The Same Coin

Lighthouse

Dublith was as Winry remembered it, although why that surprised her so much, she wasn't sure at first. It hadn't even been that long since she'd left. Ed's warnings, however, left her with the distinct feeling that she had been destined to return to ruins. Instead everything was just as it had always been. Perhaps nothing had happened after all.

Or perhaps nothing had happened yet.

"The next train to Rush Valley won't come through until tomorrow," Winry commented after studying the train schedule. "I think I know someplace we can stay for the night though."

She'd intentionally made the decision not to go to Resembool to see her grandmother, although it made her heart ache to be this close. But, no matter what Ed had said, if she saw her grandmother then her resolve might waiver. The urgency to return back to Heavens Arena might lessen. That wasn't something she could risk when there was so much on the line.

Illumi matched her pace as they walked to Izumi's shop, eyes studying their surroundings with what she could only presume was curiosity. He seemed completely without emotion — a stark contrast to Hisoka and his ever-amused smile. Illumi and Hisoka were the perfect foil to each other; ying and yang, hot and cold. His reaction when they reached Izumi's storefront was equally different from Hisoka's: he had none. It made him impossible to read, and at moments she almost wished she could read his thoughts, but then decided she was likely better off not knowing. Any associate of Hisoka's likely had thoughts as sour as he did.

Winry climbed the steps to the shop, smiling to herself when she saw the green cactus leaf wreath hanging over its window, before she rapped her knuckles on the door. Without waiting for an answer, she pushed it open.

"Izumi? Sig?" she called, poking her head in.

Silence.

The shop didn't smell right. The pungent scent of iron — blood — was subdued. They hadn't been working cutting meat for at least a few days. Illumi caught the door as she stepped all the way in, then followed her inside. Winry didn't bother hunting for the couple. Instead she focused her aura and let En encompass the property. They were on the porch. Illumi let her lead the way to the back of the house to where the couple were outside.

"Winry?" Izumi said, turning in her rocking chair to look back over her shoulder with surprise as Winry opened the screen door. Sig sat up a little straighter as well. "And who the Hell is this? I'm not teaching anything to anymore of your 'friends'."

"I'm not here for that," Winry said hastily, putting her hands up in front of her. There was no way she was going to tell Izumi that Hisoka had used the alchemy she'd taught him to access the Gate of Truth. "I'm on my way to Rush Valley to get some automail equipment."

"Why are you even in Amestris? I thought Ed said he was going to have you and your grandmother leave the country."

So the danger hadn't passed.

"I came back."

"That's rather foolish of you," Izumi scoffed. "You shouldn't be here though. Especially if you've seen the Gate."

"Ed told you that?" Winry fumed, her face reddening and hands balling into fists of rage. "It isn't true. I accidentally used my Nen ability around him, and he assumed the worst."

"Hm. So you know about the Gate of Truth now anyway," the older woman sighed. "At least you haven't seen it."

"Ed won't stop keeping secrets about what's happening. I don't know if there's danger, what the danger is, who is the cause...He's kept me crippled and in the dark."

"That sounds like Edward alright." Izumi nodded, then sighed again. "I suppose it's high time somebody tells you what's happening. Especially since you're back in Amestris...and it's almost the Promised Day."