((I didn't, not really, my excuse for running a extension in here and logging in, is that I need Spyware protection, which is true, but nonetheless I can get on here while I'm at it X3. No biggies, hope everything is okay now.))

Alphonse, smiling sheepishly, took the outstretched hand and hauled himself to his feet.
"Right." He was just beginning to wonder what going back was really going to mean...

"Conductor, conductor..." Edward mumbled to himself as he walked up through the aisles, looking for someone that actually worked on the train.
"Why is is that you can never find anyone that you're looking for...until they're right on you?"

[So does that mean U can be online more now??? *ish happeh for you* and yeah, for now all is well with him.]

I smiled as I hauled him to his feet and opened the creaky door to the car of the train. A few heads jerked around to look at us, then they shrugged and went on with their business. It wasnt as busy as I had thought it was going to be. I found an empty spot at the head of the car and headed that way.
I plopped down in the booth, the table between one and another seat/booth and pulled my bag off my shoulder and put it beside me. I stared out the window.
"Nice view..." I smiled, looking to Alphonse.

A tall heavy guy came up from behind Edward in the car after the one Shiba and Al were in and he tapped his shoulder heavily.
"Hey kiddo, get in your seat."

((It means, that I'm not going to get KICKED XDDDD WHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAH!!!! 'For now' huh? Well, I hope it stays that way ^.^))

Alphonse, taking his seat opposite her, nodded back, looking at the scenery that was picking up pace, and then was nothing but a green blur, offset with white splotches from the sky and clouds.
"Yeah." His mouth was set in a small smile, mostly out of habit, but he said nothing more, but plopped his head on his hand and stared out the window, waiting his brother's return.

"... ... ...." 'Kiddo' had rubbed him the wrong way, but Edward said nothing, ducking out from under the heavy hand, coughing as he adjusted his collar.
"Yeah....about that, listen, me and my two friends had to jump on last minute, so I'm here to pay our fare."

[did you get the kitty slippers on Gaia?? I know ur not active on Gaia, but im collecting them (theyre free XD) so if u get them, can I have 'em?? >.>' and KICKED as in kicked off by what? oh and Ive been thinking... I havnt talked or heard to/from Anyako since December, so if you like, would you like to continue Angelic Twins with just the two of us?]

I closed my eyes in a softness and wondered where Ed was as well, but brushed it off and rested my head on my hand as well. My heartbeat finally slowed down and I let out a long sigh.

He crossed his arms, still looking down at him, then smiled kindly.
"Well squirt, I thank you for your honesty. How many tickets yah need? 3? they're 10.50 per passenger. Your total is 31.50$"

((Nope, haven't been on there since we were talking with Amanda. I would get kicked off by the site when I was on the other computer, I guess it couldn't handle Mene anymore. If you want. I can make my post in there as soon as I get done here...*doesn't want to admit I miss Kane*))

"... ... ...." Kiddo? Squirt!?...Edward took a ragged breath.
"Fine. Here." He handed over the money, not bothering for his change, and then stalked off, sucking in his stomach in an effort to make himself appear taller. Now that he had his original body back...he should be getting taller....right? RIGHT!?...stop laughing.

Edward got back to the others, still puffed in his chest, he looked at the both of them, and then in a whoosh, all the air he'd been holding rushed out, leaving him short...like always.
"What's up with you two?" He asked.
"I figured with me being gone, you two'd be yaking it up."

[Oh so ur comp handles Mene better?? Good XD I luff the new kitteh slippers on Gaia.... x.x' and me and Amanda STILL bring that up *hides* but in the middle of room LOL. Yesh... do post.. I miss mah Kane....>.>]

The man took the money and walked off, glancing over his shoulder at the boy who left the car. he just shook his head and continued to walk about collecting fares.

I opened one eye and looked up at Edward and I smiled meekly, taking my bag into my lap.
"Did you get taller?" I asked him, lifting my head up and looking him over, blushing a bit.
"I guess we're just dreading this whole long ride, I guess.." I yawned.

((Jep, XDD I posted, I posted...just don't hate me for the length LOL))

Edward blinked and then smiled, having his ego stroked was doing wonders for his mood.
"What for? Al, aren't we heading back home, Shiba I can understand but you?"
"Huh?" Alphonse looked back to Edward and then looked back out the window.
"I don't know Ed...I'm excited to be able to see Granny Pinako again...but...it's almost like going 'home' to a family of strangers...they haven't seen me like this since I was what...ten?"
"Aw," Edward said with a puff as he sat down beside Shiba.
"You two worry too much, this is going to be great! Just wait and see."

[wanna fast forward to us getting to Risembool station?? and am I playing Winry AND Pinako??]

I smiled back at him; his smile made wonders.
I looked to him as he sat down and I took a light hold of his right hand with my left under the table and I looked to him, hoping Al wouldn't see us staring at one another. I was blushing a bit, and I had a tint of worry in my eyes; I had a feeling the encounter with Winry wouldn't be good.

((That's fine, and no you don't have to take both of them, I'll call Pinako, her dialouge will be in black like Kiri's was.))

Edward almost leapt off the train when the air of Risembool hit him from inside the train, he long before coaxed Alphonse into letting the window down and he was eager to get out and see what the twon looked like when he wasn't so focused on the Philospher's Stone. It was so different when he wasn't hounded by Military problems, assassins, or crazy blonde water sprites.
"Al, come look at this!" He cried, racing off with the bag tucked under his arm.
Alphonse paused in the door, standing awkwardly beside Shiba.
"Well...here we are..." He muttered.
"We're both kind of out of our element aren't we?" He smiled and hopped off the last step, waiting at the bottom for her to join them.

[sorry im taking long to reply in AT- Im reading a few pages before so I know how to act towards Kane]

I smiled and stretched up my arms and puffed out my chest and I exited the train.
"Oh wow!! Its so beautiful out here!!" IO said, looking around, standing behind the boys.
"Well, lead the way... Im right behind you guys.." I said worriedly, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

((That's what I figured you'd be doing LOL I need to do that so I know more about the last actions, but for right now, I'm messing around on other sites XDD))

Edward, being exicted as he was, lead the small group, past houses, and feilds, taking the most scenic routes that he could think of, winding over the hillsides, and back again, all before coming to stop before the two story house that he and Alphonse had called home for the past few years.
"HEY GRANNY!" He called.
"WE'RE HOME!"

Inside, there was a pause.
"Winry!" Came a weathered voice.
"Grab your tools....he'll probably need more work done." There was silence, and then a pause and the door swung open.
"Well, don't just stand there come--" Pinako Rockbell, for the most part feared by those in her profession, stood there in the doorway, staring.
"Ed..Edward...Alphonse?" She asked, as the two boys moved forward a few more paces.
"That's us Granny." The old woman's face turned up with tears streaming out the crinkled sides of her eyes, and she ran to embrace the two, pounding them with questions and threats all at once.
"Why you little idiots--if I had known, Look at you! Winry!! Winry!!! Now look, we're going to lose so much business!"

[[XD I read from 63 and n, skimming Anyakos posts cause theye dictionary-length long x.x]

I looked around was I trailed behind the energetic Edward and the somewhat fearful Alphonse.
Approaching the house, I stopped at the gate and let them enter first. I watched on quietly.

Hearing her grandmother yelling for her and practically fell down the steps and past the dog, who was runing for the door as well and she stopped in her tracks, seeing only Edward at the door, in his usal red coat and leather slacks.
She blushed, in her usual outfit and looked him over.
"hello Edward... it's been a while... wheres Al-" She stopped her words, looking past Pinako and seeing Alphonse, who stood about 5 inches higher than Edward.
"AL...Phonse..?" She said, her eyes swelling up.
She stepped closer.
"Is.. that really you?"
The dog (i forget its name x.x') whimpered, not leaving the security of Winrys legs.

She was prettier than Roy had in his memory... I had no chance if she was interested in Edward...

((XDD some of mine aren't any better LOL))

Edward nodded, smiling toward Winry and Den, patting Pinako's back as she fussed over the two boys.
"Yep, it's us." Alphonse waved, and almost pried himself off their Grandmother, to introduce Shiba.
"Granny, Winry, we'd like you to meet Shiba, she's our friend from East City, honestly we couldn't have gotten back to the way we were if it hadn't been for her and Kiri." He smiled back.
"Come on, Shiba, no one's going to bite." Pinako, pulling away from Edward, dabbed at her withered eyes and smiled, calming herself.
"Oh, didn't see you back there." She said good-naturedly.
"Come in all of you and I'll start on dinner, knowing you boys, you're hungry enough to eat me out of house and home...again."

[hers you had to analyze though x.x']

Den ran towards Edward and tackled him to the ground, licking his face vigorously.
Winry could only smile as the streams finally fell from her glassy eyes.
"Oh Alphonse.... " she said, walking up to him and giving him a tight hug, her arms wrapping around his torso; he was about 3 inches taller than Winry. She released him quickly, blushing and looked to the girl at the gate.

I shyly looked up and came in the gate and walked up towards the crowd of family. Prying huimself from Edward, Den came up to me and I put my hand out to him. After throughly sniffing for a minute, he wagged his tail and looked to me. I pet his head and smiled at the creature, who had an automail leg. He was so happy to be with the family, maybe I could to be too.
I looked to Winry and Pinako and bowed.
"Uhm, pleasure to meet you, I'm Shiba."

Winry smiled and waved to her.
"No need for formalities. Im Winry Rockbell, and this is my granny Pinako. We're Eds mechanics and his family." She added slyly, walking into the house.
"I assume all of you will be staying with us?" She asked, walking into the warm home.

The sun was setting and I was exhausted from the 3 day train ride. My body screamed for a shower and a home cooked meal.

((With all the fifteen dollar words? LOL))

Alphonse squrimed around in Winry's grasp.
"Winry...you're--you're crushing me...." He'd almost forgot how strong she'd become....he supposed that working with automail would do that to a person.

"Of course we are!" Ed smiled, standing from where Den had knocked him.
"Where else would we go?" He cocked an eyebrow after her and then turned back to Shiba.
"Ignore her, she's got to get used to you before she'll stop being such a pain." He smiled and waved both her and Alphonse on into the house.
"What you wanna et Granny's making stew?" He asked as Alphonse crossed the threshold.
"Mmm...that'd be good!"

[did you see the event items?>? NOO one wants to sell me the Boa and fan... x.x']

Winry swiftly turned around and hit Edward in the head with a wrench that seemed to come out of nowhere.
"A WARNING WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE, SO I COULD HAVE AT LEAST CLEANED UP THE PLACE AND SHOWERED!!" She smiled at me and not saying an additional word, She stomped off into the kitchen to help Pinako with the meal.

I scratched my nose nervously looking down at Edward who was spewn all over the floor.
"Your poor thing.." I said. I looked around the home; it smelled of oil and metal. I sat down on the couch and looked around, keeping my hand firmly in my lap. I felt out of place and I could only dart my eyes back and fourth in worry and in thought.

((Wow, had to go back two pages for this thing LOL))

Edward had, which was just his luck, turned right into the two pound peice of iron flung at his head. He went to the floor with a groan and held onto his bleeding nose.
"WINRY!!" He cried, trying not to let his voice crack in pain.
"Watch where you're throwing that thing next time!"
"Umm..brother?" Alphonse said kneeling beside him.
"I think...she was watching." Edward only groaned once more.
"Why don't you two boys show your guest around if you've got time to flail around?" Pinako yelled from the kitchen.
"Surely your time can be better put to use than rolling around on the floor."
Edward grimaced sitting up.
"Fine Granny." He said through his pinched nose.
"I guess we should show you where everything is." Looking back over at where Shiba had settled into a corner.
"It's not like you can do much sitting there anyway." He smiled and rose from the hardwood floor.

[now, let us remember, Winry and Pinako still havnt found out about Ed NOT having automail anymore...]

Winry gave a hmph as the boys gathered themselves up and looked to Shiba.

I stood, and walked to Ed's side, and making sure his back was facing Winry and Pinako, who were busy in the kitchen, I brought my face to his and our noses touched. I placed my soft hands gently on his cheeks and closed my eyes.... using alchemy, I made his nose stop bleeding and stop throbbing... it looked as if he weren't hit at all. I opened my eyes after the glow and looked into his deep eyes, not wanting to let him go.
"Feel better?" I asked, feeling his breath on my lips as I spoke.

((Good point, good point XDD))

Edward turned pink and closed his eyes as well, this was always the weirdest part of Shiba's alchemy, and one that he was sure he would never get over.
"Uh...huh." He breathed, enjoying the touch of Shiba's hands on his face...that was another thing he hoped he'd never get used to.
"Feels great." He breathed.
Alphonse merely looked politely away, smiling nonetheless.

[GAAAHHH MUST DRAW SCENE XD, oh and please note: i hate Winry with a passion, so im gonna make her a total bitch.]

Winry saw the flash and looked over her shoulder and saw my hands on Ed's face. She grunted and blushed, throwing a shoe at him, but missing.

Startled, I let him go, and shuffled backwards, hiding my eyes under my bangs, and I looked sternly to the floor; I should have known not to go near him in Winrys home.

Winry walked up to Edward and kicked him in the lower back.
"So, yah here for some repairs, or a full out new one? You seem to have grown a bit taller I'm sure your leg is alot shorter than the other one." The glare she secretly sent me gave me the hint to leave the room. I stood and looked to Alphonse, budding my shoulder with his.
"Uhm, so, weren't you going to show me around?" I wanted to get away from her as soon as possible... and let her and Ed have their alone time.

((LOL That's going to be funneh XDD She can be a pain though. EX. The Barry episode...all she did was scream. >.>))

Edward turned when he saw the shoe whizz past his face, and he looked all around, finally settling on Winry as she stomped into the room. Oh crap.

He winced in pain as her foot connected with his spinal cord...Damn what was this girl on!? Steroids!? Had Teacher been giving her lessons while he was gone?!? MAN, that stung!
"Winry, what the Hell is your problem!?" He asked while rubbing his back with his left hand.
"Al, you and Shiba go on, I'll catch up to you in a moment or so." He shooed them on, and then turned back to Winry.
"Crazy Girl, what's with you today!? And can't I come home for a dinner without having some busted auto-mail? Geeze." He had totally missed the 'taller' comment, else he would have been flattered that she'd called him something other than 'small'.

[OMG i hate that episode... but love Ed in it.... XD]
(I think I may have forgotten to show you this...[Shiba Paints]


Al and I went upstairs, in the meantime.
"I thought you and Ed said she was like a sister? She's acting a bit jealous.. gosh, I knew I shouldn't have come..." I'm such a fool..." I said, looking to the oak flooring of the long hallway.



Placing her hands on her hips, she glared down at him, making sure we were gone.
"What's your problem? Who is that strange girl? Why is she so touchy-feely with you? Why don't you push her off, like you do to me?!" She stared down at him, anger, frustration, jealousy evident in her eyes.

"If youre not here for an automail repair, then what are you here for? Its not like you come by just on a whim to see me or anything.. god forbid you pry yourself from Roy's lap to come see us..." She about faced and looked to the floor, and kicked a loose bolt away.

((LOL I do too, Barry's just a leetle psycho...and looks really weird in women's clothes ....6.6 My eyes burn now))

"Well, to me and Ed, I guess she is a sister, I mean we've grown up with her ever since...well, ever since Mom died...even before that..I just don't understand what's gotten into her though." He reached out and touched her arm.
"No, no need for you to worry, Ed'll straighten things out, in the meantime, I'll show you where the bathroom and things are."

"I believe I asked you that first." Edward scowled.
"As for the 'girl' as you so jealously put it. She's Shiba, if you'd been paying any attention earlier, you'd have known that. She's from East City, and a very good freind."

"I don't think that it matters whether or not I come for a repair, or whatnot, and where do you get off," Edward's voice was near shouting range now.
"Saying anything that even remotely relates to me and the Colonel!?" He reached out and gripped her shoulder hauling her back around to face him.
"If you were a boy I'd deck you." He hissed.
"But you're not, and I have a policy against hitting girls." He shook his head and swept past her heading into the kitchen in order to clear his head.

"Oh Edward...did you come in here to help?" He shook his head as he sat down at the table.
"Edward.." Pinako's voice grew grim.
"Try to forgive Winry."
"You heard?"
"How could I not?" The wizened cheeks crinkled in a smlight smile.
"You and Al are the only family she has left besides me...cut her some slack would you?"
"I would...if she'd stop kicking me in the back." Pinako chuckled.
"Takes after her grandmother, sorry about that." Edward only sighed and let his head flop onto the table in front of him.

I looked to Alphonse and sighed. Hearing Edward shout from downstairs, I now knew it wasn't a good idea for me to be there.
"I need to go..." I said to him, going into the bathroom, I slid open the window and clapped, making the wall a slide, and I slid down it, my back pack still on my back.
"I'm gonna go by the river we passed earlier.. I need to be alone for a while..." I clapped, making the wall normal again and walked off.
Under the cloak of night, I stopped at a place which seemed desolate and looked to the ground- it looked burnt and covered in...ashes and soot? I shrugged and walked on.

"I told you my problem! You never call or keep in touch! How are we supposed to know if youre still alive or not! Or do you not care what we think, and that we still love you like family..."
She was whipped around, and she looked down at him, her eyes were glassy.
"Then deck me, go ahead. Id rather get decked by you than see you look--" she cut herself off.
"You look at her differently... what has she got that I dont?"
He finally let her go and walked past her. She huffed and fell to her knees, covering her face.
"Wont you ever understand...?" she whispered to herself, sobbing.

((O.Mai.Gosh, you just totally ran away!...ew...sounded so preppy there, ignore please >.>))

"Nii-San!" Alphonse cried moments later, runing down the stairs and practically falling into the kitchen.
"Shiba's gone!" Edward jerked up.
"What!?"
"She's gone! I showed her where the bathroom was, but then, she never came out, so I went to check on her, and she wasn't there!"
"Crap!"
"Edward, you and Winry go look for her, Al, come with me."
"Mmm." Alphonse nodded and followed after Pinako while Ed went to retrieve Winry.
"Lord knows what's out there in the middle of the night, even around here."