The Horror From Beyond The Gate (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood fan fic)

Chapter 32: Farewell Loved Friend

It wasn't raining today. In fact it was just like any other day in the desserts of Xing. The sun was bring and hot, baring down on the backs of everyone as they stood in a large group.

This day was way too bring and happy for the damp moods of the people gathered here today. It was a tradition for everyone not immediately related to the deceased to wear bright colors. Since Lan Fan had no immediate Family the crowd was full of brightly colored people.

All but Ling. Going against tradition he wore black. Not one color was seen on him. No one said anything to him because there was no denying the close relationship he had with Lan Fan.

Xiùlán had prepared the body with the help of Winry. Winry stripped her old automail to the bones and removed the blade from it. Xiùlán placed long gloves on Lan Fan to disguise her automail. Xiùlán chose a beautiful red dress with dragons embroidered on it. The dress was full of color and featured a lace neckline. May did her hair in a traditional bun and adorned her hair with flowers. 

Now as her casket slowly passed by them they all threw flowers into it as it passed. Ling stepped out of the crowd. The casket stopped for him and he laid a quick kiss on her forehead before placing a single lotus flower over her heart.

Everyone acted like they didn't notice the silent tears sliding down his face. Xiùlán moved to stand next to him and soothingly run circles on his back. Ling felt alone. Completely and irrevocably alone.

Xiùlán wore a light pastel dress. It was the complete opposite of her dark and gloomy mood.

After the funeral no one spoke. Everyone kept to themselves and stayed in a corner avoiding eye contact.

It was Ling that broke the silence.

"I can get her back." He announced.

Everyone looked at him with so pathetic eyes. He had lost it.

"Ling." Winry began.

"No!" He stopped her. "Think about it for a moment. 'Anyone involved with the downfall of father will have a loved one returned to them. If we defeat the homunculus they stay!' I didn't get anyone! If we kill that bitch Lan Fan will come back!" Ling demanded.

"Ling we don't know that." May said tenderly.

"It has to work. Lan Fan was not at rest when she died. She wasn't ready to die!" Ling protested.

"Ling she did fufill her life's purpose." Xiùlán added.

"What do you mean?" He snarled.

"She protected you." May stated catching on to what Xiùlán was saying.

"No! NO SHE DID NOT DIE BECAUSE OF ME!" Ling cried out.

"We are not saying she did, Ling. We just don't want you to get your hope up." Xiùlán began.

"I don't care. Either way I'm going to kill that bitch. Even if Lan Fan doesn't come back I'm still going to avenge her death!"

No one argued with him. They were all on board.

"We need to trap her somewhere where she can't use illusions." Hohenheim spoke suddenly.

The others turned to him with peaked interest.

"While Kimbly and I were researching the Feng clan Alchehesty we found peculiar thing. It seems like if you have two skilled warriors of the Feng clan's art they can project their abilities and give a small group of people the ability to see past illusions." Hohenheim explained.

"So all we would have to do is trap her in a concealed place!" Al cheered.

"And then we can all attack her at once!" Ed agreed high giving his brother.