O.o...so long...I haven't updated this story for so long...I'm so sorry! Unfortuately, I doubt I will ever get any better at updating. It just takes so long to write a chapter...By the way, this chapter is longer. I think. And filled with much, much, MUCH more angst. So, enjoy.

Oh, and I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist, etc., etc.,...

Hero for One

Chapter Six

Week Six: Death

Day One

Dear diary,

I try to avoid Them as much as possible. I really do. But They find me anyway, and yell and hit me. They did this morning, when I tried to leave early. I wish They would leave me alone. I wish They were gone.

I have not seen or heard from neither Ed nor Al for a long time. I think they left me, all alone with Them. They promised to take me to the Hughes' house. They lied. They both did. They don't care. So I won't either. Those two are not my friends anymore. They abandoned me.

Keith is my only friend now. He makes me feel special, like I'm cared for. He doesn't smile, or say anything like that to me, but I can tell. I can tell when he talks with me, and meets my eyes. He's the best friend I've ever had. I never want to let him go. He'll be my best friend forever!

I really wish I knew how to sew. Then I could help Hope. I feel useless when I see her and know I can't do anything to help. She's the friend I have at home who comforts me, even if she isn't really real. She is to me. I wish I could help her.

The older kids are starting to bother me again. They trip me in the halls, laugh at me, call me names, make fun of me. Even though Keith is always right beside me, they still tease me. I wish they would leave me alone. They make fun of me 'cause I'm smaller, and weaker. They make fun of my stringy hair and skinny form. They tease me because of my bruises, calling me names like 'horse face' and 'pus girl.' Only one of my bruises was infected. It's better now. I think. Why do they bother me? I never did anything to them!

Why do They yell at me? Why do They hit me? Why do They hate? Why did Ed and Al abandon me? Why do the older kids tease me? Why am I the object of their entertainment? Why won't they leave me alone? Why can't they all just leave me alone…

I wish that I could be happy, that I could live without this pain. I wish I could spend my entire life as I spend a day with Keith. He makes me feel so special, so important. I wish I could stay with him always. I don't know why I want to be with me, but I do. It's a strange feeling.

I wish They would leave. I wish I could have my real parents back. I wish Mommy would come back, and replace Her screaming and yelling with kind words and laughs. I wish Daddy would return and replace His punches and kicks with hugs and love. I wish They would go away, and never bother me again. I wish I had the power to make Them leave. But I'm only a little kid. I can't do anything right, according to Them.

Why do They hate me?

Do Ed and Al hate me, too? Is that why they haven't visited? I really, really hope they don't hate me too. I want to be their friend. I want them to like me, and to like them as well. I want to care about them as close friends. I don't want them to hate me. I don't want to hate them.

Maybe, if I wish upon a star, my wishes will come true. Maybe, my questions can be answered, and everything can get better. Everything can return to the way it was.

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Day Two

Dear Diary,

They locked me in my room when I got home, keeping me here during dinnertime and past, to bedtime. I wasn't able to eat today. My stomach hurts.

Sometimes, They lock me in my room at night, and won't let me out. No matter how good I am, They still won't let me out. I'm a little hungry. They've done this before, so I'm used to it, kinda. I think I'm lighter than I used to be. My clothes are a little loose. I wonder why? I'm hungry…

Keith was acting weird today. He kept staring off at the sky with a blank look on his face. Sometimes, I called to him three times before he noticed me. I hope he's okay. I don't want him getting sick. I'll ask him tomorrow. I tried to make him smile again, but he was too busy staring off into the clouds to notice.

One of the older kids tripped me near the staircase. I would have fallen down, if Keith hadn't caught me. He grabbed my arm and pulled me upright. After he checked to make sure I was okay, he turned and glared at the older kids. They made faces at him and walked away.

Everyone keeps talking about this man stalking the shadows of the city. They say he has a scar shaped like an 'x' on his face. I wonder how he got that injury. It must have really hurt. They say that he wanders the darker streets and alleys at night. Some even say that he's a killer, and goes after people that work for the military. Keith thinks they're just trying to scare us. I think so, too.

Or at least, I hope so.

I still haven't seen or heard if any sign from Ed or Al. I'm starting to think that they really did abandon me. But I hope not.

I'm gonna go to bed. Maybe if I sleep, the pain in my stomach will go away.

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Day Three

Dear diary,

So much happened today. I'm glad it's over. Tomorrow will be better.

I tried to sneak out again early in the morning. I really don't like to see Them in the mornings anymore. I snuck really quietly down the stairs. None of the steps creaked. I crept by the living room doorway, tip-toeing. I prayed to eny type of god out there that He wouldn't wake up.

See, when He came back, She wouldn't let Him sleep in Their room. So, He sleeps on the couch downstairs. This made it really difficult to sneak out in the mornings. This is why I haven't been able to, up till now.

I tried really hard. I really did. But I still failed.

He woke up just as I was about to open the door. He practically threw me back inside and slammed the door shut. I cowered away from Him as He approached, shouting the whole way.

"And just what do you think you were doing? You've still got two more hours until you have to leave for school!" I shrunk back when He raised His arm.

I was a bit confused when the blow didn't come and peeked at Him. He was glaring up the stairs. She was awake. I wasn't surprised. That door slamming and His yelling would've woken up anyone.

"Why the hell are you making so much racket so early? What in hell in wrong with you!?" She yelled. He continued to glare as He spoke.

"Little brat here was trying to leave." She narrowed her eyes at me.

"We can't have that, now can we? No school. You are staying home today and tomorrow."

I stared at her in shock. She couldn't do that, right? "But…but you can't do that!"

He slapped me. "Be quiet! You aren't leaving this house, and that's final!"

I blinked back tears and pushed past him, sprinting up the stairs and into my room.

I've been here all day.

I miss Keith. I want to see my friend again. He would know what to do. But I don't want to tell him. I don't want him to worry.

I haven't eaten for awhile. They won't bring me food when I ask for it. They just shout at me and walk away. I'm so hungry. My stomach is growling at me…

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Day Four

Dear diary,

You'll never guess what happened today! I know you wouldn't expect anything interesting to happen, since I'm stuck in this house, but something did happen! Okay, I'll tell you.

I was sitting in my room, staring at the wall and rubbing my sore cheek. I had tried to sneak out again, but They caught me, hit me for being 'disobedient' and shoved me in my room. I heard a knock at the door, which was unusual. We don't get many visitors.

I could hear voices downstairs, but I couldn't tell who they were coming from. There was more talking, and then a shout. I jumped up from my bed an ran to the top of the staircase. I didn't want Them hurting anyone!

To my complete shock, Ed and Al stood in the doorway, Ed glaring at Them. They looked up at me when I appeared at the top of the stairs, and Ed's frustrated expression changed. I blinked at them, ignoring Their glares at me, and said, "You can come up, if you like."

I turned and headed back to my room, hearing footsteps behind me. I let them in, and shut the door.

And there we sat in silence for a few minutes, me staring at the wall behind them and them staring at my floor. I was thinking about how they had broken their promise and that I really didn't want to talk to them, when Al spoke up.

"Listen, Amanda. We're really sorry for breaking our promise to you. And we need to apologize."

"Yeah," Ed continued. "We really regret not taking you over to Lieutenant Colonel Hughes' house. And we really regret not visiting you for a long time."

"We are truly, sincerely sorry, Amanda," Al said. "And we really hope that you can forgive us."

I could tell from the way that Ed's eyes were sort of pleading with me and the way Al sounded like he really meant it. They both did. But I'm not sure. They abandoned me for the longest time. They didn't visit at all, and didn't even talk to me when I passed the military place! They left me to Their torture, Their insults, and Their anger.

I should be angry with them. I should be mad enough to tell them to leave my room. I should tell them to never speak to me again. I should tell them that I hate them and never want to see them again.

But I couldn't, for some reason. IT seemed that the friendship they were asking for once again was too much to let go. I really did want to spend time with them again, to laugh and play with them.

I cocked my head to one side, blinking once. "What does sin-seer-lee mean?"

They both stared at me for a second before laughing. I frowned. I still don't understand why they were laughing. I really didn't know what it meant!

Ed got over his laughter first and managed to answer me with a grin on his face. "When you say something sincerely, you really mean it, from the bottom of your heart." Al nodded his agreement.

I nodded as well. "Okay then."

There was silence for a moment before Al asked shyly. "So…do you forgive us?"

I smiled widely. "Yep!" I said. Then I pushed myself off the floor and onto Ed, who I hugged with a death grip. He tensed a bit, but relaxed and awkwardly wrapped his arms around me in a hug. I let him go after a moment and then hugged Al. He was too big for me to fit my arms around, so I just hugged his arm.

I looked up at his face, and he was smiling. You wouldn't have been able to tell if you just looked at his face. It never changed, because of the metal. But I could tell that he was smiling underneath it all. I think Ed did, too, because he grinned at us both when I released Al's arm.

"Well, shall we go then?" He asked, standing up. I blinked at him.

"Go where?"

He grinned even wider. "Why, to Mr. Hughes' house of course! WE do owe you a visit, don't we?"

My smile took up my entire face. I jumped up and hugged Ed again, squealing out many thank-you's and giggles of joy. I was so happy!

And I still am! Right now I'm sitting on the guest bed in Mr. Hughes' house with you in my lap. Hope is sitting next to me, her destroyed body fixed by Mrs. Hughes.

I had a lot of fun playing with Ed, Al, and Elicia today. I'm kinda sad that I have to leave tomorrow, but I'm still super happy.

Ed and AL are my friends again and Hope is back to normal. I don't think I could've had a better day.

Well, it was a little better when Ed and Al argued with Them about me coming, winning in the end with a promise to return me 'home' in the morning. I don't want to go back. I want to stay here forever and live as Mr. Hughes' daughter and Elicia's older sister.

But I can't. I have to go back to the reality I've been living in for the past few weeks. I have to leave this dream I've been hoping is real.

And that really scares me.

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Day Five

Dear Diary,

Ed and Al walked me to school this morning. I had fun on the way there. I was glad They weren't there to tell me that I couldn't go to school. I really liked it there. I know most kids my age hated going to school, and only went because they were forced to take classes. But I enjoy learning. It's so much fun to find out something new every day, something you might have never known before. It's also a time when I can be away from Them, and don't have to deal with their fights, shouts, and punches. It's a time I can be at peace, and not have to worry about much.

Keith didn't seem too mad when I saw him. I told him I was sick, and wasn't able to come to school for the past two days. He nodded his head and accepted it, thought I don't think he really believed me. But he didn't say anything, for which I was grateful. I didn't want to have to explain myself to him, since I don't want to worry him.

He's the other reason I love going to classes so much. I get to spend time with him at lunch, and laugh all my troubles away. He listens to me when I talk, and adds comments that make me laugh. He gives me advice and help for my homework. He's such a great friend. I think I would die if I ever lost him. Not that I will lose him, of course. He's going to be my friend forever!

But lately, Keith has been a bit….I dunno. Lost, or something. He doesn't talk as much, and never smiles. I'm still trying to make him smile, by the way. He's been so….so….so distant, all of a sudden! I asked him about it, but he just shook his head and told me not to worry. I really hope he's okay.

I wonder if he's having family problems, like me? Well, I wouldn't call my troubles 'family problems' since I don't really have a family. But still….he might be going through something at home, and doesn't want to tell me so I don't freak out and worry myself to bits.

You know….that's probably what he would do if I told him about Them. He would be angry, and march to my house, demanding that I come to live with him, or something. That would be nice, living with Keith. Then I could talk to him all the time! We could have so much fun….

Or, I could live at Mr. Hughes' house, with Mrs. Hughes and Elicia. That would be pretty cool, too. I love it when I visit there! My last visit was so much fun! Especially since Ed and Al stayed to play with me and Elicia until bed time. We made two snowmen! One was really tall, that Ed and Al made. The other was a lot smaller, that Elicia and I made together. We named the tall one Gilbert and the shorter one Tasha. It was so much fun…

Anyway, I really, really, really hope Keith will be alright tomorrow. He said he had something he wanted to show me, and would come over tomorrow morning to get me and take me somewhere. I wonder what it is? I can't even begin to guess! Oh well. I'll find out tomorrow, right?

When I came home, They were pretty angry with me. I didn't care. I ignored Them when They yelled at me, staring outside at the freshly fallen snow instead of listening to Them rant. I ignored Her when She grabbed my shoulders and shook me, staring blankly at Her face. I ignored Him when He slapped me, standing with a blank look on my face. It seemed to work, since They sent me to my room when I didn't show any signs of reacting to Them.

So now I sit here, waiting to be called down to dinner. Of course, I won't stay to eat at the table. I'll just grab my plate and come upstairs, to eat in my room. They don't care anymore. Neither do I. I bet if I died, They would be so happy. They would celebrate, glad that They didn't have to deal with 'a dumb brat' like me. I hate Them. They aren't my parents. They aren't Mommy and Daddy. They never were. It was all an act. Just an act.

Sometimes I stare out my window at night, watching the stars and hoping that my real Mommy and Daddy will come home. Hoping that my real parents will get rid of Them, freeing me of Their hatred and evil. Then we would all live happily, as a complete family. A whole family, with love and care.

But that is just hope. And hope doesn't really make things true. I did hope that Ed and Al would be my friends again. And now they are. But I also hoped that Keith would smile. And he still hasn't. But there's still plenty of time for that, so no need to worry.

I also hope that my life will get better. I hope that my real parents will come. I hope that Keith will be more open to me, and make our friendship even stronger. I hope that my kitty, Hope, will live up to her name, and make everything better. I hope that I had more friends than you, Keith, Ed, and Al.

I hope that life will be better. But I have a feeling it can only get worse.

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Day Six

Hope does nothing. Wishing for anything won't get you what you want. Praying to any god above that the world will be a little more peaceful tomorrow will do nothing. Hope, wishes, prayers. They do nothing. Life can never get better. It can only get worse. Much, much worse.

Keith came by this morning to pick me up. I snuck out without Them knowing. They didn't need to know. They might hurt Keith. He didn't ask any questions about why I didn't let Them know I was going somewhere. I was grateful. He took me to a nice little shop and café, where he bought us both cups of hot chocolate. We sat at one of the tables outside the shop and watched as more snow fell from the skies.

While we sat there, we didn't talk. We watched the snow in companionable silence. I was caught up in my thoughts, and I'm pretty sure Keith was, too. He had a lot to think about, after all. I think half an hour passed before either of us spoke.

It was Keith. He asked me such a simple question, so simple that I could have answered it within a heart beat. "How have you been lately?" He turned to face me, locking my gaze with his.

I just stared at him, blinking, It was such a simple, easily answered question…And yet, I had to think for three minutes until I could give him an answer. Everything that had gone on in my life up until that point ran through my head. All the emotions, the scars, the bruises, the new friendships, and the pain. Every emotion I had felt, everything I had ever had to deal with, ran right through me. I answered, with a very shaky voice, saying, "Not good. Not good at all."

Then I broke down, completely. First the tears came, burning at the back of my eyes and eventually overflowing past my eyelids. Then there was a choking feeling in my throat, and I couldn't speak properly. Then sobs began to tear through my body, and the next thing I knew, Keith had gotten up, walked over to my side of the table, and wrapped his arms around me. The comfort he was offering went so much deeper than what it might have appeared to be. He was being more open with me. He wanted to be better friends. He wanted me to tell him what was wrong.

I cried into his shoulder for what seemed like a god hour before my sobs were reduced to the occasional hiccup. There was no one else around, because of the bad weather, and I was extremely grateful for that. I had never cried in my entire life. And there I was, bawling my eyes out because of one, simple question.

Keith waited until I had calmed down enough before asking me, with such a concerned and caring look in his eyes, what was wrong. I took a shaky breath before launching into the story of everything that had happened to me, every moment, every feeling, every pain. I told him about how I felt so much better after I met him. I told him about Them drifting apart, eventually resorting to the beatings I now received daily. I told him about Ed and Al, and the stronger friendship we now had. I told him everything, down to Hope's recovery from Mrs. Hughes and my reason for not coming to school those last two days.

Through it all, he sat quietly, holding my hand and waiting for me to finish. When I told him about the beatings, I noticed a flare in his eyes I had never seen before. His eyes softened during the parts about Ed, Al, and the Hughes family. His eyes glistened with hate when I explained Them. I finished, finally, and we sat in silence for a few moments.

It was during those moments, staring into his eyes, that I realized how much he really cared for me.

He didn't say anything for a long time, and I started to panic. I thought that, maybe, he didn't really care that much. I thought he was figuring out the best way to ditch me, and leave me to my own problems. I thought he was going to abandon me, much like They had oh so long ago.

He did none of those things. He squeezed my hand tight, and I smiled softly. He then did something I will never forget, never in my entire life. I was so startled, I almost fell from my chair. I probably would have, if he hadn't been holding my hand so tightly.

He smiled. And not one of those fake smiles, when you can tell a person just wants to escape from you. It was pure, true, and a genuine smile. I was so happy. I couldn't believe I had actually made him smile. I was so joyful, I leaped form my chair and hugged him tight, telling him over and over again that I had tried so hard to make him smile, and was so happy to see it. He smiled wider, and hugged me back.

After our emotional moment, he said he had something to do for awhile. But he said he would see me again, and would come get me to show me the surprise from my house. We bid our good-byes, and I headed off to my house, while he walked further into town.

I walked slowly and deliberately, in no hurry to return to the house. I knew They would be waiting for me, furious at my disappearance. They would yell at me first, calling me names and insulting me. When I showed no reaction to that, She would start to shake me and slap me. Then He would push her aside and hit me, sending me to the floor. Then He would kick me, and She would help. Finally, They would back off with a warning of 'don't let it happen again' and send me off to my room, where I would wallow in hatred for Them and write furiously.

As soon as this thought crossed my mind, I stopped walking. The few people behind me stepped around me, continuing on their way. Soon enough, I was left alone on the sidewalk, halfway between the homes and the town.

I could return there, and face Them. I could go back, and deal with Their abuse. Or, I could turn around, and wander into the town. I could walk among the streets, watching the snow fall and the people around me gossip and shop. My mind was made up the second the latter suggestion was made.

I turned on my heel and started walking back towards town.

Unfortunately, I never got that far.

I had taken almost three steps when I heard from behind me, "Just where do you think you're going, brat?"

I could recognize that deep, menacing voice anywhere. I unintentionally shivered and very slowly turned around. There stood Him, arms crossed and glaring down at me quite cruelly. I stared back up at Him, keeping my face blank.

"Well?" He began, still giving me that evil look. "Where have you been?"

I said nothing, and continued to stare at Him. His face morphed into one of fury, and I knew I was in trouble. He took one, menacing step towards me. I backed up one step.

"Just imagine our surprise when we woke up this morning to find your bed empty, and you gone." He took another step forward. I took another back.

"Your mother was furious. She nearly tore apart the house searching for you, the little whore. Her shouts must have echoed across the entire city!" He took another step. So did I.

"And imagined my embarrassment when the neighbors came over to see if everything was alright. I kindly told them that everything was fine and saved us from public humiliation, no thanks to you and that slut." He stepped forward. I stepped back.

"And when I go out to look for you, just to calm down your mother a tiny bit, I find you, headed towards the town." His glare intensified. "I don't believe neither me nor your mother gave you permission to go to town, alone and unsupervised. So, how can it be that you are headed there?" He took another step, and I backed up two steps.

"You…"His voice was shaking by now with suppressed fury. I could see a vein bulging in his neck. "You are the most defiant, ungrateful little brat I have ever seen! I never even wanted a child! And yet, out you come one day, to torture us all! I don't even know how I managed to live these ten years with you in the house! All your screams and damn needs for attention! If it wasn't for that slut back at the office, I would have gone insane by now!" He took two, large steps toward me. I backed up four steps, slipping a bit on the ice.

"I have had enough with you! I've had enough of the screams, the complaints, the blank stares! I never heard you say, not even once, that you were grateful for what we did for you! We sheltered you, fed you, clothed you, and what did we get in return? Nothing but a lower budget than what we could've had, if it hadn't been for you!" He stepped forward again, eyes flaring. I did not move. My eyes widened considerably.

"I'm sick of it all! I'm sick of the low money, of your mother, of every goddamn thing in this place! I am sick of you, you fucking brat!" He stepped forward until we were only four feet away from each other. He was breathing harder than usual, most likely from all the emotion he had let out. I just stood there for a few seconds, absorbing what he had said.

Then my eyes went from wide and frightened to narrowed and angry. I couldn't believe him! I had dealt with his insults, his mockery, his punches, his beatings, and I had stayed silent. But now, he had crossed the line, and I was furious.

"You think I care?!" I shouted. His glare faltered for a moment, as if shocked that I yelled at him. I continued, ignoring his heated look. "Do you really think I care at all about how you feel, what you've been through!? I could really care less! I have dealt with your insults, your beatings, your hatred, and not once did I ever complain! I stayed silent because, all that time, I truly thought that you would leave, and my real parents would come and help me! I figured that I had nothing to lose, so it didn't even matter anymore!

But I'm tired of it! Of EVERYTHING! I'm tired of staying quiet, sitting in the background! I'm tired of watching silently as you yell and scream at me, blaming every little problem on me! I'm tired of staring blankly at anything but you or her when you punch me, slap me, kick me! I'M TIRED OF EVERYTHING, SINGLE THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE TO ME!" I took one shaky breath before continuing.

"YOU'VE BEATEN ME, YELLED AT ME REPEATEDLY, INSULTED ME TO NO END! AND I'M HATE YOU FOR IT! I HATE YOU! I HATE BOTH OF YOU! I-HATE-YOU-I-HATE-YOU-I-HATE-YO-"

The next thing I knew, I was on the ground, pain flowing from my nose. I blinked groggily and slowly raised a hand to my nose. My fingers came away with blood. I looked up at him, watching as he breathed deeply and shakily. His face was utter rage. And I knew I had gone too far. He came down at me again, tugging me to my feet before sending his fist into my stomach. I doubled over, clutching my middle. It hurt so much….much worse than when those boys attacked me that one night….it seemed so long ago now….

He punched me again, this time on the jaw. My head flew back, and I saw stars. I flew into the air from the force of the punch, landing hard on the concrete two feet away from where I previously stood. I blinked away the dizziness and managed to look up at him once more.

He loomed over me, and took two large steps to come to my side. "You will never, NEVER say anything like EVER AGAIN, YOU FILTHY, UNGRATEFUL, BRATTY, LITTLE WHORE!"

He picked me up by my shirt collar, holding me above the ground. My feet dangled helplessly in the air, myself too dazed from the attack to focus. This was worse than the previous beatings…filled with so much hate and anger….it was so much worse….so much more painful….

He growled in my face and raised his fist, ready to strike again. But before he could land a punch, I was suddenly snatched from his grip by a stronger force. I blinked and watched as a fist slammed into his face, sending him flying to the side.

I blinked again and turned my head around to see my saviors. A small smile played on my lips. Al held me securely yet gingerly, as if afraid I would break. He looked down at me, and I could see his smile. I smiled softly.

"I can see your smile…." I whispered. "You're smiling at me now…" I snuggled into his arms as a cold wind blew snow in my face. "Al…Alphonse?" He looked down at me questioningly.

I smiled softly. "Your kind heart….your friendship…..it's keeping me warm from the cold…." He cocked his head to the side a little, and I could see the surprise in his face. I just smiled and turned my head to the other brother.

Truthfully, I did feel warm when Al held me. His kind and caring heart, his loving soul, was enough to block out the cold, biting wind. He had helped me, along with his brother, when no one else could. I am eternally grateful to him for that…extremely thankful.

Ed stood in front of us, glaring holes into the man who had previously been known as my torturer. Ed narrowed his eyes dangerously and spoke to me, still watching the man. "We were coming to see you, Amanda, since you seemed so sad yesterday. We thought you would like a cheering up. And imagine our shock when we see this guy, your supposed father, trying to kill you." He made to advance towards the man.

My torturer backed up one step, changed hi mind, and stood straight. He then spoke in a loud, demanding voice. "I was merely punishing my daughter for being a horrible child. Now, leave us to our own personal matters and go on your way." He set his death glare onto the brothers, telling Al wit his eyes to let me go. To my immediate relief, Al stepped away from him, still holding me close.

Ed growled softly. "Punishment my ass. That was outright beating! I should report you for child abuse! Or even better, arrest you myself!"

The man's face became mocking. His eyes laughed at Ed, mocking him. "You? Arrest me? You're just a kid! A shrimp! Now, leave us be!"

Al had told me about Ed's infamous temper that flared whenever anyone insulted his height. I prepared myself for an all out beat down, but it never came. Instead, Ed's eyes narrowed further and his hand went to his pocket. I shared a look with Al. I guess Ed repressed his urge to shout indignantly over the insult in favor of protection me with all seriousness. I had to admire him. He put those he cared about before his need to avenge for insults.

Ed pulled out his State Alchemist's pocket watch, showing it to the man. The man's eyes narrowed immensely, his frustration apparent. Ed took on a more triumphant look, almost completely hidden by his fury. "You are under arrest for the uncalled for abuse of a minor. You will come with me to HQ, where you shall be thrown in a cell all of your own." A slight smirk appeared. "I might even throw that woman in with you, as she obviously assisted in this torture."

The man growled, opened his mouth to retort, changed his mind, and shut his mouth closed. The he turned tail and sprinted off into the yards of the homes, disappearing among the trees and houses. We all watched him disappear behind a house before anyone spoke.

"Heh. I knew he'd run!" Ed said, throwing his watch in the air and catching it again, not even glancing at it. "He's too afraid of his reputation at HQ being ruined to allow himself to be arrested."

Al nodded his agreement. "True." He turned his focus on me. "Amanda, are you okay? That last punch looked pretty hard."

At the mention of the attack, I remembered the pain and winced. I had managed to forget about it until then. Ed's face filled with concern and he stepped over to Al's side. He took a look at my face, noting the already forming bruises on my eye, chin, and the blood coming from my nose. "He got you good, didn't he? Here, let me see…." He reached a hand forward and gently tapped my nose. I only felt a slight throbbing, and told him so.

Both brothers shared a look I could not interpret. I could see the concern on their faces, though. And the still remaining anger. "Amanda," I turned to Al. "Has this been going on for a long time?"

I looked away, avoiding their eyes. I nodded the slightest bit. They caught it.

"How long?" Ed asked, brining my attention back to him, away from the snow. I saw the pure concern for me, his friend, in his eyes. I noted the concern I could feel and see from Al. And for the second time that day, I broke down into tears and sobs.

Through my crying, I managed to choke out my story, telling it the same way I had told Keith. They listened attentively, eyes flashing and softening similarly to Keith's during the story. When she finished, they stood in a companionable silence for a few moments, each left to their own thoughts for awhile.

"Al?" I finally asked, breaking the silence. He turned my way. "Could you put me down, please?" He started a bit before gently setting me down. I wobbled a bit before I was able to stand up straight.

Then I took a deep breath, wiped off the rest of my tears, and sighed.

Ed smiled at me, which I returned, and Al beamed. "Are you going to be okay?" Ed asked. I nodded.

"Yeah, I should be fine. No need to worry." I said, taking on step forward. I stumbled and almost fell. Ed scurried forward and grabbed my arm, keeping me from landing and slipping across the ice and snow. I smile sheepishly. Ed raised an eyebrow and gave me a pointed look.

"You're going to see Mrs. Hughes. I don't think you'd want to see a doctor right now, with your situation. They would ask too many questions," he said firmly, not allowing for any arguments. I nodded gratefully and allowed them to lead me to the Hughes house, where I was cleaned up and bandaged.

After that, I insisted on returning to my house, since Keith said he needed to show me something. The brothers reluctantly agreed, and only from intense argument from myself did they leave the house.

And then I waited.

Keith came knocking a few minutes after I arrived. I gladly headed out with him, ignoring the frantic calls from the woman following us down the street. Eventually, we turned a corner, and she gave up.

Keith appeared very solemn during our walk,, and did not say a word. He only spoke when he greeted me and questioned my injuries, to which I explained the former incident. He did not respond, and only stared straight ahead as we walked into town.

Finally, the silence was too much for me to bear, and I had to say something. "So," I started, glancing his way. "What's this surprise you've been telling me about?"

He didn't say anything for a long moment, and I feared that he would refuse to talk to me. "It's….it….it'll surprise you, that's all."

We fell into a slightly uncomfortable silence. I kept my eyes on the ground before me, watching as my feet sunk into the fresh snow. The snow had stopped fallen, and now more people wandered the streets.

"Amanda."

I turned my head to face him, eager to start up a conversation. He paused, avoiding my gaze, before speaking again.

"Listen….I…" He sighed, and stopped walking. I stopped beside him, waiting for him to continue. It was obvious he was having a hard time saying this to me.

Then he took a deep breath, and started again. "Ever since I was little, I can't remember ever having any friends. My parents were the only ones to accept me and take care of me, showing me as much love as parents do." I frowned a bit at this, but did not speak.

"I know I haven't been the best friend to you these past weeks. You've always done most of the talking, telling me about yourself and describing how your day had gone. At first, I wondered why you chose to sit with me, why you chose to talk to me as if I were a friend. Then I started to not care about the reason, and started caring more about….well, about you. I saw you as someone special, someone unique. You helped me come out of the shell I had created over the years, even if just a little bit. By talking to me, you basically said that you cared, and wanted to be my friend.

"I really enjoyed having you as a friend. Even if I didn't smile, you should know that I did have fun. I started to care about you, and when I saw those boys hurt you at school, I knew something was wrong. I told the older kids to leave us alone, to leave you alone, and eventually, they did. But there was still something wrong. You acted as if everything was fine, but I could tell it wasn't. One day, when I saw you talking with that blonde-haired kid and the guy in armor, and figured out that you three were friends, I saw my chance to help…well, protect you. I told them that something was wrong, but I didn't know what. I told them to keep an eye on you at home, and see if anything strange was going on. Apparently, I was right, from what you told me earlier.

"You see, I really do care about you, Amanda. You're my best friend, my only friend. And you really helped me. But….but when you came along, I was already too far gone. I was already doomed to my fate. And today….today, I just wanted to let you know that. To let you know that I cared about you, no matter what you thought, and that….that you did help me." He stopped, and met my eyes. "Amanda, I'm sorry. I really am. But there's no turning back now. There's no turning back…"

He started walking again down the street. I stood there for a moment, shocked at his confession. I never expected him to be that open with me. And I didn't understand what he meant by 'too far gone' or 'there's no turning back.' I didn't understand. Right now, I really wished I had.

I followed after him when I got over my shock. By that time, he had reached the school building at the end of the street. He was staring at the sky with a forlorn look on his face. I reached him and stood next to him, waiting.

Then he turned to me, and said, "Wait here, Amanda. And…goodbye." I watched as he went into the school building, not noticing the fact that it shouldn't be open.

I waited there, in that spot, for ten minutes before I heard my name being called. I blinked, and backed up a bit from the building, looking up. My eyes widened immensely and a gasp forced its way out of my throat.

Keith stood on top of the roof, right at the edge. From what I could tell, he was smiling at me, sadly. I slowly shook my head, my mouth opening and closing like a fish's. He stepped forward, and my sense came back to me.

"NO! No, Keith, don't do it! You have so much to live for! Don't….don't jump! You don't have to!" He took another step closer to the edge. I became frantic. If he took one more step, he would fall.

"NO! KEITH, DON'T JUMP, PLEASE! WHAT ABOUT ME?! DON'T YOU CARE ABOUT ME!? IF YOU CARED AT ALL, YOU WOULDN'T JUMP! PLEASE DON'T, PLEASE-!"

My screams broke off when he took that one, last, fatal step. I watched in horror as he fell, his face twisted into a sad smile. And everything went slow.

Keith fell faster…

My eyes widened even more…

I noticed the rope trailing behind Keith's body….

I opened my mouth to scream….

All in one moment, as if time sped up, Keith's body snapped to a stop, releasing a loud crack sound and I screamed as loud as I possibly could. His body bounced, once, before settling to swinging back and forth. His limp fom hung limply from the roof of the building by his neck.

My eyes were wide and fearful. My mouth was open in an eternal scream, but not sound came out. I could feel the tears flowing down my face, dripping to the snow-covered ground. One sob racked through my body, followed by many more. Then I was crying without shame as people gathered, staring with horror at the young boy that hung from the school roof.

It seemed an eternity passed before I was able to calm myself enough to get up and run to the house.

I flew through the door, leaped up the stairs, and darted into my room, slamming the door shut. I shuffled over to my bed and fell on it. I pulled Hope to my side and curled around her, wallowing in my grief.

And I cried.

12345678987654321

Day Seven

My life is over. Keith is dead. They do not speak to me. I have no home. I have no family. No one cares. No one cares…

I cried long into the night before waking in the early hours of the morning to write my previous entry. I wrote it with tear streaks on my face and Hope lying next to me. My hand was shaking, and I had to pause every now and then so my tears would not land on the paper.

It was to most torturous thing I have ever done.

They keep banging on my door, insisting that I let them in. Of course I won't. They'll just hurt me more. I don't feel like dealing with their petty insults and beatings. I have more important things to think about.

This dream I had….this hope that….that everythin would tun out okay. That's all it was. A dream. That night, when I stayed at the Hughes' house, I hoped to every holy being above that this dream, this wish, would become reality. Now I know. I know it was foolish to think such a thing. Dreams can never be real. Hope can never help anyone. Just look how it helped me….not at all.

I think….I think that I shall be joining Keith. Very soon, in fact. It might be tomorrow. Or the day after. I don't know. But I will join him, no matter what. There is nothing left for me here. If I died, no one would care. I don't care if anyone does. Keith didn't. Why should I?

This will be my last entry. You have been a great friend and confidant, but you are only paper and ink. If you were real, then maybe I would reconsider, since you are my closest friend. But you are not. Therefore, I will continue on with my plan.

I still have not figured out how to do it. I could do it painlessly, quickly, prolong it. There are so many ways. I need to think it over. I need to make it memorable. It needs to be…notable. Noticed by people. It must be important….

I think I have it now….no…wait…..no, not that way. Too much pain…. I want it to be quick. I'm sick of the pain. The pain in my heart, searing my insides. The pain in my limbs and bruises from them. I want it to go away. I just want it all to go away….

This is where I end my entry. It was nice talking to you, telling you my story. I read over the pages from these past weeks, and noticed that I've matured. I've changed…..so much….

Goodbye. Please, never forget me. Even if you're only paper, if anything remembers me, I will be able to rest in peace.

My hope is gone. There is nothing left to live for.

Well...that's it! I hope you liked it...probably not... I feel so bad for doing that to her, but it was necessary, I tell you! NECESSARY FOR THE PLOT! Anyway, flame me, critique me, whatever. Just review. Nice reviews would be cool, though... I will try very hard to get this story done within the next few months! Possibly weeks! It's almost over...two chapters left! Oh well...fun while it lasted, right? Okay, I'll shut up now. Till next time!