automailed | [Voice / Action]

[Now that he's gotten over his own embarrassment somewhat-]

...So that's what an experiment is like, huh.

[Okay, maybe not entirely over it. That was beyond humiliating and he doesn't even want to acknowledge it anymore. Ugh.]

Whatever, forget it. I have a question for the people who've lived here longer than me. What kind of escape attempts have already happened here? Has anything worked, or even showed small signs of success? If it's not something you want to talk about over the journals, you can find me at the library.

Thanks in advance.

[...Oh right, before he forgets again-]

And if anyone finds a silver pocketwatch in one of the shops, chances are it's mine. I'd appreciate it if you let me know if you see it.

...Don't look inside, either!

[And as promised Ed will be at the library today, either inside pouring over a dozen books or just outside the entrance, probably munching away at something he pilfered during a visit to the bakery. You know, after he realized he hadn't eaten for seven hours or something. As usual he's probably wearing five different layers despite the heat, the nutter.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Glad to hear it. I was starting to get comfortable here. Especially after that trip to the beach. [Winry almost had him convinced to spend time learning to swim, even.]

Yeah. I'm thinking by the end of next week, we'll be ready.

[He pauses, mulling over something for a moment, then adds-]

We'll... have to use it, Ling.

[Hopefully Ling will understand what he means.]

We both figured you would.

[It's a sacrifice they're willing to make. Ling can't become Emperor stuck in here and Greed can hardly rule a world like this, trapped in a bubble.]

We'll make that sacrifice.

...Yeah.

[A necessary sacrifice... he knows it, can't really deny it. But it still makes him feel uneasy, leaving a bad taste in his mouth. He hasn't forgotten what it felt like to use the Philosopher's Stone last time, with all those voices screaming and crying out all around him.

"Thank you."

Was it better to use them this way, for his own gain but also for the sake of protecting Amestris by sending himself and the others back home? Or to leave them as they were, suffering inside Greed's stone, unable to rest until he's injured or is killed? Is there really a good answer for this?

He just doesn't know.]

[He knows good and well Edward is squeamish about using the stone. In a way it's an admirable trait, to be able to value life so highly. It's unfortunately a luxury Ling will never be able to afford.]

Are you sure you still want to do this?

[Edward shakes his head, with only a second's hesitation. No. He can't afford to indulge his own concerns in this kind of situation; it may not be as severe a place to be trapped in as Gluttony's stomach, but it's still a prison nonetheless.]

We don't have much choice here. Let's just do it before I change my mind.

Have you told Winry your plans? She's been here a long time. [Lots of friends to leave behind... will she even want to leave?]

She already knows that we've been working on it for a while, so I'll tell her as soon as it's finished. I figure if we give everyone a couple of days two say goodbye if they want to, that'd be enough.

[Maybe it's not the most sensitive of decisions, but it's not like they haven't been given ample warning.]

Not much time for goodbyes. Are you going to leave behind any notes for anyone else who might want to escape the same way?

[He's more concerned about his own plight, but they're not the only people stuck here.]

I could do that, but just the circle isn't enough. What kind of toll are they going to use if they don't have a stone?

[That... really worries him, he can't lie. He's sure as hell not going to leave behind the notes for making that either.]

You've seen the people around here, right? I can't be the only walking battery.

Hm. [Edward's not entirely convinced, but he shrugs.] I'll leave the circle then, with some instructions. They'd just better not let any idiots try it and leave it to someone who actually knows alchemy.

Better leave it with someone you can trust, then.

I've only been here for a few months- everyone I trust is coming with us. I'll have to ask Winry or the Lt. Colonel.

That's because you haven't spent any time making friends. To think, you're going to leave this place without knowing much about it.

I think I know enough.

[To know it's a horrible, horrible place and no good can come of staying in it. Ugh.]

It's almost a shame we won't be here longer. There's some beautiful women around here I wouldn't mind bringing with us.

Don't you have forty future wives to look forward to already?

Exactly. One extra one won't hurt.

...When you say stuff like that, it's no wonder you and Greed can get along.

[It's almost uncanny how alike they can be, really.]

I prefer to think I'm just a likable guy. You and I became instant friends, after all.

[even if Edward was a little violent, Ling was able to forgive him for it.]

I think I remember it a little differently than you.

[You know, what with you asking about the Philosopher's Stone by threatening him and Al with violence and causing the destruction of a good chunk of the city...]

No matter, the end result is still the same.

Yeah, sure.

[But whatever, he's not out to argue the details of the past with Ling right now.]

Just... don't go dying on us in the middle of this.

[And that... is a genuine concern, though he's trying not to show it. He hadn't felt much (if any) concern when he'd used Envy's stone, but he was all too aware of the fact that using up the stone killed a homunculus. And he really doesn't want to be the reason for anyone dying, especially not a friend.]

Worry about yourself, Ed. I can't speak for you, but I have too much to live for to worry about dying.

[That's Lingese for "I'll be fine."]

[Voice]

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