Disclaimer: I, the author, do not own, nor claim to own any part of the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise. All rights belong to Hiromu Arakawa, Studio Bones, and the other guys who produced it. All characters except those invented by me are also their property.

Hey hey ya'll! How's everybody doing? Sorry it's taken me such a long time to update. I do have a few excuses for you though. One I really did lose touch with my muse, two, I'm a lazy ass, and three, uh...I dunno help me out? XD

Well to all my faithful readers, SJSmith, WhiteTrinity, Harryswoman and all you others, thank you for your support and encouragement. I really wouldn't have had the will to continue this without you all! That being said, I hope you enjoy this latest installment.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Someday To You

Chapter 5:

Remembrance

The church bells were ringing when Winry opened her eyes. The cult of Leto had reached Risembool a few years ago. Everyone thought it had been destroyed in Liore, but apparently, they'd managed to survive the genocide and regrouped enough to make a comeback. In the years since then, they'd been steadily growing. She'd seen them, happy looking people with shining faces and cheery smiles. She'd hated them for awhile, knowing what they'd done to Ed and Al all those years ago. But they weren't the same people. Finally, she settled into ignoring them.

She yawned, stretching and looking out the window, across the fields. It had snowed in the night. A thin sheet of frost blanketed the world as if trying to hide all the ugliness that marred its surface. She smiled as the sun shone out from behind a cloud making the snow sparkle and gleam in the morning light.

"It's a beautiful day, ne?" She leaned her forehead against the cool window. "I think I should go shopping. How does that sound?"

She turned to face the cat that was sleeping on her dresser, eying him with mock annoyance.

"Are you going to keep ignoring me like that? Ed!" She threw her hands up exasperated, wagging a finger at the uninterested tabby. "Don't try to live up to your namesake too much, or I'll put you outside at night."

The cat mewed half-heartedly, giving the distinct impression that it did not want to be bothered at the moment. Winry gave up, and went about getting ready for a day in town. A hot shower and a hearty breakfast later, she was ready. With a spring in her step, she wrapped her scarf around her neck and walked out into the cold. Today was going to be a good day.

-----

Sara fidgeted uncomfortably in the new dress. The label was scratchy, and it was hot inside the church, but Ed had his firm hold on her shoulders and that severely limited her movement. She squirmed, looking up at him with pleading, puppy-dog eyes, begging for the torture to end. But he just smiled, petted her hair and mouthed the word, 'Soon.' She sighed explosively, leaning back against him moodily and rolling her eyes. Ed chuckled and shook her affectionately by her shoulders.

Normally, Ed detested churches. Stupid, over-decorated edifices paying homage to a god that no one saw and that the stories about were hardly believable. But today, he could make an exception. Today his brother was getting married and if he wanted to get married in a church, so be it. Ed could suppress his revulsion for a few hours. Just the sight of Al and Noa up at that altar was enough to make him smile. He was happy for them and nothing; especially not a stupid building could ruin that feeling.

He took a moment to glance over the people assembled in the small chapel. Al had always had a way about him that Ed never understood, a way that earned him friends wherever he went. The tiny hall was packed wall to wall with all the friends he'd made in the past four years. There were policemen, bakers, firemen, people he'd struck up friendships with on the street, even the butcher was there. Ed smiled, shaking his head. If Al wasn't careful he'd end up with an army of adoring groupies. He suppressed a laugh and re-focused his attention on the altar.

The priest was droning on a slow, indescribably dull benediction. Ed unconsciously began tapping his fingers against Sara's shoulders, his impatience beginning to get the better of him. She looked over her shoulder at him, raising a brow and petting one of his hands soothingly. She smirked and teasingly mouthed the word 'Soon.' He stuck his tongue out at her, eliciting a similar face.

Up in front Al snuck a glance over at Noa, the radiant expression on her face making a smile curl across his features. He squeezed her hand gently, feeling the ring on her finger. She squeezed back, intertwining their fingers. The priest finished his benediction, forming the cross over each of them before taking a step backward and gesturing them to face the crowd.

"I now pronounce you, man and wife." He intoned. "You may kiss the bride."

Al's arm was already around Noa's waist, her arms wrapped up around her neck and their lips were locked almost before he'd finished his sentence. The kiss lasted a little longer than necessary, just long enough to make the assembled guests wonder if it would ever end, and Ed put a hand over Sara's eyes. After an uncomfortable moment it ended and the newlyweds faced the crowd, grinning, before Al swept her off her feet and they rushed for the door.

Ed picked Sarah up and led the throng running for the door. There was a brief scramble as the surging mass was pushed from all directions by people wanting to see the pair get into the car. And then, there was the line of ladies who shouldered and elbowed their way to the front to make sure they caught Noa's bouquet. The gypsy woman turned, smiling at them, before Al spun her around, probably a little harder than necessary. Satisfied that she was dizzy enough, he stopped her, and she let loose the bunch of flowers. It soared through the air, every pair of eyes focused on it, almost every feminine hand held skyward to grab it. Ed watched it get closer and closer until it almost filled his entire line of sight. Something was not right, here.

There was a thwack as the bouquet hit the older Elric square on the nose. Then slowly, it slid off, landing squarely in the arms of the young girl in front of him. He looked down, features twitching comically with irritation, only to be met by the beaming face of Sara. He blinked once, saw the bouquet in her arms, blinked again at the look on her face, then smiled and ruffled her hair.

"Congrats. It looks like you'll be the next to get married." He smirked down at her.

"Who's gonna marry me? I'm thirteen."

"You'll find someone. Or I'll find someone for you." He laughed.

There was a collective laugh from the men and a collective sigh from the women before all eyes were once again turned to the couple at the foot of the stairs. They waved happily, Al picking up his bride again, and setting her in the waiting car before getting in beside her. The horn beeped once and they were off.

-----

A few hours later, the fire was crackling cheerily in the hearth at the Elric residence. On the long couch in front of the fireplace lay Ed, fast asleep, with Sara curled up against him, head pillowed on his chest in a similar state of repose. He yawned and shifted a little in his sleep, his arm curling around her shoulders. She snuggled closer with a soft sigh before her eyes opened. Blinking blearily at the room, she wondered where she was for a moment, before remembering the events of the past three days.

She looked up at Ed, he seemed peaceful in sleep, absent was the perpetual look of turmoil that she saw on his face. Every care seemed to have vanished, and for a moment he actually looked his twenty-two years, rather than the forty she'd taken to teasing him about. Her eyes slid to his Automail, it truly was an amazing piece of work. He'd promised to tell her who'd made it for him, but it was a long story, he said, so she'd waited. Running her fingers across the cool metal, she wondered if she'd ever be able to make something so intricate. No matter who had made it, she could see the love of machines in it, as well as love for the person to whom the machine belonged.

Quietly, she slid out from under his arm, tiptoeing away, back toward their room. Ed stirred slightly, and quarter-opened his eyes, looking owlishly at her from under his eyelids.

"Where're you off to, young lady?" He mumbled, not bothering to expend anymore energy than necessary.

"To change out of this horrid dress! I can't believe you'd torture me with something like this. I thought you loved me, Edward!" She produced her best wibble and aimed it at him.

"Yeah, yeah, complain, complain. See if I get you anymore clothes. You can run around naked for all I care." He shot back sleepily.

"Pervert."

"Hah. Don't flatter yourself, dear."

"Meanie."

"Mm got that right. Now go change so I can peek."

"You're such a freak, Ed! You better not!"

"Mnn..." He supplied the non-committal noise and rolled over, trying to get back to sleep. Sara stuck her tongue out when his back was turned.

"Saw that." Came his immediate reaction.

She mimicked him silently.

"Saw that, too. I see everything." He yawned.

"Go back to sleep you big dummy!"

"I was trying before an immature little girl started making faces at me."

"Nyeh." She stuck her tongue out again before rushing off toward their room.

She opened the door to the room she shared with Ed. It was a completely different place compared to three days ago. There were flowers on the dresser and another bed lay against the opposite wall, the quilt adorned with more flowers and animals. Noa had made it for her. Technically it was her bed, but she never used it. So far she'd been successful in getting Ed to let her sleep with him, a fact she was very proud of. But one thing that didn't fit, one thing that was out of place, was the charred oak chest that sat at the foot of her bed.

The day after the fire, Ed had gone back into the rubble with Al, and together, they'd helped the occupants find whatever possessions had survived the fire and pulled them out of the wreck. It had gotten late, and the air was starting to cool, when they'd stumbled on the chest, charred and blackened, the strong oak timbers had managed to survive with little other damage. She'd seen the lock on its hinge and known it was hers. But since that day she hadn't been near it. Ed had broken the lock off, but still, she refused to open it.

Now she was alone. Taking a deep breath, she knelt down in front of the chest, running her fingers over the blackened wood. She remembered her father making it for her and lovingly carving her initials into the top lid. The letters were barely visible now, but she could see them if she tried. Finally, her hands fount the bolt, she slid it back slowly, taking another steadying breath, before reverently pushing the cover open.

Inside, on top of her undamaged clothes lay a gold locket, the gleaming, heart-shaped pendant open. Picking it up, she brought it close, staring at the picture within it for a long moment. It was her, and her parents, smiling and tussling together. She took a gulp to force back the lump in her throat, her eyes sliding to the familiar inscription next to the picture.

To our Darling Daughter,

On your twelfth birthday,

With all the love in the world,

Mother & Father

Her features pulled into a tight knot, her eyes squeezing shut to fight back the torrent of tears that threatened to come. But it was no good, there went the first, and the second, and then so many that she lost count. Laying her head on the chest she held the locket tight. She'd tried to be strong for the past few days, no matter how badly she'd missed them she wouldn't let herself cry. But now she was alone, she'd allow it now. It seemed that nothing would ever be the same again, never be right, not without them.

For a long while she knelt in front of the chest, even when she'd cried all her tears, and her legs screamed from cramps, she stayed still; trying to recall every feature, every nuance of her parents, before time gradually blurred their memories until they were nothing more than names in the locket. She stopped finally, the locket still grasped tight in her hand. Closing her eyes, she joined her hands; the heart grasped firmly between them and began to speak.

"Dear Heavenly Father,

It's me, Sara. You know I'm not one for prayer. I honestly can't remember the last time I prayed sincerely. And I suppose, I have no right to ask you for anything. But, the people in church always said that, 'God is love' and I could do with some right now.

God, I don't know why you took mother and father away. I wish I could understand, but I don't. I know they're in Heaven, with you and the angels, so I guess I should be happy. But somehow I just can't be.

I know I must seem terribly ungrateful, since I've got Ed, and Al, and Noa watching over me now. I suppose you brought them to me. But I miss my parents. I've been trying to be strong the past few days. I've really tried, but I just can't. It hurts.

So, if you'll permit me to ask one thing of you. I'd ask that you please, take me as well. Please take me to see mother and father again. Even if I have to go to Hell when I die, if you just take me to see them once before sending me there, I know I'll have peace.

Please…take me away.

Amen."

She stayed like that, listening to the silence for a long while, before the tears started to flow again, running across her already tear-stained cheeks. She stared down at the locket, at the smiling faces of her parents. Suddenly, there came a muffled sound behind her. She turned, hurriedly swiping at her eyes, to see Ed leaning against the doorframe, a gentle look in his eyes.

"Didn't you say you were going to change? Or have you started to like that dress?" He smiled slightly.

"I-I'm sorry. I got a little distracted, I guess…"

He pushed away from the doorframe, coming to sit next to her. He stared at his hands for the longest time before looking up at her with a small smile. She gave him a quivering smile in return.

"Want to hear my story?" He finally spoke. She nodded silently and he grinned. "I lost my parents too. When I was about three, Al was maybe two, or one and a half. Our dad left us. We never knew why, he just left one night. When I was nine, my mom died. Al and I never saw it coming. She'd been sick for a long time apparently, but she hid it from us. The doctors didn't know what killed her; our Grandma said it was heart-break."

"That's…I'm sorry Ed." He shook his head.

"That's just the beginning. Back where we're from. We have this thing that you might call magic. Don't look so sceptical. It's possible, but we call it Alchemy. It's hard to explain, but basically what we do is we use energy from this world that spills into our world, to change the shape of something."

"Your world? What d'you mean?"

"Well, when I said Al and I weren't from around here, I really meant it. It's complicated, and you'll have a lot of questions. But ask them later, okay?" She nodded.

"Basically, in Alchemy there's one taboo. Never, ever, try to resurrect a dead person. Al and I…when our mom left us, we missed her real bad, so bad that we broke the taboo. We tried to bring her back. But you see, in Alchemy, the price of the thing you want is its equal in something else. Equivalent exchange. We didn't have enough to pay to bring our mother back. And so I lost my arm and leg as you've seen. And Al lost his entire body. He would have died if I hadn't bound his soul to a suit of armour."

She stared at him, wide-eyed and disbelieving, searching his face for any hint of a lie. But she found none.

"To cut a very long story very short, we went on a journey to find an item that would bring our lost limbs back. We fought a lot of very bad people, and we met a lot of good people along the way, and finally it all ended. I was sent through what we call 'The Gate' to this world where I can't use alchemy, and Al got his body back, but not his memories. Eventually he found his way here and got his memory back, and this is where we've been ever since." He paused as if remembering.

"You see, I know how you feel now. I know how bad it hurts. But praying to die won't make it better. I've died and come back, and trust me; it really isn't all that great. But you have to remember, no matter what, you aren't an island. You need to lean on someone, okay?"

She nodded slowly, closing her eyes tight, her lips quivering. Ed wrapped and arm around her, drawing her close and petting her hair gently.

"It's alright. I'm here now, I'll look after you." He soothed.

With a quiet whimper, she burrowed against his chest, another flood of tears overtaking her as she lay in his arms. It still hurt, the ache in her chest, but now she knew, no matter what happened, she could depend on this man to guard her, protect her, and care for her. It seemed that God had outsmarted her again.

-----

Winry kicked open the door to the house, her shopping bags hanging from her arms. She shouldered past the door, stamping her feet to get the snow off her boots, before dragging her bags to the table and dumping them unceremoniously on its already messy surface. Quickly, she jumped to the fireplace to set a fire, before she shrugged out of her coat and unwrapped the scarf from around her neck. Upturning the bags she let her purchases run across the table, eyeing them critically to make sure they were all there.

Ed, the tabby-cat came out of hiding to welcome her home by rubbing himself up against her ankles. She smiled to herself and leaned down to pick him up.

"Oh, so now you want to notice me, huh? You're exactly like him. And that is not a compliment."

Ed just stared back at her looking indescribably bored. She rolled her eyes and set him down on a chair where he immediately went back to sleep. She ignored him, rolling up her sleeves and taking up the chair on the opposite side of the table. She began categorizing her new tools, humming quietly to herself. She checked each one for any sign of rust or wear before setting it into the new toolbox she'd bought.

When she was finished, she set the, now full, toolbox aside, turning to look out the window at the stars. They twinkled merrily down at her and she felt a queer shiver run over her. With a smile, she got up and walked into her room. Singing cheerfully, she leaned down to kiss the picture of Ed that she kept on her dresser.

"Evening, sweetheart. Sorry I took so long, the shops were extra interesting today." She'd taken to speaking to him, even when he wasn't there; somehow, it made her feel closer.

"You really do need to come home soon you know, Ed? People are going to start thinking I'm crazy pretty soon."

She gave the picture an indulgent smile before turning around and freezing. There, on her bed was an orange piece of paper that had definitely not been there this morning. She quickly glanced around her room for any hiding place. Opening a drawer, she pulled out a long; and particularly deadly looking wrench, and walked over to pick up the paper.

Cautiously, she looked under the bed, before sitting down and opening the paper to read. The writing was scrawled across the page, and there wasn't much of it, but she knew that handwriting. She turned white, beginning to read, and when she was done, the note fell out of her hands as she stiffened, staring at it on the ground, disbelieving.

With a muffled scream, she ran out of the house and into the night, running excitedly across the fields to the nearest military base. She had to tell them, she had to tell everyone.

Back in the room, a cold wind blew the note over, it read:

-----

Winry,

Hope you get this message.

We're coming home.

Dangerous.

Get ready, Ed needs you.

- Al

(To be continued…)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AN: Hey all. I reall do hope you enjoyed thi chapter. Not much happens, but I felt I needed to get in some more character development. Add a few hints to Sara's background and such. (The praying, hint hint) I hope ou didn't find it too draggy, that's the main factor I agonized about while writing it.

Well, read and review to let me know what you think, or just bitchrant at me for taking so long, okay? I'll endeavour to get the next chapter up soon, AND finish this fic sometime in our generation. :D