Rolling green hills. Sheep grazing in the pastures. Cloudless blue skies. Resembool, a rural town that was our home. Nothing about this place ever changed. Not the farmland, the villagers, or Rain River. Everything here was the same, stayed the same. Somehow knowing such things made my shoulders feel a little lighter.

I had already hopped off the train with a suitcase thrown over my shoulder. I took in my surroundings as I stride out of the small station. A few townsfolk lingered in the area, possibly saying their goodbyes to their families or making sure they have everything for their trip. Not much commotion like East City.

Armstrong had scurried off to fetch Al from the livestock car. I was still upset about he treated my little brother, but knowing Al he'd probably enjoyed his time with those furry animals. I hear a deep sigh coming from my right and I do my best to retain my scowl. I snuck a glance at the young girl who wore a mask of boredom.

Her hands were shoved into the pocket of her sweater, her suitcase placed on the ground beside her. She didn't spare me a glance as if my existence meant little. My nose scrunches slightly, why should I care anyway? I look away haughtily, I don't even recognize her anymore.

First Y/n decides it was smart to challenge me to a fight then licensing herself as a State Alchemist, and placing herself in danger? I shake my head, there was more to than meets the eye I was sure of it.

The memory of her activating a transmutation by slamming her hands on the wet ground when fighting Scar still played in my head. I swore I was the only one who knew how to do such thing. After all, I gained the ability when I saw. . . Truth.

I remember being yanked into an inky abyss, screaming for it all to stop and for someone to help me as all of the knowledge of the world was being shoved into my mind. I thought my head would explode from it all, but even back then I demanded more.

In the end I was able to transmute alchemy without a transmutation circle, but in return Truth took my arm and leg. That was the price for attempting the impossible, and I'm paying for it. But if seeing Truth—if going through that sort of hell meant gaining this ability then that means. . . I steal another glance Y/n's way.

She still refused to look at me, her lips pulling downwards into a frown. Her eyes trained on the scenery before us. I swallow thickly, it couldn't be. No, she would've said something to me if she attempted Human Transmutation. Right?

I look away in frustration, I couldn't think of such things. Y/n was an honest girl. She wouldn't keep these things from me, hell, we grew up together. Does that count for something? In the midst, of my thoughts I didn't realize Armstrong arrived with Al over his shoulder.

"Ah!" He breathes. "Resembool! One of the southeastern towns of Amestris! It's quite rural here, don't you think?"

"Well, of course, Major!" Al beams, bringing me out of my reverie. "Majority of the townsfolk are sheep herders or tend to the fields!"

"Tch, it's nothing extraordinary." Y/n mutters.

I send her a haughty look, now what the hell is her problem. "You live here, Y/n."

She turns her head, her blue eyes locking with mine. I was surprised with how cold her gaze was. "Doesn't mean I like it here. Now, let's get going. It's quite the walk to the Rockbells' home."

Without another word she saunters off and doesn't bother checking if we're following along. I release a heavy sigh, must stay calm.

"What's wrong with, Y/n, brother?" Al murmurs worriedly. I open my mouth to answer but Armstrong beats me to it.

"I do believe it's because she's hungry."

I had to scoff at that before readjusting my suitcase over my shoulder. "Yeah," I grumble. "Let's hope that's the case."

I was still trying to piece everything together. Nothing was making sense with her, it drives me crazy. How can such a wonderful girl like her turn into a complete stranger within days? Did I even knew Y/n? Or was I being fed lies?

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

The walk to the Rockbell's home was excruciating. Physically I wasn't tired, the walk was like second nature, but mentally I was so exhausted. Exhausted from keeping my distance. Exhausted from thinking about the Central Library. Exhausted from being irritated at Y/n. I was just—exhausted.

Al and Armstrong had created small talk with one another with Al pointing out certain parts of Resembool's countryside. I was glad they were talking among each other, I didn't have to try as hard to entertain either of them. There was no energy to keep a conversation alive.

When a large yellow house finally comes into view I couldn't help but sigh in relief. New company may do me some good. Immediately the sound of barking greets my ears, I notice Winry's dog, Den, stand on the porch with his tail wagging.

A small, woman holding a pipe, with her greying hair tied in a tight ponytail standing outside as she readjusts her glasses. I smirk, Granny Pinako had shouted something inaudible for me to understand. Probably calling down Winry to greet us.

Just as she shouts her hello to Y/n I watch as Y/n gives her a nod of acknowledgment before heading up the steps. The sight baffled me, isn't she going to say hello? Y/n then walks into the house and Granny Pinako doesn't stop her.

"Really?" I hear myself seethe. "You're not going to stop her?"

"Is there a reason I should?" Pinako raises a brow as she inhaled from her pipe.

"Yes! It's rude to not greet someone!"

"Brother, I think you should just drop it." Al murmurs his warning next to me. I didn't realize Armstrong had set him down on the ground. Den was already circling around Al. I whirl to him with an exasperated look.

"But—!"

"Edward."

Despite being small for her age, Pinako's voice was stern as ever. When I peek a glance, she was already sending me a warning glare. No one needed to verbally hear the warning she was giving me. I needed to drop it, or else it would be hell for me.

Releasing a heavy sigh I send Pinako a tired gaze. "Seems like we need your help again." I show off my barely working automail.

She inspects swiftly before taking another puff from her pipe. "No doubt Winry will be upset. But, it's nothing we can't handle."

I nod silently, that was least of my concern now despite my desire to head back to Central as quickly as possible. I felt the small piece of paper in my pocket Y/n gave

me. She got information from Marcoh, no doubt another lead to the Philosopher's Stone. Still, despite how infuriating she is I need to remember to thank her.

"Hey, Ed!"

I blink to the sound of someone shouting innately knowing who it could be. Just as I glanced upwards towards the balcony above, a wrench collides with my face. I stagger a few steps, groaning at the sheer pain radiating over my head.

Goddamnit, Winry. . .

"Winry! What the hell?!" I shout in pain. On the balcony stood Winry who wore a simple black tube top, a green bandanna, and creme colored pants. She braced the railings of the balcony as she glared down at me.

"How many times do I have to tell you to call beforehand for maintenance?" She nags with narrowed eyes. I roll my own in response, still rubbing the aching pain on my head.

"You could've killed me, you know!" I grumble irritably. To think buying her a new set of wrenches for her birthday would be a mistake.

"Don't be a baby!" She tuts with a frown. "I didn't throw it that hard."

I click my tongue, "Tch, tell that to the big bump on my head."

Winry sends me a smile before rushing back inside. A momentary silence passed before I heard snickering beside me. No doubt about it was Al attempting to keep in his giggles. Though not far behind was Armstrong who hid his fit of giggles with a cough. I roll my eyes at the two before turning back to Granny. As if reading my mind, she steps to the side while gesturing her pipe to the door.

"Let's just hope she doesn't kill you," she mutters as I walked by. I silently agree with her, my automail barely worked. Moving my fingers was proving to be more than difficult, but even I knew that wasn't the biggest issue.

"Wha—what happened to my arm?!"

Winry's screech made me grimace, and Granny was to quick excuse herself to the kitchen. Apparently Armstrong wanted some refreshments. Winry stood by the hallway, her eyes glued to my wrecked arm while her face was masked in horror.

"It's just a little banged up," I laugh sheepishly hoping to lighten the mood.

"A little?" She stomps over to me but stops herself halfway. Her eyes then dart behind me. "And what happened to Al? Where's Y/n?"

So many questions. I shake my head as I watch her hurry to Al, inspecting the crate he's in continuously asking if he's alright. I rub the nape of my neck with a sigh.

"One question at a time, Winry. You're so impatient."

She whirls around with a haughty glare. "And so what if I am?" She snaps. "Look at Al! And look at my beautiful work! My masterpiece! It's ruined!"

"It's not ruined." I grumble as I take a seat at the couch. It was much comfier than the wooden seats provided on the train. "It's just a little—misshapen."

"A little," she releases a sigh. "Just let me see the arm." I extended my arm the best I could before Winry yanked it towards her. Her brows scrunched together as she focused on the damage.

Her eyes inspecting each part of my arm. I can already imagine the gears working in her head. Still, my mind wandered to Y/n. Holed up in her room now, I assume that's how it'll be the rest of our time here. I, of course, wouldn't pry—I learned my lesson.

But still, I couldn't shake this feeling that something was off. Was it just me or am I just overthinking it all? "

Ed...Edward!"

I snap out my daze and look back at Winry. She gave me a questioning look as I scoffed her way. "Yeah, what?"

"I asked what lifestyle do you and Al lead? And for the second time, where's Y/n?"

"I think she went in her room," Al answered before I could. I only rolled my eyes in agreement. It was just as upsetting to hear that out loud. How rude can she be?

"Oh." Winry frowns, "She didn't even say hello to me. . ."

"Tch, you should be used to it, Winry," I mutter as I rest my chin on my hand. "You did say she gets into these moods."

"Doesn't mean I like it," she retorts. But she doesn't make more fuss about Y/n and went back to inspecting my arm. And somehow that irked me even more.

Why was everyone acting as if this was normal? Granny is handing out tea to Armstrong, Al is explaining to everyone how it's important for us to head to Central as quickly as possible, while Winry kept messing with my arm. I stare at everyone as if they all lost their minds.

Have they all lost their senses? Why wasn't Y/n not being here not bothering them? Why wasn't Winry complaining? Why wasn't Granny trying to call Y/n back down here? How can they all act so—normal?

Or was I the only one going crazy? Was I making a big deal over it? I grumble in frustration gaining me questioning looks from everyone in the room.

"Brother?" Al calls with concern marrying his words. "Is something the matter?"

"Yeah." I snap before yanking my arm away from Winry. "We're running out of time that's what. We should be heading to Central, not sitting here twiddling our thumbs."

"We will, brother," Al states. "But you have an arm needing repairing. And Granny just said there's adjustments need to be made on your leg too."

I groan loudly as I take a stand. "Whatever! Just make it quick, alright? I don't want to stay here longer than I need to."

Winry sends me a questioning look, "You're grumpier than usual. . ."

"I'M grumpy?" I retort, my voice raising a little. "How about we talk about Y/n instead of me, huh? She didn't even say hello to any of you, and you say I'm grumpy?"

Everyone sits in silence, avoiding my haughty gaze. Two excruciating minutes pass and no one says anything. I huff in annoyance, why was she getting special treatment?

How come I'm the only one upset by this? I wish to say more but a small but heavy force, pushes me down on to the couch. And suddenly I found my left leg being propped up.

"H-hey! What are you—"

"I need your old leg to make adjustments," Granny Pinako huffed as she swiftly takes it off. "For now, you're going to wear this spare."
Before I could argue, she snaps a spare automail leg in place then stands. "Now, since you three are suddenly in a hurry that gives us three days."

"Three days? Don't you need at least a week?" I ask, baffled when I realized Winry had taken my arm off as well.

"Ha! Give us some credit, Edward!" Pinako smirks.

"Getting a little overconfident, don't you think?" I mutter. She simply huffs her pipe but doesn't say more.

"Aw man! That's going to be three all nighters for sure." Winry releases a tired sigh as a frown sets on her lips.

I wince apologetically before setting a fractured smile over my lips. "Sorry about the rush," I mutter.

"It'll have to be fine, I guess," Winry dismisses me with a wave of her hand. She props my old arm over her shoulder. "Guess that means I'll also have to look at Y/n's arm."

"Why?" My question came out snarkier than I anticipated. I ignored the pressing stare Al was sending my way. Winry didn't seem to notice and heads for the hall.

"Might as well, plus you're too much of a chicken to actually talk to her yourself."

I felt my ears getting warm, "Hey! That's not true! I just—"

Before I could even make a defending claim Winry was already out the room, heading upstairs I bet to see Y/n. I sigh in frustration as I cross my arms haughtily over my chest. "I'm just annoyed," I finish to myself.

"Oh, brother," I hear Al tut. "You need to learn how to just let things go."

"Oh yeah?" I challenge. "Then maybe Y/n should learn to not hide things from me."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

I can already imagine the raised brow and cocked head from Al, and suddenly I had no desire to explain my side. After all, what I saw that day with Scar it was only me that knew what she did.

But explaining it to Al? It would take a miracle for him to believe me. I take a stand before wobbling towards the door.

"Nothing, Al. I'm probably overreacting."

At least, that's what I hope.