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Author of 34 Stories |
The grave had changed since Noa had last seen it. It had a simple gravestone with “Hans” being the only word that was on it. The grass had fully grown back as it looked like nobody was buried there, except there were a few weeds growing around the gravestone. Noa reached over and plucked them out, a tad angry at the caretaker of the place. Hans seemed to deserve more, but it also seemed like he deserved nothing. Well, the grave was just that, a grave, a chance for the person to be forgotten…
But no, Edward made it recognizable with the gravestone. Noa probably would’ve done the same thing… eventually.
Noa stood up and brushed the grass form her knees, then walked away. She wanted to talk to Maes to see whatever happened to Edward. She had a small wish that Edward would be back at Amestris… but there was some doubt in her too. She headed through the streets and walked up the steps to Maes house. She knocked on the door, then after a while she heard the sound of small feet rush to open the door. A small girl, probably fire or six, appeared at the door. She had light brown hair that was back in braids and she had Gracia’s eyes.
“Elysia?” Noa asked. “Hello, my name is…”
“Noa,” Elysia said, as if she were pondering it. “My dad told me about the Elric brothers and a girl that looked like you.”
“Hey,” Maes said, coming into view. “How are you doing, Noa?” He motioned for her to come in, opening the door wide. He told Elysia to go to the kitchen and see if her mom needed help.
“I’m fine,” Noa said, walking in. “I just came to visit and see if Ed was still around.” She shook her head as if she were disagreeing with herself. “I’m guessing he isn’t.”
“I haven’t heard from Edward in five years,” Maes said. He walked past Noa and to the desk at the end of the hall, opening the top right drawer. “He left a note for me to find, but it’s mostly for you. He left it in the shop he was working at.” He handed the note to Noa and she recognized the scrawl as Edward’s handwriting.
She read it slowly.
“Noa,
I was told I give up fast, which might not seem like me, but I’ve been in a slump. I was told to not give up trying to go back to what I missed most: My family. I need to try to go back, Noa. It’s now or never. I’m not going to stop trying. I will get back to Amestris, I promise you that. I just want you to have your own good life. Take care. You too, Maes.
Edward.”
“So he made it back,” Noa whispered. “I’m glad.” Her eyes started to tear and she wiped them, shaking her head.
“Are you unhappy that he didn’t take you?” Maes asked, his voice a bit gruff.
“No,” Noa said. “Believe it or not, I’m a mother now. I have my daughter to take care of and my husband. I’m glad now that I’m here.”
Maes nodded. “I think it’s best for people to not attach themselves to what they can’t obtain. It’s best for Edward to be where he is. He’s home and most of his regrets are gone.”
Noa nodded and turned for the door. “It’s time for me to go. Thank you for showing me the note,” she said, handing him the note.
Maes waved it back. “Keep it.”
Noa smiled at him and went out the door, still holding the note in her hand. Once she was outside she took a deep breath and walked down the stairs, putting the letter in her pocket. She took her daughters hands and her husband’s who had been waiting and grinned at both of them.
“Let’s go.”
Alphonse nervously fixed his tie, then fixed it again, glaring at the mirror. Edward noticed him fiddling, so he stood beside his brother and crossed his arms to let Alphonse know that it was time. Alphonse finally let go of the tie and looked down at his brother, golden eyes gleaming back at him. “Brother, I can’t believe I’m doing this,” Alphonse said, his voice extremely nervous. “I didn’t believe I could.”
“I didn’t believe I could, either,” Edward shrugged. “But don’t worry. Nobody will be looking at you… their eyes will all be on the bride, Al.” He looked at the mirror and adjusted his own tie, which was black to match his suit. His hair was freshly cut and short, just at his shoulder which was different, for him. But he was slowly getting used to it… Alphonse had his hair freshly cut short which was usually his style.
Alphonse nodded in agreement. “Right. Ugh.”
“You’re so nervous,” Edward chuckled. “That’s a rare sight.”
Alphonse glared at him. “I am not nervous. I’m just…” He sighed. “Anyways, it’s time.” He headed out the door.
Edward met up with Winry as he walked out and he quickly kissed her on the cheek. “Alphonse is nervous.”
“So is Rose,” Winry said. She looked down at the bundle she held in her arms and she smiled widely at it, then looked back at Edward. “Though Alphonse is holding out a lot better than you did.”
Edward’s eyebrow twitched. “Rose is being a lot calmer than you were, too.”
“Probably,” Winry said, her blue eyes twinkling. “Anyways, Satris started making a fuss so I had to take her out.”
“Was she hungry?” Edward asked, leaning down to look at his daughter in Winry’s arms. Satris cooed lovingly up at him and held out a chubby hand for him to take.
“Yes, she was, but she should last through this ceremony now,” Winry said. “Riza’s son has decided to take care of Satris, too. You should’ve seen it when I was sitting by them. He came up and just stared at Satris and asked if he could hold her.” She chuckled. “I was afraid he would never give her back.”
“Roy’s son can stay away forever,” Edward said sourly. “That kid makes a nuisance in the headquarters each day.” He thought of the black haired kid- he was just a miniature of Roy. Annoying.
Just then Kain walked up to Edward. “Come on Uncle Ed, it’s time.” He started to line up at the door, holding the two rings on a small tray. He was beaming as he seemed very happy his mother was getting married. He motioned for Edward to start moving.
Edward kissed Satris on the head and lightly kissed Winry on the lips. “Well, I’ll see you later.” He was the best man, so he had to hurry up. He walked to the door and held out his hand for the bridesmaid that took his arm. They walked slowly up, and Edward let his mind drift as he watched the slow ceremony. He remembered the time when he had married Winry and how nervous he had been… Edward had walked forward and had changed his future.
And he was grateful for this life that he had.
Life would have its ups and downs, but it proved he was still living. He was standing on his own feet…
He smiled at Winry, who was sitting in the front pew. She grinned up at him and Satris giggled.
Life was a dance. Just like Hans had said, ‘To dance is just another way to escape. Not only is it an escape, it is also a journey.’
His dance, his journey, wasn’t yet complete.
Life continued on.
… end of To Dance…
This epilogue was tough… but it summed up what happened in the end. I couldn’t find a name for Roy and Riza’s son. (I wanted to make it ‘Maes’ but… I don’t know.) ‘Satris’ came from Winry’s mom’s name Sarah and Edward’s mom Trisha. But I’m really glad this is complete.
It was so fun!
Anyways, I’m going to thank (in no personal order)…
ElementalKitty
Angel1357
Redneckgal a.k.a. Anko-sama
Inky-pinky
-oReTA aWaI tsUbAsa-
Kitty-Katz-Katz
edPod
Dragonflamecrystal
A.D.D. Vengance
Sousukes-Girl
Germanspeaker
Jin the Wind Master
Bar-Ohki
Harryswoman
CommanderDarman
thebestIcan
rue
bpliokb
Atemu’sLotus
S J Smith
Pink Pagoda
PaintedTurtleShell
LostGryffindorFoundSlytherin
Took-baggins
Ed’
Colonel Bastard
Mrawgirl09
FMA lover912
Orange Singer
Thank you so much for reviewing and stating your views! I’m sorry the last chapter seemed rushed, I didn’t quite mean that. The chapter just sort of wrote itself… :)
To Dance is now completed. Woot!
-Mustard.