Chapter 7: Journey To Central

Roy woke up the next morning. He had stayed overnight because for all that had happened, he wanted to make sure that everything was ok and that everyone was safe. Roy slept in the extra bed so that the other one was free, but when he looked over, he saw that the bed had not been slept in. He saw Al sleeping beside the bed. Roy walked into the next room to open the blinds when he saw something that put a smile on his face.

Lying on the couch, he saw Ed, fast asleep with his arms wrapped around Dayna. Roy tiptoed over and put a nearby blanket over them. He then proceeded to open the blinds. It was a bright, sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. He opened a window and breathed in the fresh air. His peacefulness was disturbed by a noise coming from behind him; he turned around to see Al, trying his best to be quiet as he came into the room.

"Good morning Colonel".

"Good morning Al"

"I think Brother had a goodnight as well," said Al, as he looked at the pair on the couch.

"I think I'll order some breakfast, that should wake those two up" said Roy, reaching for the phone to call room service. Al sat beside the couch and watched his brother and Dayna sleep.

"Well, breakfast should be here soon".

Al saw Ed stir and slowly opened his eyes…to see Al really close, staring back at him!

"AAAHHHH…." Ed started to scream, when Al put his hand over his mouth.

"SSHHHHH!" said Al, pointing down to a still-sleeping Dayna.

Al looked down at her and said that she looked like she was finally at peace, then he looked at his brother…who was starting to turn blue!

"OH my God! Sorry Brother!" cried Al, removing his hand, in order for Ed to take a huge breath in.

Then, a huge hand came around, smacking them hard in the head. They both looked up to see Roy bearing down at them.

"Will you two keep it down!"

"Sorry". They both said, rubbing their heads.

Dayna started to move on the couch, when she turned…and fell off and onto the floor!

"OW! GODDAMN IT!"

Ed and Al stared at the spot where Dayna just fell and they started to laugh. They laughed and laughed when a shadow engulfed them. They stopped and slowly turned to see Dayna standing over them, looking very angry.

"So you think that's funny, huh? I'll show you something funny!"

Dayna took off Al's head and started to beat Ed with it, also kicking Al with her foot!

"AAAHHHH! MAKE IT STOP! WE'RE SORRY!" they cried in pain.

Roy was quietly laughing in the corner.

After breakfast, Roy made an announcement.

"Dayna, I was wondering if you wanted to come to Central with us?"

The rest looked up and Ed asked,

"Sir, You're stationed in East City. Don't you have to go back there?"

"Yes, but here's the catch. The military's Alchemy Exam is coming up and I want you to take it Dayna. Your alchemy skills are amazing and you could use them to help others, also we can help you to train to increase the power".

Ed glared at Roy.

"Sir, I don't think that she would be interested to…"

"I'll do it!"

Ed turned to Dayna, surprised.

"You really want to?" asked Al.

"Yes, that way I can stay with you guys. I want to help you find the Philosopher's Stone. Please!"

Roy got up, and put on the top of his uniform.

"Then it's settled. We'll leave today".

"YAY!" cried Dayna, putting her arms in the air.

Roy moved to the telephone and made a quick phone call.

They arrived at the train station after lunch and Roy gave them their tickets. The rain came into the station five minutes later and they were on their way to Central.

"You are going to have to study really hard for the test" replied Ed.

"Don't worry, I've read all that I could on alchemy. Most were my father's books and when I was living on my own, I went to the library. The librarian is a friend of my mother's so she let me read as long as I wanted"

"Wait, why didn't you stay with her?" asked Al

"She was very old and she passed away a year ago. The library came under new management, the new owner didn't know me so I closed all my options"

Ed told her of what he went through when he took the test,

"First there is a written test, then there comes an interview; sometimes it could be a physical, and then there's the demonstration where you show off your skills and try to impress the higher-ups".

"Is it really that tough?"

"Yeah, they only pick one or two a year" said Al.

"One or two a year!"

"Don't worry, you can do it. You're tough" said Al.

Roy, who was sitting there, sat up and remembered something to say,

"I almost forgot, before when headed here, I made a phone call. Dayna, you're going to be staying at a friend of mine's. Lt. Colonel Maes Hughes. He has a wife and daughter, Elicia, whom he's always bragging about so be careful. His wife Gracia, is a wonderful cook and she has a surprise for you when you get there".

"Thank you Sir".

Dayna stared out the window, finally relieved to be leaving Mirrengard and leaving all of her bad memories behind, she never had to set foot in that run-down house ever again or sometimes steal food just so she can survive. No more beatings or shunning from most of the rich people and places.

She listened to Ed, Al and Roy telling her about the things that the military does if she passes the test, but nothing brought her more joy than the fact that she can stay with Ed.

'He loves me and I love him. Right now, that's all that matters. I don't care if I pass the test, I'm going to stay with Ed and Al. I will never return to Mirrengard'.