Chapter 12: The Plan

Alphonse woke up, this time feeling little to no pain. 'Looks like I am fully healed now.' Alphonse thought to himself. Alphonse looked over and saw that it was dark out, Cedra was sleeping there. Knowing his sister is safe, a relaxed sensation overcame Alphonse as he began his routine.

Alphonse sat on his bed until the sun came up, then he went downstairs and did as he was told, whether it was endurance training, strength training, or martial training. Slowly, a few months passed.

(10th moon, 21st day, 454 Lu.)

"Tonight." Aila said quietly to Alphonse and Cedra. "Alphonse would be more fit for this, but no one knows about his existence, plus father would notice if he was gone." Aila explained further. "Do you remember what you have to do, Cedra?" She asked. Cedra nodded as she held up the note which had a map on it. Aila sighed. "You guys were forced to grow up faster than the rest of us, I know it isn't only my fault, but as your older sister I can't help but feel extremely responsible..." Aila said as she hugged Cedra and Alphonse.

"Alright, leave the rest to me!" Cedra said as she climbed out the window. When the day came, Cedra still wasn't back and Alphonse had already begun his training.

...

Cedra knocked on a door as the sun began to rise, and just a few moments later the door opened. A man had answered the door and looked at Cedra. Cedra was wearing her usual clothes, an old dress that has several holes and patchwork on it. "Look, kid, I don't know what you want, but we don't have any." The man said as he began to close the door.

"W-wait! Mister Tatsumi!" Cedra yelled as the door was almost closed. The man opened the door again and looked at Cedra.

"How do you know who I am?" Mr. Tatsumi asked. Cedra looked at him and handed him a note.

"I am pretty sure the terms are non-negotiable..." Cedra said as she bowed politely to him. Mr. Tatsumi grabbed the note and read it, then said.

"Come in." Cedra looked around for a moment, then entered. "So you're the chief's daughter?" He asked. Cedra nodded a little.

"I-I am." She said nervously. "Wh-why do you ask?" She asked in response.

"I just find it hard to believe... I mean your clothes aren't very high quality after all." He said. Cedra nodded to this.

"My siblings have better clothes than me... Uhm... Does the note mention anyone with the name Alphonse?" Cedra asked.

"It did, he is your older brother, yes?" Tatsumi asked. Cedra nodded. "It says he's your twin, but it was hidden because, well... I'm sure you've heard the stories..." Tatsumi said as he lowered his head. Tatsumi continued to read the note. "I don't think I can do this, but I can get a group to confront Raeloph at least, though the preparations could take over a year..." Tatsumi said. "It's quite hard to get things from beyond the wall..." He added as he continued reading.

After a moment his eyes opened wide. "What's wrong Mr. Tatsumi?" Cedra asked. Tatsumi covered his mouth with his hand as he got up and started pacing around. Cedra looked at him, not sure of why he had this reaction.

"Would you like something to eat?" Tatsumi asked.

"I don't think I have time for that..." Cedra responded as she got up.

"You asked a question, the answer will take some time to explain." Tatsumi responded. Several minutes later Cedra was sitting at a table with a meal in front of her. "I assume you have never heard of the awakening." Cedra shook her head.

"Never." She said as she waited before eating.

"you can eat that." Tatsumi said as he was about to say something else. Cedra immediately began to eat. "The awakening is an awakening of power that occurs in some of our kind, it is rather rare, however... There are some dangers when it happens." Tatsumi explained. Cedra listened intently as she ate. "The most major drawback is the fact that it can cause the user to go insane..." Tatsumi continued.

"Are you saying that me coming here has something to do with the awakening?" Cedra asked.

"Yes, yes it does." Tatsumi responded. "You see, the awakening is a test of will, so to speak, so if your will is weak and you use the ability, you are highly likely to go insane, well maybe insane isn't quite right... It's like your judgment becomes cloudy and your emotions go haywire..." Tatsumi explained further. "Typically the emotion with the loosest fuse, by nature that is, becomes dominant." Cedra looked up as she finished her food.

"So... Did my father use the awakening?" She asked.

"Th-that is what the note said... It seems he failed to protect his willpower..." Tatsumi finished. Cedra looked down.

"I suppose that's why I find it hard to blame him for what he did to me and Alphonse..." She responded softly. Tatsumi looked away for a moment.

"Would you like some more?" He asked. Cedra shook her head.

"I should go, they're probably wondering why I haven't come back yet..." She responded as she got up.

"Stay strong, little one." Tatsumi said. Cedra nodded lightly as she left the house. 'I forgot to tell her about the whole fractured iris portion...' He thought to himself.

...

Alphonse was pushed to the ground as a vast amount of pressure was applied to the pressure point on his left shoulder. "Tap out and you won't pass out!" Raeloph said with an annoyed tone of voice. Alphonse shook his head.

'Why would I when I'll just get punished?' Alphonse thought to himself. Henmer walked up to the sparring area.

"Aren't you being a little harsh, father?" He asked. Raeloph looked at him angrily as he released his grip on Alphonse and pushed Henmer to the wall by his throat.

"Do not question my actions!" Raeloph yelled with a special emphasis on not.