Fullmetal Alchemist Fan Fiction ❯ Set in Stone ❯ Easier Said Than Done ( Chapter 19 )

`Til The Sun Shines

 

Chapter Nineteen

Easier Said Than Done

 

The worst way to miss someone,

Is to be sitting right next to them and know you can't have them.

- Anonymous

 

With the bomb completed Ed found he had a lot of time on his hands. He went back to his father's house a few times, looking at new things that he'd read in the diary, that he'd see in the photographs. Admittedly, he had raided the wine cellar. And as the days passed on he began to wonder how long it would be before Mustang arrived with his artillery. He trusted Noa not to say anything; she'd kept secrets for him before, however badly it had turned out.

 

It was true that he couldn't expect him to round up people willing to fight first and foremost, and then create a plan on the little information he had. Of course Hoenheim was there, and perhaps he could remember the cities layout, for it hadn't seemed to change when it was moved underground. He continued to walk deeper into the city or further towards the outskirts, really; seeing as the entrance through the chapel was in the heart of Lebis.

 

He walked past the houses, the wealth and cleanliness not as obvious in these slums. And finally after walking for an undeterminable amount of time he came to what he figured must be where the city ended, for there was nothing but a large dirt wall. A large gratified dirt wall. And he realised that the city had not entirely ended, the huge wall was a support. His eyes followed the wall to the top, but he couldn't see what was up there for the light in this place was dimmer than that in the central area. He noticed that off to the side there was a ladder leading to one of the cracked old roofs of the houses and he climbed up in, in the hope of seeing higher up the mysterious wall. He climbed over the ledge and turned his head upwards, his breath catching in his throat at what he saw.

 

“Well, can't say I was expecting that…” he breathed.

 

 

The wind blew across the green grassy field of the small eastern country town. The day had indeed been a beautiful and as the sun began to sink below the horizon a brilliant orange light flared across the sky. The mixture of colours and the cooling temperature was one of many summer nights, but no matter how often it happened the beauty and wonder never disappeared. Rose stared out at the sunset from her chair on the balcony. She remembered the first time she had seen the amazing spectacle, when she had delivered the ten-year old Alphonse back to his family. The only family he had had at the time anyway.

 

The rest of the occupants of the house were out or asleep. Chris was staying somewhere for the night, apparently the Robinson twins were throwing a party, something like that anyhow. Wrath had returned to Central, where it seemed everything was happening. Winry had finally exhausted herself and fallen asleep at her work desk, causing Rose to sigh at the thought of dragging her to her bed. But fortunately she had been awake enough to move herself there. She had become absorbed in her work shortly after Alphonse had called. Rose had talked to the both of them and had guessed what they had discussed. Al had told Winry of Ed's wife and daughter.

 

Rose had known before the both of them, having seen Ed looking at pictures when he thought no one else was around. She wondered, at first, why he had not told anyone of them and had thought of telling them herself but had brushed the thought aside. It was none of her business anyway. Winry however had been much more upset, she had tried to hide it but Rose had eventually talked her into talking about it. She had cried, as Rose expected she would've, burying her head in Rose's shoulder. “I waited for him…” she sobbed quietly and Rose rubbed her back in comfort, telling her words of what she hoped were solace. “I waited for him…”

 

“I know.” Rose replied. And indeed Winry had, she had declined a marriage proposal offered to her long ago when she worked in Rush Valley, from another automail mechanic. The two had dated for quite a while, they got along and his mellow attitude equaled her fiery passion. Despite how little they shared in common, apart from their enthusiasm for automail, the two had gone together like peas in a pod. Winry had claimed she was in love with him, and he had tried to shout it from the rooftops before Winry pulled him down, red in the face with embarrassment at being put in the spotlight.

 

However when he had proposed, and they had been engaged for a few months, she had broken the engagement off saying she wasn't ready for that kind of commitment. Al and Granny Pinako had told Rose that they thought she couldn't marry him because he wasn't Ed, and somehow, Rose could see the logic in that. She wasn't ready to declare him dead, and marrying that man would've done that. The relationship was going nowhere and they had broken it off.

 

And although Rose understood this, she understood that Winry loved Ed, and deep in his heart he loved her back, she couldn't stop that small pang of jealousy in her own heart. For long ago she had been infatuated with the same man, whether it was some idea Dante had forced into her mind, or whether she had begun to fall for him long before that, whether it was merely a longing to fill the hole in her that Cain had once completed, she couldn't forget the love she had felt. And though she convinced herself that those feeling were long buried and extinguished, the pang of guilt confirmed that that wasn't true.

 

Because when she'd seen the photos, she could've told herself that he had visited a photographer who had thought it would be fun to dress them up, that the girl was the woman's daughter, not Edwards. She could come up with some far-fetched story to feed herself, to feed those feelings deep within her. But…hearing Winry tell her that Al had confirmed her suspicions…

 

Her heart had broken, a little inside.

 

And as she watched the golden-orange sunset, the pink tinge to the sky and the purple in the clouds, a small whispered mumble fell from her lips, her voice raspy and words nearly indistinguishable. “…help them to fly fast and swift, dear Lord, light a candle for them for the path is dark and narrow and difficult to navigate. Grant us strength, oh Lord, so that when we are needed our legs are strong enough to carry us there. Forgive us when we cannot forgive ourselves. Give our voices strength, please Lord, so that we may be heard for these bright times seem to be coming to an end…give us strength, Lord, hear our prayer…in the dark of the night listen for our voices…”

 

 

“We've got 18 people, only 15 of which who can go into the underground city. That means between our 5 groups we only have 3 members in each, one of those has to be an Alchemist.” Mustang said laying out the plans and drawing up the groups. “I'll be in one, Alphonse in another, Armstrong, Russell and Fletcher.” He said.

 

“I'm not being separated from Fletcher.” Russell said, ignoring his younger brother's objections. “There are other Alchemists.” He said in a determined voice.

 

“I'll go.” Hoenheim offered, and Mustang crossed out Fletcher's name, putting him in Russell's group and putting Hoenheim in the fifth.

 

“Anyone else not want to be separated?” Mustang asked, looking around the room, but the rest were fine being in any group. “Alright, to avoid confusion I'm splitting the two Alphonse's, Al H. you can go with Hoenheim. Sig and Breda you two can go with Armstrong. Havoc, Brosch, you're with me. Fuery, you're with Alphons and Hoenheim. ” He looked around the room again, and frowned slightly, before scribbling down a few more names. “Falman you're with the Tringhams; and Ross, you'll be with Wrath and Alphonse, Elric that is.” Wrath, who was sitting in the corner silently nodded in acknowledgement. Mustang wrote down the names and stood back studying them. “I'd say that a wide-spread group of talents.” He said.

 

“And pray tell what are we to do up here?” Izumi asked Mustang, her arms crossed over her chest.

 

“Whatever you like,” Mustang said, “I'm not sending in a pregnant woman, another in a wheelchair, and no offense Scheiska but I doubt you'd do too well in a fight.” Scheiska smiled lopsidedly at him.

 

“None taken, I doubt I'd do well either.” She said cheerfully. “We can block off the areas, make sure no one goes in.” She offered helpfully.

 

“Right,” Mustang nodded. “Each of the groups will have an assigned task. I'm assuming that they've some sort of power down there, so first and foremost we have to find a way to shut that off.”

 

“There's a power box in the town hall.” Hoenheim said, “However I'd say that would be right where they're staying unless they've gone up to the richer estates.” Mustang smirked. (1)

 

“I thought that you might know something about that, that's why Fuery's in your group. You three have to shut off the power somehow. Fuery's our technician and you're our tour guide. And of course it doesn't hurt to have a watchman.” He nodded his head in Alphons's direction. “Of course you get the easy job. The rest of us, get to have some fun.” His smirk widened and Alphonse groaned.

 

“Why don't I like the sound of that?” He asked a small grin on his face nonetheless. Wrath spoke for one of the first time since arriving.

 

“Because,” He said, arms unfolding, “you're the sensible one.” He smirked. “So…what's the plan?”

 

 

April 25th1537

 

So much has happened today that I'm unsure where to start. The beginning I suppose, Mother insisted I stay home today - that's a week consecutively - she practically demanded that I don't move. I didn't even try to object, I don't have to energy to argue. I haven't had much energy to do much lately, it's becoming worse with every day that passes by and the days I stay home are becoming increasingly often.

 

Joseph came to visit today, he's Monique's younger brother. Monique's my favourite maid, she always telling me stories and gossip from the city. She's been working here for as long as I can remember. Sometimes when I see her and Joseph playing around - they even make arguing look fun - I wish that I had a sibling of my own. Perhaps a little brother or two? It gets lonely in this big house sometimes. Annabelle came by yesterday as well. I wish I wasn't so sick; maybe I could spend some more time with her.

 

Mother was beginning to get so worried that she called the doctor, he came by later this afternoon, shortly after I'd woken up. He's the first person I've seen from the city that hasn't been a friend in over a week - something that's suddenly beginning to matter to me. He was supposed to come around last week but was called away on business down South. He's an alright person I suppose, nice enough if you don't get on his nerves but a real fright when you get him angry.

 

I don't think anyone will soon be forgetting the time Riley tried to pickpocket one of his family heirlooms. It was funny because it wasn't me, but it's safe to say that Riley's kept his hands to himself around Dr. Jefferson. I suppose it didn't matter that he was over a week late anyway.

 

I've only been outside the city once - we took a holiday in Ishbal - and it was only for 2 weeks, maybe a few days longer. Mother and Father were researching something - I don't ask, as I've said (or written) before, alchemy's not a great interest of mine. I love to do it sure, love to be able to create something extravagant and exciting, but I couldn't make a living from it.

 

Anyway, I met some interesting people in Ishbal; I actually met some of Annabelle's relatives. They all resemble her and Donovan a lot. Half of them have dark hair while the rest have light - to the point where it is almost white - hair, dark skin, red eyes. It frightens some, I know, but I think they look rather interesting. Maybe my decision is prejudice considering I'm dating one - yes, dating.

 

I do remember though, the strange ways in which their arrays were drawn - and the villages dislike for it. Alchemy that is. It seems they're on the verge of banning it entirely - that certainly didn't improve our family's popularity. But still, I did a few tricks for the kids, made flowers and plants grow out of the sand, things like that. I remember playing by the fountain with the kids and one of them brought me a broken thermometer and asked me to fix it. The glass cut my finger - I suppose that's how it happened. That's what I'll tell Mother anyway, because she convinced the mercury got in because of all of the chemicals and stuff she's got downstairs in the storeroom. (2)

 

Monique told me she's ordered them to clear it all and she's turning it into another spare bedroom. That's what the doctor said it was anyway - mercury poisoning. Some incredibly difficult to pronounce and/or spell disease evolved from the poisoning. It's all very simple really.

 

Mother screamed and cried and denied that it was true before hugging the life out of me (probably not the best thing to write at a time like this); destroying the store room; and sending the messenger for the best doctor in the land. But I don't think that it'll help.

 

Father was a bit quieter about it, asked the doctor to test me again, but I asked him not to. He just looked at me like I was asking him to do something incredibly difficult, I don't see what's so hard about it. The tests will be the same, and normally I'd humor him, let him alleviate his guilt - or whatever it is - but I'm too tired. I'm too exhausted. So he sat himself down next to my bed with his books, trying to find a way to do something about it. He looks at me strangely as I write this now, as I can hear Mother doing only-god-knows-what downstairs.

 

It's all very simple, really. Mother can scream and shout all she wants and Father can look at every mercury or poisoning related book he wants to, but the truth of it is: I'm going to die. Very simply: I'll never reach my 18th birthday, I'll never see my parent's grow old, I'll never marry Annabelle. I'll never get close.

 

And some may say that I'm taking it well, but what else can I do? For the complicated reactions, the complicated story, the incredibly complicated name it's all so very easy for me. It's all so incredibly simple.

 

Very simply: I don't want to die.

 

And I believe I may have finally found something easier done than said.

 

 

Finally after all the preparations they were ready. Alphonse was almost quivering with excitement as he waited in the large house, the one on the hill with the many extravagant rooms, the indoor pool, the withered garden, and the mysterious double doors in which he could finally look behind. Oh, merely a dining room. He didn't bother to go inside, merely turning back around to face his two comrades. Wrath waiting by the window, cautiously looking our every now and then. Lieutenant Ross was jumping up and down a little rubbing her hands in the chilly air. It was winter under here all the time it seemed, because it was freezing. There was no light to heat up the place and it was always colder underground.

 

“Cold?” He asked his voice in low tones. She grinned a little and nodded.

 

“These uniforms aren't made for warmth.” She said, and Al had to agree with her. Each of them had been fitted with a military uniform, which for half the group wasn't a difficult task; another thing could be said for Sig though. It was easier to recognise them this way, and though he'd thought that his dad had looked strange in the blue material, none could compare with the change in Wrath as he'd slipped into the clothing. Wrath scowled at him now and threw another glance out the window as though reading Al's thoughts.

 

“I can see half those idiots from here.” He said scornfully, his breath making a misty mark on the window.

 

“Can you see brother?” Alphonse asked hopefully. Wrath searched through the group.

 

“No.” He said after a moment of silence, “Can't make out individual faces, but…I can see palm-tree.” His eyes narrowed. “I'll get him back.” His automail gears whirred and the metal clicked together as he clenched his fist. (3)

 

“Palm-tree?” Al questioned and Wrath looked at him. The grinned and scoffed lightly.

 

“Of course, you don't remember. Have you been in the dining room yet?” He asked. He had taken a look through the lower floor of the house while the others had been searching the rest before he'd called them back down, their spare time becoming limited.

 

“I glanced.” Al said casually, his brow knitting together, “Why?”

 

Wrath shook his head. “Never mind, you wouldn't connect the things together anyway. Maybe if you ever get your memories back you could return here.” Al was about to say something more when Wrath spoke over him again, his voice laced with a sense of excitement and a grin spreading across his features. “Half the lights just went out.” And indeed the mysterious music that had been floating up to them since they had arrived had suddenly stopped. “And the rest just went out, time to move.” The three of them stopped talking and opened the front door quietly moving closer to the city; along the path Hoenheim and Izumi had plotted from the house.

 

They were so close to the group now, almost 10 minutes had passed since the lights had been cut and they were expecting a signal anytime soon, and they could hear the groups chatter. “What's going on?” One of the people was saying and though the dialect was strange to the three of them the meaning was clear.

 

They passed the group and moved further into the city, and even in the darkness they were taking great care not to be seen in the dim candlelight and torchlight. Suddenly a great flame leapt up into the sky, easy to see from anywhere in the city. “That's our signal.” Wrath stated unnecessarily and the three of them moved forward to attack.

`As you slide down the banister of life, may your ass collect many splinters.'

 

(1) What d'you reckon life'd be like in those days? Let's pretend that they had power…and it was all stored in town hall…and that it was incredibly easy to cut of.

(2) This is all speculation, and I couldn't think of anything else you'd use mercury in…mainly because I don't pay attention in science. Well I sorta do. It doesn't matter does it? I'm just ranting aren't I?

(3) Hey Envy was pretty mean to him, I'd probably want revenge too. Revenge is sweet. Like candy. I'm kidding don't go seek revenge on anyone.

 

Uh…I just realised I loaded the previous chapter instead of this one…my bad. Lol. Also, Friday the 13th. Wooh.

 

Hey you smell. I'm kidding chill out. So I handed in my turtle for art, my friend goes to me “I'd be embarrassed to hand that in.” And while the other exclaimed that was a little harsh (she was thinking it) I replied “Oh, don't worry, I am.” I'll do better in this one I swear. And plus, she was away today because she told the art teacher she'd bring in hers so at least mine was on time. Lol. Anyway, not much has been happening has it? That or I don't watch the news and OMG!! Do you watch House!!! Did you see what it said was going to happen in the next episode! I don't know what one it's up to in wherever you readers live but ahhh! It said he was gonna get shot in the first five minutes and OMG I'm so excited. O.o

 

Phe: Oh I know, when you read like something really moving and you can totally picture it in your head and you feel really sad…like I cried when Dumbledore died in Harry Potter *hides in shame* Lol. Well it wasn't really a cry, I cried more so when Hughes died…oh that was sad. And yes, finished this chappy bout half-an-hour ago, then I had dinner. It was pork. With crackle. And salad…and dad put kiwifruit in it. And then peppered the kiwifruit, i got annoyed.

 

Misa92: OMG!!! LOL!!! I just got your comment and then checked and LOL I can't believe I did that! I've called the files Chapter Eighteen and Chapter Nineteen and accidentally clicked on chapter eighteen. Oh my sister's looking at me funny cuz I'm laughing. My bad. I'm glad I could be of assistance in your chocking on microphone? Or hot nuggets? Yeah I didn't find the games either til I got interested in FMA, come to think of it I still haven't found the games. I want to get Kingdom Hearts because it's supposed to be good but I'm not sure cuz I also want Final Fantasy but then I think my step-brother might b buying so I'm like hmmm. Well he's not really my step-brother…its complicated lol. We get along though and he's the only one of my friends interested in all that playstation stuff. Hehe brain fart…my turtle died. Lol. It's supposed to be about how they eat plastic and I put glad wrap over his stomach so it was see-through and put rubbish in it's “stomach” then 5 minutes before I handed it in I wrote on it's back “Don't be spastic, chuck out your plastic.” Which is a slogan aforementioned complicated-relationship-step-brother made up. Oh, I'm going to fail. Oh well, I'm on an A- so my grade shouldn't suffer too much.

 

Uniasus: Oh my god, the faithful distractions. I can't tell you how often I get…hey what's on TV? Nah I'm kidding chill out, I always get distracted though aye, like when I'm in the middle of telling my friends a story and I'll think of something else and stop halfway through and they're like “is there a point to this story” and I'm like “Oh yeah I was telling you a story” lol.