Pursing my lips, I came to a decision.

I couldn't stay with Edward and his group any longer.

Now, all I needed to do is figure out how to break this to them. So, sitting on a log with a concentrated scowl etched onto my face, I thought about what role I should play in the upcoming events. There really is no way to jam my way in all this hectic fighting, is there? Sighing, I sat up straight, frustration washing away with the melancholy of having to leave once again. There really is no way to make this story happy, is there?

Hoisting myself to my feet, I stood there for a second, closing my eyes, hesitating. You can do this. After setting myself on this, I shoved all my doubts to the back of my head, took a deep breath, and opened my eyes that glittered with unmovable determination.

Striding out of my little thinking corner in the woods, I made my way toward a flickering fire surrounded by Darius, Heinkel, Ling and Ed. I took a seat next to Ed, watching the flames dance. Ed looked over at me and smiled, and all of a sudden I felt my courage slipping. I mentally slapped myself, and before my doubts could resurface and stop me, I stood up and cleared my throat loudly, getting everyone's attention.

"I'm leaving." I said bluntly. Everyone blinked, and stared at me, not seeming to process what I meant. "This is sudden, I know, but I'm leaving for Central. I can't come with you guys to Resembool." I threw a glance at Ed, whose eyebrows were furrowed in confusion.

"What do you mean? Why do you have to leave?" He asked, and for a moment I thought I saw a flash of hurt in his eyes.

"I have things to prepare and oversee. A lot is going on in the city right now, and I have a few problems I would like to sort out." I explained vaguely, crossing my arms.

"Sorry to burst your little bubble, princess, but you're a fugitive." Greed pointed out, leaning back and raising an eyebrow at me. "How do you expect to get around with posters of your face lining the streets?" I grinned at him slightly.

"Exactly. That's all the more reason Central will be safer for me. If I'm on the run, why would I reside in city where I'm wanted the most? I'll be right under their nose and they won't suspect a thing. I also have a lot of connections in Central, and even if that wasn't enough, the wanted posters have a different face on them. I've gotten my own face back since then, so I'll be unrecognizable to anyone who hadn't met me when I first entered the military. Besides, I think I'm fully capable of protecting myself." I countered. Despite my certainty that I would be able to convince them to let me go, I felt like I didn't want to go. I had just gotten to be with Ed again, and I was leaving so soon... It hurt. But I knew I couldn't mess up the intricate events yet to happen to the little team.

Everyone was silent. My smugness melted away, and I took a deep breath, taking in everyone's reactions. Darius and Heinkel were confused, Ling's smirk had been replaced with a tight-lipped frown, and Ed, well, just sat there and stared at me. His eyes were filled with all the emotions he couldn't express, clouds of hurt and confusion swirling around in his gold irises. I sighed, turning on my heel.

"I guess this is goodbye." I said, not facing any of them. "Or, rather, I'll see you guys soon. I have some things to take care of first." I rose hand, waving the back of it at my teammates. With only silence in reply to my farewell, I fought the urge to sigh drearily and just strode forward, into the dark canopy of the trees, disappearing in the blackness of the woods.

I had no luggage to pack, and all my duties with my team had been fulfilled. I had snuck the philosopher stone I had kept safe into Heinkel's coat, and had watched him discover it and hide it from everyone. My job there was done. The best I could do now was just sit in the shadows and wait for everything to be over. I couldn't save anyone else, I couldn't interfere with the fragile structure of the end. Even Truth had told me that it would be best to avoid detection, and not interfere.

But that didn't mean I couldn't watch.

Thoughts raced through my head as I strode through the dark, figuring that wandering around would eventually lead me somewhere where I could catch a train to Central. I was snapped out of my trance when a hand landed on my shoulder, stopping me. I wondered when he was going to come after me.

"Why are you leaving?" His voice almost trembled, and I cringed. I had hoped for a quick goodbye, but at the same time, I had hoped he wouldn't want to let me go. I turned around, stared into his eyes, and wrapped my arms around him. I buried my face in his shoulder, tightening my hug.

"I'll miss you," I mumbled, giving myself a moment to cling onto him like a little child. "I am going away for a while, but I'll be back so don't try and follow me. I'll return as soon as possible... See, I'm trying to find my place, but it might not be here, where I feel safe." I felt his arms wrap around me, and we just stayed like that for a while. My lip trembled, and I loosened my grip on him to look into his eyes again. I reached up a hand and tenderly touched his cheek, forcing a smile on my quivering lips to show him I'd be fine. He looked back at me through sad eyes, taking both of my hands and intertwining them with his. The cool touch of his automail chilled my hand, but it was alright, because I had just felt his real warmth, the warmth hidden in his embrace.

"I... trust you'll be safe." He said quietly, so unlike the way he usually spoke.

"I'll be fine... and I'll make sure to see you again, so you better be there to greet me." There was a sharp pang in my chest, and I wanted to hug him and never let him go, but I knew I'd have to go. He wrapped his arms around me again, hugging my hard to him.

"I don't want to let you go." He said softly, and my heart hurt. My eyes teared up, and I took his face into my hands and touched my lips to his, tears sliding out from my closed eyes. It was that slow, painfully loving kiss of farewell, the one that broke your heart into little tiny pieces and swept them away in a storm of hurt and longing that lingered in your chest. With that I took an agonizing step back, my hands caressing Ed's cheek as they left his face to hang limply down by my sides.

"Goodbye for now," I said, wanting to sound strong, but it came out as a faint whisper. I faded back into the darkness, each step away from Ed more painful than the last.

HI GUYS! I know I didn't update when I promised, and I'm sorry, I didn't know I would be so exhausted after the convention! Plus, I have a small surgery scheduled today, so wish me luck!

Anyway, Lynette is leaving to Central! I bet you didn't expect that, muahahaha! Heartbreaking goodbye, blah, and the promised day is coming up! And don't worry, Heinkel has the philosopher stone so everything will run smoothly. Yup, I'm mean, I know :3

Well, if you guys want to follow my tumblr/deviantart, my username is 754river! Don't be afraid to try and chat me up!

Alright, so I recently got into Attack on Titan, so leave me a comment if you want me to write a short fanfiction on it! (pssst Levi x maybe alternate older version of Lynette or another badass OC pssst)

I love you guys so much! CELEBRATING OVER 80,000 VIEWS! And 184 followers come on we can make it to 200! Thank you so much!

My lovely readers, please review~!

Thanks!