Alchemy is truly a strange thing- the more you study it, the more you realize there is still so much you don't know about it. It's this fact that makes alchemy a truly compelling art and science. There were always things left to be discovered. And as I stared at the circle glowing in front of me, I learned then that arrays can appear out of nowhere, right when you least expect them.

What was going on? Why was there a transmutation circle in front of me? What was going to happen next? These questions swirled in my head, never giving me a moment to pause and try to analyze the situation properly. And how could I? This never happened to me before, even when my brother and I were still looking for the Philosopher's Stone…

The circle seemed to grow brighter with each second that passed. It came to the point where it was too painful to stare at it, so I looked away and shielded my eyes.

Eventually, the light began to dim, and I returned my gaze to the circle, wondering just what was happening now.

My heart stopped when I saw just who was in the middle of circle.

As expected, his golden blond hair was still long, tied in a ponytail instead of his usual braid. Though it was hard to see, given that he was wearing long sleeves, his right arm was still made of metal, and appeared to be shorter compared to his left. So he had grown during his absence. And then there were his eyes…

Golden eyes, still holding the same fire they had in the past…

And they were focused on me.

The circle soon stopped glowing, and the array itself disappeared. The two of us stood for what seemed like a long moment, staring at each other with the same disbelief and joy.

Then he smiled wearily and said, "Hey, Al."

The next thing I knew, he fell to the ground.

I remained there, frozen on the spot, unable to process everything that was happening at a fast enough pace.

Brother was back. He's come back, from wherever he's been, and he was now laying on the dirt, out cold.

I had to mentally slap myself on the head before I could move.

Slowly, I walked towards him, wondering to myself if this was really happening, and that my brother was here. Part of me kept on saying that I was just dreaming, or that perhaps I had finally cracked and was hallucinating all of this.

No. This had to be real.

It just had to be.

I knelt down beside my brother, and then looked down at my own hands. They were shaking madly. Returning my gaze back to Brother's unconscious figure, I raised my hand and gently touched his face.

His eyes, his nose, his lips… they were rough to my touch, and moist with sweat.

That was enough to reassure me that what was happening wasn't a dream.

I noticed something wet fall upon my face. Was I crying? I hoped Brother wouldn't see me like this… but it's been so long, and he was finally here, and…

But I had to compose myself. I had to. I still had to carry Brother back to Winry's place, after all…

Silly Brother. Passing out cold in the middle of the road…

… why did he pass out cold?

I shook that thought away. Now wasn't the time for worrying. I had to bring Brother home, now.

So I heaved him over my shoulders, and nearly stumbled because of his weight. Taking in a deep breath, I managed to stand up with my brother's head lolling on my right shoulder. I gave one glance at his sleeping form, and before I knew it, I was truly smiling for the first time in a while.

"Welcome home, Brother."

Won't Winry be surprised.

Don't feel so relieved yet, Al. Wait until he wakes up. :3

Please review! I'm not too fond of this rewrite, actually, but it is a ton better than my previous work, so… eh.

- Ms. Ely Sium