Serah was leaning against Ed's shoulder as she explained about what are going on in the village, that a Amestrian soldier literately owns the place, and he are abusing his power as a soldier just because he can. The people are living on little to no money because of it, Yoki are using them for his own gain.
"I see, but what can we do?" The older Elric rested his hand on her hip, pulling the Ishvalen closer to his side. Serah turned her head towards, inhaling sharply as she noticed how much close they were. Their noses almost touched, the Ishvalen's eyes softened slightly. A silent moment passed before she turned to look at the night sky, Ed continued to stare at her before turning his glance to the sky.
"It shouldn't have to be like this, they don't deserve this life, they're being forced to live a way no one ever should have to live." The older Elric stayed quiet, not knowing what he could say to Serah. He probably won't ever understand completely, what it's like to live the way Serah had have through a war. She might understand the village's people as she lived through years where she couldn't be safe or free, it isn't completely the same but close enough. Ed took a glance at the Ishvalen, and he knew that this situation, that the town's people are in, might get to her.
"I never thought that someone could hate the military like this, I was prepared for some criticism when I became a State Alchemist but… to be hated this much." Serah turned to the Alchemist with a sigh, grateful for the change in topic. She brushed her fingers against his jawbone for a second before letting her hand rest on her lap. She stared at the Alchemist with an understanding gaze, she could still feel the tension and hatred in the air from the people in the inn.
"We can't really blame them, Ed"
"I know, Serah. To go so low as to be a dog of the army, huh? I don't have anything to say to that, through." Ed grinned with a sorrowful expression; Serah moved so she was standing in front of him. She rested her forehead against his as she closed her eyes, the Alchemist stared up at her in surprise as the Ishvalen laid her palms on his cheekbones.
"You did what you had to do, never doubt that Ed" The blonde Alchemist nodded once as the Ishvalen let her hands fall to her sides, Ed reached for her left hand with his glove covered automail hand. Silence filled the air around them for a moment before Al came walking over to the pair. He heard the last bit about stepping low to become a dog of the military.
"We ignored the ban and got those bodies" Ed and Serah turned to the armor; Ed sighed still holding Serah's hand.
"I wonder what Teacher would say…." Dread silence filled the air, Serah stared a little concerned and confusion at the two brothers. She has had heard a bit about their teacher, she still wonders if the woman could be as terrifying as they say she is. Well, she would like to meet the woman someday, to see for herself if the woman is. The Ishvalen was brought out of her thoughts as the brothers became horrified for their lives.
"We'd be killed!" The brothers spoke in union, as they started to tremble in fear. Serah huffed with a sigh, glazing at the Elric brothers. Serah turned her gaze to the side, noticed a trio of soldiers. Her gaze narrowed as she felt the arrogance and ego leaking through the air around them, Ed noticed the look in her expression and stood up. Ed and Al followed her gaze and saw the military trio, Serah stood up, resting a hand on her hip.
"Out of the way!" One of the soldiers told the traveling trio, Ed grabbed Serah's arm, pulling her closer to his side while his brother moved to stand behind the pair. Yoki and his men walked inside the inn, the former held a handkerchief under his nose while looking bored.
"Such a dirty store, as usual, Halling." The inn owner growled under his breath, staring at the military lieutenant with a grim expression.
"It's you, First Lieutenant. Welcome to this filthy place." The lieutenant grinned with a smirk hidden under the handkerchief.
"Nice greeting. It seems that this place isn't paying its taxes, this does not stop at you. I could say the same of everyone in this town."
"I apologize, I can't do anything about our pay being low." Halling placed his hands on his hips with a stern expression, the other mine workers glazed at the lieutenant.
"Hmph, and yet there is more than enough to just enjoy alcohol?"
"Which means, it would be acceptable if I lowered your income a little?" The workers stared at the lieutenant in disbelief and anger, some shouted at Yoki.
"Don't push us around!" Kayal shouted, throwing a dirty dishrag at the lieutenant. It landed on his face, one of his men stepped towards the kid as Yoki held the cloth between his fingers. It happened faster than the workers realized, Yoki backhanded Kayal. The force behind the slap caused the boy to fall to the side, on the ground. Halling moved towards his son as the lieutenant snapped his fingers, gesturing for one of his men to step forward. The soldier placed a hand on his sword and pulled it out.
"Kayal!"
"Don't give him any mercy because he's a child. This is a warning." The soldier lifted his sword and was about to strike the boy, two things happened in the next few seconds. Serah reached and pulled the boy up, pushing him towards Halling while Ed stood in front of her. His automail arm was raised, stopping the sword. The blade snapped in half; Serah glared at the soldier, taking a step towards him. She tightened her fists, wanting to do something but saw Ed shake his head once. If she hadn't been looking at him, she would have missed it. The Ishvalen turned her head to the side, as she crossed her arms under her chest. Serah breathed in the emotions that filled the inn, it was almost hard to just take a breath. The air was thick with anger and disbelief and shock, Yoki pointed at Ed in shock and disbelief along with his men, Al walked inside the room and stared at the military officials.
"What the!? Who is this ruffian!?" Yoki demanded to know while pointing at Ed and Serah, still rather confused and shocked. The pair glazed at the lieutenant, one looked bored and the other was frowning.
"A passerby ruffian." Ed glanced at the Ishvalen from the corner of his eye before staring at nothing in the air.
"This has nothing to do with the both of you! Stay out of this!" The lieutenant told the Alchemist and the Ishvalen, Ed searched for something in his pocket while Serah stayed silent.
"Nah, I saw the first Lieutenant, so I figured...-" The Alchemist pulled out his pocket watch, allowing the lieutenant to see the symbol on top of the metal.
"I might as well, greet him." Ed shrugged his shoulder while Yoki stared baffled and in shock at the watch for a moment before he realized just who the teenager is.
"First lieutenant, who is this kid?" Yoki smacked the one who asked the question, Serah reached for Ed's aura. It was difficult to breath while sensing the high tension and anger and letting the Elric's aura wrap around her somehow helps.
"You moron! Haven't you heard of the State Alchemists!? The agency that's under the direct control of the Fuhrer!?"
"Are you serious!? That pipsqueak!?" The two military officials whispered to each other; a grin appeared on Yoki's face. Ed ignored the whispering from them as he crossed his arms, unknowingly mimicking Serah's stance. Loren, Halling's wife noticed the way Ed and Serah held themselves. With the way they mirrored each other subconsciously, it's clear to her that they have known each other for years. Loren smiled softly, seeing the signs of something that could more between the two but only if they allowed it.
The lieutenant stepped towards Ed; he wore a smug expression. Al stepped towards Serah; the younger Elric rested a hand on her shoulder.
"I apologize for my subordinate. I am Yoki, the governor of this town. It must be some sort of fate that we met like this, don't stay in this filthy place! This might be a town in the country, but we have the perfect lodgings!" The first lieutenant told Ed with a grin, the workers just stared at the Alchemist and Yoki.
"Then I'll let you take care of things, 'Cause this old man wouldn't let me stay here because he's stingy." Ed smiled largely at the lieutenant, Halling glared at the Alchemist as a vein appeared on his forehead. Serah turned to stare at Halling over her shoulder, before turning to the older Elric as she tightened her fingers around her elbow. Ed looked at her for a spilt second before turning his attention to Yoki, the Alchemist placed his hands into the pockets of his pants, relaxing slightly.
"Do you understand? The taxes will definitely be paid!" Yoki stated forcefully while he pointed at the workers. Serah kept her gaze on the blonde Alchemist while Al moved to stand a little to the side behind her, the mine workers looked unhappily after the leaving group.
"I will be back!"
"What a pain in the ass!" Kayal angrily growled, running his hands through his hair. Al turned to the young boy, while Serah glanced at the entrance for another moment before turning to the younger Elric.
"Which one?" He wondered innocently out loud; the workers immediately turned to the armored teenager.
"Both!" They angrily told Al, Halling stepped over to him and Serah. Deep gratitude could be seen in his expression, he held a hand towards the Ishvalen while the noise quieted down around Serah and Halling.
"You protected my son, thank you for that." With a neutral expression, she gripped his hand in a firm shake.
"There is no reason for thanking me, that isn't why I did it. No child should never have to live in fear of an adult." She turned around and walked out of the inn, nearing the entrance she stopped and glazed over her shoulder at the mine workers and Al.
"And maybe you can learn that not all of the military are like Yoki; that most of them, are willing to help." The doors closed behind her, leaving the rest to stare at the doors, confused and wondering what she meant with that. Serah moved slowly through the streets, stopping at the work platform. She stared at the high plat form for a moment before walking up to the top of it, sitting down on the edge. Swinging her feet back and forth in the air as she let her thoughts ran wild, closing her eyes and let herself fall backwards on to the wooden floors. She stared up at the night sky, the stars shined brightly against the dark navy sky.
Halling turned to Al, crossing his arms over his crest and leaning against the bar counter. Al sat down on one of the chairs with a sigh, right now Serah needed space to calm down, so he didn't follow after her even though he wanted.
"What did she mean with that?" Al turned to look at Halling, debating if he should tell the workers or not, Serah is a private person and prefers to keep her past and life to herself. But telling the citizens about a bit about her past, could help in the end. Their situation is close to Serah's, it can prove to the people of Youswell that there are good people in the Military.
"While her people were killed by the Military, she gained a family that are made of a small unit of the Military. A soldier took her in and raised her with his wife." Al only gave the workers the basics of Serah's story, he didn't want to betray her or her trust. She means so much to him and his brother, she's like the friend, he and Ed was always supposed to meet someday. And now, after three years, it's difficult to imagine not having her around.
Halling looked surprised, the workers started to mumble among each other. Thinking more about it, the Ishvalen could be right. As he and the rest of the workers have only met Yoki and his guards, perhaps there exists good people in the military. Soldiers that are living for the people, maybe one day the way the military works, will change…. Well, he can only hope that it is true, after all the civilians of Amestris and the other countries need that. He thought about the Ishval Civil War that happened years ago, he and the rest of the people of this town weren't apart of it. God knows that the Ishvalens are living in hiding from Amestrians. One day he hopes that will change, that they will have their lands back, that maybe one day the Ishvalen country will be rebuilt.
Serah shot up from her laying position on top of the plat form, she stared at the smoke and flames. Having smelt the smoke just a few seconds earlier, and without hesitating; she moved shifty but fast. Seconds later her feet felt the ground beneath, running closer to the fire. She felt the sorrow and despair lingering heavy in the air from the workers as she slowed to a stop near the inn, her fists clenched tightly. Yoki and his men are going down, they had no right to do this. Rage and sorrow filled her eyes from behind the shades, a hand gripped her shoulder lightly. Al gazed at her, resting his hand on her shoulder in understanding. They have gone too far with sitting the inn on fire, the older Elric rested his hands in the pockets of his pants with a neutral look. The night sky turned to dawn, and the sun slowly lightened the navy blue to a light azure blue.
"This is horrible… last night, Yoki's men were hanging around the Boss' store. I saw it." Halling was standing near his wife who was sitting on the ground with tears in her eyes, the inn owner kneed down next to his wife and rested a comforting hand on her shoulder. Ed turned to Serah; he noticed the tense posture; she crossed her arms over her chest. Kayal was sitting on the ground with his legs crossing and a sorrowful and defeated look in his eyes.
"Damn it… they really pulled something dirty… the reason why dad did alchemy was because he wanted to save this town." The traveling trio turned to the younger kid on the ground, Ed had moved closer to Serah with Al kneeling next to Kayal. The miner kid turned to the Alchemist with a small hopeful expression, seeing the look. Serah pressed her fingers on to Ed's spine.
"Hey Ed, you have enough power to transmute gold, don't you? Transmute in a jiff and save dad…. and the town…!" Closing his eyes, he breathed one word. "No" Serah felt his fingers dig into her hip, she could feel the small hope disappear from the air around them and loss and despair took it's the place. There must be something they can do…. To help these people from losing the last bit of hope and light they have.
"No way…. Isn't it okay? You won't lose anything either!"
"The Alchemic standard is 'exact trade' I don't have any obligation or responsibility to make money for you."
"Why you…. -" Serah immediately felt the air shifted, moving her feet apart.
"And you're supposed to be an Alchemist!?" Kayal moved to his feet and grabbed the collar of the red coat tightly in a fist, tears gathered in the corners of his eyes causing Serah to stop from pulling him of Ed. The Alchemist just stared at the kid with a neutral face, appearing like he could care less but Al and Serah know that he does, Ed always cares enough if he doesn't show it.
"'Alchemists live for the sake of the people.' Eh? In any case even if I give you money, it'll be taken away as taxes and then it'll be over. I won't get anything either if I do anything for your little problems." Ed pulled his coat to him, forcing Kayal to let go. He turned his back to the workers, Al stood behind the pair.
"If you have this many problems, get out of this town and look for a different job."
"Kid, you don't get it. -" The young Alchemist glanced over his shoulder at Halling and Kayal, the father rested a hand on the top of his son's head.
"This is our home and our coffin." Serah stared after the people as they walked further away, her arms resting at her sides. She shallowed hard, 'their home and coffin' the Ishvalen would have thought the same thing if she were still living in her home country. They don't deserve this life that is being forced upon them, she wanted to help them.
"So, what do you think, Serah?" Ed turned to the Ishvalen, with his hands in his pockets. While he and Al want to help the town, the situation is similar to what Serah went through. So, it's up to her if they are going to help Youswell or not, it sounds crude but it's true. He and Al can't fully understand what the town is going through, but she can.
"I want to help this town; they deserve better than this." Ed stepped towards the Ishvalen, taking her hands into his own, he rested his forehead against hers for a second. He allowed himself to be vulnerable for a moment, to show her that he understands and that he wants to help as well.
"I guess, we're helping out."
"Hey! Serah!" Kayal shouted; the trio was standing near the train station, the Ishvalen turned her glance in his direction. Ed stole a glance of Serah, Kayal stopped in front of them. He bluntly ignored the brothers, keeping his attention on the Ishvalen. Ed frowned, not liking how the kid stared at Serah.
"What's wrong, Kayal?"
"Dad wants to talk with you, come on!" Kayal grabbed her hand, he held tight onto her hand, forcing her to follow. Ed gabbed, staring after the kid and Serah as they disappeared from view.
"Wonder what that were about?" Al mused, staring amused after Serah and Kayal. Ed huffed, folding his arms over his chest, glaring to the side.
"Dad! I brought her!" Halling smiled at his son, before turning his glace to the Ishvalen; his workers stood behind him. Kayal stepped over to his father, leaving Serah standing in front of the citizens of Youswell.
"What is it?" The silver haired teenager asked, crossing her arms over her chest. Not really liking how she was forced to follow Kayal, to be away from the brothers. It's the first time in months that she has been away from the Elrics, it makes her angsty and a bit uncomfortable.
"Are you willing to help us?" Serah stared at Halling, shifting her weight slightly. She wondered why they would ask her; an outsider to help them. Even if they didn't ask, she would help either way.
"Why?" Halling blinked in surprise, a bit confused for her question.
"Because you are different, even if you are a part of the military. We feel that you understand our situation more than the rest of the military."
"What are you planning to do? Destroy the building that Yoki stays in?" They shifted their weight, wondering how she could figure that out. Halling frowned, folding his arms over his chest. Serah sensed the air change; it was thick with tension and hurt and anger.
"They deserve it."
"I get it, trust me, I do but how will that help you in the end." Angry shouts and mumbling filled the room from the workers, Serah sighed, feeling a headache from the noises.
"Enough-"All eyes turned to the Ishvalen, she leaned against the wall nearest to the exit of the room. She wanted to make sure if needed; she could get away quickly from the building and find the Elrics.
"Inflicting the same pain to Yoki and his men won't help you at all. It won't change how you feel, it will only cost you instead."
"You don't know anything! -"
"How can you say that! -"
"You don't know what we have been through!" Serah stayed silent, Halling signaled for his men to stop. Shouting at her, won't help them at all. They fell silent, staring at their boss and the Ishvalen, they watched as she moved a bit closer to the doors as if she were preparing to run.
"I understand more than you know, as I lived through something familiar to your situation, trust me on that." Halling nodded in understanding, getting the feeling that the girl is sharing more than she's used to; trying to make them understand that it will end badly for him and the people of their town, if they decide to do something to Yoki and his men.
"Then what can we do?"
"Nothing." Halling narrowed his eyes slightly, seeing something in her expression.
"I see, well I guess we just have to get use to this life."
"I'm sorry."
"You didn't do anything; it isn't your fault. Don't worry, we will make do."
"Thanks anyway, Serah" The Ishvalen nodded, before turning to leave. She stopped for a moment, listening to the mumbles and whispers before pushing the door opened.
"I'll help." She mumbled under her breath before stepping out of the building, Loren stared after the girl, having heard her words.
Sometime later, Serah was standing on top of a large pile of wooden logs, keeping a lookout as she felt the air shift behind her. While Ed stood on one of the coal train wagons, transmuting the coal into gold bars.
"You know Brother, this is illegal." Al huffed, placing his hands on his hips. Serah glanced at the younger Elric before turning back around. They used a few wheelbarrows for moving the gold from the rail yard to Yoki's mansion.
"…. Excuse me…." The military officers stared at the piles of gold bars in shock and disbelief, Al stood behind his brother and Serah. The Alchemist and the Ishvalen crossed their arms over their chests, the trio looked at Yoki and his men.
"I said I would like you to sell me the deed to the coal mines." The guards stared closely and intensely at the gold piles, murmuring between them.
"Not enough?" The Alchemist asked, pointing at the piles with his hand.
"D-D-D- Don't be absurd!" Yoki shook his head, almost drooling at the sight of the gold piles behind the traveling trio.
"With just this, I can say goodbye to this town…. And then." The lieutenant turned to Ed and Serah with an arrogant glint in his eye, resting a hand on his chin.
"Yes, I'll be sure to inform my friends among the higher ups about the first lieutenant." Yoki beamed at the Alchemist, taking his free hand with both his own.
"But gold transmutation is illegal, so…. I would appreciate it if you would write a memorandum stating, 'This deed was transferred free of charge amicably.' so nobody will find out."
"I don't mind! Very well, let's skip to the legal process… But sir Alchemist, you are quite evil."
"No, no, just as much as the first lieutenant." Serah huffed softly, with a neural expression. Ed is really playing this guy; he took the bait just like they thought he would. Yoki gesture for one of his men to get the contract, a few minutes later. The papers were signed by both Ed and Yoki, the State Alchemist are now the owner of the Mining Town. The first lieutenant and his men left the room, leaving Ed, Serah and Al with the gold bars. The Ishvalen stared as blue energy danced around the piles, she went over to the Alchemist, taking his hand into her own. Together they left the mansion behind with Al followed after them, piles of coal had taken the gold bars' place.
After leaving the mansion, the Trio had made a stop at the brunt down inn. They have found spare materials from the rail yard and placed on the ground; the Elric brothers helped each other with transmuting the building back up. Serah glazed up at the restored building, smiling slightly at the sight of the restored building. As they walked down the streets, loud and angry sounds can be heard from a nearby building. Ed opened the door with a large grin on his lips,
"Hi everybody! All people who own money, line up, and be very happy!"
"…. Why did you come back here?" Kayal asked with an annoyed look, he glanced at the trio. Serah had placed a hand on her hip, wearing a slight smirk, Al was standing next to her.
"Her, I understand but you, I don't" The kid pointed at Serah, the workers nodded in agreement with Kayal, the Ishvalen would be always welcome here in their town.
"Hey, hey, you wouldn't say those kinds of things and drive of the owner of this place, would you?" Ed looked smug, turning his head slightly to the side. One of the workers; Mike stepped over to the Alchemist with an angry look. Serah moved in front of the worker, he stopped in his track. Earlier Mike and the rest of the town talked about what Al told them about the Ishvalen. And they all agreed that she would always be welcome no matter what, she might be working with a State Alchemist, but she isn't anything like soldiers of the Military. There is something about her, that made the workers like the Ishvalen. It felt like she understood their situation better than the Elric brothers somehow,
"What the hell are you-….?" The older Elric pulled out the documents and held them up in his hand, the worker stared at the papers in shock.
"…. This is…."
"Mining, management, sales, etc.…. The deed for all businesses."
"Why are you holding this…? Ahhh! The signature is Edward Elric!" Shouts of disbelief filled the room, Ed grinned smugly at the mine workers.
"Right! In short presently! This coal mine is mine!"
"NO WAY!" Serah chuckled before turning to the Alchemist with a smirk, crossing her arms under her chest.
"But owning a coal mine wouldn't work for us, it would tie us down." Ed smiled and nodded, turning to the workers.
"That's right, with us traveling. Owning a town wouldn't the best…."
"And it would be boring to just stay here. I mean we are normally traveling and the responsibility for a town."
"Yeah, it really doesn't fit with our lifestyle now does it, Serah." The Ishvalen nodded in agreement, Halling stepped forward towards the pair.
"...Are you saying you're going to sell this to us? How much?"
"Well, it will be expensive." Ed smirked, pressing his fingers onto Serah's back for a moment before moving over to the bar counter. He took a seat,
"If you want to get something, you gotta pay a price. This is vellum embossed in gold and its storage box has a wonderful design, finely carved in jade, yes, the work of a craftsman. Oh, and the key is silver, well, to the untrained eye. All of this lumped together…What do you think the price will be, Serah?"
"It's exactly the price of one night and several meals at the inn, I believe."
"I think so too, is that reasonable?" Ed asked Halling with a smirk.
"Yeah, that is expensive!" The inn owner laughed, placing a hand over his eyes for a moment. He slammed his fist onto a barrel.
"All right, Bought!"
"Sold!" Ed let the papers fall down onto the barrel, laughter and gleeful sounds filled the room. Serah smiled, feeling the emotions in the air, changed back to the happy, exciting and warm feeling. The door slammed opened and Yoki and his men stepped inside. The first lieutenant held some of the coal pieces in his hand, the rest turned to them.
"Sir Alchemist, what is the meaning of this!?"
"Well, if it isn't the first lieutenant, I just sold the deed to this man." Ed responded with an innocent expression as Halling read the papers through.
"What did you say!? no, more importantly! The gold bricks you gave me all turned to coal! Why did this happen? Please explain!" The first lieutenant demanded to know, Ed grinned evilly at him as the Alchemist reached for Serah's hand and pulled her close.
"I don't know anything about gold bricks."
"Don't play innocent with me! Didn't I trade the certificate for that mountain of gold!? This is fraud!"
"Eh? I received the certificate free of charge, but…. Oh, look there's also a memorandum." Ed smugly told the first lieutenant.
"Huh!?" Yoki bellowed at the Alchemist who held up the contract with his free hand.
"This transaction is invalid! You two! Take the deed!?" Yoki traded off as one of the mine workers stepped towards the officers, Serah smirked.
"You shouldn't take our private property through force."
"Is this abuse of authority?" Another worker joined the first one.
"S…. Silence! Out of the way! If you don't want to get hurt, hurry up and…" The first lieutenant traded of, seeing more workers stepped behind the one in front.
"Not taking coal miner power seriously is a no-no, First Lieutenant." The one that spoke cracked his knuckles loudly. With a large grin, the workers easily took care of the two guards first.
"Ah, I forgot…. First Lieutenant, I'll be sure to inform the higher ups about the first lieutenant's incompetence. Please take care of it from here."
"All right!"
"Bring the beer! The beer!" Serah joined Halling and Kayal as the rest circled Ed, one purred beer down on the Alchemist who protested. Excited and happy mumbling filled the air from the workers.
"Dad… Ed didn't go as far as to sell his soul…" Halling looked at his son before turning to Serah who were laughing, her clear and light bell like laughter reached his ears.
"Yeah, yeah you're right." Kayal joined the rest, leaving his dad with Serah.
"He would never step as low to sell his soul, that isn't who he is."
"You were right, young lady."
"There are good people in the military, after all." Serah chuckled under her breath, resting her hands on her hips with a soft and kind smile.
"I know…. But still…"
"Perhaps you could help changing the rest of the military."
"Halling, I am just a teenager." The Ishvalen stepped towards the crowd, not hearing the next words he spoke to her.
"Maybe you are just what Amestris and Ishval need, to bring us together." The inn owner sighed, staring at the crowd, Ed had grabbed Serah and was holding her close to him while the girl leaned into his embrace. Halling chuckled, Loren stepped over to her husband, taking his hand into her own.
Hours passed as the workers continued their celebration in the new inn, late in the night. Ed fell down on the bed, passing out immediately. Soft shores filled the room, Serah chuckled as she placed her bag and Ed's suitcase on the ground next to the bad. Al shook his head in disbelief over his older brother while Serah grabbed a blanket and pulled it over Ed. Al took a seat against the wall as the Ishvalen sat down on the other bed with a gentle smile, staring at Ed.
"He really is embarrassing sometimes, jeez." Serah had pulled her shades off and placed them on the small table next to the bed, deep red eyes turned to the younger brother with a chuckle.
"You do sound like the older brother sometimes, Al."
"Well, it does feels like it sometimes that I am the older one, Serah. Brother do forget sometimes to look after himself, as long as those around him are looked after. It doesn't matter if he is suffering, just if others are not…. I do worry about Brother sometimes…" Serah closed her eyes in understanding and nodded as she pulled her knees to her chest.
"I know…. Al but as long as we are with him, he doesn't have to be alone. We'll take care of him as he won't most times."
So, this is the fourth chapter, I hope that you have enjoyed this rewrite of the Chapter.
Serah struggled a little, being in Youswell. Their situation isn't the same but close enough for her, but if she can help in any way, she will. As I have been rewriting the chapters and made some changes, here Serah gets close to Halling and the rest of the town in a different way than before.
Another thing, that I've changed, is how Serah and Ed interact with each other as I felt that Serah wouldn't so open with her affection with those she cares about. From this point on, Serah will interact more with the people, she and the Elric brothers meet on the way.
Take care and stay safe.
Thank you for reading and review if you want :)
See you guys' next time :)