The Water Alchemist

The Jury Is Out

Welcome back to The Water Alchemist. I don't own any of the intellectual property of Fullmetal Alchemist.

Chapter Thirty

The Jury Is Out

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We eventually made it back to the camp we had left behind, though a slew of new people already mounted on horseback awaited us this time as we approached. Among them were Mr. Han, who seemed to be preparing the saddle of a horse. Fu departed from our little expedition group and approached Mr. Han. We stopped a little ways away as Fu chatted with him, likely coordinating travel arrangements. He soon after reapproached us with a horse for Ross. She took its reins, getting acquainted with her new companion, petting the horse quietly as we watched.

"Any parting wishes? Shall I tell your parents?" the Major asked her back. She turned to us, a sad smile on her face as she released the reigns.

"No, sir. As much as I want them to know that I'm okay, I'm scared it would be too much of a risk. I just don't want to put them in that kind of danger," she said, her voice a little strained.

I remembered our chat back in Central; I was at least glad she got to see them one last time. I knew she'd be able to see them again. It was just a matter of time. But her situation still stung in my heart. I still couldn't help but feel responsible, unable to absolve her of exile on my own.

"Very well," the Major agreed. She nodded and turned to face us with a soldier's posture.

"Major Armstrong, Lieutenant Breda, please deliver a message to the Colonel— I need him to know how grateful I am for what he's done. If there is any way I can help him, tell him to send for me," she said. She raised her arm in salute to the men. "I owe him a great debt, and I am willing to put my life on the line to repay it."

She finished with a deep breath like she had been relieved and maybe even a little apprehensive. They both saluted her passionate speech.

"Right," the Major affirmed to her.

She lowered her salute as her eyes trailed over to Ed and me. Ed sighed and lifted his hand, about to salute her, when she extended her hand to him.

"Goodbye, Edward. Take care of yourself, okay?" she said, quirking a smile.

"I still owe you. For slapping me, that is," Ed said with a melancholy chuckle.

"You can get me next time," she said, her hand still outstretched and waiting for him to take.

He shook it finally and gave her a nod. They parted, and she looked at me. I could already feel the tears start in my eyes, but I sniffed, trying to be strong. I held out my hand, not expecting her to take it and pull me into a hug. After I got over the initial shock, I hugged her back tightly, gripping the back of her cloak.

"I'm going to miss you," I said, my words muffled by the thick fabric of her coat.

"I'm going to miss you, too," she said, ruffling my hair. I giggled as she pulled away, gripping my shoulders. "You keep yourself and those boys out of trouble, you hear?" I nodded with a smile. I couldn't help but feel like I was losing a big sister.

"I'll do my best," I assured her. She let me go, and I stepped back beside Ed.

"Good, I'm counting on you," she said, as Fu helped her mount her horse.

We watched as she gave us one last wave before turning to the desert, prepared to emigrate to Xing. In a few short minutes, she and the rest of their party became specks across the desert.