Ice and Sword

Chapter 1: Not the beginning anyone suspected

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of FMA, nor do I plan to gain profit from this story. I do own my characters, and plot. Thank you and enjoy.

Sword

"Dogs huh? I love dogs!" I mimicked Roy from Fullmetal Alchemist while exiting my dojang, my best friend Kali at my side. We both burst out laughing, holding onto each other for support. She then imitated his rant, causing us to burst out laughing again. She always knew that part better than I did.

I wiped tears of joy from my eyes and dug my hand into my duffle bag in search for my car keys. My pretty white Corolla sat a few meters in front of us, but we had stopped within circle of overhead light provided by the back door of my dojang. "So what do you call this place again?" Kali asked glancing back at the green metallic door with a red, yellow, and blue yin-yang symbol on the glass window. The words Kasung Academy above the symbol.

"A do-jong" I emphasized the pronunciation. "It's basically the Korean term for a school," I further explained, even though it was unnecessary. I scowled at my bag, hands bumping into a number of things, but not my keys. The chill winter air was staring to get nippy, but luckily it had been wet snow over the weekend so the roads were only wet, much easier for driving than the blizzard last week, I mused.

"Okay. Oh, have you talked to Jin lately?" She asked grinning at me. I mentally laughed, her and her weird infatuation for Asians.

I nodded, hands finally locating my keys. I let out a triumphant note while pulling them out. She giggled and rolled her eyes and we stepped towards my car, "Saw him at mutual yesterday, didn't talk to him though. He was too busy bothering the younger girls and other Koreans." I spun the keys around my finger, jangling them loudly.

She laughed, and I joined her, "He still being an idiot?"

I snorted a yes and unlocked my car. I moved to open the driver's door, when a dark threatening voice spoke from in front of the car, "Well aren't you two a bunch of chatter boxes…"

My hand froze, fingers barely brushing the cold metal of the handle. The voice sounded so familiar, yet I had never heard it in person before.

"What the…" Kali gasped from the other side of the car. I couldn't tell her expression because my gaze was locked onto the stranger in front of me.

"Awesome Cosplay…but there isn't a convention around here," Kali commented, sounding off. I couldn't look away, let alone breathe, so I said nothing.

The half-moon filtered out from behind a cloud, and lit up the figure more than the light from behind us. "Huh? What the hell are you maggots talking about?"

Standing there-one hand casually resting on his hip, wicked grin on his face-was Envy.

0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0

I snapped awake after a sensation of falling. Surprisingly my breathing was heavy and strained, as if I had just run a marathon. My inner voice laughed, as if I could ever run a marathon. I told myself to shut up, and I focused back on reality.

I stared up at an unfamiliar tan ceiling. Panic started dripping into my veins. An unfamiliar ceiling meant I was somewhere I had never been before, which also meant there were unpredictable people around that put me in this position. It also meant that I was in an unfavorable position in which I might not be able to defend myself. My breathing slowed, but my heart picked up pace. I was terrified. That much was easy to admit.

I had to get up, I needed to see my surroundings and formulate a possible escape plan. I had to get home.

Home?

Where was home?

Where was I? –am I. Proper grammar, present tense. Well…where was I before this anyhow? That's also an important question.

Wait, who was I?

Pfft, I knew who I was, this isn't a case of amnesia, just unknown location. Speaking of unknown location…

I once again focused outward, at the tan ceiling and matching tan walls-from what I could see in my horizontal prone position. I inhaled bracing for the soreness I already knew would be waiting for me at my first attempt of movement. I slowly pulled myself upward into a sitting position. Tears prickled, wanting to fall as the pain was more intense than I ever expected. In fact this was the worst pain I have ever felt in my entire seventeen years of living.

Everything hurt, my entire body ached and a sharp pain pinched my lungs as I struggled to breath. I felt utterly weak and helpless, not unlike a new born kitten. I was in every sense. I was blind to my position and didn't have properly working limbs, not to mention the throbbing pain. My entire body pulsed with each heartbeat…it hurts so much.

The few curse words I knew I in German circulated through my head. Man this was bad, what the heck happened to me. Did I get in a fight, because I know my training never left me this sore? Wait…a fight.

I uncurled from the fetal position I unconsciously curled myself into, to try to stop the pain. Memories flashed through my head. Envy. The fifth Laboratory. The Gate. Truth. Kali.

KALI!

This got me to my feet, which I heavily staggered under my jello-like legs. I jerked my head back and forth, looking for her. The basic tan and green room was empty except for me and the bed I was on. Something tugged on my arm, and I saw a needle going into my arm connected to an IV bag. I glowered at the needle, feeling myself squirm from the thought of have the metal pierce my skin.

Don't pull it out! My mind shouted, flashing a tumblr post of all things on how stupid it was to just rip out an IV needle. Shut up tumblr.

I gripped the head of the needle and the tube it was connect to and gently slid it out of my skin, shivering at the odd sensation it brought. I could feel it glide from under my skin, exciting the damaged nerve receptors. Once out I threw it away, wiping my hands on the pale lavender hospital scrubs I just realized I was dressed in.

I didn't remember putting them on myself, so that meant someone dressed me. Awkward. My face warmed at the thought.

I shook my head, I'm getting off track. I need to find out where I am! Then I need to find Kali and figure out a way back home.

But you've already decided to stay here. A voice comprised of many voices echoed through my head. Sharp pressure on the back of my skull drove me to clutch my head.

"Truth," I spoke aloud, my voice shaky and a bit hoarse.

Ah, so you do remember. The voice chuckled, seemingly amused. The jerk-bag.

"Where am I?" I asked the voice, already getting use to the pressure. I placed a hand on the cool wall to steady myself.

You already know that. The voice laughed, definitely amused.

I do, my mind answered for me. The dark little corner of my mind I had avoided thinking about suddenly sprang to the forefront. Memories spiraled through, almost too fast for me to comprehend. My dojang, Kali, Envy, the explosion, the transmutation circle, the eye, truth's realm, truth, the bargain, the two gates, the power, Kali's smile, the truth, Kali being ripped away. I shook my head, no. I didn't want it to be true. Kali was gone and I was the idiot who lost her.

Sobs racked my frame and I curled into myself, hissing as my hand brushed my throbbing right side. More memories flashed through my head: exiting the black void, the fifth laboratory, Envy and Lust. Ohmygod! It was real.

It was all real.

I'm here, I'm actually here. My inner fangirl soared with delight. It was an absolute wish, an impossible dream, come true. I was in Amestris!

But Kali isn't here.

"Where the hell is she?" I demanded through a choked and strained sob. My tears felt cold on my face, but I ignored it, desperately listening for Truth to answer.

Oh she's around. Came the eventual answer. The voice was filled with glee and I knew it was egging me on.

I took the bait. "Where the hell is she you bastard! You said our payment wasn't needed! She was not part of that payment! Give her back you bastard!" Each demanded question became more desperate and loud, but I didn't care.

How can I give back what I don't have?

The answer made me freeze. "You…y-you don't have her?"

I don't see the need to repeat myself. I do hope you two will make this interesting. The voice disappeared, and so did the pressure from my head.

Kali…Kali was alive. Tears of joy replaced the sorrowful ones and I let out a strained laugh. Kali was alive, somewhere. I grinned and wiped away my tears. I had never before had a goal I could solely be focused on. Now I did.

I was going to find Kali.

My mind flashed back to Edward, he had to be here somewhere.

Anticipation, fear, and guilt circled in my gut, making me feel queasy, but elated. I knew just how I was going to find her.

0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0

I slowly cracked the door open and peered out. I decided I needed to take a look around to figure out where I was. I determined I was in a hospital of sorts-hence the IV-, but I still wanted to figure out where I was for reference. Well that and the throbbing fear of being helpless was also driving me to explore, familiarize myself with my surroundings. I laughed a bit, how many times had Greening barked that at us during classes. Couldn't count, but the message stuck. Always be aware of your surroundings.

My thoughts made me pause. I hope he was okay. I remembered my instructor, Forest Greening (who knows what his parents were thinking with that name), had rushed out to help in the chaos, but was thrown back by Envy. I hope he was okay. He didn't have the nickname Superman for no reason after all… I blinked back to the present.

The hallway was empty so I felt it safe enough to venture out. I gently closed the door behind me, wincing as my side twisted uncomfortably. Stupid Envy, he didn't have to kick me that hard. Brushing the thought and pain aside I limped down the hall. I had a nice bruise on my left upper thigh from when I tried protecting myself from Envy's kick. Jerk. Not to mention my right cheek was swollen and a bit warm, probably had an infection from a cut. I brushed along my neck, where Envy and lifted me off the ground, be strangled in such a fashion really sucked. Overall I'm sure I looked like a piece of over-tendered steak. Wonderful.

I wandered down the hall, shoulders tense in anticipation, but I didn't encounter anyone. Strange. Thought I'd at least see a few people: nurses, other patients and such. I did encounter a stair case leading upwards, and almost turned back; yet, something tugged in me, telling me to go up. So I did.

I regretted it instantly. It was one thing traversing stairs at school every day-and boy were there too many-it was another task all together when one is as beat up as I am. Not even half way up I had to stop and catch my breath as my leg muscles screamed in protest. This was stupid, I should just go back to my room and lie on the bed.

Something drove me on and after I could will myself to I continued on, pausing every few steps. God, was I weak or what? This sucked majorly, can't even climb a flight of stairs let alone escape if anyone ambushed me.

Let's not jinx it. The universe would screw me over if I did. Then again, this is a different universe…a mental picture of me praying as a sparling spotlight fell over me played in my head. Did this mean my jinx was over, was I finally free from the universe's wrath?

I took the final step onto the upper floor, and was hit in the face with a book. Nope. Universe still hates me…

I held my assaulted nose as the book clattered to the floor and a panicked voice started a rapid mantra of apologizes. I sniffled, rubbing it to ease the pain, "No, no, it's okay. The universe hates me anyway so I should have expected this to happen…"

"What?" I look up at the military personnel and see a rather striking young man in his early twenties with scruffy dark brown hair and pale blue eyes. My inner self started to drool, and coo appreciatively, because not only was he handsome, he had an awesome physique from the way his uniform hugged his body.

My face warmed and I waved a hand dismissively, "Nothing, just a bit stunned from the impact."

He smiled sheepishly, light blush dusting his face. My inner self screamed. He was absolutely adorable. "I-I'm really sorry about that."

I laughed, overwhelmed with all my previous feelings, and the overly comical circumstance of the meeting. "Its fine don't worry about it, really."

The man smiled and I just about melted. Why was it that I had to travel to a completely different universe to find an adorable guy? Life is weird.

"If you don't mind my asking, why are you up here, the medical wing occupies the lower two floors. These floors are restricted to military personnel only."

Shoot. "Oh…um…I-I was just trying to get some fresh air, but this place is really confusing and I got lost…" My face flamed, I hated being caught in the middle of a blunder.

"Oh, well then if you give me a moment I can escort you to the courtyard after I deliver these reference books to my commanding officer, I'm in due of a break anyway." My legs weakened as he shot me another dazzling smile.

"A-are you sure, I-I really don't want to cause you anymore problems…" I frantically wanted to leave and not bother him anymore. I hated having people do things for me, made me feel like a burden.

He laughed, "I think I'm the one who should be saying that, now I'll back in just a moment if you don't mind waiting here."

I shook my head, smiled and waved him off as he speed walked away. Once he turned a corner I collapsed leaned up against the wall and slid down until I was sitting on the floor. Man I was not expecting that, plus I don't think I could walk another step. My legs burned and I rubbed them, to encourage blood flow. Maybe he'd be okay with just sitting on the floor here?

I peeked around the small foyer that branched off into three different hallways. I could hear the faint echoes of military boots and traces of conversation from all of them. Maybe not… this was restricted after all. Maybe I should just leave and not bother the poor boy…but that would be rude. He was expecting me to be here, I hate being left and forgotten, it sucks.

In my contemplation the man came back, his face donning a shocked expression when he saw me on the floor. "H-hey are you okay?"

His voice shocked me out of my thoughts and I smiled up at him, still not wanting to move. "Yeah. I think I just pushed myself too far, my legs don't want to move anymore." I laughed a bit nervously. I didn't want to admit that to him, it just slipped out. Shoot.

He chuckled, then he seemed to spot the bruising on my neck. His face darkened, became serious, and my heart leapt. Out of fear, or some other emotion I didn't know. "Who did this to you?"

I scoffed at the memory, fighting back the fear that accompanied it, "Some egotistical jerk who likes to show off his power."

"What happened?" The man's tone changed to a very sincere one, and I looked up to him in surprise. Why did he care? I was just some random girl he hit in the face with a book.

I shook my head, I had better play this safe, "I can't really remember, I blacked out," my hands ghosted over my neck. A thought then struck me.

"I-I don't even know how I ended up here," I voiced aloud. Frightened at the thought. I remembered escaping the fifth laboratory into the streets, but it was a blur after that.

The boy's brows furrowed, "This is a military hospital. Do you have family in the military?"

My grandfather was at a time, but I shook my head. I had no family here. I…I had no body. I swallowed a lump in my throat, "N-no, no I don't."

He looked alarmed, and laid a hand gently on my arm. His hand was smooth and warm, surprisingly.

"Then do you have family in the area? Friends in the family involved in the military?"

I felt like crying. I was so alone. Kali was gone, and I had nobody. I was in a completely different world, so far from home and my family. My mother and my siblings, and all my other friends. I was so alone.

I held back the tears, and stared at the floor, "No, I-I did but…" My voice tapered off, too heavy to say anything else. To admit anything else. Somehow, it would become real.

"Oh," his voice was awkward and he leaned away from where he squatted next to me. The place where his hand was still had lingering heat. Fantastic, I was creeping out the first person I've had a decent conversation with, and he was cute too.

I clear my throat, forcing the thoughts away, I can be pessimistic and cry later. Now was not the time. I shook my head and smiled at the man, "Nah, just forget it." I glanced towards the stairs, "Think the courtyard is calling, shall we?"

The man grinned, but it didn't seem to reach his eyes. He chuckled, "Sure."

I moved to stand, but before I could he-quite surprisingly-lifted me into his arms and started down the stairs. "H-hey, w-what are you doing? You don't have to! I'm too heavy!" My face flamed. I can't recall the last time anyone carried me. I'd always been the one to do the carrying, my friends even called me the 'human-chair'.

He laughed, loudly this time. "You're really not, and I thought you said your legs didn't want to move?"

"T-they don't, but I can walk for myself!" I pushed his chest lightly, mentally marveling at how firm it was. Damn.

"Look, we're already downstairs, and besides, its protocol for patients to be in wheelchairs until they are cleared to leave. You don't want me breaking protocol do you?" I stopped squirming. I really didn't want to cause him anymore trouble.

"N-no."

"Then that settles it, allow me to escort you to the courtyard in return for hitting you with that book."

I laughed, I just broke down laughing. He seemed surprised then laughed along for a moment. "The world needs more men like you," I wheezed after several moments.

"But, its only right that I-"

I cut him off. I shook my head and looked up at him, "You'd be surprised at the lack of gentlemen I've had in my life, so all I can do is thank you for even considering it, and going beyond even that and following through. So, thanks!" I beamed at him as we finally arrived at a counter area where a pretty young nurse sat.

"Oh my!" She jumped to her feet and rushed over. "Is she okay?"

"She's fine ma'am, we just need a wheelchair so I can accompany her to the courtyard for some fresh air."

"O-oh, of course!" The nurse scuttled away like a scared fawn. She was so pretty and dainty, that I'm sure I paled in comparison. How I wished I could have been born that naturally small and cute. I scoffed internally, yet here I was with my huge butt and thunder thighs at age seventeen. It wasn't fair. I wanted to be cute too!

"What's the matter?" The man asked.

I shook my head, un-scrunching my eyebrows. "Nothing, just thinking."

He chuckled, "Pretty serious thinking."

I grinned at him, "I am a rather serious girl believe it or not."

He laughed again, and the nurse scurried back, pushing an empty wheelchair in front of her.

The man set me down in it, and I can say it was definitely a relief. Not that it felt weird being carried, in fact I loved it, but I couldn't help but think the man was getting tired of carrying me. I beamed up at the woman, "Thanks so much!" She smiled back and waved us off as the man pushed me down the hallway.

After a moment of silence, I let out a loud breath, "I'm sorry, but I completely forgot to ask what you name is." I turned to look at the man.

He smiled, "It's William, but you can call me Will." He chuckled again, "I must apologize as well for not introducing myself earlier."

I laughed, "I think we were both a bit preoccupied. My name is Lace by the way."

"That is a very pretty name Miss Lace."

"Just Lace, and my grandmother gave it to me." I smiled at the memory. "She wanted her first granddaughter to have the name," I laughed, "and so I do."

"Well your grandmother certainly had good taste."

I chuckled, "Yes she did."

"Oh-"

"Oh there you are?" A familiar, yet unfamiliar voice sounded ahead of us. Shaking of the déjà vu envy moment I located the source of the voice. It was Maes Hughes. I balked with surprise.

William-Will-snapped to attention, saluting the lieutenant Colonel. He dismissed Will and smiled down at me. Wait…

He was talking to me?

"You know this girl?" Hughes directed the question at Will.

Will nodded his head, face stoic. As a solider should be. Somehow it irked me.

"We had a wonderful conversation sir," Will reported as Hughes gave him an encouraging, well more a commanding look.

I smiled at Will and watched in satisfaction as his lip twitched upward.

Hughes watched the exchange. The beamed at the both of us, clapping Will on the back. The slap of muffled flesh-on-flesh made me internally cringe. Why men greeted each other so violently always surprised me, yet I was envious for some odd reason.

"Well I'll be taking care of her now, feel free to visit while you're off duty Private Hawkins."

So his last name is Hawkins…cool. I liked it.

Williams saluted once more, then smiled at me. "I'll take you to the courtyard another time then Miss Lace."

"Certainly. I look forward to it," I beamed back.

And with that Will was gone. Which left me rather befuddled, and scared in the presence of none other than the cunning fox that was Hughes. Which I didn't entirely mind, now that I think of it.

He was a handsome man, but his eyes were dangerous. They were watching me sharply. "So our 'Jane Doe' has a name then?"

I nodded, giving Hughes a meek smile. I held out my hand, "I'm Lace and it is a pleasure to meet you."

Hughes barked a laughed and shook my hand. I gave a firm shake, as to seem stronger than I feel. They always say that you can tell a lot about a person from their handshake. Who exactly are 'they'? I tossed away the thought.

"Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes at your service, but you can call me Hughes."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Hughes, though I don't know why you're in my service, nor why I'm here for that matter." Ever since I had met William my language turned towards more sophisticated speech that adults liked.

Hughes continued to smile, but his eyes hardened again, "I was hoping you could tell me that." Hughes moved behind me, and the hairs on the back of my neck prickled. My legs felt twitchy and I was torn between curling into a ball and disappearing, or making a break for it. Unfortunately neither was an option. "Come, let's talk."

I nodded, even though we were already on the move. Hughes was a brilliant interrogator. Half the time I'm sure those he interrogated had no idea what was going on. I had the unfortunate pleasure of already knowing this man too well. Lucky me.

A few turns we returned back to my room and he assisted me back into my bed, reintroducing me to how much pain my body was under. Hughes took notice, and his face and touch softened, to which I was grateful for.

Once settled a nurse entered and gave me a brief examination before reinserting my IV. Joy. I kept a stoic face as I felt the needle enter back into my skin. Mental shiver of disgust, thank you very much. I knew they needed it to have a balance of salt in my body should tests be needed to run, the terminology escaped me though.

Once the nurse left with a promise to bring food by later Hughes and I were once again left alone. The silence was heavy. I felt my nerves, which usually petrified my throat creeping up on me, so I shoved them away and cleared my throat. Hughes gave a soft smile and nodded for me to speak. "What questions do you," I cleared my throat hearing my voice tremble. "Sorry, what questions can I answer for you?"

Hughes let a few notes of laughter slip past his lips. Have I mentioned that he is a rather dashing man? Well to put it lightly I wish I was in Gracia's shoes, not that I could ever replace her. Just saying.

"You certainly don't beat around the bush."

I laughed lightly to, "Oh you may have to burn that bush for me to really confess my darkest sins."

Hughes laughed again, "I'm not asking for that sort of confession."

"But you are looking for a confession," I pointed out, then regretted it immediately.

Hughes smile faltered, "You are a rather bright girl."

I grinned, trying not to let my nerves show, "I did try being stupid once, it got very dull very quickly. It's quite boring being so absent minded, I don't know how anyone manages it."

Hughes gave an amused smirk "At least you're being honest."

I nodded, "It is the best policy."

"Well then," Hughes paused, looking rather serious, making a tremor to run along my spine. I felt as if I was being hunted. "I hope you keep to that policy."

I watched him carefully, marking the location of the window in my peripheral vision. Just in case I needed to escape in a hurry.

"Who are you? And why were you in the fifth laboratory last night?"

I mentally gulped, and fought against my seizing nerves. I hated confrontations, and would lock myself away during one. Yet, looking into Hughes' eyes. The cold, determination. The speculation, the formulating plans swirling behind there, I knew I couldn't do that and live.

"I-I…I don't know what answer you are looking for."

His eyes flickered over me, what he was reading, I didn't know. What I did know was that my limbs had frozen stiff, and my fists were clenching the pillow in my lap in a death grip. It took everything for me not to shy away from his gaze, in hope he saw my answer, and my fear in them.

He then reached behind him and brought out a familiar looking black and yellow square. Without my contacts or glasses it was a bit blurry, but I could still make it out. It was by denim batman wallet I had gotten last year.

Only one word rang through my mind.

Shit!

A/N: Welcome to my new work. For those of you who don't know, this is my fifth version of this story. I've rewritten this over and over again, trying to find the best way to have the setting where I need it to be. And then Hughes walked in and blew the whole thing up, but hey, it works. Anyway, William is honestly a spur of the moment character, but I've now figured out a plot with him, so yay. Hopefully Hughes isn't too out of character, but he has a reason to be so harsh.

Anyway, I would love to hear your thoughts and comments, despite how unstable this whole chapter is, but hey. The whole situation is screwy anyway, so look forward to some more interrogation of Lace and some of how the heck she got to Amestris to be revealed next chapter.

(This is mainly an experiment to see if anyone is willing to actually read this, and if I should post more chapters. So good review=more chapters!)