Chapter Text
Edward Elric was at his happiest with a partner in crime by his side. Whether that be his brother, Alphonse, or the love of his life, Winry Rockbell, he felt at his best with someone to bounce ideas off of and exist with together.
Travelling to the West of Amestris was something that he did entirely on his own, and it was difficult at first. Alphonse took to the East, going through the desert to Xing and beyond. The homesickness and loneliness made for a cocktail of despair that he quelled by beginning to journal and visit new locations every day. It was a steep learning curve that he didn’t take well to at first. Edward thought he truly was self sufficient in all aspects of life. Nothing like being on one’s own to realize that is not the case.
The self-sufficient aspect had changed within himself, and in turn, his exterior had changed drastically since the quest he and his brother went on all those years ago. He now had his arm back, thanks to Alphonse’s sacrifice during the events of that final battle. Edward, not to be outdone, exchanged his alchemy for Al’s whole being. The brothers were once again made whole.
Ed couldn’t ask for a happier ending to their journey. Alphonse was once again whole. Edward was mostly whole. So what if he still clapped his hands from time-to-time? What if he read a book of alchemy and felt a longing tightening in his chest? He would take these circumstances over any other option in a heartbeat. Edward learned his lesson. They were all just tiny humans and playing god resulted in nothing except heartache and strife.
So much of Edward’s identity was intertwined with alchemy. That doesn’t just fade away with his abilities being sacrificed. He would journal complex arrays and write research because that was how he was. His mind was a machine, and he was talented at this science.
He had just spent the previous week back in Resembool with Winry. Alphonse also visited during that week too, they had planned it ahead of time so everyone could be under the same roof exchanging stories. To see Alphonse looking healthy and happy as he emphatically told of his shenanigans filled Edward’s heart to the brim. Life was good.
Ed enjoyed hearing about his younger brother being able to live life to its fullest extent. Al had quite the appetite and snored, to boot. Ed could watch him all day. Al enjoying visiting Xing and potentially romancing a crush (Mei), or hanging out with Ling and seeing what being an emperor was like, was above and beyond what Edward had dreamed Alphonse would be able to do.
To be unknown in every country he visited overtime became a welcome reprieve rather than a daunting task. He was not the Fullmetal Alchemist, “hero of the people”. He was just Edward Elric. Slightly less tiny human Edward Elric. This travelling was reminiscent in some aspects of the journey Al and he went on to regain their bodies. Maybe travelling when he was younger like that set a precedent. It seemed much more comfortable to leave his roots often instead of staying in Resembool.
The country Ed was currently visiting was Mora. It was a northwest of Amestris, sharing a border with Drachma. It rained often here and had evidence of a long history. Architecture was in the form of tall cathedral-like spires everywhere that were black and red. Cobblestone streets lined most of this country. It was about a quarter of the size of Amestris, and people’s accents were beyond description.
Mora had felt special in a way that Edward hadn’t felt in a long time. It was a thrumming with a sort of energy that left him walking the streets late at night instead of staying in his lodgings. The energy left him restless in the streets of Mora. It was a smaller country that was rather idyllic in aesthetic. Water fountains were dotted around the main city and ivy seemed to grow wild everywhere. This country’s culture seemed to incorporate more nature in its city structure. Ed figured it would be a nice change to Central in Amestris, having a tree or two around. Edward would love to take Winry here someday. His cheeks warmed at the thought of her. She kicked equivalent exchange’s ass in one statement.
Edward walked every square inch of these cobblestone streets. One red and black cathedral he happened upon one evening made him stop in his tracks. Stained glass colorful and shining dimly in the moonlight. Spire above red and black. Feeling strangely called to the oddity of a building, Edward ventured inside, curiosity blooming around what sort of religion the people of Mora had.
Edward pushed the door experimentally. The door was heavy as he pulled hard and inched his way through. It was a surprise that it stayed open so late. He walked down a short hall and gazed up at the high vaulted ceilings. He walked straight ahead, seeing a dark form that looked like-
His eyes went wide and his blood felt like it was absolutely buzzing. Frozen in place he managed to reach up to his own eyes and rubbed them. He had to be dreaming or hallucinating.
A door stood at the top of the stairs where a pastor would normally stand. It was large in size and it was not just any door. It was the door. His door. He stepped back involuntarily, thinking that this must be some sort of trick. His mind was playing tricks on him. Taunting him with something he knows can’t possibly be here. He won’t lose his little brother again to his temptations. Ed whipped around and ran out of the church.