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Chapter 1	By : ChaCha92 Category: Fullmetal Alchemist > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 129 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist and make no money from this story

Chapter List
- 13
- 14
With a soft sigh, gold eyes crack open. Peering toward the ceiling into the pre-dawn darkness, Kisa realizes it’s far too early to get up and gently shifts onto her uninjured side being careful not to wake Winry to try going back to sleep. Despite finding a comfortable spot she realizes to her annoyance she’s too alert to fall asleep again.
Unprovoked, her thoughts drift to previous day. Despite being quite eventful and emotional, she’s surprised sleep came easily last night. Unfortunately, any fretting she didn’t do last night she was making up for now.
Unable to clear her head, she eases out of bed. Silently moving about she changes into her day clothes before slipping out the room to let Winry continue sleeping in peace. Afraid to wake anyone else, she carries her cane while easing down the darkened stairs. Glancing at the grandfather clock next to staircase wall, she’s able to make out in the dim light filtering through the glass panes of the front door that it’s 4:30 a.m. She muses it’ll be at least another hour before any early risers get up.
Heading into the kitchen she leans her cane against a wall and grabs a few plates. Conscious of the lingering soreness in her arm she doesn’t carry too many into the dining room.
Setting the small stack on the table she inwardly frets about what she reluctantly told Ed last night and whether Gracia overheard any of it. She especially worries about any of it getting back to Maes. It’d hurt him to discover she doubted him.
Returning for another load she realizes how foolish she was to even consider the possibility Maes could remotely be cruel towards her. Not after everything they’ve been through together. She should’ve kept her mouth shut. She agrees with Ed; she’s an idiot.
A fond smile spreads across Kisa’s lips as she recalls the effort everyone put into making yesterday special. She enjoyed it and loved the presents they gave her despite her firm belief they shouldn’t have given her anything. However, refusing the gifts would’ve been insulting and ruined the day. Her smile turns sad as she thinks of her twin. It would’ve been perfect and wonderful to finally enjoy such a celebration with Kyo.
Stepping into the kitchen to collect more dishes for the china cabinet, her sharp ears pick up the light rapid movement of Hayate racing down the stairs. Within moments the friendly dog scampers in to greet her. Reaching down she strokes his head as Riza joins her.
“Good morning, Riza,” Kisa greets the surprised woman. “I hope you slept well.”
“Good morning, Kisa. I did, thank you,” Riza replies after recovering her senses.
Stepping into the laundry room, she heads for the back door and lets Hayate out.
“If you’d like to return to bed and sleep a little more, I can let him back inside for you,” Kisa offers from the kitchen doorway.
“That’s okay, thank you for offering,” Riza declines. “Why are you up so early?” she asks, following the girl back into the kitchen.
“I couldn’t go back to sleep and didn’t want to risk waking Winry,” Kisa reluctantly admits. “I thought I should clear the kitchen table for Aunt Gracia before she comes in to start breakfast.”
Riza watches her pick up four soup bowls and slowly limp her way into the dining room. Glancing up at the clock hanging on the wall, she notes it’s 5:00 a.m. Only a half hour earlier than her usual wake up time. Returning to the back door, she lets Hayate back inside, deciding now would be a good time to talk to Kisa without unwanted interruptions.
Returning once more to the kitchen, she steps over to the table as Kisa picks up more soup bowls. Reaching down she picks up the small stack of salad plates and follows the teen, surprising the younger blonde.
“I’m finishing out my punishment from last night. You shouldn’t be helping me,” she hesitantly protests.
“I’ve got nothing better to do,” Riza shrugs. “And no one is going to punish you because I decided to help.”
Gently nestling the bowls into the ones already on the table, Kisa’s gaze remains fixed on the delicate vine pattern painted on the porcelain.
“So Aunt Gracia did overhear my conversation with Ed.”
Riza studies her for a few moments, watching Kisa’s fingers gently trace along the edges of the stacked dishes.
“She did,” she finally admits. “Gracia hadn’t meant to.”
“I shouldn’t have said anything,” Kisa softly states without looking at the older blonde. “I was being a foolish idiot telling Ed my unfounded fears.”
“Are they really unfounded?” Riza challenges with an arched brow, prompting Kisa to finally look at her in surprise. “After everything you’ve been through, it makes sense you’d be afraid of what Maes could do to you. You simply don’t know him well enough yet to grasp how he really is.”
“I should know!” Kisa protests with a distressed frown. “I shouldn’t have doubted him.”
“Caring for an injured man for a few weeks isn’t enough time to get to know him,” Riza points out reasonably.
“I still shouldn’t have said anything, it’s upsetting everyone,” Kisa quietly states, her gaze dropping in shame.
“Not really,” Riza counters as she starts putting the dishes into the china cabinet. “Yes, it’s upsetting to hear, but it’ll give you a chance to hear what he’s like from us. You can ask us questions about him. They’re not unbiased opinions,” she shrugs. “But it’s our reasoning and explanations that make the effort in asking worth it.”
Kisa doesn’t reply as she follows her lead in putting the dishes away. Minutes later the older blonde breaks the silence again.
“And it’s okay to question the people and things around you.”
Kisa stops to stare at her.
“No one is going to hold it against you,” Riza continues. She stops and turns to the teen. “If anyone does, then they’re ignorant and don’t understand. You’re in a foreign world with foreign customs, ideas and attitudes. It’s overwhelming and will take you time to get comfortable with all that.” Smiling in reassurance, she adds, “If your doubts about Maes are ever strong enough where you need to step away from him for a bit, you’re always welcome to stay with me.”
Struggling to process her words, Kisa gapes at her in shock.
“It’s not that Maes would ever hurt you,” Riza emphasizes seriously, boring into her eyes. “But if things are too overwhelming, you can take refuge with me. I wouldn’t tell anyone where you are until you’re ready to deal with the situation again.”
“Why would you do that for me?” Kisa hesitantly asks in confusion. “Why would you lie to a close friend like uncle and not tell him where I am?”
Smiling in understanding, Riza pulls out one of the chairs. Sitting down she gestures for Kisa to do the same. The younger girl momentarily hesitates before following suit.
“I’d do it because it’d be what you’d need at the time,” Riza explains, holding Kisa’s gaze. “Everyone needs a refuge that’s a sort of neutral ground. Sometimes that refuge can be a person. I’d like to be that for you. Yes, Maes is my friend, but that friendship doesn’t obligate me to reveal the confidences and trust of another person.”
She gives Kisa a moment to think. Seeing she’s still confused, she elaborates further.
“My father was an alchemist who deliberately lost himself in his work.” Smiling softly, Riza admits, “Honestly, he really wasn’t much of a father. I pretty much had to raise myself and take care of him. When he died, another person stepped in to be my refuge without my even asking them to. They helped by taking care of the funeral arrangements, settle his estate and were there for me. I didn’t even realize I needed that. I couldn’t even consider them a friend and only knew them as a former alchemy student of my father’s.”
Riza’s gaze bores into gold.
“It was scary to suddenly be alone. I wasn’t even aware my father was that seriously ill, so his death was a shock. Everything changed and felt foreign. So, to a certain extent, I understand your situation.”
Closing her eyes briefly, Riza smiles at Kisa.
“I’d like to do for you what was done for me and be a refuge if you ever need it.”
Kisa looks slightly stricken and her gaze falls off to the side.
“I’m being too much of a burden on others.”
“Burden, or becoming friends?” Riza asks, arching a brow.
Kisa’s startled gaze snaps back to Riza before finally smiling softly.
“Well, I wasn’t allowed to have friends growing up, so maybe I don’t really understand the concept very well,” she admits bashfully.
“You just need practice,” Riza quips, causing the younger blonde to laugh.
“By the sounds of it, I’m going to get a lot of practice living here. Thank you,” Kisa sincerely states. “I accept your offer, although, I hope it never gets to the point I have to take you up on it.”
“Hopefully not,” Riza shrugs. “But if any situation becomes too uncomfortable or intense, it’s a way to step back and see the whole picture instead of part of it.”
“Having the chance to step away like that isn’t something I’m used to,” Kisa admits. “It’ll be hard to do that should the need arise.”
“I’ll just have to keep reminding you then.”
“I’ll probably need it,” Kisa laughs lightly in agreement. Glancing over the remaining dishes piled on the table, she suggests, “We should finish before it gets later and Aunt Gracia starts making breakfast for everyone.”
“Good idea,” Riza agrees.
Both women rise to their feet and continue filling the china cabinet.
“Are you Ed’s refuge too?” Kisa asks after several minutes of comfortable silence.
“No, he’s too proud and stubborn,” Riza explains before smirking. “He’s exactly like you in that regard.”
Kisa pauses to blink at her in confusion.
“It’s obvious you’d rather suffer without complaining,” Riza explains while clearing off the table. “Ed’s just like that. He makes his messes and no matter how hard it is, he’ll do everything he can to clean it up himself. From what I’ve seen and heard so far, it seems you’re the same way.”
Kisa muses on her words for a few minutes as they make the rounds retrieving the glasses and cutlery.
“It’s funny,” she finally observes while they finish up. “Despite being born years and kilometers apart to different families, Ed and I look nearly identical. And as much as I don’t want to admit it, we also share certain personality traits.” Gold eyes roll heavenward as she mutters, “Kyo certainly ribbed me enough when uncle pointed them out. But the odds of something like that happening must be astronomical.”
Riza closes the china cabinet before noticing Kisa’s sad smile and distant expression.
“I wonder how different things would’ve been if Ed were born to my family and me to his. Mother and father would’ve loved having him as their son instead of me. They would’ve babied him like they did Kyo. They would’ve given him everything he wanted and made every opportunity available to him that they could.”
“Maybe, but that’s a past that never happened,” Riza points out. “Your present is much different. You shouldn’t forget your past since that’s what shaped you, but don’t ignore the present and the future opportunities you can take advantage of without worrying about your parents disapproving.”
“It’s hard thinking of something I still don’t believe in,” Kisa admits reluctantly. “I never could dream of the future. There was no point, not when everything was planned out for me. All I could do was learn to serve my husband and family. Kyo wanted to run away so I wouldn’t have to marry our cousin, but I still didn’t believe it’d happen. Even if we succeeded, father wouldn’t have stopped searching until he dragged me back.” Shuddering, her fearful voice drops lower. “I was scared of what he’d do to me because he wouldn’t have tolerated the embarrassment.”
Riza watches in concern as she pauses to take a deep, calming breath.
“It was only ever discussed to serve as a warning to other girls,” she solemnly continues. “But it wasn’t uncommon in Azambra for father’s to end up killing their daughters who tried escaping their arranged marriage.”
Sucking in a sharp breath, Riza gapes in shock as gold eyes drift off to the side.
“It’s considered murder under Azambran law,” she explains. “But it’s hard to prove if no one will admit to witnessing it.” Boring into Riza’s eyes in emphasis, she points out, “If I survived, I’d never have the chance to escape again. Likely my husband would’ve isolated me from Kyo so he wouldn’t have the chance to help me again.” Taking another deep breath, she adds, “No matter how I looked at it, I had a very bleak future and it was depressing to think about something I couldn’t change.”
“I can’t fault you for thinking that way,” Riza concedes with a heavy sigh. “It’ll be hard, but you have choices now and people who will not only support your decisions, but will protect your right to make them.”
Pausing, she watches Kisa silently consider her words.
“Don’t try forcing yourself into believing something you have no experience with. You can only give yourself time to grow comfortable with the idea. It won’t happen overnight.”
Kisa only gets as far as nodding before stiffening when Maes step into the room.
“Good morning, ladies!” he greets cheerfully despite noticing Kisa’s sudden tension.
“Good morning,” Riza replies, also seeing her reaction.
“Good morning, uncle,” Kisa quietly greets.
She can’t help flinching slightly when he kisses her on the forehead. Feeling guilty, her gaze drops as he sighs and glances over at Riza. She nods at him in encouragement.
“If you’re not feeling too uncomfortable, I’d like to talk to you before everyone wakes up or comes down to interrupt,” he gently suggests.
Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Kisa looks over at Riza who smiles reassuringly. Nodding in acceptance she steps into the sitting room.
“I’m going to head upstairs to change into my day clothes,” Riza informs Maes.
“Alright,” he nods as she leaves the room.
Following after Kisa, Maes heads over to the nearest sofa she’s already settled on. Easing next to her, he patiently waits as the tense silence stretches out, watching her gaze intensely at her hands clasped in her lap before she finally speaks.
“I’m sorry for doubting you,” she begins with quiet trepidation. “I know Aunt Gracia overheard my conversation with Ed and I know you’d never hurt me or I would’ve been scared when I hit Ed with my cane.” She hesitantly looks up into his green eyes. “When my parents were alive, Kyo and I had to be careful not to get carried away with our fights because I’d get punished. He hated to see me get punished even if he started the fight and was at fault.” Smiling slightly in fondness, she adds, “At first, he did use it to his advantage to get his way, but it didn’t take him long to see I’d get a lot more than just a smack on the bottom. He felt guilty afterward and started trying to protect me from that.”
“But I wasn’t worried when Ed and I argued,” she continues. “I instinctively knew I wouldn’t get punished like my parents used to punish me and it was foolish to even briefly think that last night.” Looking away guiltily, she adds, “I don’t want you to feel like you have to prove anything to me. I appreciate and cherish everything you’ve done for me and I don’t want anyone to think I’m manipulating your generosity.”
Once certain she’s finished, green eyes intensify.
“You’re incapable of being manipulative like that,” Maes bites out. “And I don’t feel you’ve been given enough.”
Smirking fondly, he promptly places a gentle finger against her lips when she opens her mouth in protest.
“It’s my turn to talk.”
Amused at her slightly disgruntled expression he leans back, allowing his hand to drop away.
“I’m not arguing with you on that point. I believe you deserve a lot more and you’ve made it very clear you don’t. So we’ll have to agree to disagree.” His smile drops as he solemnly adds, “We haven’t talked about what happened after I left Azambra and I’ll wait until you’re ready. However, from the little you’ve shared and from what I remember, I know you were captured and tortured.” Guilt softens his expression and permeates his voice, “I’m so sor…”
“Don’t!” Kisa cuts him off vehemently, startling him.
She struggles slightly to her feet. Taking a few steps, she stops and stares out at the diffused early morning light weakly waking the world outside the windows across from her. Moments later she turns to face him, anger clearly evident in her features.
“Don’t you dare apologize,” her thick voice vibrating with anger hisses. “You’re right. Kyo and I were captured and tortured, but don’t ever try apologizing or feel guilty for that ever again! You didn’t cause it and it’s insulting to what we endured. We knew what would happen and chose to be the distraction so you could escape.”
“But if it wasn’t for me, you would’ve never had to make that choice!” Maes protests.
Kisa venomously spits out a word in a language he doesn’t recognize.
“You gave us hope!” she snaps. “Before we found you, we were waiting to die. We wanted so desperately to end the misery. We had nothing left and nowhere to go.”
Her glare intensifies and her voice cracks.
“When you recovered enough and told us about what could be if we came to Amestris, we dared to dream again. We wouldn’t have to keep praying for death and have a life without the constant pain of hunger. We wouldn’t be afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing or worry about catching a common mild ailment then dying in excruciating pain.”
She steps toward him, her gaze intensifying as her voice drops low.
“Knowing you made it back into Amestris gave us hope for freedom and kept us going while we were being tortured. If we survived, things would get better. We believed you’d keep your word and do what you could to free Azambra. We clung to that. If we got through the day we only had to survive the next when the sun rose.”
“When Kyo died,” her voice wavers and tears leak from her eyes. “Knowing you were waiting kept me going. It was hard and being alone was as terrifying as I thought it’d be. You saved me from killing myself.”
Her gaze drifts from Maes’ shocked expression off to the side.
“Believing you might still give a damn about Kyo and I, that you might be worrying and waiting for us convinced me to apply for asylum in Amestris.” Her eyes snap back to his. “I almost didn’t. And you think you haven’t done enough for me? And dare sit there and apologize?”
She’s not the least bit surprised when strong arms engulf her in a hug and she cries for a few minutes before pulling herself together again.
“Can I at least apologize for not being able to do more sooner?” Maes quietly asks into her hair.
“It’s pointless,” she sighs heavily in slight irritation, her voice still thick with emotion. “But I guess it’s okay to apologize for that.”
Maes chuckles softly and kisses the top of her head. Pulling back slightly he gazes deeply into glistening gold eyes.
“You can talk to me about anything,” he intones seriously. “I can’t promise not to get upset, but I can promise to do my best to stay calm and listen to what you have to say.”
“I know that,” she rewards him with a soft smile. “I forget sometimes.” Her smile widens at his amused chuckle. “As you know, if I need to, Riza offered to help me take a step back to breathe.”
At his puzzled frown her eyes narrow accusingly as she steps back from him and crosses her arms.
“You’re not going to stand there and deny you were skulking in the hallway earlier with Roy, eavesdropping on my conversation with Riza. Just like the two of them are doing the same to us right now.”
With a sheepish grin, Maes looks over towards the foyer.
“You two might as well come in. You’re busted,” he calls out.
Roy and Riza step into the room looking slightly and uncharacteristically embarrassed.
“I’m sorry,” Riza apologizes to Kisa. “I meant to go upstairs and change, but when I stepped into the hallway I saw Roy lurking in the shadows.” She pointedly ignores his irritated scowl. “I tried silently convincing him to knock it off when I got caught up listening in.”
“You don’t have to lie,” Kisa fondly shakes her head, surprising all three adults. “It’s obvious you stayed nearby in case I became too uncomfortable with uncle. You wouldn’t have just offered to be my refuge only to completely disappear upstairs during a tense situation.”
A wry smile crosses Riza’s face as she nods.
“Yes, I did remain behind just in case.”
Arching a brow Roy scrutinizes Kisa.
“How did you know we’ve been eavesdropping the entire time and that it was us in particular?”
Kisa answers with a very Ed-like smirk.
“I spent nearly five years as an informant and was constantly alert to anyone doing the same to my family,” she reminds him. “That hasn’t faded or I wouldn’t have realized uncle is surrounded by a bunch of busybodies.”
Roy blinks at her in surprise as Riza smirks in amusement and Maes sputters in laughter.
“How can you say that when this is the first time Roy and Riza have done this?” Maes asks when he calms somewhat.
“I don’t mean just them,” she shakes her head. “The night Al and Winry arrived, Al and I were chatting after I finished eating dinner. I heard a light set of footsteps in the hallway stop outside the doorway. I knew it couldn’t be Aunt Gracia because she already went to bed and they were much heavier than Elicia’s. So it had to be Winry. Then I heard Ed’s distinctive gait. And you would’ve just come in. This morning I knew it was Roy with you. Both of your footsteps are firmer than Al’s and distinctive like Riza’s.” Tilting her head slightly in thought, she adds, “Must be due to being in the military because your gaits are very measured, rhythmic and firm.”
“You have sharp ears,” Roy smirks. Becoming serious, he adds, “Don’t ever let that talent dull. It’ll keep coming in handy for you.”
Kisa nods in understanding.
“Gracia is not in the habit of eavesdropping,” Maes distracts her. “And she never intended to overhear your conversation with Ed.”
“I understand,” she smiles again. “But it turned out to be good thing even if it was unintended.”
“If you were aware of everyone else eavesdropping, how is it you didn’t know Gracia was listening?” Riza asks, frowning in confusion.
“If I’m too emotional or distracted at the time, I won’t pay attention like I should,” Kisa admits with a slight blush.
The hallway clock chiming six captures their attention.
“The others will be waking or get woken soon,” Maes observes.
“More pitchers of ice water?” Kisa asks sardonically.
“Tempting, but no,” Maes quips. “The boys likely will be on guard for that and Ed would alchemize some lethal weapon out of the bed frames. I’d prefer to keep the furniture in one piece.”
“As much as I’d like to hear the details, I really should go up and change,” Riza states with obvious amusement.
“It’s better to wait until we’re eating,” Roy suggests. “It gives Maes the chance to embarrass them with the retelling.
With one last smirk, Riza disappears from the room.
“It’d be a good idea to listen to the weather reports on the radio,” Maes suggests to Roy. “Looks like it’s going to rain again and if the waters haven’t receded in your district, you and Riza can stay the night again.” At Roy’s acknowledging nod, he adds, “I’m going to get things started in the kitchen.”
Maes takes a couple steps towards the door when he immediately notices Kisa moving as if to follow him.
“Where are you going?” he arches a brow at her.
“To the kitchen,” she blithely replies as if it should be obvious.
“No, you aren’t,” he declares, earning an affronted glare. “You will sit and rest that leg,” he points at a sofa. When she opens her mouth to protest, he cuts her off, “It’s obviously bothering you because you’re favoring it again.”
He smiles in fond exasperation at the denial in her expression.
“I’m not doing it to annoy you, but it’s going to take you longer to recover if you push yourself too much.” Noting the stubborn glint in her eye, he gives her a firm look. “I’m serious,” he looks at her sternly when she opens her mouth to protest. “Stay off that leg and keep Roy company.”
Ignoring her baleful glower, Maes heads for the kitchen. She turns to glare at Roy when she hears his chuckle and watches him step over to the radio in a corner of the room.
“Despite being obedient, you don’t like anyone telling you what to do, do you?” he asks, bending closer to the radio.
“Do you?” she sullenly crosses her arms with a pout.
“No, not really,” he admits, clicking the radio on. “But sometimes even I need someone to be more stubborn than me for my own good. Saved me from making a couple of costly mistakes.”
Deigning to reply, she moves over to the sofa closest to the radio and grudgingly sits down while he finishes tuning it. He settles next to her as they both listen to the crisp reporting of the announcer.
“Severe thunderstorms are forecast for late afternoon early evening with several centimeters of rain anticipated overnight. The storm should blow out of the area by sunrise tomorrow. Residents in flooded districts are advised to either remain inside or stay out of the area. Troops are rolling in to sandbag additional areas as a precaution and monitor flood channels. The following districts will remain closed or will be closed to traffic due to flooding…”
“Looks like Riza and I aren’t returning to our homes tonight,” Roy sighs softly in annoyance.
Noting her shiver before tugging her shawl tighter about her shoulders, he rises to his feet again and moves over to the fireplace.
“But if you can’t return home, you won’t be able to dress in your uniforms for work tomorrow, will you have to take the day off?” she asks in confusion as he sets up fresh logs.
Stepping back he smiles at her as he tugs a white glove onto his left hand.
“Riza and I keep spare uniforms at Central Command,” he explains, clapping his hands then extending his left as a stream of fire shoots out to Kisa’s continued amazement to light the logs. “Sometimes there are situations that require us to remain at work overnight and we need fresh uniforms to change into.” He steps forward and closes the gate on the cheerfully burning logs. “We’ll just leave early in the morning to shower and change at work.”
“If it isn’t too much of an inconvenience, it’s nice you’ll both be staying another night,” she smiles shyly, catching him off guard when he returns to his seat. “I enjoy talking to you both and learn a lot from our conversations.”
Blinking away his surprise, Roy smiles back.
“I enjoy our conversations too.” His smile changes to a smirk. “Although Fullmetal probably won’t be happy I’m staying another night.”
“He’s going to have to deal with it,” she tersely bites out, surprising and amusing him again. “You’re aunt and uncle’s guest.”
Entering the room to hear a snippet of the last sentence, Riza asks, “What about one of Maes and Gracia’s guests?”
“Our district is still flooded and more rain is expected later,” Roy informs Riza. “We’ll have to stay another night and I commented Fullmetal wasn’t going to be happy about that.”
“I imagine he won’t, but that’s typical for Ed,” Riza smirks, sitting on Kisa’s other side.
“Then Kisa stated Fullmetal will have to deal with it since we’re guests,” Roy finishes explaining.
“Ed will make his usual sarcastic comments,” Riza shrugs. “But something would have to be seriously wrong with him if he didn’t.”
As Roy chuckles, Kisa arches an incredulous brow.
“Why does everyone tolerate such bad behavior from him?”
“Because that’s what makes Ed, Ed,” Riza smiles.
“Fullmetal makes up for those bad traits in other areas,” Roy points out.
Closing her eyes briefly while sighing in frustration Kisa grouses, “And that’s who I ended up with for my double?” Roy and Riza laugh before she surprises them by innocently asking Roy, “Why do you keep calling Ed, ‘Fullmetal’?”
“Didn’t Maes tell you about him joining the state alchemist program?” Roy frowns at her in confusion.
“Sort of,” she shrugs. “We couldn’t get too involved discussing certain topics when we were in Azambra. It would’ve been too risky. Uncle told me what he could since he hadn’t met Al yet.”
Since she’s looking at Roy during her explanation, Kisa doesn’t see Riza arching a brow behind her. Roy noticed his adjutant’s reaction, but keeps his face inscrutable as the younger blonde continues.
“Not long after I arrived he told me about the Promised day and shared some of their background. I just don’t know much beyond their mother died when they were young and their father abandoned them before returning later to fight with them.” Raising her hands palms up while shrugging in a helpless gesture, she adds, “I didn’t even know Ed had an automail leg until earlier this week, so I’m not sure what to ask about and I don’t like being nosy in other people’s business. I know Ed looks like me, can do alchemy, is two years older and did a lot to help save the world that day.”
“It never hurts to ask,” Roy points out. “And by now you should’ve realized Fullmetal will bluntly tell you if you’re getting too personal. Any family history you’d have to ask him or Al, but it’s a matter of public record how Fullmetal became a state alchemist.”
Without further preamble, Roy briefly details how he went to Resembool and recruited Ed, deliberately omitting the Elric brother’s attempted human transmutation.
“Fullmetal insisted on being the only one to become a state alchemist. He passed the test, becoming the youngest ever recruited and was given the title ‘Fullmetal’ by Fuhrer Bradley to use as a code name along with the rank of major,” Roy concludes.
“Uncle said state alchemists were primarily used as human weapons. How is that so?” Kisa asks, cocking her head in curiosity.
“During a battle most soldiers won’t have a clear target,” Riza explains, causing the teen to shift around to face her. “While trying to keep from getting killed by sheltering behind an object, a soldier may randomly fire into the battlefield and at best score one or two shots into an enemy. Unless they’re a sniper or an alchemist their success is left entirely to chance.”
“Also, an alchemical attack can be initiated from a safe distance and, in some cases, without the need for a direct line of sight because it causes immediate, widespread damage,” Roy elaborates further. “We were devastatingly effective during the Ishvalan extermination because alchemy is abhorred by their religion and they didn’t have any alchemists to counter our attacks.”
“Although it wasn’t known to anyone else at the time, the Crimson Alchemist Kimblee was given a Philospher’s Stone, which amplified his power to an incredible degree and was credited as turning the war in our favor,” Riza adds. “His explosive attacks decimated the Ishvalans into surrendering.”
“Under the old regime, Ed would’ve likely been sent to the front lines regardless of his age,” Roy points out to Kisa. “That’s why state alchemists are often referred to as the ‘Dogs of the Military’. We are expected to follow orders when called upon, so it’s understandable why he didn’t want Al enlisting. Now with Fuhrer Gruhman in charge we have the chance to reform the state alchemist program into what it should’ve been all along; a service to the people.”
With Riza’s help, Roy outlines his plans, explaining to Kisa why he’s attempting to get Ed to reenlist and recruit Al. Unnoticed by any of them, Maes silently slips past the sitting room to head upstairs. Entering his bedroom, he smiles at Elicia soundly sleeping snuggled up in the middle of the bed. He finishes tucking the covers around her as Gracia emerges freshly showered from the bathroom.
“Is anyone else up?”
“Everyone above the age of twenty and Kisa,” he grins.
Easing onto the edge of the bed, he quietly details the morning’s events while watching her finish dressing for the day.
“I’m glad things worked out,” she sighs softly in relief. Her eyes fill with sadness as she adds, “I wish what we suspected about her and Kyo being captured and tortured weren’t true, but it’s nice to hear you were their reason to keep fighting to survive.”
“I still find it hard to accept when I’m the cause of their suffering, maybe even of Kyo’s demise,” Maes solemnly states, his eyes dropping to the floor while his shoulders sag.
With a loving smile, Gracia steps over and embraces him while standing, pillowing his head against her breasts while his arms snake around her waist.
“I’m sure Kisa is being truthful, that you aren’t the cause of their suffering and you gave them hope again.”
Tightening his arms, he nods while she combs her fingers soothingly through his hair.
“At least we now have a better idea of what happened to Kyo.”
“As difficult it is to hear, it’s better to know,” Gracia agrees. After a few minutes, she suggests, “We should head downstairs. I want to let the kids sleep in longer before waking them up for breakfast.”
Pulling back slightly without relinquishing his hold, he looks up at her.
“Good idea. Yesterday was a long day and Winry and Al are probably still tired from their trip. Especially Al. We didn’t give him much of a chance to rest before inviting him to Central.”
Leaning in, Gracia presses a tender kiss to his lips. Pulling back, she gazes into his eyes while caressing his face.
“And thank you for not pranking the boys awake today. If Ed wakes up in a better mood, he’ll be less inclined to fight with Kisa.”
“I doubt it,” Maes rolls his eyes. “I’m sure he feels he owes her for yesterday.”
“At least we have plenty of help keeping those two in line,” she smiles.
“Well, Ed may be distracted anyway,” he muses thoughtfully. “It’s likely Roy and Riza can’t return home judging by the looks of it outside. Ed will focus on Roy instead of getting revenge on Kisa.”
“So much for a nice, quiet Sunday,” Gracia sighs wistfully, causing Maes to softly laugh.
Stealing another kiss, he rises to his feet and follows her out the door, closing it so Elicia can continue sleeping undisturbed.
Heading downstairs, the couple steps into the sitting room, cutting off the conversation, exchanging the usual morning greetings. Kisa hesitantly rises to her feet and approaches Gracia. Not giving her a chance to say anything, Gracia engulfs the girl in a hug.
“I’m sorry for eavesdropping on your conversation with Ed. I truly hadn’t meant to,” Gracia apologizes.
Recovering from her surprise, Kisa’s arms automatically wrap around her waist to return the hug.
“I understand, aunt. I was just worried about upsetting everyone because of my foolish mouth.”
Gracia surprises her again by kissing her temple.
“It’s okay to have your doubts,” she pulls back slightly to peer into gold eyes. “Don’t be afraid to express them. We want you to be yourself and be able to share your feelings. We love you for who you are, strengths, flaws and all.”
Kisa doesn’t answer, but closes her eyes and rests her head on Gracia’s shoulder, hugging her tighter.
“I’ve got to get breakfast started,” Gracia states, rewarding her with a kiss to the top of her head.
“What can I help with?” Kisa asks, pulling back.
“Maes said you were favoring your leg. You should stay off of it.” Gracia smiles at her irritated scowl, pointing out, “It’s better to rest it because as soon as the weather improves Winry is likely to drag you out sightseeing.”
As the others chuckle their agreement, Kisa sighs heavily and reluctantly nods and returns to her seat on the sofa.
“Do you need any help?” Riza asks.
“No thank you,” Gracia declines with a smile.
Taking Maes’ hand, she lets him lead her out of the room. Roy takes the opportunity to retrieve the Sunday paper and starts reading it. Resigned to the fact she can’t help with breakfast, Kisa starts asking Riza about her career. It isn’t long before Winry briefly appears, exchanging morning greetings before excusing herself to help in the kitchen. Not long afterward Al cheerfully appears followed by a subdued Ed.
“Why is the bastard still here?” the elder Elric grouses.
“Fullmetal obviously isn’t a morning person,” Roy quips.
As Ed opens his mouth, Al cuts him off.
“Brother, it’s too early to start picking at Gen. Mustang,” he sighs wearily. “At least wait until after breakfast.”
Glowering at his brother, Ed notices Kisa watching him out of the corner of his eye, drawing his full attention to her.
“What are you looking at? Thinking of new, petty, vindictive tricks to pull?”
Kisa only gets as far as glaring when Riza answers instead.
“It’s also too early for you two to start picking at each other. Why don’t you and Al go check to see if Gracia could use your help instead of engaging in pointless arguments?”
“Great idea!” Al chirps before Ed can retort. “Let’s go be useful,” he suggests, grabbing his brother by his ponytail and dragging him out.
“Why do I have to go? Quit dragging me…” Ed’s fading voice rants all the way down the hallway.
Kisa frowns in confusion before looking at Riza who’s watching her.
“We’ve all agreed to help you and Ed get along better,” she explains before the younger blonde can ask. “We’re worried your battles could unintentionally get out of hand and you’d get hurt.”
“Ed and I are old enough to keep from getting carried away,” Kisa’s tersely points out as her scowl deepens. “We don’t need babysitters to referee us.”
“You’re both still young, easily forgetting your maturity in favor of one upping each other,” Roy mistakenly points out.
“Who are you calling an immature baby who has to be carried around and have their nose and backside wiped for them?” she rapidly snips out in a vehement hiss.
Roy and Riza’s initial surprise quickly changes to amusement at the much calmer variation of Ed’s typical outbursts.
“Thus proving my point,” Roy drolly retorts, unable to resist a dig. “With your similar temperaments, you and Ed could easily get out of hand despite yourselves.”
At that moment Maes walks in with a sleepy eyed Elicia trailing behind as Kisa glares murderously at Roy. Initially blinking in surprise, his expression immediately melts into a smirk.
“Has Roy finally revealed his not so charming side?”
It’s Roy’s turn to scowl as an amused Riza explains, “Roy is merely proving some of Ed’s sentiments aren’t wholly unfounded.”
Kisa snorts in amusement at Roy’s more pronounced glare.
“It’s definitely going to be a lively day,” Maes rolls his eyes.
A more alert Elicia giggles then race forward to hug Kisa.
“Good morning, everyone!” she announces.
“Good morning,” Kisa echoes back with Roy and Riza while returning the little girl’s hug. “I hope you slept well?”
Elicia doesn’t get a chance to answer when Winry appears.
“Breakfast is ready,” she cheerfully announces.
Within minutes they’re all settled in the dining room as the joking and teasing commences. At Maes’ malicious prompting, Elicia happily tells Roy and Riza about Ed and Al’s wakeup call the previous morning, causing everyone to laugh at the boys’ annoyed expressions.
“It was an obnoxious way to wake up,” Ed grouses sullenly, earning an equally sullen nod from Al.
Kisa opens her mouth to ask about something else as a distraction when Winry promptly cuts her off.
“It was funny and you should get over it, Ed,” she scolds. Sparing the briefest of glances at Kisa, she then looks at Maes and Gracia. “What else has to be done to finish cleaning up from the party?”
As the couple goes over the day’s agenda, Kisa resumes eating in silence. She’s unable to figure out why Winry deliberately shut her out of the conversation and keeps avoiding eye contact. Deciding she’s caused enough trouble with ignorant comments, she remains silent for the rest of the meal.
After being chased off from helping with cleanup, she eventually settles back in the sitting room. Roy joins her, continuing to read the paper while she picks up the manual for her new sewing machine. Riza had insisted on joining Winry in helping Gracia and Elicia in the kitchen. Maes ushered the boys into the basement to make more room for the spare table before bringing it down after dinner later. Roy had offered to help, but Maes strongly suggested he keep Kisa company this time when it became clear he and Ed would continue picking at each other.
Eventually the ladies join them. Elicia plays with Hayate while everyone else either reads or chats while the radio plays low in the background. By mid morning Maes and the boys reemerge to take turns showering after working so long in the dusty basement before joining the others. While everyone relaxes in the sitting room Maes disappears into his study to work on the paperwork he brought home.
“I’m going to start making lunch,” Gracia muses, glancing up at the clock perched on the fireplace mantle.
Rising to her feet she heads for the kitchen with Elicia and Hayate trailing after her.
“I’ll help,” Winry states.
“Why don’t you stay and relax for once, Winry? I’ll go help,” Al suggests, surprising her as he stands up. “You been at it non-stop since we’ve arrived.”
“But it’ll be easier with more help,” Winry protests.
“Which is why I’m going to help as well,” Riza interrupts. “I’ve been sitting idle for too long,” she explains while also standing up.
Unable to come up with a good counter, Winry watches them leave the room. Kisa attracts everyone’s attention when she pushes her chair back from her sewing machine. She spent most of the morning familiarizing herself with it.
“You know they’re not going to let you help in the kitchen, right?” Roy arches a brow.
“I’m going to take a shower to ease the stiffness in my leg everyone believes is a major health risk if I dare help with anything,” she pithily bites out with a mild glare while standing up. “I’ll go do it now before the lunch dishes are washed or the hot water might run out.”
“Make sure to use the toilet before hand so you don’t get hit with cold water,” Ed snarks from where he sprawled across the lounge she usually sits on.
Kisa opens her mouth to retort when Winry jumps to her feet and grabs her arm.
“I have a really good shampoo and conditioner you absolutely have to try!” she declares before hastily hustling a baffled Kisa out the door, leaving Ed and Roy to gape after them in confusion.
“What the hell was that all about?” Ed wonders aloud.
“I have no idea,” Roy replies. “But that’s the second time Winry has cut off Kisa today.”
“Noticed that too, huh?”
“Hard not to. Might be Winry’s way of trying to keep you and Kisa from picking at each other,” Roy muses thoughtfully.
“What’s the big deal?” Ed scowls. “It’s not like fight 24 hours a day.”
“But when you do, it escalates quickly and Kisa’s physically at a disadvantage,” Roy drolly retorts.
“It only escalates because she’s a vicious baby sadist,” Ed huffs defensively.
“And you’re not prone to violent outbursts when you feel you’ve been slighted?” Roy sardonically smirks. Ignoring Ed’s snarl, he adds, “It seems Winry is going a little overboard, though.”
Ed huffs again.
“She’s probably still feeling guilty for attacking Kisa and is being over protective. The gear head is too much of a worrywart sometimes.”
With a light flick, Roy resumes reading the paper.
“Too much over protectiveness isn’t going to go over well with Kisa. By the sounds of it, she’s likely to hit Winry in the head with her cane just to get her to back off.”
“That might be fun to see,” Ed chuckles evilly.
Emerging from her shower Kisa feels considerably better. Having long since pushed Winry’s odd behavior from her mind she heads downstairs in time to join everyone in the dining room for lunch.
“Are the buildings in your district in danger of being damaged by the flooding?” Kisa asks Riza who’s sitting next to her at the table.
“Troops were already deployed yesterday to lay out sand bags and direct as much water to Central’s flood channel system,” Riza replies. “The area will still flood, but the sandbags should keep most of the water away from the structures in the area.”
“But will the waters subside enough for you to even return home?” Al asks.
“The radio reports earlier advised another storm is rolling in this afternoon and our district was included on the list residents should either stay inside or remain out of the area, so Riza and I will have to stay another night,” Roy explains.
“Great, I have to put up with the bastard another night?” Ed groans.
“I can certainly think of better company to spend my Sunday with than stuck in the same house with you, Fullmetal,” Roy retorts.
“And we can all enjoy better entertainment than be subjected to watching the two of you pointless pick at each other in the same tired routine,” Riza interrupts Ed’s comeback.
“Here we go,” Al sighs when both men scowl at the blonde colonel.
As Roy and Ed protest, Kisa remains quiet, concentrating on her food after noticing Winry intensely watching her. Soon lunch is over, much to her relief.
Winry, Ed, Al and Elicia go through the usual routine of helping Gracia in the kitchen as Maes disappears back into his office. Riza and Roy return to the sitting room to listen to the radio or read.
Kisa drifts upstairs to her room. Minutes later she returns to the first floor with one of her new photo albums. Bypassing the sitting room she shuffles down the hallway to enter the dining room and eases into a chair toward the end of the table. Opening the album reveals several loose photos tucked into the first page.
Picking the pictures up, she starts fondly looking through them when Elicia enters from the kitchen.
“Whatcha doing?”
“Putting pictures in the album,” Kisa explains. “Do you want to help?”
Elicia eagerly nods and climbs into Kisa’s lap when she pushes back her chair in silent invitation. Once settled comfortably they look through the pictures together. Elicia makes suggestions as to where to put them, which Kisa humors despite already knowing how she wanted to place them and starts sharing stories. They aren’t at it for very long when Al wanders in next.
“Are these pictures of your family, Kisa?” he asks in piqued curiosity when he stops to stand next to them.
“I’m helping Kisa put her pictures in the album!” Elicia happily answers instead. “Wanna help?” she eagerly asks.
“Sure, if Kisa doesn’t mind,” Al answers.
“I don’t mind,” Kisa smiles. As Al settles in the seat to her left, she adds, “And to answer your first question, yes, these are what I have left of my family.”
Ed entering the room attracts their attention.
“Are you guys having a party in here?” he asks, looking over Kisa’s shoulder in curiosity.
“Nothing wild, just mounting my family pictures into the album,” Kisa replies.
“You should sit ‘cause Kisa has some good stories!” Elicia chimes in.
“Sure,” Ed shrugs, taking a seat at the head of the table to Kisa’s right.
“Tell them about the crazy chicken chasing your brother!” Elicia suggests, looking over her shoulder up at Kisa.
Kisa laughs and nods.
“Okay, but first I’ve got to introduce Ed and Al to the cast of characters known as my family,” she smiles at the little girl.
Pulling out a group photo from the pile she has Elicia hold it up.
“This is the last picture we all took together. It doesn’t include my older sibling’s spouses or kids, just us and our parents.” She pauses to point out the serious looking couple in the center. “This is my mother Mariko and my father Takuma. The woman to their left should be obvious because I know uncle talked about her when sharing his time in Azambra, but that’s Kyoko. She’s the oldest of all of us.”
Moving her finger, Kisa points to a man standing on the other side of her parents opposite of Kyoko.
“This is Katashi. He’s the oldest boy.” Pointing to the other young man kneeling in front of Kyoko, she states, “After Katashi is Katsuo. These three were married and had children,” she explains. Pointing to the male kneeling in front of Katashi, she states, “Next in line is Kazuki. Our parents were upset because he kept dragging his feet on getting married even though he was old enough and kept rejecting all prospective brides they kept introducing him to,” she explains with a smirk.
“That eager to not get married, huh?” Al asks in amusement.
“Exactly,” Kisa laughs. “He was stubborn and liked annoying our parents over that too.”
She points at the front row of seated children. She and Kyo sat in the center flanked by their remaining two siblings.
“Next would be Kiyoshi,” she continues pointing to the one on the left. “He’s the one who sneakily studied alkahestry. The last one born before us is Kohaku,” she finishes, pointing to the one on the right.
“Your parents certainly had a thing for names that start with ‘K’,” Ed quips.
Kisa laughs with them.
“I don’t think they went out of their way to make all the names start with ‘K’ because each name had meaning,” she explains.
“Elicia,” Gracia calls from the kitchen. “I’m going to let Hayate out, do you want to play with him outside before the storm rolls in?”
“Yes, mommy!” she eagerly answers. “’Scuse me, I’ll be back later!” she explains, sliding off Kisa’s lap before racing towards the kitchen to the amusement of the three blonds.
“So what did they mean?” Al asks in curiosity.
“Well, Kyoko means ‘child of the city’,” Kisa begins. “Katashi means ‘firm’, as in being solid and unyielding. Katsuo means ‘victory’ while Kazuki ‘harmony’. Kiyoshi means ‘pure.’ Kohaku means ‘amber.’” At their confused looks she shrugs. “It has some old fashioned meaning, but I honestly can’t explain why the word ‘amber’ would be significant. Kind of like Kyo’s name, which means ‘village’. Not sure how that could end up as a child’s name.”
“And your name?” Ed asks.
“Mine’s a little more unusual,” Kisa smiles. “See, Kyo and I were an accidental surprise. Things were starting to get volatile in Azambra and my parents wanted to wait for things to calm down. When mother found out she was pregnant, she and father thought they were only having one baby and it was another boy. So they only had Kyo’s name picked out.”
She pauses to smirk in amusement at the attentively listening brothers.
“They were really surprised when I was born first and didn’t have a name for me. Our brothers suggested all sorts of names for me. Turned into a sort of contest that Katashi ultimately won. He got ‘Kisa’ from an old word Azambrans used for February, ‘kisaragi’, which basically means month of the tiger and is the month we were born.”
“Really?” Al asks in surprise, prompting Kisa to nod.
“Katashi thought naming me after the month of the tiger as the…” Both boys’ watch in amusement as she pauses to twitch in annoyance before gritting out through clenched teeth, “…youngest…” She trails off again to take a deep breath. “…girl in a family of mostly boys would make me tougher.”
“February, huh?” Ed muses thoughtfully, attracting Kisa’s attention. “What’s your birthday?”
“The 28th,” she blithely answers.
“Are you shitting me?” Ed asks in amused disbelief as Al busts up laughing.
Looking confused, Kisa slowly nods.
“Well, I’ll be,” Ed chuckles. “My birthday is February 28th.”
“What?” Kisa gasps. “Really?”
“I think the odds of you two being so alike just shot into infinite numbers,” Al observes through his lingering amusement.
“No kidding,” Ed grins.
It takes a moment for Kisa to process the news before a pleased smile spreads across her face.
“I never saw that coming,” she ruefully admits.
“Yeah,” Ed agrees. “So what’s this about a crazed chicken chasing your brother?”
“Maintenance check!” Winry cheerfully interrupts before Kisa can answer, entering the dining room from hallway while lugging her toolbox.
“Are you insane?” Ed incredulously asks. “I don’t want you messing with my leg right now! It’s about to rain. I can feel it.”
The distant roll of thunder emphasizes his point, causing him to grimace while reaching down to rub the top of his thigh.
“I’m not doing anything major,” Winry huffs irritably. “I need to check the condition. If anything needs to be done, I’ll wait until the weather clears.”
“It might be good to let Winry check because she may have to get parts if it’s a significant repair,” Kisa suggests.
“Good point,” Al grins.
“Don’t gang up on me!” Ed protests. “Ow!” he cries, rubbing his head where Winry smacked him.
“Quit being a baby. It’s not going to take that long.”
“Fine,” he sullenly acquiesces.
Nodding in satisfaction, Winry moves to the other side of the table opposite of Kisa then sets her toolbox on the floor. Flicking it open, she digs around for a screwdriver. Then she grabs a chair, positioning it near Ed. With grudging obedience he pulls up his pant leg and props his leg on the chair to give her easier access.
Shuffling the remaining loose pictures back inside the cover, Kisa closes her photo album. She follows Al’s lead to stand up for a better view and watches Winry remove the outer plates along the length of Ed’s leg and carefully examine the different components.
“As usual, you’ve done no maintenance!” Winry grouses during her inspection. “And it looks like you grew! I’m going to have to do some adjusting. Again,” she bites out.
“What the hell are you bitching about anyway?” Ed grins at her smugly. “You and granny still make good money off of me.”
Winry briefly spares him a sardonic glare.
“Brother does have a point, Winry. Look at it as keeping your skills sharp,” Al helpfully points out.
“Excellent point little brother,” Ed nods definitively.
Kisa smiles at the trio, enjoying their exchange and feeling a little vindictive satisfaction at Winry being annoyed. Looking down at Ed’s leg, she raises her left hand to point.
“How…”
“What would’ve happened if it malfunctioned on you when you were out west?” Winry demands, blatantly cutting Kisa off. “How would you have fixed it?”
Ed and Al gape incredulously while she tries pretending not to notice Kisa’s hurt expression.
“Winry…” Al begins when Kisa awkwardly grabs her photo album and leaves the room.
“Way to go, Winry,” Ed scolds.
“What?” she snaps defensively. “I’m just trying to keep you two from fighting!”
“How in the hell can we fight when we aren’t given the chance to talk without you constantly butting in?” Ed snaps back.
“It was really rude to cut Kisa off like that,” Al quietly points out.
“And do you really think I’m that big an ass to go overboard and hurt her right now?” Ed demands. “Even if she wasn’t walking with a cane, she’s almost in as bad of shape as Al two years ago!”
“You don’t have a problem hitting girls,” Winry petulantly huffs, starting to put the plates back on. “What’s to say you won’t hit her if she annoys you enough?”
Crossing his arms, Ed arches a brow while giving her a pointed glare.
“How many times do you remember me hitting a girl? Especially one who couldn’t take it?”
Winry pauses in replacing the screws as she thinks about it, but is unable to come up with an answer.
“You’re not giving her enough credit either, Winry,” Al gently reasons. “She and brother may get involved in their bickering, but both stopped when Maes told them to. Not only that, but Kisa probably had genuine questions about automail and probably wasn’t going to pick on brother. She doesn’t seem that mean spirited.”
“And why would she be interested in automail?” Winry demands, brandishing her screwdriver in emphasis after tightening the last screw.
“Because chances are good she’s going to need it herself,” Ed quietly answers. When Winry gapes in shock, he points out, “You must’ve noticed the missing fingers on her left hand. She’s prone to infections that have damaged the nerves and circulation. The doctor’s are pretty sure she’s going to lose her hand and likely part of her arm.”
“Kisa could lose her hand?” Winry whispers in horror, prompting Al to nod.
“The doctor who examined her wasn’t optimistic it could be saved,” Ed explains further. “I’ve watched her struggle using it. She has a lot of problems coordinating the two fingers. The night before you guys arrived neither of us could sleep and we ended up having some tea. Since I was wearing shorts she saw my leg and asked about it. She admitted being scared to lose her hand, but wanted to know her options if that happened. I said you could tell her more and you just cut off the perfect chance to ask.”
Both boys give her a few minutes to think as they watch her ashamed gaze falls to her lap.
“Kisa probably doesn’t think you’re interested in what she has to say,” Ed continues. “That’s what I’d think if someone kept cutting me off every time I opened my mouth to talk.”
“I…I didn’t mean any harm,” Winry softly states.
“We know that,” Al assures her. “But Kisa just met you. She probably doesn’t know you’re just being over protective.”
“How do I fix it?” Winry asks, raising watery eyes to them.
“How do you fix what?” Gracia asks entering the room
Winry looks away guiltily as Al briefly explains what happened. The older woman sighs softly when he finishes.
“You’re too used to making complicated things when the simplest solution is usually the best,” she smiles fondly at Winry, causing all three to gape in confusion. “You should just go and apologize to Kisa and explain your intentions. She’s is a very understanding and forgiving girl, but needs to know why before she can do either. Otherwise she’ll wonder what she’s done to upset or offend you.”
Gracia and the boys watch Winry fall silent and process her words before she extends her hand. Frowning in confusion, Winry raises her gaze to meet smiling green eyes.
“I’ll go with you to talk to Kisa,” she explains. “The sooner we clear the air, the better.”
Winry hesitates before nodding and taking the proffered hand and rising to her feet.
“Can you two boys check on Elicia and bring her inside for me?” Gracia asks them.
“Yeah, sure,” Ed agrees.
With a nod, Al follows after his brother into the kitchen while Gracia leads Winry upstairs. Arriving at Kisa’s closed door, Gracia raises a hand to knock. When they get no answer, she knocks again.
“Kisa?” she calls through the door. “Honey, Winry is with me. We understand you’re upset, but would like a few minutes to talk to you.”
“I’m sorry, Aunt Gracia,” Kisa’s muffled voice finally apologizes after a lengthy pause. “I don’t feel like talking at the moment.”
Glancing at Winry’s downcast face, Gracia sighs.
“Do you think you might feel up to talking in a little while before I have to start dinner?”
The silence stretches out again before Kisa’s voice drifts through the door.
“I don’t think so,” she hesitantly replies. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I’ll feel up to dinner, but later on we can talk.”
“All right,” Gracia reluctantly replies. “We’ll check on you again later.”
Not receiving an answer, she gently nudges Winry towards the stairs.
“I didn’t mean to upset her,” Winry worriedly states as they descend.
Reaching over with one arm, Gracia gives her a reassuring hug.
“You’ll get a chance to convince Kisa of that. We just need to give her the time she’s asking for.”
Reluctantly Winry nods.
Sometime after they leave, Kisa sighs heavily into the silence. Curling further onto her side, her eyes drift to the gray world outside. The weak light filtering in through the window does nothing to penetrate the heavy shadows of her bedroom.
After fleeing the dining room, she allowed a few tears to fall after shutting her door. She quickly pulled herself together and spent the rest of the time surrounding Gracia’s peacemaking attempt lying on the bed brooding.
She realizes Winry wants to apologize. From what Maes and Gracia described, the older teen isn’t the type to be cruel or mean spirited and she understands that whatever Winry thought she was doing wasn’t intended as any sort of insult.
Maybe it’s just been the past couple of days, but Winry’s actions really stung. She supposes she could’ve said something, but didn’t want to risk upsetting Maes and Gracia anymore than she already has.
She wonders if she should head downstairs and pretend everything’s fine, but can’t muster up the energy. Someone would insist she talk about it. She knows it’s rude to hide in her room with guests in the house, but convinces herself it’s better to avoid everyone for the time being. She’ll face Winry later.
To her great annoyance she feels the urge to use the bathroom. Groaning she eases into a sitting position. Glancing out the window, she’s surprised at how dark it is. The sound of the pouring rain is punctuated by periodic lightning flashes and rolling thunder. Reaching for her cane she eases to her feet and shuffles towards the door.
Gently easing it open, she peeks out to make sure no one is in the vicinity. Determining the area is clear she carefully heads toward the bathroom, focusing on making as little noise as possible and failing to notice the two pairs of eyes peering over the top steps of the stairs.
When the bathroom door closes, Winry looks over at Al who is lying on his stomach next to her. They only climbed midway up the staircase before leaning forward against the steps.
“I’m having second thoughts,” she whispers. “Gracia said Kisa will find me when she’s ready.”
Al briefly closes his eyes with an exasperated sigh.
“You’ve spent the last three hours all the way through dinner stressing about this,” he points out. “Either you talk to her now or brother will follow through with his threat to drag her out and alchemize her to a chair until she talks.” Giving her an even more pointed look, he adds, “We both know he’d do it too.”
With a soft groan of defeat she drops her face into her folded arms resting on the step in front of her.
“Fine,” her muffled voice mutters. “Let’s get this over with.”
With a cheeky grin Al shifts to sit on the steps, reaching down in one swift movement to pick up the food tray resting on the steps below them. Standing up he turns around again, climbing up while simultaneously grabbing her wrist and dragging her along to Kisa’s room. He pushes her into the wingback chair before setting the tray onto the trunk and rushing out to barely duck into his room when the bathroom door opens.
Still focused on moving stealthily, Kisa is startled to find an apologetic looking Winry sitting in her wingback chair.
“Excuse me,” Kisa softly states to Winry’s dismay.
Turning to leave, Kisa’s even more surprised to see a grinning Al leaning through the doorway to grab the knob.
“Enjoy your talk!” he cheerfully declares then shuts the door.
Dumfounded, Kisa doesn’t immediately grasp what looks like electrical currents enveloping the doorknob.
“Hey!” she yells when her mind finally catches up. Grabbing the knob she tries yanking the door open with no success. “Open the door, Al!” she demands, jiggling the knob again.
“C’mon, Al, let us out!” Winry half-heartedly pounds on the door, her shaky voice startling Kisa. “She doesn’t want to talk and we shouldn’t force her.”
Kisa gapes at Winry still pounding on the door before briefly sagging with a weary sigh.
“Winry, please sit.”
“But…”
“It’s a lot sooner than I was ready for,” Kisa sheepishly admits, cutting off her protest. “But now is as good a time as any to talk.” Scowling at the door she grouses, “It would’ve been nice to have more of a choice, though.”
Reluctantly Winry moves over to the wingback chair.
“But if you’re still too upset we can talk later,” she hesitantly suggests while easing into the chair.
Taking a couple steps from the door Kisa sighs again, “It’s not that I’m too upset…”
Breaking off abruptly, Winry watches in confusion as her head whips around to glare at the door. Shifting her stance back slightly to balance herself with the cane, Kisa lifts her left leg and thrusts her foot forward to slam it flat against the door near the doorknob.
“Yeouch!” Ed’s pained yelp pierces the door. “Goddammit! Vicious baby sadist’s trying to make a person deaf!”
“Serves you right for being an eavesdropping foulmouthed gnome!” Kisa snarls at the door.
“What the hell did you call me?” Ed’s indignant voice demands, rising in pitch.
“C’mon, brother, let them handle it,” Al’s muffled voice coaxes, mixing with Ed’s vitriolic litany before fading into silence.
“Didn’t that hurt?” Winry asks in shock when Kisa faces her again.
“Maybe if I used my right leg,” she smirks. “My left is fine.”
“I’m sorry,” Winry quietly apologizes, causing Kisa’s smirk to drop. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was only trying to keep you and Ed’s bickering from escalating to where you might accidentally get hurt.”
“Would he hurt me?” she asks after a moment’s consideration. “Even when I smacked him with my cane, it never crossed my mind to be afraid of him. Should I?”
Winry’s eyes widen in shock.
“N-no!” she stutters, throwing a hand up in a pleading gesture. “He’d never hurt you like that!” Her gaze drops with her voice as she forlornly admits, “Earlier I might’ve thoughtlessly said he could get carried away, but I’d forgotten he wouldn’t hurt any girl who couldn’t defend herself without reason.”
“Why didn’t you cut Ed off whenever he’d start speaking?” Kisa quietly asks after another stretch of silence. “Why me? Did I offend you or someone without realizing it or come off as too ignorant?”
Winry’s eyes widen again as she waves her hands in front placatingly.
“No! I didn’t mean that at all!” she protests. “You didn’t offend anyone!” Her voice drops again as she adds, “Least of all me.” Taking a deep breath, she admits, “I wasn’t thinking. It was easier cutting you off than it would’ve been Ed.”
Looking over at Kisa, she’s surprised to see her downcast with tears streaking her face.
“Kisa?” she hesitantly asks.
Coming to her senses, the younger girl aggressively wipes away her tears with the back of her hand.
“I’m sorry, I’m just tired,” she lies. Dropping her hand away she offers a tremulous smile. “I’m sorry for overreacting earlier and not talking to you and Aunt Gracia. I intended to wait when it was bedtime so you wouldn’t think you weren’t welcomed back in my room, but I was wrong to put it off. I’m sorry for the trouble I caused.”
Frowning slightly, Winry stands up and steps over. She gently steers the surprised girl over to sit on her bed before settling back into the chair.
“Don’t give me that,” Winry determinately states, gazing pointedly at Kisa. “What I did hurt you deeply.” Her gaze turns apologetic and her voice softens. “I didn’t mean to, but I’d like to know why it bothered you so much so I don’t stupidly repeat the same mistake.”
“Winry, I…” Kisa starts to protest before burying her face in her hands. Her muffled voice plaintively asks, “Is it really important to know?”
“Yeah, so I can learn from my mistakes,” Winry quietly answers.
Kisa drops her hands with a frustrated breath.
“It’s the past. It should be left alone.”
“I’m sorry,” Winry quietly apologizes again, looking guilty. “I’ve caused enough harm and should just keep my big mouth shut.”
Kisa’s brow creases as she looks sadly at the photo album sitting innocently on the nightstand. Reaching over, she picks it up and hugs it close to her chest, resting her chin on it.
“I feel like I’m vilifying certain family members,” she reluctantly admits. ”They’re not alive to defend themselves or for anyone to get to know them. They really were good, hardworking, honorable people.” Taking a deep breath, she quietly adds, “There were just certain things about me they could never stand and there was nothing I could do to change that.”
Winry watches Kisa in concern, but patiently waits while the younger girl continues clutching the album to her chest, losing herself in her thoughts for a few minutes. Without looking at the older girl, she finally speaks.
“When you kept cutting me off, it reminded me so much of my sister Kyoko. She did that a lot when she’d visit. Mother and father usually just ignored what I’d have to say unless they got offended, but Kyoko used to tell me I never had anything worthwhile to say and should focus on becoming a better daughter instead of pretending to be intelligent enough to participate in adult conversations.”
“How could she say that?” Winry asks appalled.
“I never could fully understand it myself,” Kisa shrugs, finally glancing over. “Kyoko was a very good wife and sweet mother to her two sons, but never could share that with me. She was always loving and affectionate to our brothers, though. Kyo claimed it was jealousy. I wasn’t so sure,” she shakes her head.
“Our parents revered Kyoko,” she continues, her gaze growing distant again. “They always told me how much better she was than me. My value as a daughter paled in comparison.” Her voice softens just above a whisper. “Kyoko made it clear my lack of intelligence was why she’d cut me off while Kyo was encouraged to speak in whatever conversation was going on. She said I made him look stupid just by opening my mouth because he had the misfortune of having me as his twin.”
Winry watches her pause to slowly take a couple of deep, shaky breaths before managing a sad smile.
“I was stupid to get upset earlier because you weren’t cutting me off for the same reasons as Kyoko. You were only showing how much you cared by trying to prevent possible harm to me. It was unnecessary, but I appreciate your concern.”
Winry surprises her by moving to sit next to her on the bed and pulling her into a hug.
“I’m sorry for not giving you enough credit and making you feel stupid,” Winry’s voice cracks as she apologizes. “I didn’t want you to get hurt like when I stupidly attacked you.”
“It wasn’t…” Kisa starts protesting, pulling back slightly.
“Sorry to cut you off again,” Winry smiles slightly. “But to a degree it was my fault. I didn’t use my brain.” Waving it off, she adds, “But this is why I wanted to know more. I don’t want to cause you pain by poking at old memories or doing something stupid because I don’t understand what’s going on.”
Winry is surprised when she feels Kisa shaking and is alarmed to see she’s crying.
“I don’t like dredging up the past,” Kisa softly admits, her voice thick with emotion. “No one can change it and it’s hard talking about my family.” Her voice drops to a hoarse whisper. “I miss them so much, but there are certain things I don’t miss and I feel so guilty for that.”
“Your family isn’t here to learn to appreciate you,” Winry quietly reasons. “Kyo was right. You’re smarter than some of them believed and have a lot more going for you than you give yourself credit for.”
Kisa doesn’t say anything, but silently cries for a few minutes before pulling herself together again. Straightening up, she aggressively wipes her eyes.
“I’m sorry for being such a crybaby when I should save my tears for better things.”
Winry offers a sad smile.
“It’s funny you say that because Ed accused me a lot of times of being a crybaby. But crying isn’t a bad thing, especially when you’re crying for those who can’t cry for themselves.” She watches Kisa think about her words before suggesting, “Why don’t you try eating dinner? Even if it’s cold now.”
“Aunt Gracia’s cooking is so good it still tastes good cold,” she smiles fondly.
Winry laughs and nods in agreement before getting up and bringing the food tray over. After settling into a better position, Kisa slowly starts eating.
“I wonder if Al will let us out soon,” Winry muses, looking at the door. “I might have to bust it down if he doesn’t.”
“I don’t think uncle would appreciate that,” Kisa wryly observes. “But you may have to since it’s sealed shut.” Glowering, she sullenly adds, “I don’t appreciate being sealed in.”
“Well, it’s not like Al meant any harm by it,” Winry shrugs. “He just wanted to make sure we’d talk.”
“That was assuming we wouldn’t have talked and I intended to,” Kisa points out. “That’s beside the point because what if something happened and we needed to get out of the house fast? We’re both trapped inside this room. You could climb out the window, but my arm and leg would hinder me right now in an emergency.”
Winry considers it before her eyes widen as the implication sinks in.
“Exactly,” Kisa nods. “It may be highly unlikely, but we both know disasters can strike when we least expect it.”
“I didn’t think of that,” Winry admits apologetically. “I’m so sorry for going along with the idea.”
“It’s okay,” Kisa sighs in mild frustration. “It’s not like I’m cleithrophobic. I’ve just gotten used to anticipating catastrophes,” she shrugs.
“But you’re right, Al shouldn’t have locked us in. I’ll talk to him about it.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Kisa waves off. “I know he meant well. I’ll just make it clear not to do it again.” Rolling her eyes, she adds, “Unfortunately, boys have the tendency to not use their brains enough and that gets them into trouble.”
“True,” Winry agrees with a laugh. “Al normally has more common sense than Ed.”
Both laugh before falling into a comfortable silence as Kisa continues eating.
“If you feel up to it and are still interested, you can ask me about automail,” Winry interrupts a few minutes later. “I’ll make Ed sit still so I can use his leg as an example.” A guilty expression crosses her face. “I’m sorry for cutting you off like I did that last time. I stupidly thought you were going to make fun of Ed’s leg.”
Kisa blinks in surprise before dropping her eyes to her left hand resting next to her plate on the tray.
“I couldn’t do that,” she quietly states. “I know what it’s like to be made fun of.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Stop that,” she gently admonishes, surprising Winry with a smile. “You’ve apologized enough. We understand each other better now.” Taking another bite of food, she chews and swallows before adding, “There will probably be other misunderstandings, but I’m new at having friends. It’s going to take some practice to not overreact.”
“Okay,” Winry smiles. “I’ll help you get that practice.”
Kisa laughs and continues eating. When she’s finished, Winry moves the tray out of her way and places it back onto the trunk.
“How do you plan on handling Al about not locking you in anywhere again?” Winry asks, settling back into the wingback chair. “Like I said, he’s much more reasonable than Ed, but can be just as pigheaded sometimes.”
She blinks at the wicked and very Ed-like grin Kisa gives.
“If he’s really similar to Kyo, I’ll do the one thing most boys absolutely hate. If that doesn’t make him shape up, I’ve got more than a couple of ideas to get my point across.”
Winry inwardly debates on whether to be afraid for Al or encouraging of Kisa.
Ultimately, female solidarity wins out with a sneaky smile.
Creeping up the stairs, Ed and Al cautiously peek towards Kisa’s room when they reach the landing. Pressing close against the wall to their right, Al crouches down low while Ed hovers over him.
“It’s too quiet,” Ed observes.
“But if their conversation had gone badly, Winry would’ve freaked out.”
“Yep. She would’ve blasted the door right off the hinges. It’s still intact.”
“That’s a relief,” Al sighs, sagging slightly. “I should probably let them out then.”
“Yeah,” Ed agrees. “On that note, I’m heading back down. No point in making a big production over it.”
When his brother turns and starts going downstairs, Al straightens up and crosses over to the door. Clapping his hands together he places them over the doorknob. When the alchemic reaction fades, he reaches for the knob and is startled when Winry suddenly opens the door.
Carrying the food tray laden with dirty dishes, she promptly steps out, closing the door behind her.
“Hey, Al,” she greets, continuing past him.
He blinks in confusion. Then he glances at the closed door before hurrying after her.
“Is everything okay?” he hesitantly asks when he catches up to her at the bottom of the stairs.
“Everything’s fine,” she shrugs, walking down the hallway. “I’m just going to take care of the dishes for Gracia before heading back into the sitting room.”
“That’s not what I meant,” he gripes while rolling his eyes. “Did you and Kisa talk?”
“Yes.”
He sighs in relief as they enter the kitchen. Winry is a little surprised to see Gracia with Elicia in her lap sitting at the table drinking tea with Riza and Ed.
“Put the dishes in the sink so you can both join us,” Gracia instructs Winry.
“Did Al’s scheme work?” Riza asks.
“It wasn’t a scheme!” standing in front of the utility closet, Al protests. “I was just trying to help Winry and Kisa talk.”
“And where is the vicious baby sadist?” Ed asks Winry as she puts the tray away.
“Right here you eavesdropping gnome,” Kisa snaps, entering the kitchen.
Cutting off Ed’s indignant retort with a stern glare, Gracia turns to Kisa as Elicia slides off her mother’s lap to run over and hug Kisa’s leg.
“Are you feeling all right?”
“I’m fine. Thank you for dinner, Aunt Gracia.”
“You’re welcome,” Gracia smiles as her daughter returns to her lap. “Want to join us for some tea?”
“No thank you, I’m going to go read in the sitting room,” Kisa declines.
“I’m really glad you and Winry talked,” Al smiles at Kisa.
“Excuse me,” Kisa states to the rest of room without acknowledging or looking at him and leaves the room.
Baffled, Al shares a confused look with Ed. Both miss Gracia and Riza glancing at Winry before sharing a knowing look and innocently resume sipping their tea.
“What that was all about?” Al wonders.
“Kisa doesn’t appreciate being locked in her room,” Winry decides to clue him in.
“And how else were you guys going to work things out?” Ed challenges. “You were moping and Kisa was hiding out. If Al hadn’t locked you both in, you wouldn’t have talked.”
“Gracia was correct, Kisa planned on talking later tonight,” Winry waspishly counters. “She didn’t want me thinking I wasn’t welcomed back into the room. But Kisa had a good point. What if something happened and we had to get out of the house? It’s not like she can climb out the window right now, you know.”
Al blinks in shock as the implication hits him.
“Quit being a fatalist,” Ed rolls his eyes. “Nothing would’ve happened and if it did, we would’ve gotten her out.”
“True, nothing happened this time,” Riza concedes. “But you have to remember Kisa has experience with bad things happening when she least expects them. Also, she’s not used to counting on anyone to save her."
“Is Kisa really upset with me?” Al looks over at Winry still standing by the sink.
“What do you think?” Winry asks, giving him a sardonic look. “Kisa, the perceived princess of propriety, just ignored you and walked out of the room.”
“I didn’t mean to upset her,” Al worriedly muses. “But brother was threatening to drag her out and alchemize her butt into a chair and make her talk to you. I was just trying to help with a better way.”
“Don’t blame me!” Ed huffs indignantly. “Besides, Kisa was being stubborn and Winry was being overly mopey. They needed a nudge to work things out.”
“I wasn’t being overly mopey!” Winry defensively snaps.
“And all three of you need to start taking Kisa’s feelings into consideration and realize she doesn’t think like you do,” Riza firmly interjects. “You keep forgetting she grew up differently and perceives things a lot differently. You keep assuming she’s going to react just as you would.”
“It’s a big deal over nothing. “It’s not like Al tied her up and threatened her to talk to Winry or else,” Ed counters. “Al didn’t do anything terrible.”
“No one is saying Al did,” Gracia gently reasons. “But like Winry, he unintentionally offended Kisa.” She looks over at Al standing near Ed. “You should explain your intentions and apologize to her because, honestly, would you like being locked in a room like that?”
Al considers before nodding in agreement.
“No, I wouldn’t.”
“If it’ll make everyone happy, okay, fine, Al can make nice and apologize,” Ed huffs, crossing his arms. “But we should stop trying to guilt trip him.”
“No one is trying to guilt trip Al!” Winry growls in frustration.
“It’s okay,” Al holds up his hands placatingly to interject and stop the two before they could really get going. “I see all your points. I agree with brother and still think I needed to step in like that, but I understand Kisa’s misconceptions. I’ll go and apologize to make everything okay.”
Al shares a nod with Ed and disappears toward the sitting room.
When Ed rises from his seat, Riza asks, “Where are you going?”
“To watch and help Al if he needs it,” Ed explains like it should be obvious before walking out.
“But Ed…” Winry starts to protest, stepping forward to chase after him.
Gracia reaches out as she passes close and places a gentle hand on her arm, stopping her in her tracks.
“It’s better to let them work it out.”
“It’s between the three of them and she’ll handle better than anyone else,” Riza adds.
Reluctantly nodding in agreement, Winry sits down with them at the table.
Al hesitantly enters the sitting room from the dining room. He sees Kisa in her usual spot on the chaise lounge, reading and pointedly ignoring him.
Ed steps behind him and cautiously peers over his shoulder. Giving a firm nudge in the middle of Al’s back, Ed arches a brow at his glaring brother and angles his head to silently encourage him to get on with it.
Stepping further into the room towards Kisa, Al clears his throat.
“Can I talk to you?”
Kisa glances up from the sewing book and shrugs before closing it and setting it aside. Al sits down next to her as Ed commandeers an armchair nearby.
“I’m sorry,” Al apologizes. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I just wanted to make sure you and Winry cleared the air.”
“Why did you think you had to force it?” she asks after a moment’s consideration.
Al blinks, briefly stumped for an answer.
“Well, you didn’t want to talk to Gracia and Winry the first time and she was becoming more upset the longer time passed.”
“All right, that makes sense,” she concedes with a nod. “But why lock us in?” Before he can answer, she points out, “Granted, we came up with a similar idea yesterday, but Winry was avoiding me. I wasn’t avoiding her and told Aunt Gracia I was willing to talk later.”
“Oh, well, you see…” Al struggles to answer.
“Hang on,” Ed interrupts. “Weren’t you trying to leave the room when you saw Winry sitting inside? That’s avoiding. You and Winry talked and everyone’s happy, so what’s the big deal?”
“I wasn’t trying to be cruel, but helpful,” Al interrupts her glaring at Ed. “And I let you out in a reasonable amount of time, staying close in case there was a problem. I didn’t abandon you,” he sincerely emphasizes. “I’m sorry if you felt uncomfortable, but I’ll be honest, I’m not sorry I did it and would do the same if I had to do it all over again.”
Kisa let’s the silence stretch out to study both boys. Ed is obvious in his defiance, but Al’s resolve is much calmer though equally stubborn.
“I still don’t like being locked in a room,” she pointedly states. “Can’t be helped now,” she shrugs with a sigh.
Ed rolls his eyes again but before he can retort Al smacks him in the face with a pillow.
“Thanks for being so understanding,” he smiles at her warmly.
Kisa smiles back sweetly.
“We’re all still learning about each other, so misunderstandings will keep happening until we’re all very clear to each other.”
After throwing a dirty look at his brother, Ed smiles in smug triumph. The rest of the night passes quietly in the Hughes house except for the thunder and rain outside.
Cleithrophobia-It’s often confused with claustrophobia, which is the fear of being in small, confined spaces. Cleithrophobics can often handle small spaces, what they can’t handle is being trapped or locked in someplace.
A/N: In the 2003 anime, Ed’s birthday is established as being a leap day, February 29th. It wasn’t until this chapter that I decided he and Kisa would have the same birthday. So I had three options: 1. Make Kisa four years younger than him to keep things accurate. 2. Ignore reality and make leap years occur every two years in the FMA world instead of the usual four in the real world. 3. Adjust 2003 anime canon and make Ed’s birthday the 28th instead.
Option 1 was totally out. Option 2 I could do as this is fanfiction and my story, I have no problem doing whatever the hell I want. I decided on Option 3 just because I felt the most comfortable with that idea for this story.
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Chapter 1