maskormenace | [03] Video

[03] Video

[ The video feed starts with Walt in a room in his Heropa home, an open box on the bed filled with Kaylee's things -- coveralls neatly folded and tucked inside, wrenches and other tools laid delicately on top...the whole process seems exceedingly painful for him as with each item he pulls out of the closet, the efforts become slow and labored. ]

I don't know who knew Kaylee Frye. If you didn't, you should have. I've never met anyone so genuinely cheerful and kind. She was the sunshine in this dark, cloudy world.

[ There's a very sad, forlorn smile. This feels more like a funeral, like saying goodbye to someone who passed away. And in some cases it's worse -- them vanishing to another universe, never to remember their time here, never to be seen again. ]

She helped me when she didn't have to. She cared when she shouldn't have. She took care of me when I couldn't take care of myself. And what did she expect in return? Nothing.

[ With a long pause, it's very clear Walt is trying to maintain his composure. A breath in and a breath out. ]

I hoped I was wrong. I hoped to god I was wrong. That her disappearance was only temporary. But it's been a few weeks, and there's been no sign of her returning. I will miss her. Every day I will miss her. I already do.

This world -- it's done nothing but take things away. From me. From everyone else. Can you honestly say you've gained anything from being here?

[ Walt goes to reach into the closet for one of the final items and his hand twitches back. The sadness in the lines of his face increases as he pulls out a wrapped present -- a card reading: To Mr. White.

That's when Walt can't hold it back anymore. He sits on the edge of the bed, pulls the square-shaped present to his chest and cries. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Walt don't say that. But no it probably. Is kind of true. Sad as it is, for reason.]

You make it sound like you didn't know some nice or decent people back home or something. I mean, I know I ended up befriending some dodgy characters back home and probably here too but still.

Everyone is always putting on their best mask to interact with the public, Edward. It's truly difficult to be a good judge of character. Especially in a world like this.

I guess. Doesn't mean some wouldn't see through it though.

[Then again. Some of the things Ed himself has said over the network. In his impulsive anger at certain points. But he knows what Walt is trying to say.]

I'm careful enough. Mostly.

I believe you are. You're an intelligent and talented young man. I wouldn't put it past you to also be gifted with being good at reading people.

Heh. I manage well enough, I guess. At least here there isn't anyone out to kill me.

[Or. Well, there is. But that particular alchemist is in jail. So.]

Reckon that must mean I'm doing okay.

Edited 2015-07-14 03:06 (UTC)

[ He manages a laugh. ]

I guess that's a good gauge to go by when it comes to judging how well your life is going.

[ AND ED IS APPARENTLY DOING INFINITELY BETTER THAN WALT AT THE MOMENT........ ]

It's a start, something at least. In comparison to back home. Definitely beats being on the run as a fugitive for months. Not that I regret it, what we were doing and what we succeeded in, but still.

[Details. He's managing well enough, considering.]

.......being on the run as a fugitive?

[ A beat. ]

What did you do?

[ And notice how Walt's tone is not accusatory. He actually....emphasizes with this. Very much. ]

Refused to play their game.

[Hang on, Walt. This is getting filtered, excuse the slight fumbling with his auto-mail as he figures that.]

I rejected the idea of helping the military to 'carve a crest of blood' up North. Kind of a long story, really. That and the fact that shortly after there was an...incident with my superior and I ended up in hospital for a while.

[Though there is note there, of the empathy. But Walt hardly seems the type that would need to? At least, as far as Ed is aware at least.]

That sounds both vague and ominous. It's not something I can quite follow considering the differences between our worlds.

[ It's not like Ed built a meth lab and then went on the run from the cops or something. ]

But it doesn't sound as though you're in the wrong. 'Carve a crest of blood' sounds very much like it was the military in the wrong.

Not sure you wouldn't be more disgusted if I did clarify that. Alchemy can do a lot of things. Including kill. They called me to do my duty as a State Alchemist and become a human weapon, basically. And I'd always gone in with the intention of not killing anyone.

[Hence said 'incident' when Kimblee realized what they did. That Ed was defying him.]

[ The stunned surprise reaches Walt's face. Killing is something Walt has done -- something he didn't even bat an eye at anymore. But Ed is so young. Perhaps even younger than Walt's own son. And to think of someone that age being expected to kill through their abilities? It's just... ]

Wrong. It's so wrong. To hold that expectation of you. I'm glad you remained strong, Edward.

Of course I did. Sure, we wanted to fix things but I wasn't about to go that far for it. I couldn't face Al or Winry if I did. Course, my superior wasn't thrilled about it, but as far as I know he's in jail if he hasn't been sent back home, so.

[So it worked out in the end. Mostly. Barring getting impaled, costing a few years of his lifespan in that risky attempt at medicinal alchemy to keep himself from bleeding out right then and there in the aftermath.]

The more I talk to you, Edward, the more impressed I become. You're so young, and yet so strong-willed and brave. If only half of my students back home could have taken a lesson from you.

[And here it takes Ed a moment. He's a cocky brat, but that is at times to try hide his underlying fears and insecurities.]

I didn't ask for any of it. A lot of what was going on was....over our heads and we had no real idea what we were in for. But we couldn't ignore what was going on, someone had to do something. Sounds like the worst your students had to worry about was a bad grade, not so much getting impaled or having immortals chasing after them.

[ He thinks of Jesse. He thinks of the things they've been through together. And then he answers. ]

Yes, you're right. My students certainly wouldn't know how to conduct themselves in such dire situations. Which makes your actions even more remarkable, considering. It takes a certain person to spring into action and stand up for their beliefs.

I guess that's true. I never really thought much about it, we were just doing what we had to, reacting to what was going on around us without knowing the half of it, half the time until later on. It's just not something your students would have had the chance to deal with. They're probably better off for it, honestly.

[Or, as far as Ed would figure. It's better to not end up in hospitals for months. Or have people after your life. But in spite of that, Walt isn't wrong. He has grown and learned a lot from his journey all the same.]

You are remarkable, Edward. But for what it's worth, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you couldn't experience a normal childhood. That you were exposed to such violence at such a young age.

I certainly hope this world has been better for you.

[At such a young age. Ed's experiences started when he was twelve, if not prior in his sparring and training with Izumi before the attempt to bring back their mother, before joining the military. But Walt isn't wrong. Ever since Trisha died he and Al have hardly had what could be considered a normal childhood. It's why he cherishes the memories of the time before losing her so much.]

My childhood was just fine. Before losing mum anyway. As for the violence, it's nothing I'm not used to. If anything I've had worse back home with the military and my research. Reckon Winry's amazed and proud I've only busted my arm once so far.

Back home I'd still have Al. But I guess Heropa isn't any worse in comparison to Amestris for the most part. Not that I haven't still gotten into fights but...it's not so bad.

[ And he lost a parent, too. Walt frowns at that part, imagining his son -- imagining the relief his son must have felt when Walt died. ]

Well, I pity anyone who chooses to get in a fight with you. Not only do you have the alchemy, but those metal prosthetics have to hurt.

[Hohenheim, what happens to Ed's father, that isn't yet something Ed himself knows about just yet. Even after everything, after that abandonment, he wouldn't be relieved to hear about his father's death in the aftermath of the Promised Day. Now he understands the reasons why.]

True. This model is lighter than usual so it doesn't pack as much of a punch but it's still gotta hurt more than being punched in the face with a flesh fist.

[There's a reason Ed seems to now focus on hitting with his right arm, his left leg where possible. Not that the leg is as much an issue anymore thanks to Noi helping him regrow that, but still.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[03] Video

Re: video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private

video; private