maskormenace | [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

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.]

[03] Video

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