Stepping Down, Rising Up

Disclaimer: I do not own FMAB

Sorry for the lateness and shortness of this chapter, I quite literally did this chapter yesterday because this week has been hell. I should be more on time and organized after the next week or so.

Enjoy.

3 months later

All of Central City had been gathered at the podium outside the home of Fuhrer Grumman, and all the radio stations were currently covering the event. Very few, the military personnel, knew of what was happening, but no one knew the outcome. The Grumman's right were two people – Olivier Armstrong and Roy Mustang. Ed and Al, dressed in their uniforms stood with the other men and women and waited patiently and eagerly for the events to unfold.

"My fellow Amestrians, I am sure you are wondering why you are listening to this, why all the radio stations have been turned to this one event for the day, and why, for those of you here, are gathered at my abode. Well, the answer to that is rather simple, but possibly not what you would all expect. I am stepping down as Fuhrer." Grumman says with crystal clarity in his tone. A gasp ripples through the audience of people and in unison, they all lean forward, eager to hear more.

"To my right are the two people who I believe are most qualified to take my place. Major General Armstrong and Lieutenant General Mustang. Over the years, both of these soldiers have demonstrated the kind of will, sacrifice, fortitude and courage it takes to be a leader and a soldier. And I'm not referring to Ishval. I'm referring to the rebuilding of our nation after the events of the promised day a few years ago. And the recent war between Creta and Aerugo. However as you all know, only one persona can take my place." Grumman says with grim clarity. The whole audience inhales at once and the military personnel practically vibrates with anticipation.

"It brings me great honor to rest our nation on the shoulders of Roy Mustang." Grumman says with a smile and the audience claps loudly as Roy shakes hands with Olivier, though she is disgruntled, and Grumman who beams like a father to a son. He takes the podium and a sudden memory flashes into Ed's mind, remembering what he had intended to do.

"Thank you Grumman for giving me this esteemed role. It brings me honor and pride to be declared the Fuhrer of this nation. I have dreamed of this day since the end of the war in Ishval, and with that dream, I knew there would be great sacrifices I would have to make in order to make it happen, and I believe it is time I divulge into them. I ask that you all remain silent until I am done." Roy says as he looks into the audience and catches a glimpse of many Ishvalans.

"During the events that unfolded after that farce of a war, I decided there was only one thing to do, which fueled my desire to become Fuhrer. That one thing was to give the power of the nation back to the parliament, make the nation democratic and follow the strict guidelines that were to come with that. Many of you understand what that means for those considered war heroes of Ishval and the subduing of uprisings from there on out." Roy says grimly, and everyone in the audience gasps at his claim.

"The people should have the power and the vote, not be under the rule of a dictator or tyrant. That doesn't prove to be effective…" Roy continues before suddenly he stops and sees one man he recognized immediately. Ed grimaced as he too saw Scar and a few other Ishvalans walk up to the podium. Men start to rush but Roy stops them and allows Scar and the others to follow him onto the podium.

"Well this is a first." Roy chuckles and Scar, for an instant, smirks before his normal expression returns.

"Our leader would like to say something after hearing what you have said Fuhrer Mustang." Scar says as he bows to his leader.

"Roy, while the war was a tragedy that devastated our homelands and livelihood, the good you and a few other Amestrian soldiers have done has changed our view of the country we were annexed into. Many of our people were saved by two Amestrian doctors. To put it simply, soldiers were simply following orders from their superiors in fear of execution or dishonorable discharge. Some of them have a conscience like you and many others, who saw the wrongs of the nation and wanted to make it right. We may never forget what happened to our nation, but we can forgive the soldiers who had compassion to strive to never let it happen again who were under control of the snakes that lurked in the higher ranks of the military who had been corrupted by power. Do not sacrifice yourself, Mustang, and the rest of you who believe that this is the way to make amends. There are other ways Mustang, and you know that. We, the Ishvalans not only made peace with Amestris, but accept that we are a part of this nation. And it was you, Mustang, who helped us to see that. Thank you." The leader says, effectively rendering Roy speechless and bringing applause from the audience.

Roy regains himself after a few moments with a smile on his face before shaking the man's hand before they get off the podium.

"I have to admit, I am moved and delighted to hear such words of praise, and I humbly take your words to heart. Alright then, I will call off that previously stated to replace it with a compromise. I will gladly take on the role of Fuhrer, give the parliament some control, any rules proposed will be voted on and made clear for everyone to understand, and the votes will stand as you all rule. The rules in act will be looked over and either upheld or changed, you'll all be notified as soon as possible. Amestris will remain as it is and has been, but rest assured my citizens, the people of this nation, be them born here, annexed in, or immigrated in, will have a decent amount of say in how this nation will be run. And that is a promise." Roy says with such fire another loud applause rips through the air. Roy walks down from the podium and the soldier's salute him, Ed smirks as Roy walks by mouthing nice save Mustang, before Roy smirks back, salutes the soldiers and gets into the car with his wife and two children.

"I have a pretty damn good feeling about this." Ed chuckles as they are dismissed.

"Same here." Al adds as they find their families in the sea of people. Unfortunately, they ran into Scar before they left. Winry scowled at him, and he diverted his gaze away from the angry blonde woman.

"Hello Scar, for once, it's nice to see how well you've adjusted back into your life." May chirps happily as Winry bit her tongue, grateful that her son, daughter, and husband were there.

"Nice to see you too May. However, I must ask, why are you in Amestris?" Scar asks.

"Oh, I live here now." May says with a sweet smile as her son holds to his mother's leg and hold her daughter while Al stands there, trying not to feel awkward.

"Ah, yes, I do believe Yoki mentioned something about that. No, wait, that was…" Scar trails off.

"That was me." Winry snarls, Joseph looks up at his mother, shock on his face at her tone.

"Momma?" Joseph asks.

"Nothing sweetie. Ed, let's go, before I do something I may regret." Winry says.

"I'll meet you at the car." Ed says before she nods and walks off. Joseph stands next to his father. Scar looks down at the small child.

"I never expect her to forgive me, or you for that fact. I just want to be civil with her. I do regret my actions, and there are no excuses for them. I have also paid my respects to her parents for saving my life." Scar says. Ed takes in a long breath.

"It won't make her dislike you any less, and it doesn't lessen the pain for her that her parents will never get to meet their grandchildren. As for me, it's hard to look over that you tried to kill me more than once. But I've come to reconcile myself that you were in a blind rage at anyone who bore the title state alchemist. I can be civil with you, and possibly forgive you in time, but I'm afraid my wife will never be able to forgive you, she may, in time, be civil, but not forgive." Ed says.

"I understand. Could you please pass on that I paid her parents the respect they deserve?" Scar asks.

"Of course. Joseph, we need to go." Ed says as he takes his sons small hand in his but Joseph pulls away and walks over to Scar with an odd look on his little face.

"I sorry for your loss of family." Joseph says in the smallest little voice possible before her turns and scampers back to his father. Scar drops to the ground.

"How did her know?" Scar asks as he looks to May who is just as shocked and Al who stares at his nephew in awe.

"Children are more perceptive than we think Mister Scar. They cannot hate, and yet, they can tell when someone is sad or happy and instantly pick up on those feelings and respond to them. Joseph is Ed's son, so he's incredibly perceptive, but he is also Winry's son, so he is highly sensitive to others around him." May says before she smiles and waves to him before she, Al, and their children take their leave. Scar manages to stand and return to the others of his people, stunned by the small boy who could read him like a book.

So, I hope you like it. gain, sorry for how short it is in comparison to my last chapter or two. I promise to make the next chapter longer. Until next Saturday, please, R&R.