Disclaimer:
Alphonse Elric: The following is a non-profit fanbase series. PJO, HoO and ToA are owned by Rick Riordan and Disney Hyperion. Please support the Official release.
Author: This story is dedicated to Winryofresembool on Tumblr. Thanks for making an amazing Caleo story AND being a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, keep up the good work. Some of the backstory is even inspired by her fanfiction, Things We Lost In The Fire. Do check it out if you are also a fan of Caleo.
Warning: Spoilers to Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. If you have not seen this anime yet, I really recommend you watch it. It's really good.
Summary:
Our story takes place after the events of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. The Elric brothers are exploring other regions to understand other concepts and ideas about Alchemy, hoping to prevent another tragedy the boys once went through. Edward is now a husband to Winry (His childhood friend and first love) and a father to his two children. Meanwhile, our main character, Leo Valdez, is an engineer in the Amestris military and was summoned to the Fuhrer's office. That was the day his life made a big change. And maybe for good?
Time has passed and Leo is starting to get used to living in the country-side, especially with a certain flower girl. And he's learning a lot about Autmail engineering with the help of Winry Elric. His time at Reesembol is showing great results, however, he must now face his ultimate trial yet. Can he succeed? Or will he forever be chained to his tragic past?
As Leo was about to create his first automail project, he realized that fire will be involved in the process. He almost had a panic attack but managed to control himself. After he arrived home, he told Calypso about his past. His mother died due to an accident at their old garage. The flower girl comforts him and wishes to help him face his trauma. Since Leo told Calypso about his traumatic past, she starts telling her tale about her father and his horrific experiments with chimeras.
Story:
Alchemy: The Science of understanding, deconstructing and reconstructing matter. However, it is not an all-powerful art. It is impossible to create something out of nothing. If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is the Law of Equivalent Exchange, the basis of all alchemy. In accordance with this law, there is a taboo among alchemists. Human Transmutation is strictly forbidden, for what could equal the value of a human soul?
[Insert Anime Opening: Again by Yui]
Part 3: A Heart Made Fullmetal.
[Flashback]
Calypso's story begins at a big warehouse, where her father, Atlas, was conducting his experiments in creating chimeras. Calypso was dragged to the warehouse where her father was going to commit his experiment.
"Daddy! Please!" Calypso yelled, trying to escape from his grip.
"It's okay, dear. You're helping daddy with an important project."
Calypso tries to break free from her father's grasp as she looks around the warehouse. Filled with cages and chains. In these cages are creatures created by alchemy. Half human and animals. Many creatures howled in pain and suffering, while some spoke in human language.
"Help me…"
"Free us…"
"…Kill… me…"
Calypso cries out to her father.
"Daddy! Please! I don't want to be a monster!"
"Monster? No, Calypso, you won't be a monster. You're going to become the next evolution for the human race. Soon, you'll lead humanity a step closer to becoming the ultimate life form!"
Calypso cries out, but no one will hear her cry for help. Her father has strapped her to an operating table with a transmutation circle created at the center.
"Don't worry, Calypso. Daddy's just gonna turn you into what you've always been…"
Atlas grabbed a cage with an animal inside. The animal was an eagle that was on sale on the market that day.
"…an angel who will guide humanity to sanctuary."
Calypso does not understand what made her father go mad. But, ever since the death of her mother, Atlas also conducted research to bring back the dead with Alchemy. His research led him to the Amestris Military which led to Father himself. He became a member of Father's inner circle and helped create the Chimera's and the Homunculi. Using the research notes from Shou Tucker, the creator of the first Chimera, he was able to replicate Tucker's work and create more chimeras for Father's goal. He continued this line of work because he believed that working with Father will help bring his wife back. Unfortunately, everything fell apart when the Coup d'etat occurred at Central. Father and his homunculi are gone; the Fuhrer and his inner ring either arrested or killed; and all research about the Philosopher's stone has been destroyed, preventing anyone else from trying to obtain the power of a god through the death of many souls, regardless of innocence or guilt.
Atlas had no choice but to take the last of his research notes on Chimeras and his daughter out of the country and run from the military. As he was on the run, he reflected on his deeds and accepted the truth that you can not bring those who are gone back from the dead. Instead, he focused more on his daughter. However, his time at the military made him less sane and he began doing more research on Chimeras. Thus led to this moment.
As Calypso begs for her father to stop this madness, but he is far gone. The father she once had is forever gone. In his hand, he was holding a Vial with red liquid in it.
Unaware to Calypso, what he was holding was one of the last vials of The Philosopher's Stone. A stone that was rumored to give Alchemist's extraordinary powers that bends the Law of Equivalent Exchange. However, the main ingredient of such power is human sacrifices. When the Elric Brothers discovered this, they vow never to use such a horrible tool and prevent others from using it ever again. Atlas managed to escape with one and uses it for his research.
As Calypso cried out for help, A vent broke down and fell right in front of them.
Suddenly, a short man (We all know the pipsqueak) crawled out of the vent, groaning in pain.
"Ow! Should've just gone for the main door instead."
Atlas was shocked at the familiar voice and face.
"Edward Elric! The Fullmetal Alchemist!"
Edward Elric, formerly known as the Fullmetal Alchemist, was traveling after the events of Central City's rebellion. He and his brother, Alphonse Elric, are traveling around the world to learn other aspects of Alchemy, making sure to prevent the mistakes these boys did in the past. When Ed heard of these mysterious disappearances in the area, he went and investigated and noticed Atlas and his daughter were heading to a warehouse. Thus led to this moment.
Ed faced Atlas and replied, "Ah, looks like I found Dr. Frankenstein."
Ed looks around and sees all the chimeras; crying out in pain and sorrow.
"You bastard… you ruined all these people's lives for your own selfish gain." He then noticed Calypso on the operating table. The sudden realization brought a terrible memory to Edward.
A memory about a little girl and her dog.
Ed clenched his fists.
"No! Not again!" He yelled as he ran to save Calypso. But Atlas was faster, he opened the Vial and used the Philosopher's Stone to use Alchemy and used the ground to tie up Edward and pin him down.
Atlas laughs.
"You're too late, Fullmetal. I already completed my research; once I give my daughter her gifts, she'll be free from this world's fate."
"Your Daughter?!" Ed yelled. Everything that Atlas was going to commit was just like how Tucker did. If Ed doesn't stop him now…
"Big… Brother…"
The memory of Nia just kept looping in his head.
He needs to save the girl.
"Please! Help me, mister!" Calypso yelled.
"Hang on, kid! I'll save you!"
Atlas yelled, "Silence! You don't know anything about saving people! You claimed that every life is precious and sacred. Tell me, Edward Elric, do you consider my daughter an equal to that of criminals and murderers? Do you consider freeloaders and drunken folks equal to that of family? Do you consider a man like you to be equal to that of an innocent man?"
Ed was silent. Having no answer to give.
"What I did… I did it for my late wife. I promised her I'd protect our daughter. But how could I when we humans are weak and fragile. Corrupted and impure. We humans… are more animals than people. I gave these people the abilities to survive this imperfect world," Atlas explained as he gestured towards the chimeras.
"And once I finish with Calypso, she will no longer have to fear the inevitable."
"You're insane!" Ed yelled. "A father shouldn't put such horror to their own child! Yes, the world is cruel and unfair! But a parent's duty isn't to protect them from the world. It's to prepare them for it. Otherwise, they'll be just like us. Broken and tainted with blood."
Atlas scoffed.
"Simple minded fools like you will never understand. When you become a father, you'll understand how far you're willing to go for your kids' safety."
Ed tries to break free, but to no avail. Atlas was about to attempt the transmutation, when suddenly, red lightning appeared near Ed and deconstructed the binds on him.
"What?!" Atlas yelled.
"Always jumping to the pit of fire, aren't you Edward?" Said a familiar voice.
Ed looks behind him and sighs in relief.
"Teacher? What are you doing here?!"
Izumi Curtis, an alchemist and teacher to the Elric Brothers. Master in the ways of Martial Arts and the only one to stand up against the North Brigade troops in Fort Briggs (and live).
But most of all…
She's a housewife.
"I was on vacation with my husband, then I saw you enter this warehouse and I can see why," Izumi replied as she looked around. She notices the cages and Calypso by the table.
Izumi clapped her hands and touched the ground, red lightning appeared around Calypso and unshackled her from the table. The floor then formed a pillar that led straight to Izumi, bringing Calypso to her. She grabs and put her down.
"You okay, sweetie?" Izumi asked.
Calypso was too scared to answer properly but she nodded.
Atlas yelled in frustration.
"Damn you! No matter, you won't escape here alive."
Atlas snapped his fingers and all the cages broke free. Most of the chimeras walked out and stood behind Atlas.
Izumi and Ed huddled up in front of Calypso, protecting her.
"Be careful, teacher. Atlas made these people into chimeras against their will."
Izumi sighed, "Still naive as always."
"Better than be a murderer like him."
Atlas orders the chimeras to attack them.
"We're in trouble, I'm not much without my alchemy, Teach," Ed said.
Izumi laughed, "Oh relax, Edward. I brought company of my own."
"Huh?" Ed said.
"Come out you two!" She yelled.
Suddenly, a giant explosion appeared behind them, bringing out a beam of light from outside.
From the light appeared two figures. Beings beyond man.
On the right was a big heavy man with a manly beard and ferocious-looking face, yet has a heart of gold and owns a meat shop. That man's name is Sig Curtis, Izumi's husband.
On the left was a muscular man with a small stand of blonde hair but has a gentleman moustache. Trained in the ways of Alchemy passed down by the Armstrong Family for Generation. Major Alex Louis Armstrong.
"What the hell?!" Ed yelled. "Why the hell are you here Major?!"
"Ah, Edward my boy. I was simply on vacation when I met these two on the way. We saw you enter this warehouse and just happened to drop by," Armstrong replied.
"So it was all just a coincidence, huh?" He thought out loud.
"Enough!" Atlas yelled. "You're ruining everything. All my hard work, all the sacrifices, all the struggles I had to put through."
Ed clenched his fists.
"Struggles? Do you even realize what you did to all these people?! To your own daughter?!"
Calypso was hiding behind Izumi, shaking in fear and in confusion of the situation.
"She doesn't need to be the perfect being or ultimate life form! And these people, even if they were struggling in life, they still have a life! And you took that away from them!"
Atlas ignored Ed and ordered the Chimera's to attack Ed and his friends and retrieve Calypso.
As the Chimera's attack, Atlas fled towards the roof. Ed tries to give chase, but the chimera's were preventing him from pursuing.
"Damn it!" Ed yells.
Suddenly a wall emerged from the ground and pushed the chimeras out of the way. Izumi and Armstrong created the walls.
"Ed! Go after the bastard! We'll take care of these creatures!" Izumi ordered.
"Wait! Don't kill them! They're still human beings, we can't-"
A chimera jumps over the wall and was about to attack when Armstrong jumps in and intercept the attack.
"Not to worry, Edward my boy. We'll handle it from here and protect the girl. Despite what horrible deeds he has done, he must live to pay for them. Especially to this young lady here," Atlas replied, gesturing towards Calypso.
Ed spoke to Calypso, "Hey kid! Don't worry, everything is going to be okay! I promise, whatever happens, you'll be safe!"
Calypso nodded but whimpered as the chimeras focused their attacks on them.
Ed gave chase and went after Atlas at the roof.
As Ed's friends deal with the monsters at the bottom, he chases Atlas at the roof.
With nowhere left to run, Atlas was cornered.
"It's over, Atlas! Give up!" Ed yelled.
Atlas grunted in anger, "Damn it! I had hoped that I didn't need to resort to this. But I guess I have no choice."
Atlas pulled out the vial.
"A Philosopher's Stone?!"
Atlas took the stone out of the vial and used it against Ed.
Ed may not be able to use Alchemy anymore, but he can still fight with martial arts that he learned from Izumi from the past.
The battle was long and harsh.
But Ed managed to avoid most of his attacks, however, he did gain a few cuts and bruises though.
Atlas was furious, "Why won't you just give up?!"
As he was about to use the Stone again, it started to erupt energy around it, as if it's starting to lose control.
It then exploded and blew up his entire arm.
Atlas screamed in pain and was walking backward towards the edge.
"Atlas! Stop!" Ed yelled.
But it was too late, before he could reach him, Atlas fell to his death.
Later on, the law enforcement of that country arrived, Armstrong and Ed explained the situation to them as The Curtis' comfort Calypso.
"And what about the child?" Armstrong asked the officer.
"We'll put her in foster care until we can find any relatives in her family. Though that's gonna be difficult."
"What do you mean?"
"Well… you guys are from Amestris, right? Outside your country, Amestris has a bad reputation about it being a world conquering empire. Especially from the rumors about civil wars and rebellions."
Armstrong frowns, the dark history of Amestris still haunts the locals of the land and now it taints the Amestrians reputation. The Fuhrer has a long and hard path to fix those mistakes.
Ed looks back at Calypso and notices her traumatized expression.
Who wouldn't?
Her father strapped her to an operating table in a warehouse filled with monsters he created; and he was going to turn her into one as well.
But it was her eyes that got to Ed.
It was the same with Winry when she found out about Scar.
Filled with shock.
Fear.
Hate…
"…I'll take her in," Ed replied.
The officer and Armstrong were shocked with Ed's answer.
"That girl… went through the same thing like another friend I knew back then… this time, I was able to stop it in time. Now, she needs a new home. I'm sure Winry wouldn't mind."
Izumi and Sig smiled and nodded. Proud that Edward has grown-up to be a fine young man.
Armstrong agrees, by crying manly tears and hugs Edward with immense strength. Edward was trying to escape from his grip, but to no avail.
That was the day Calypso became part of Elric's family.
[End of Flashback]
As Calypso finishes her story, she looks back at Leo and notices his shock expression.
"Wow… Calypso I'm…"
He was too shocked to say a simple sentence. But Calypso understood.
"It's okay. It was all in the past. But since then, I have.. trust issues with people. I mean, my own father tried to make me a monster when I was a kid. How can I interact with strangers or friends?"
Leo grips on Calypso's hand tighter in reassurance.
"It's okay, Sunshine. I get it. We all have issues from our past."
Calypso smiled.
Telling Leo about her past made her feel like a big rock was lifted from her.
After Breakfast and their emotional talk about their past, the two headed out to visit the Elric family. Leo wanted to apologize for his behavior last time .
"I really need to get over my trauma if I want to continue my training," Leo said. Calypso nodded and noticed Winry outside of her porch.
"Oh good, I was hoping you would come today," Winry said. "Come inside, Ed and I want to talk with you Leo."
Leo believes he's gonna fail his training on Automail Engineering. He doubts they'll give him another chance.
As the three went inside, Winry and Calypso went to the kitchen to get some drinks while Leo headed to the living room where Ed was. The kids were still asleep at the moment so it was just Ed and Winry right now.
"Hey, Leo," Ed greets.
"Hey… you're probably wondering about my behavior last time, weren't you."
Ed nodded.
"Yeah, I do. I spoke to Mustang about it, but I want to hear it from you. If you're okay to talk about it."
Leo nodded and told his story to Ed.
Ed didn't judge nor show any negative expressions.
After Leo told his story, Ed asked, "Why didn't you tell anyone in Central about this? Why take this job with such trauma?"
"...I guess, despite what happened, I wanted to bring back all the good things my mom did in the past. Even if I have issues with certain aspects of this career, I still want to follow in my mom's footsteps and help people."
"But you don't have to do it alone, Leo."
Leo laughs, "Yeah, I already got that lecture from Calypso. Don't worry, I'll get over this trauma eventually."
"Not by yourself, you're not," Winry said as she entered. "Ed and I understand more than anyone what you've been through. What it's like to lose your parents."
Ed nodded.
He then told his story.
How he became an Alchemist.
How he lost his mom and committed the ultimate taboo with his brother.
How he lost many friends and good people just to get their old bodies back.
How he and many people joined together to stop an evil homunculus from taking the lives of all who live in Amestris and become a god.
How he gave up his ability to use alchemy to save his brother.
The path was long and hard for Edward, but if it weren't for his brother, Alphonse; his best friend and wife, Winry, and of the many friends and allies he has made in the past, he never would have the life he has now.
But he did lose many good people.
His mom who always smiled for her boys, despite being very sick.
A little girl named Nina who loved her father and dog and became a horrific experiment for him.
A good man named Maes Hughes who went far and beyond not just for his friends and family, but for the Elric brothers too; and died for it.
The many lives that were lost in the battle at Central City to stop a monster and help the boys get their bodies back.
And finally, his father who was cursed with immortality and saw his entire civilization become a part of him; who loved his wife and kids and wanted to grow old with them. Ed hated his guts because he believed that he abandoned them, but in truth, he was preparing his final fight against the Homunculi. In the end, he died right in front of his wife's grave.
Leo and Calypso didn't say a word.
How could they?
Sure they went through a horrific moment in their lives.
But Ed? He went through several and faced the impossible head-on.
And was able to live a happy life now.
"Wow…" Leo said. "I just…"
"It was a long time ago. My point is, I understand. The guilt and fear of losing someone dear to you. Losing a home…"
Leo looks at his drink.
"How did you do it?" Leo asked. "How did you manage to make peace with that?"
"With some help, Leo," Ed answered.
After that, the gang worked together to help with Leo's phobia with fire. They started small by using matches, candles and little sparks made from machines.
Leo flinched and started to hyperventilate whenever he saw them at first. But in just a couple of weeks of going through such a process, he's able to hold candles, lamps and such at ease.
It was a big accomplishment.
So everyone celebrated by baking a cake. While the girls headed to get the ingredients at the markets, Leo and Ed had another important conversation.
"About the man that saved you back then, that was Alphonse, my brother."
"What?"
Ed explained, "Al was coming back from his trip to the East and he and I were gonna meet to catch up and combine our notes. When we met up, he told me about the fire. After what happened, everytime he comes back to Amestris, he comes by her grave and sends flowers."
"So it was him who's been bringing flowers once a while," Leo said. "I hope to see him someday, I want to thank him for the flowers… and for saving my life."
Leo and Calypso's relationship also changed drastically. Whenever Leo has some free time off, he'd come downstairs and help Calypso with her shop. Whether it was technical problems or just managing the front counter, he's there to help her.
Calypso would make lunch and dinner for the two of them every chance they could. Once a while, Leo would have nightmares and Calypso would enter his room and comfort him and end up sleeping with him.
The two were having a peaceful and happy life in that flower shop that eventually they realized something that they tried to deny for a while; fearing that it'll end this peaceful time.
They were both falling in love.
One day, Leo came to work on his trauma with Winry and asked her for advice on Calypso.
"Oh, so you finally realized your feelings, huh?" Winry smirked.
Leo blushed.
"Well, take it from someone who's married to a man with little to no romantic bones in his body. Love is complicated and unexpected, you never know when it'll happen or with who."
"But… What should I do if I get transferred to a different part of the country? I saw how fragile long distance relationships are back and Central and… I don't wanna lose what I have with Calypso."
"I get it. Don't forget, my husband goes out of the country and explores the world despite being a husband and father. But you know what? I don't mind, because no matter where he goes, what he learns, what he's been through, he'll come home. Always. Isn't that what Calypso is to you?"
Afterwards, Leo saw Ed playing with his kids and having fun.
Despite all the horror he went through in his past, he continues to smile and live.
Leo's training to get past his trauma continues.
Eventually, he was even able to join the village bonfire.
The Elric family and Calypso celebrated with Leo that day. To Leo, it felt like he was cleansed of his burden. At some point, he swore that he saw his mother at that moment and that she was smiling at him. Proud of how grown up he is, and surrounded by good folks that would watch over him.
And so, his training continues.
He still struggles with fire now and then, but he keeps moving forward. He continues to push himself forward to learn Automail Engineering.
In less than a year, he finished his training.
And now he needs to report his training to the Fuhrer.
As Leo arrives at Central, he feels gloomy. It's not that he's not proud of his accomplishment.
It just meant that eventually, he'll have to leave Reesembool.
Leave the Elric family.
Leave Calypso behind.
He arrives at the front entrance of the Fuhrer's office. He gave his report on his training and that he has completed his training.
"That's good," Mustang replied. "With the training and your expertise, I'm sure we can help the poor souls that are still suffering from the Ishvalan war."
"Um… Sir?" Leo said. But he couldn't say anything afterwards. The Fuhrer put in so much effort for Leo to get training. The Elric family did so much for Leo to get past his trauma and finish his training. Calypso did so much for Leo to feel at home.
That's why he can't deny his transfer.
"Yes?" Mustang asked.
"Uh… nothing, Sir…"
"Corporal… I understand what you're feeling right now. You got comfortable in your new post. That's the struggle here in the military. Eventually, we all have to leave our homes behind to protect our country. But know this, Leo…"
"Sir?"
"Keep moving forward toward your dream, Leo Valdez. It'll eventually help out the people around you, and they'll do the same to others. It's human nature to give back to those that helped us. And who knows, eventually, your dream may lead you back home…"
After he left Central Command, he went to visit his mother's grave. As he arrived, he saw a figure standing in front of her. He was wearing a trench coat and was holding a briefcase and a bouquet of flowers. He has short blonde hair and golden eyes.
It was the eyes that gave him away.
Alphonse Elric. Edward's younger brother.
"You're Alphonse," Leo called out.
Al looks at him. He recognized him instantly.
"You're that boy…"
Afterwards, the two spoke near a cafe.
"I see," Al replied. "You've been getting automail training from Winry, and my brother told you about me."
Leo nodded. "I have to thank you, you saved my life and for that, I'm grateful."
"...But I couldn't save your mother…" Al replied, with a guilty look.
"It's okay, my mother would be grateful for you saving me. That's how she is, always caring for others before herself."
Al grips on his coffee tight. "Just like my mom…"
"...Ed told me about you guys tragic past," Leo said. "I'm sorry you have to go through such a thing. But, you managed to save so many lives afterwards. And for that, I know I'm not the only one grateful for all you have done. So, don't beat yourself down for this. Like Ed says…"
"...Keep moving forward, you've got two good legs. So use them," Al finished.
"Exactly, which is why I was in Resembool. I finished my training and will be transferred to the East to join in the effort to help out the Ishvalans. After I fulfill my tour, I'm gonna rebuild my mom's shop and continue her work."
"That's good," Al replied. "I know Winry will be proud of you. Otherwise you'll have to face her wrench."
The two laugh at his joke. The two headed back to Resembool.
When Calypso got the news that Leo will be transferred to the East, she had mixed feelings. She's happy that Leo was able to gain one step closer to his dream. But also sad, because eventually, he's going to leave in about two weeks.
And she'll be alone again.
"Gonna miss me Sunshine?" Leo jokingly said.
Calypso scoffed it off as a joke, but deep inside, yes. These few months with Leo have been the best months of her life. She felt needed, happy and no longer alone.
But she doesn't want to hold Leo from his dream.
"Yeah right, I'm glad you're leaving. I'll finally get some peace and quiet here," She said as she was cleaning the dishes. Unaware that tears were flowing past her eyes.
And neither did Leo.
The next day, Leo invited Calypso to a walk around the village. It confused Calypso because he never went out for a walk. He's always working on something, training on his automail expertise or helping out with the shop.
"What for? You never simply go out for a walk?"
Leo shrugged, "Gonna be leaving soon, might as well get a last look around before I do. And I enjoy your company, despite your fiery temper."
Leo smirked while Calypso frowned at his teasing.
She still agrees to join.
As the two walk around the village, they tend to joke around or tease each other for fun. But unknown to each other is that they both are trying really hard not to express their true feelings. Fearing that it'll ruin what they have now.
"So, once you finish your tour, you're gonna rebuild your mom's shop, right?" Calypso asked.
"Yeah, though I probably won't be able to do it at our old spot anymore. So I'll probably need a new place."
"I see…" Calypso trailed off. "...in that case, why not build a shop here in resembool?"
Leo snickered, "You know what? That's a good idea! I can build a shop right next to yours. That way I can enjoy your cooking."
Leo laughed whole-heartily, but Calypso was silent, looking at Leo brightly.
Even though he said it as a joke. To Calypso, it was hope. Hope for the future.
She scoffed, "Yeah right, you'll disturb the birds and scare my customers away. I'll never be able to sell my flowers."
"Well in that case, I'll buy all the flowers you made… and give them to you."
Calypso stopped walking with Leo. Leo turned back and saw her crying.
"Sunshine? What's wron-"
He couldn't finish his sentence.
Not when he has Calypso's lips on his. Unable to speak.
Nor did he want to let go of her.
Like her nickname suggests.
She's his sunshine.
It was Leo's last day and was about to head out. Leo said goodbye to the Elric family, but Edward and Alphonse already headed toward the train station for their departure too. But before he could head out to the station, Calypso walked with him early in the morning, hands-holding and talking about their future.
"Make sure you write back at least once a week. And please don't skip your lunches and dinner time, I worry for your health," Calypso ordered.
"Okay, Sunshine. I promise," Leo answered.
"And please don't blow yourself up!" She said jokingly. "I don't wanna hear the news about a scrawny mechanic nearly blowing up ANOTHER street."
Leo laughs and eventually, so did Calypso.
"Okay, I promise, Sunshine."
"And…" Calypso grips tighter to Leo, "Come back home soon."
"I promise."
As the two arrive at the train station, they say Ed and Al waiting on the train.
"Leo, heading out too?" Ed asked.
Leo nodded.
Later on, Ed wanted to speak to Leo privately. The two sat at a bench nearby so they could talk.
"So, you're still gonna fulfill your dream?" Ed asked.
"Yeah, I may not be able to rebuild it at our old spot, but I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind. I'm sure she'd want me to build my dream close to home," Leo replied, looking at Calypso as looks out to the horizon, waiting for the train. "I won't lie, I still get nightmares about that day. And I still flinch now and then whenever I'm near a spark or a fire. But… I'll keep moving forward."
Ed nodded.
"Good," Ed said. "Keep moving forward, Leo. Being away from home will be painful, but you have to keep following your dream. There's no such thing as a painless lesson. They just don't exist. Sacrifices are necessary. You can't gain anything without losing something first. Although, if you can endure that pain and walk away from it, you'll find that you now have a heart strong enough to overcome any obstacle."
Calypso called out that the train was about to arrive.
Leo got up and walked toward Calypso.
He knew that it would be a long time before he could come home. So, he grabbed her, hugged her and kissed her passionately. Expressing all his love and care for her.
For him, she's home.
"Yeah," Ed said to himself, "A heart made Fullmetal"
[Insert Anime Ending: Let It Out by Miho Fukuhara]
A/N:
Happy Fullmetal Alchemist Day everyone. Sorry for the late reply, school and work kept me busy. But then I remembered October 3rd was close and that I was off that day, so I made the final touches on this chapter for that day. I'm sorry if it's not good, but I won't lie, I had nostalgia hit me hard while writing this. I actually cried at certain parts when I wrote them.
Again, this story is dedicated to Winryofresembool on Tumblr. Thanks for making an amazing Caleo story AND being a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, keep up the good work. Some of the backstory is even inspired by her fanfiction, Things We Lost In The Fire. Do check it out if you are also a fan of Caleo. Thank you Winryofresembool for making such an amazing story and being one of my many inspirations to become a writer myself. Never stop doing what you love and keep moving forward.
Despite whatever happens in the future, Leo and Calypso are meant for each other.
Two broken souls, lost and alone.
Desperate for love and acceptance.
I know that together, their shattered hearts can become one.
A heart made Fullmetal.
Don't Forget.
October 3rd