Chapter 14: A Teacher's Final Wish

Ed stared out the window with a bored, yet content, expression on his face as familiar landscapes flew past.

They had decided to visit Dublith after leaving Liore early the next day. And hoped whatever attacked them in Liore wouldn't follow them.

"Oh yeah, brother… I never said anything because I thought we'd never come back here but…" Al's voice was filled with a mixture of guilt and sadness as Ed looked at him worriedly.

"What is it?"

"Well… we have another grave to visit." Al said. His voice trailed away as he spoke.

Ed stared at Al for a moment before looking out the window sadly. "Considering all she's been through, I'm surprised she lived as long as she did…" He muttered. "Is there anything else I should know?"

Al shook his head. "Nope… you know as much as I do now."

The train whistled to announce it was nearing its stop as Ed and Al stood to grab their suitcases.

"It's hard to believe it's been three years. Nothing seems to have changed." Ed mused as the train began to slow down, allowing Dublith's streets to be seen clearly.

The two brothers stepped off the train and passed the station master, who blinked in confusion at the two as they waved at him. He did a double take as he realized who it was before scratching his head in confusion. He wasn't the only one as people who had been familiar with Izumi's apprentices stared at the Elric brothers in surprise.

Ed frowned in irritation at the attention. "I know it's been a while, but not as long as it was the last time we came back."

"Rumours started to spread around that you were dead, brother. It's kind of hard not to stare at somebody who is supposed to be dead…" Al said, trying hard not to laugh at Ed's expression.

They paused outside of the meat shop in surprise. "Closed…?" The brothers said together in surprise.

"Sig never closes…" Ed muttered.

"Maybe they've gone to visit Izumi. We should go and check it out." Al said worriedly.

Ed nodded, slinging his suitcase over his shoulder. "Come on, we'll pick up some flowers before we go."

Al nodded as he followed his brother, who was trying desperately to ignore the stares he continued to receive.

The familiar hulking shape that came into view as the brothers approached the graveyard confirmed their suspicions.

Sig Curtis and Mason knelt by the grave of Izumi Curtis. Neither of them noticed the brothers until they were standing beside them, setting their flowers atop the ones placed by the men.

Mason blinked in surprise. "Hey Alphonse, it's good to see you back…" He trailed off as he realized Ed was standing beside him. "Well I'll be damned… it looks as though Al was telling the truth…"

Ed waved at Sig and Mason's surprised faces.

"Edward… you're alive." Sig said in shock as Mason clapped Ed hard on the shoulder.

"It's good to see you. I wish it could be under better circumstances, but it really is good to see you."

"Thanks, I just wish I could have been here to see her before she died."

As Al opened his mouth to say something, Sig stood up and loomed over the brothers. "Do not regret anything. Izumi would kill you if you stood here talking about regrets." The brothers cringed, knowing full well their late teacher would do just as Sig said. "Mason, we should be returning to the shop. You two will be staying with me while you're here. Got that?"

"Yes sir!" The brothers said automatically.

Mason chuckled as Sig walked away. "Some things haven't changed." He mused before following the large man.

The sun had begun to set by the time Ed and Al returned to the meat shop. "It's about time you got here. Your dinner is waiting for you on the stove." Sig growled in his usual tone.

"Thanks, Sig." The brothers replied as they headed through the meat shop to the home that took up the remainder of the building.

Mason yawned as he sat at the table. "We were getting worried about you two. Sure we know you two can take care of yourselves, but with all the trouble you two get into… a little worrying doesn't hurt."

Ed and Al smiled appreciatively at Mason as they grabbed their dinner and sat down to eat.

"Here." Sig said, passing Ed an envelope. "Izumi said to give this to the two of you should Al succeed in getting you back." He said before motioning to Mason to help him close up the meat shop.

Mason nodded in understanding and followed Sig, shutting the door tightly behind him.

Ed opened the letter as Al hovered over his shoulder. A sad smile appeared on his face as he read it. "She knew we always take care of each other, but she still had to say it."

"Staying out of danger is one thing we can't do yet…" Al added sadly as Ed carefully put the letter back into the envelope.

"Yeah… She certainly knew us better than we know ourselves. It's almost as though she knew we'd run into danger again." Al nodded as he sat down to eat, Ed slipping the letter carefully into his suitcase.

Sig and Mason returned shortly afterwards. "You two are going to stay here for a while. I won't hear any excuses against it." Sig growled.

The brothers looked at each other before nodding. "We wouldn't want to cross you, Sig." Al said, chuckling nervously.

Sig nodded his approval before going to set up their rooms.

"Admittedly, I don't know who was scarier…" Al whispered to Ed, who could only shake his head.

"It was definitely Izumi. Sig only looks scary."

The brothers silenced their whispers when Sig glared into the room to make sure they were still there.