Hey, hey! Have the rest of the Risembool section.

Al,

Huh, it's already September. It's been pretty much the worst 5 months of my life. Well, worst year of my life – nothing's been any good since mother died.

We should have just stayed with Sensei – I didn't hate Dublith. I miss her – mom I mean – but Izumi too, I guess. We can't go back to her now though. She'd hate us for what we've done. There's never any point in going back – it all leads to nothing but pain. We should have never returned to Risembool at all. I don't want to be here any more. We should focus on moving forwards, moving on. That's all we can do now. When we leave again, we won't come back.

I don't know what lies beyond – the military, I suppose. It's not that it's that terrible here – today wasn't even a bad day. I'm getting used to my new limbs and you and Winry have been helping me. But I still can't stay. I hate our house – I feel like every time I walk through it, I can feel the darkness coming from the basement.

I thought I was just unhappy because I'd lost my arm and leg and couldn't function properly. But now I have replacements and it's still not enough. Is this how you feel, Al? Is this why you keep talking about leaving? It's not just that you want your real body back – it's that you don't want to be trapped in Risembool anymore, where everything went so wrong.

But you're here because I'm still here and you won't leave me behind. Well I promise you Al, I won't hold you back much longer.

Edward

Dear Al,

Granny tells me my recovery has been incredible. She's trying to be harsh but I can tell even she's impressed at the progress I've been making. I'm pretty amazing, obviously.

(Progress is not free I can tell you that much though.)

But it's worth it – and it's like equivalent exchange. I could take longer and go slower and be stuck here for another year – or I can be exhausted and in pain but have mastered my new limbs. Obviously, I'm not one to take it slow.

That's also why I'm going to join the military as soon as possible. We put in as much effort as possible and we'll figure out a way to balance the equation and get your body back. I don't know what could be worth your body, but there must be an answer out there somewhere.

Edward

Dear brother,

So, I'm leaving soon. Leaving home forever. I'm taking this book with me though – guess I've grown fond or something. Writing isn't too bad, I like that my left arm has become so much more strong and stable. We sparred the other day, you know. Just like we used to. I put up a pretty good fight even if you being a suit of armour gives you a massive advantage. You're practically indestructible!

…

I've been thinking. Teacher has that tattoo on her chest. A cross entwined with a snake. I never asked her about it. I found that symbol in some of our old alchemy books. Usually the ones discussing the more forbidden side of alchemy.

I'm not going to be afraid of that stuff. While we failed once, it's not because the alchemy failed. The true power of alchemy is beyond our comprehension. We just didn't understand enough. That night, we learned that some things have a cost greater than simple materials.

Anyway, we're going to go deeper and we're not backing down, not if we want to get back what we lost. That's why I wanted to wear that symbol.

No, I'm not gonna get it tattooed on my body. I never want another sharp object inserted into my skin.

Ed

Al,

I'll miss Winry and Granny. Winry mentioned how they could take a trip to the city so maybe we'll see them again. I hope they don't miss me too much. They'll be relieved you're finally out of their hair, obviously. You're so lucky I'm letting you tag along with me!

But yeah, we're leaving. And we're never returning. I'll make sure of that. There will be no home left for us to come back to.

If anyone asks, the fire was all your idea!

Edward

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