Fullmetal Alchemist and the Flight of the Anti-Social Butterfly

Chapter 2: A Narrow Escape Leads To A First Lesson

       Edward saved DeAnna by voluntarily asking the mob to sacrifice him as a Homunculus instead of DeAnna.  While Edward was lying down on the altar, a burst of fire rain had defeated the mob and their leader.  Then it hit Edward that it was the anger of his dead mother's spirit who was protecting him!  Edward looked up at the sky and thought, "Was that you, mother?"  He walked out of the lair with DeAnna, Alphonse, and Zoe.  DeAnna had her head hanging low as she thanked Edward.  Then Edward replied, "I am up here, DeAnna.  No need to look so lowly on yourself, silly!"   DeAnna was quiet at first.  Edward asked, "Did I say something that bothered you?"   She answered, "I am autistic so I struggle with socializing."  Edward asked DeAnna, "What is your favorite animal?"  DeAnna answered, "I really like butterflies.  They are so pretty and fun to look at!"  Edward smiled then he told her, "Well, I see you as a young butterfly.  You are very bright, mysterious, and beautiful.  One day, you will earn your wings to fly and socialize or even fall in love with some boy then you will be free to live a life of happiness.  Don't let anybody tell you differently, ok?  I believe in you, DeAnna!"  She blushed and was quiet.  Then she asked, "What are you suggesting?  That one day, I am going to soar into the clouds or something?"   Edward shook his head then he realized that having autism can also mean that you view other people's words as they sound.  So Edward said, "I have disabilities of my own too, but I want to help you to overcome your fear of boys and I also want to practice some social skills with you.  How would you like to meet at the park, DeAnna?"  She nodded, "Ok....I guess.  What time?"  Then Edward checked his pocket watch and told her to meet him at Noon the next day so DeAnna agreed.  Then that night, Edward and Alphonse were in bed.  Edward had a visit from Truth in his dream.  Then Edward asked Truth, "What are you wanting to take from me this time?   You took my brother's body many years ago, then I gave you my ability of using alchemy, and now what do you want?"   Truth smiled then he told Edward, "It has been a long time, hasn't it?   I want to give you your gift of alchemy back temporarily, but you may only have it permanently if you meet one goal."   Edward asked, "What is that?"   Then Truth explained, "That girl named DeAnna seems very uncomfortable, but if you can get her to overcome her fears and her weaknesses then I will grant your gift of alchemy back permanently.  For now, the ability is on a tether and only to be used for good purposes such as teaching DeAnna instead of using it for violence or human transmutations."   Edward agreed so Truth wished him good luck.   Edward slept in because the previous day was a long one, but he got to the park just in time.  He looked around for ten minutes then he checked his pocket watch as he sighed, "I guess my young butterfly has somehow been swatted away, but I hope she's ok."  Then he heard a girl shouting, "Hi, Edward!  I'm here for my first lesson that you invited me to.  Surprised you, didn't I?"  Edward lectured, "I was getting worried about you.   What happened?"  DeAnna told Edward that she wanted to dress up nicely then she twirled her body in a circle.   Edward said, "You look very pretty.  Let's go find a spot to talk to each other, but I want you to pick the spot."   DeAnna lowered her head again as she agreed.  Edward reminded her, "I am up here, DeAnna.  No need to be shy.  I'm your friend and I promise not to hurt you."  They both sat on a bench and DeAnna explained more about her past struggles with her disability as Edward listened.  Edward told her, "You can overcome this with a bit of practice.  You do know that, don't you?  I used to not be the most social boy myself.   In fact, I was aggressive and took things literally too so that's why I chose you as my student in training."  They got up and walked through a shaded area together.  Edward pointed at a tree and he told DeAnna, "Two people who befriend each other or even fall in love are like two branches on one tree.  They are two different people, but one bonding relationship.  But if hurtful words are said, the tree ends up getting chipped much like a person's feelings.  You can say you are sorry, but the chipped part on the tree remains."  DeAnna looked sad as she asked, "On the day we met and you told me that I hurt your feelings, what part of your body felt wounded the most?"  Edward put his hand on his heart and told DeAnna, "It hurt me badly right here.  In other words, what you said to me hurt me on my heart.  From now on I will use my hand on my heart as a social cue and say 'Ouch!' when you are being hurtful or rude."  DeAnna asked, "What if I am being nice?"   Then Edward smiled as he explained, "I will praise you and thank you, but it will also improve our friendship."  DeAnna blushed as she inquired, "Will I ever learn to grow a tree for us?"  Edward looked into her eyes and told DeAnna, "Someday, if it is to be."  Then they sat on a bench and drank tea as they practiced a lesson for DeAnna's first day of training, but she struggled again.  Edward encouraged her, "It's ok if you struggle at first because this is only your first lesson, but I'm proud of you for trying.  Don't give up, ok?   Those pretty butterfly wings will be set for flight someday!"  DeAnna blushed as she looked down again so Edward asked, "Are you ok, DeAnna?   Why are you crying?"  DeAnna explained, "You are the very first boy to ever have faith in me!  My dad left me when I was only 5 years old and my mom was killed so I only have Zoe.   Everybody else except you and Alphonse have continuously mistreated me so being given a fair chance by a boy with disabilities that I barely know is making me feel like there is finally hope!"  Edward explained, "Both of my parents are now dead, but you don't have to worry.  I'm right here for you, ok?"  Then DeAnna hugged Edward as she thanked him.  Afterwards, he walked her home as he asked her, "Does the same time tomorrow work ok for you?"  DeAnna nodded then Edward smiled, "I look forward to it, my young butterfly!"