he was unusually lacking his weapon, "Better not drop accusations here King Bradley. Remember, I'm the only homunculus here that wasn't unnaturally like the six of you. Your Father can never pull off making another monster like me that can use alchemy."

-Normal-

||Hotel||

By the time Lucas walked in, both the Elric brothers were already screaming over the possible state of Al's body. "Uh... did I miss something?" he asks, slightly trying to calm down his heart after a near heart attack. "Nothing, it's just..." Winry nervously glances over at the two. Ed crosses his arm and sighs, "Nothing... just theorizing over something related to Al's body." Lucas may not entirely understand certain concepts of alchemy, but from what he understood from Cat's reaction about the gate, there's nothing good about being there. "That reminds me. Hey Lucas," Ed faces the older boy as he questions, "You and Cat have both passed the gate with your souls still attached to your body. How come Alice was brought here as a soul?" Cat only lost her arm - which still didn't seem as a fair trade to Ed - but besides that, she's still a healthy human being. Same goes for Lucas, except he came out whole.

The toll on Cat shouldn't have been enough to get to their side while Lucas appeared as if the toll was paid for him, better yet none existent since he explained someone brought him with them. Still, whatever information either have on the gate could help them figure out the current state of Al's body. Knowing this was going to be a very lengthy explanation on his part, Lucas took a seat beside Winry on the couch and rests his chin against his hand.

"As far as all of you know, Cat was forced to create what she thinks is a philosopher's stone before she arrived here. Jealousy somehow opened our world's Gate and had it take Cat away by force, leaving the transmutation for her to finish. Alice was one of the many that were left to... become the stone."

Everyone grimaces at the familiar knowledge of human lives being the main and only ingredient to make a philosopher's stone. Al couldn't help but picture what it must have been like for either of the girls to undergo such experience. It surprised him that Alice remained so cheerful and Cat to keep herself together from what must have been only weeks since she was dropped to their side. Al suddenly theorizes, "That must mean Alice's body is still on your side, along with all the other people." "But its been what, three years since Cat arrived? That would mean-" Lucas stops himself. After putting two and two together, the time gap since that day could only mean one things for what was left. All four comedically picture Alice body appearing as if it was asleep with almost her body being extremely thin due to the lack of nutrients and flies flying around it.

"AAAAAHHHHH!"

-Back to Me-

I sat there, staring down at my lap as I tried to process what Alice just told me. Wiping my hand over my face, I mutter in disbelief, "You have to be kidding... What you're saying is basically proving Nicholas' theory right... Actually, this is far from what he theorized... The idea of there being something 'behind' the gate? That's going beyond the boundaries of time itself...!" There was a lot to process over what Alice just told me. The fact that she not only saw memories that didn't belong to her, but her soul was INSIDE the gate. Or at least that's where she thinks she was. "What do we do now?" Alice asks, unsure with what to do with this knowledge. I shake my head, "I don't know. We'll just keep it to ourselves for now until we've confirmed a few things, until then we'll keep this to ourselves. We can't expect things will be easy from here, but at least it gives us a better insight to what's going on."

"Like what?"

"Well, it answers a few things that didn't make sense when I first started out in the military."

"You mean like the people from New Optain? I did find it strange how almost all of those people happen to have the exact identity of those from the old anime. And they were all non-canon if I remember correctly."

"Things may be going the way they're supposed to. However, with all these familiar faces, I'm starting to believe the idea there's another version of this world. It doesn't sound too far fetched now that I think about it. I just wish I got the chance to watch second show better... It would have been easier that way so I wouldn't have a heart attack again if I saw another face like that."

I shook my head and shrug, "Than again, I doubt anyone showed up." Alice hums for a moment, then suddenly screams not longer after. "AH! I can't believe I forgot! One of them did show up!" "What!?" I exclaim, my jaw hanging as I stood up from my seat. She frantically nods, telling me, "Dante! I remember at the near end of Brotherhood, there was this old lady that looked exactly like her! She was in Central with what I think is her husband." "Husband?" The only person that comes to mind was... "That old man's going to marry my mentor!?" We continue discussing about it afterwards, putting things together that match up the memories I've been seeing as well. Certain memories match up. Both of us remember doing something with the other, whether it's fighting or traveling, we remember the exact things we supposedly did together.

The thing is, both of us know that none of those events actually happened; we never traveled together before and after I became a state alchemist, neither of us fought side by side together and won, Alice wasn't the type of person to shut her heart off and shoot someone without a care, and lastly I didn't grow up with my parents.

-Nicholas-

"I've been meaning to ask you Nicholas... how's your wife been?" Hohenheim asks after we give our ticket to the conductor. I stop writing in my journal and look up at him with irritated eyes. "Now you ask me?" He just shrugs, flashing me a fake innocent smile. "You kept bugging me about my family life so it's time I do the same," he said in an as a matter-of-fact tone. I roll my eyes, placing my journal bag into my suitcase and slouch in my seat. "Perenelle's starting to remember everything now, so coming back home for good won't as welcoming as I originally wanted it to be once everything's over." Sympathetic of my current situation, Hohenheim tells me, "You're wife stuck with you for years. Don't think that she won't be happy to be with you again, especially your daughter. You've done plenty for both of them."

I wish I could tell him straight to his face that it's not true, because it really isn't, they've suffered far too much thanks to what I did that day. I was a complete fool. In my desperate attempt to free us slaves, my damn experiment backfired, and I ended up meeting IT. The beings that manipulate our Fate and reveal the Truth of our meaningless existence. "We're just pawns in their little game..." I mutter, leaning against the window as I gaze off at the passing view with a blank stare. "If I was never born... Perenelle would have lived a normal life. Because of my foolishness, I fell right into on top of her and made a mess of her world. I was really a fool to think I could protect her, I was a fool to think we could live a normal life." We just sat there in silence. Hohenheim knew I was right as he too thought of the same thing.

He left his family to not only regain his mortality, but to save them as well. All he wanted was to live a normal life, to die just like so many we have met, that has always been our dream since we vowed to become free men. The difference compared to back then is that we don't care what happens to us, we care about saving what's precious. Both of us blurt out at the same time, "But that's what makes fools like us continue fighting." We stare at one another with mirroring shocked expressions. I was the first to break the awkward silent by bursting out laughing, which Hohenheim follows albeit only a small chuckle. I lean forward in my seat and ask with a daring grin, "So, what's your great plan little bro?"

Hohenheim frowns, lightly face palming as he complains, "Will you quit calling me that already? Our appearances differ than our current age gap."

"Can't help it! You were only ten when I first met you."

To Be Continued

I am so sorry guys for breaking my promise The wifi at this hospital is killing me! And no it's not me that's hospitalized like last time. It's my mom. Just as I was about to finish editing an hour before the release, my mom was screaming in pain and before I knew it, I was with my dad and we were heading straight for the hospital. It's just... god I really don't know what's going on. So I'll be here with my mom for a few days. I'll still be releasing the next part of this chapter but don't expect it to be good. I wasn't so focused on fixing the end part of this chapter since I was worried about my mom. Still am actually...