Stand Up and Walk

This is Really Happening

"I still have too long a life ahead to get rid of these feelings, right? I want to try doing over the things I've left undone. I thought I was running after something carried over from my dreams, yet I'm stumbling into people on this narrow, winding road. It's not like I want to go back to the way things were back then; I'm just searching for the sky I've been losing. Here's hoping you'll understand. Stop making that sad face as though you were a victim. Sins don't end in tears; you have to carry the pain forever. Who am I waiting for in this maze of emotions with no way out in sight? I want to purge myself more simply, as if writing in a blank notebook. What is it I want to escape from? ...Is it reality? It makes me want to scream that we're alive for things to come true. Can you hear me? I can't put up with playing it safe. ...I've got nowhere to go home to! I'm always grateful for kindness; that's why I want to grow stronger (I'm on the way). I even welcome this pain for the things I miss."
—Yui, Again

...

"Well guys, we're finally here!" Ed says.

You eye the door of Teacher's house nervously. "This was a bad idea," you grumble.

There is a series of loud thuds from inside the modest-looking building, growing in volume as they approach. You and the boys gulp loudly.

Slowly, the red door creaks open, and the glint of a bloody blade pierces out from the darkness behind, causing the three of you to cringe back fearfully.

"Hmmm...?" grunts the hulking giant of a man who ducks to step out of the doorway.

"Um, hello Sig," Ed squeaks, greeting Teacher's husband.

"L-long time no see!" you stutter.

A giant hand descends onto Ed's head, mussing up his hair. "Good to see you," he says, his voice a low, deep rumble in his massive chest. "You've grown up a little, huh?"

Ed's face contorts as Sig continues to ruffle his hair. "He's squishing me—!" he chokes out under his breath.

Al—a full head or three shorter than the man—clasps his hands to his armored chest. "You probably don't recognize me," he says, "but it's Alphonse." He bows slightly. "Sorry we've been away for so long."

Sig turns toward the younger Elric and, after a beat, takes his hand off of Ed's (now messy) head and begins to rub Al's instead. "Looks like you've grown up more than a little!" he rumbles. Al beams beneath the massive hand.

Then Sig turns his attention toward you. "And if it isn't the lovely Miss Echo!" he greets. "You seem to be doing—" He pauses. "What happened to your arm?"

You chuckle nervously, scratching the back of your head. "Well, you know me, Sig!" you stammer, "Always getting into trouble! It was bound to happen sooner or later."

He grunts, then ducks inside the house. "Izumi," he calls. "Echo Slade and the Elric shrimps have come for a visit. Do you think you can see them?"

"I'll be right there," Teacher's voice calls from inside. "I'm feeling a little better today."

"Lying down?" Al muses quietly. "That's not a good sign."

"I guess she hasn't gotten any better since last time," Ed agrees.

All of a sudden, the door slams open, sending the three of you reeling back in surprise. Without warning, a sandaled foot slams into Ed's face, sending him tumbling back several feet. You and Al jump away from the door, not wanting the same treatment.

Slowly, deliberately, the dark haired, sandal-clad woman steps down the stairs before the door. Her eyes burn red. "Hello, my stupid pupil!" she snarls. "I hear you've become one of the military's dogs!" Her head whips to the side, her furious, hellfire-fueled glare trained on you. "And you—!" she spits.