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Description
Note: This is an alternate take on the Fullmetal Alchemist story, post-Brotherhood. Nibelheim City was inspired by a Final Fantasy VII city of the same name.

Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.
-Charles Dickens

___________________________

Two years passed the Philosopher Stone's last stand.

One dream could not come true, but a million others were granted. Amestris was pressed into a new era, one that promised vast fields of wealth and glory. However, the wealth did not come in the sole form of money. Happiness were the first and foremost treasure on everyone's minds, as it was certainly needed after a horrendous dance with the devil. The Homunculi had certainly done their 'magic', working to annihilate anything and everything tied to the mortal coil. But once their aspirations were silenced for good, the world saw a chance at peace.

Lives flourished in the wake of chaos. Businesses grew, allowing the good people to partake of great services. Technology flourished for the sake of widespread communication, working to keep strong bonds intact. The minds and hearts of the people dove into the glorious realm of prosperity, determined to defend their world for years to come. The time for them to prove their mettle came in a matter of ephemeral months, as Amestris was welcomed to another threat-a threat much greater than the nightmares of the past. Creatures called the Chimera were awakened from ancient text and malicious minds, all in the hopes of remodeling the world. Those behind the Chimera were determined to see the evolution of mankind-all the while hoping to erase those unworthy of the new world.

While many disapproved of alchemy, many were attracted by its vast benefits. The number of State Alchemists grew, in the hopes of expelling the new threat from existence. Heroes, old and new, confronted the elevating threat on a frequent basis, working to mold their skills into perfection. Without lack of courage or strength, all pressed forward-even though their path was vague, enshrouded in horrors. But eventually, one soul suffered a great loss of strength. His heart fell short of others, lagging behind in a race against time. That soul's name was Roy Mustang.

Having remade the Military in more fashionable light, he commanded a vast amount of forces. Therefore, he commanded a great deal of respect-which no one hesitated to give. Sadly, juggling the responsibilities of the State Military, all the while clashing against Amestris's new threat, did not create the easiest agenda. Especially when he still found it excruciatingly difficult to deal with the death of his best friend, Maes Hughes. At times he felt alone, forced to work against his will while pressing back the Chimera. He was thankful for his soul mates, of course, as they were determined to support him even beyond death, but life became an insufferable rough patch many times.

Edward Elric's optimism came in quite handy.

Still working as a State Alchemist, Alphonse Elric's older brother provided Roy with enough fire to endure the day. Ironic, considering he was the Flame Alchemist, and Ed happened to be called Fullmetal, but Al's brother kept him warm. The three of them were in firm contact throughout the world's struggles, and Roy was secretly thrilled. There was no telling what he'd do without either Elric, especially Ed. There were times when he would've given his alchemy for a mere glimpse of Ed's face, or even for a second of his charming laugh, but just thinking of the blonde's strength infused him with courage. And it was enough courage to endure the long, hard night.

Ed and his adoring brother were hard at work, not only keeping Roy's spirits up but searching for Nemo's Stone. As an ancient alchemist, wielder of amazing valor and wisdom, Nemo left behind a treasure. It was a stone that would endow any alchemist would unparalleled power-power so great, it could whisk any mortal to the brink of insanity. And in exchange for such power, the stone's new owner would have to sacrifice one of his life's most precious blessings. Upon discovering that fact, Ed instantly decided not to forfeit his brother's life, so the sacrifice wouldn't be that big of a deal to him.

In the land of Nibelheim, both brothers decided to take a pit stop. There was a time and place for everything, and at that particular time, peace was required to keep sanity intact. After all, the world was enshrouded in Christmas snow, and both of them needed to recover. The Chimera and their tireless owners made certain to wreak havoc on humankind, and Nemo didn't make the search for his stone easy. As Ed and Al found out once before, great accomplishments were never easy to create. But pursuing the powerful stone, all the while battling the uncharted, made them wish for an infinite loop of peace.

Thankfully, Christmas would provide them with some peace. And they'd love it-even if it only satisfied them for a spell.

"Look at this, big brother! It's the cutest little kitten house!"

"How many times do I have to tell you?! We aren't adopting any furballs!"

Al shook his head, chuckling. Many things had changed since the end of the Philosopher's Stone, but at the same time, many parts of life remained the same. He was back in true form, able to live and breathe as a human, but his brother...well, his brother was-

"We've been going over this for years! NO CATS!"

His brother was still short on tact.

Ed was several feet away, searching for Christmas gifts in the very same store. The two of them had dropped into one of Nibelheim's many shops, searching for gifts to take to an upcoming Christmas party. "Whoever wants a cat on your list needs to get lost, anyway," the blonde grumbled, browsing through the store's shelves. "They're nothing but trouble."

"Nobody wants one, brother. I just thought-"

"Ah, think on something else, Al."

They had never been just brothers, brought together by the chaotic threads of insane fate. Once their search for the Philosopher's Stone came to an end, they declared each other to be soulmates. Not in the romantic sense, though. Al was Ed's shadow, and Ed was Al's shadow. More than friends and brothers, they were each other's heroes. The only one of Al's aspects Ed didn't approve of was his fondness for cats, and Al worshipped the ground his other half walked on. He decided to keep his Fullmetal gear, yes, but that was merely out of the intent to protect Al-and everyone they cared for. Ed's first and foremost concern was recovering Al's body, so that completed accomplishment satisfied the blonde. Reflecting on the adoration they shared, Al found himself grinning. "What're you getting Winry?" he asked, to someone that was probably fumbling through the store shelves. And, true to form, Ed was muttering to himself while tossing items about. It sounded like he was tormenting tins of Christmas cookies.

"Nothing that can be found in this shop. She's getting a brand-new kit from me."

"Good idea," the younger Elric said, holding aloft a stuffed kitten. "The one she has is a bit outdated. I think she could use a new set of toys. Figured out anything for Roy yet?"

A small bit of silence followed that question. Al's curiosity for the response skyrocketed in a manner of seconds, but his appetite for an answer was quickly sated. "Haven't pegged it yet," the elder Elric replied, still physically distant from his sibling. His voice was a bit calmer, and infused with warmth so gentle, it was musical.

"I dunno. I thought of making him something, since I'm a Jack-of-all-Trades when it comes to alchemy."

Al found himself flying on Cloud Nine, perfectly at peace with an ephemeral world. Ed might not have been at the forefront of Nemo's wisdom, but he wasn't one to beat around the bush either. Whatever he had planned for Roy, the Mustang would love it. "Think he'll make it to the party?" the brunette asked, already knowing the answer. He just looked forward to hearing his brother respond.

"I know he'll be there. He's putting the shindig on. And he needs a pit stop too. Right?"

_____________________

You've sought the truth so many times, but this time, it's evading you.
You're reaching out to it, hoping to grab it with open eyes, but it's hidden.
I'm glad you're willing to take extra steps, though.
With your enthusiasm, I'm sure you'll grant his Christmas wish.

_____________________

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep, because reality is finally better than your dreams." -Dr.Seuss

Description
Note: This is an alternate take on the Fullmetal Alchemist story, post-Brotherhood. Nibelheim City was inspired by a Final Fantasy VII city of the same name.

Have a heart that never hardens, and a temper that never tires, and a touch that never hurts.
-Charles Dickens

___________________________

Two years passed the Philosopher Stone's last stand.

One dream could not come true, but a million others were granted. Amestris was pressed into a new era, one that promised vast fields of wealth and glory. However, the wealth did not come in the sole form of money. Happiness were the first and foremost treasure on everyone's minds, as it was certainly needed after a horrendous dance with the devil. The Homunculi had certainly done their 'magic', working to annihilate anything and everything tied to the mortal coil. But once their aspirations were silenced for good, the world saw a chance at peace.

Lives flourished in the wake of chaos. Businesses grew, allowing the good people to partake of great services. Technology flourished for the sake of widespread communication, working to keep strong bonds intact. The minds and hearts of the people dove into the glorious realm of prosperity, determined to defend their world for years to come. The time for them to prove their mettle came in a matter of ephemeral months, as Amestris was welcomed to another threat-a threat much greater than the nightmares of the past. Creatures called the Chimera were awakened from ancient text and malicious minds, all in the hopes of remodeling the world. Those behind the Chimera were determined to see the evolution of mankind-all the while hoping to erase those unworthy of the new world.

While many disapproved of alchemy, many were attracted by its vast benefits. The number of State Alchemists grew, in the hopes of expelling the new threat from existence. Heroes, old and new, confronted the elevating threat on a frequent basis, working to mold their skills into perfection. Without lack of courage or strength, all pressed forward-even though their path was vague, enshrouded in horrors. But eventually, one soul suffered a great loss of strength. His heart fell short of others, lagging behind in a race against time. That soul's name was Roy Mustang.

Having remade the Military in more fashionable light, he commanded a vast amount of forces. Therefore, he commanded a great deal of respect-which no one hesitated to give. Sadly, juggling the responsibilities of the State Military, all the while clashing against Amestris's new threat, did not create the easiest agenda. Especially when he still found it excruciatingly difficult to deal with the death of his best friend, Maes Hughes. At times he felt alone, forced to work against his will while pressing back the Chimera. He was thankful for his soul mates, of course, as they were determined to support him even beyond death, but life became an insufferable rough patch many times.

Edward Elric's optimism came in quite handy.

Still working as a State Alchemist, Alphonse Elric's older brother provided Roy with enough fire to endure the day. Ironic, considering he was the Flame Alchemist, and Ed happened to be called Fullmetal, but Al's brother kept him warm. The three of them were in firm contact throughout the world's struggles, and Roy was secretly thrilled. There was no telling what he'd do without either Elric, especially Ed. There were times when he would've given his alchemy for a mere glimpse of Ed's face, or even for a second of his charming laugh, but just thinking of the blonde's strength infused him with courage. And it was enough courage to endure the long, hard night.

Ed and his adoring brother were hard at work, not only keeping Roy's spirits up but searching for Nemo's Stone. As an ancient alchemist, wielder of amazing valor and wisdom, Nemo left behind a treasure. It was a stone that would endow any alchemist would unparalleled power-power so great, it could whisk any mortal to the brink of insanity. And in exchange for such power, the stone's new owner would have to sacrifice one of his life's most precious blessings. Upon discovering that fact, Ed instantly decided not to forfeit his brother's life, so the sacrifice wouldn't be that big of a deal to him.

In the land of Nibelheim, both brothers decided to take a pit stop. There was a time and place for everything, and at that particular time, peace was required to keep sanity intact. After all, the world was enshrouded in Christmas snow, and both of them needed to recover. The Chimera and their tireless owners made certain to wreak havoc on humankind, and Nemo didn't make the search for his stone easy. As Ed and Al found out once before, great accomplishments were never easy to create. But pursuing the powerful stone, all the while battling the uncharted, made them wish for an infinite loop of peace.

Thankfully, Christmas would provide them with some peace. And they'd love it-even if it only satisfied them for a spell.

"Look at this, big brother! It's the cutest little kitten house!"

"How many times do I have to tell you?! We aren't adopting any furballs!"

Al shook his head, chuckling. Many things had changed since the end of the Philosopher's Stone, but at the same time, many parts of life remained the same. He was back in true form, able to live and breathe as a human, but his brother...well, his brother was-

"We've been going over this for years! NO CATS!"

His brother was still short on tact.

Ed was several feet away, searching for Christmas gifts in the very same store. The two of them had dropped into one of Nibelheim's many shops, searching for gifts to take to an upcoming Christmas party. "Whoever wants a cat on your list needs to get lost, anyway," the blonde grumbled, browsing through the store's shelves. "They're nothing but trouble."

"Nobody wants one, brother. I just thought-"

"Ah, think on something else, Al."

They had never been just brothers, brought together by the chaotic threads of insane fate. Once their search for the Philosopher's Stone came to an end, they declared each other to be soulmates. Not in the romantic sense, though. Al was Ed's shadow, and Ed was Al's shadow. More than friends and brothers, they were each other's heroes. The only one of Al's aspects Ed didn't approve of was his fondness for cats, and Al worshipped the ground his other half walked on. He decided to keep his Fullmetal gear, yes, but that was merely out of the intent to protect Al-and everyone they cared for. Ed's first and foremost concern was recovering Al's body, so that completed accomplishment satisfied the blonde. Reflecting on the adoration they shared, Al found himself grinning. "What're you getting Winry?" he asked, to someone that was probably fumbling through the store shelves. And, true to form, Ed was muttering to himself while tossing items about. It sounded like he was tormenting tins of Christmas cookies.

"Nothing that can be found in this shop. She's getting a brand-new kit from me."

"Good idea," the younger Elric said, holding aloft a stuffed kitten. "The one she has is a bit outdated. I think she could use a new set of toys. Figured out anything for Roy yet?"

A small bit of silence followed that question. Al's curiosity for the response skyrocketed in a manner of seconds, but his appetite for an answer was quickly sated. "Haven't pegged it yet," the elder Elric replied, still physically distant from his sibling. His voice was a bit calmer, and infused with warmth so gentle, it was musical.

"I dunno. I thought of making him something, since I'm a Jack-of-all-Trades when it comes to alchemy."

Al found himself flying on Cloud Nine, perfectly at peace with an ephemeral world. Ed might not have been at the forefront of Nemo's wisdom, but he wasn't one to beat around the bush either. Whatever he had planned for Roy, the Mustang would love it. "Think he'll make it to the party?" the brunette asked, already knowing the answer. He just looked forward to hearing his brother respond.

"I know he'll be there. He's putting the shindig on. And he needs a pit stop too. Right?"

_____________________

You've sought the truth so many times, but this time, it's evading you.
You're reaching out to it, hoping to grab it with open eyes, but it's hidden.
I'm glad you're willing to take extra steps, though.
With your enthusiasm, I'm sure you'll grant his Christmas wish.

_____________________

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep, because reality is finally better than your dreams." -Dr.Seuss