A Light in the Darkness
By:
warehouseluver13 & DarksteelRebelhawk
*Warning: Heavy underlying tones of assault. Please note that it is not directly written in the story, just used as a base for this fic because it's an EdWin fic, and we wanted the emotions of their relationship to truly show. This fic was not created to offend/insult any survivors of assaults. In fact, YOU are not only survivors but YOU are WARRIORS.*
Disclaimer: FMA is not ours.
(This fic based on Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood continuity)
"I wonder why Colonel Mustang dragged us in today," I mused aloud to my brother, Alphonse, whose soul was bound by alchemy to a large suit of armor.
"Maybe he has an assignment for us, brother," Al suggested.
I scowled at my brother's remark. I only joined the military to try to find a way to restore our bodies, and half the time I'm doing errands for Mustang, all the while running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
"It better be more important than some stupid mission. Maybe he has another lead on how to get our bodies back to normal." I said.
"Well, I guess we're about to find out," Al replied as we entered the military HQ in Central Command.
**FMAB**
"What's up, Mustang? Got any new info we can use yet?" I asked as we strolled into the Colonel's office. "Morning, Lieutenant Hawkeye."
"Fullmetal. Sit down," the Colonel sternly commanded.
"What did we do wrong this time, Mustang? Because whatever it is, it wasn't really us," I teased as I sat down in one of the chairs facing his desk.
It looked like the Colonel was going to say something in return, but decided against it. I instantly wondered why, because this was how our mornings would usually go: we'd tease each other back and forth, get briefed on our mission or receive a lead on the search for our bodies, and then be on our way. I guess whatever he has to say is pretty serious.
"Lieutenant Hawkeye, please handcuff Fullmetal to the chair," the Colonel commanded.
"What's the need for the handcuffs, Mustang? Is the military court martialing me? Are you?!" I asked as I allowed Hawkeye to handcuff me.
"It's more along the lines of maintaining the safety of the personnel in this building, and the building itself, after I tell you what happened," the Colonel mysteriously replied.
"Mustang, you're freaking me out. Are you going to tell me now?" I questioned as curiosity and nervousness overwhelmed my thoughts.
"We received an intel report from one of the military command posts out by Rush Valley early this morning."
The Colonel paused, only to look at me with what could be called sympathetic eyes. Why is he looking at me like that? Who the hell do I know- Oh shit. I watch the Colonel, who is watching me connect the dots. He can't be serious, right?
Mustang takes my look of disbelief as a sign to continue with his intel report. "It appears Winry Rockbell was found in an alley, beaten unconscious. A good samaritan found her and called for an ambulance, and they took her to the hospital. She is awake and asking for you."
To be honest, after Mustang spoke his first sentence, I didn't hear the rest of what he said. All I could think of was that Winry, strong willed, gearheaded, wrench-throwing Winry was beaten and dumped in an alley by some lowlife bastard. Then something occurred to me as I studied Mustang's face. He was showing signs of guilt. He possibly only told me a portion of what happened to Winry, which could only mean... no.
I took a deep breath. "Colonel Mustang. I'm going to ask you this question only once. What the hell really happened?"
I glared at Mustang, willing him to break. However, he only stared back at me with a sad look in his eyes. "I'm sorry, Fullmetal," he grimly said.
I could feel tears swelling up in my eyes, blurring my vision. "No." I said in a small voice. "Not her," I begged. "Please, anyone but her."
Then rage consumed me as I tried to break free of the handcuffs restraining me to my seat. "Whoever did it, I'm going to kick their ass! I don't care who it is, they're gonna pay!" I snarled darkly as the overwhelming urge to hit something came over me. My right arm lurched forward, the strong automail snapping the handcuff chain holding it to the sturdy furniture. However, my brother caught my arm and hauled me back into my chair before I could break my remaining restraints.
"Brother? What happened to Winry?" he whispered. He sounded confused, and more than a little scared.
Murderous rage forgotten, I looked to my brother, saddened at the fact I couldn't tell him this face to face in his real body.
I took a deep breath. "Al…. Winry was attacked and r- I mean, she was attacked and assaulted."
I stared at him, willing him to make the connection because there was no way in hell I was repeating what I said or saying the r-word. The words Winry, attacked, or assaulted should never be in the same sentence. Ever.
"We should go see her," Al replied in a small voice.
Silence quickly swallowed the mood of the room. I hastily turned my attention back towards Colonel Mustang, who had nothing more to say as he pushed two train tickets across his desk. "She's in a hospital in Dublith. Go to her."
Lieutenant Hawkeye came over to release me from my restraint. I stood up, wiped my eyes on the sleeve of my red coat, trying to get my shit together when in reality I felt like rolling up into a ball to hyperventilate and cry. "Okay. Let's go Al." I got up to leave, and managed to collect the tickets the Colonel pushed across his desk, before motioning Al to follow.
"Edward," Hawkeye softly called.
I gripped the door handle tightly to compensate for my shock at hearing my real name being used, before turning around to face Lieutenant Hawkeye. A sympathetic expression quickly crossed her face before she returned to her usual stoic and serious manner.
"Don't blame yourself, it wasn't your fault. You can't protect Winry and try to find a way to get your bodies back at the same time. Just be strong for her, she's going to need you."
I reached up and touched my cheek where tears had recently fallen. They weren't tears of guilt, were they? That didn't matter right now. All that mattered was Winry.
I allowed a small smile to cross my face. "Thanks, Lieutenant."
"Go to her, Edward," she replied.
Please visit my friend and co-author, DarksteelRebelhawk, out on Wattpad! His stories are so amazing!
-warehouseluver13