This is an alternate ending to 'Number Twenty Eight' written by Selvow. If you haven't read her story, you should read that first, and while you're at it give her reviews cause she deserves them for such an awesome story. This chapter takes place after chapter 13 in her story.
oOoOo
Exiting the library, Al immediately become worried when he saw the Lieutenant Colonel waiting for him outside. He cautiously made his way down the stairs, in his direction. Overhead, the sky looked angry as though it could drench Central at any moment. Dark clouds moved in low which brought a heavier feeling to Hughes as he desperately tried to plaster a smile on his face.
"Hey Al, I was told to come get you right away." He placed his hands in his pockets, making sure Alphonse couldn't see them trembling. His statement made the kid even more nervous and he brought his hands up into worried fists.
"Is it Brother? Is he okay? Did the Colonel find a way to get through the alchemic block?" His distraught tone shocked Maes. He hadn't expected the younger Elric to gush so easily. Staring up into the boy's soulful eyes gleaming back, reminded him of the ache in his heart. He brought his gaze down, avoiding eye contact. Hurting Alphonse was not something that came easy for him and he had to change the subject. Not just to distract Al, but also to get his own mind off the horrible thing his friend was about to do.
"What, no nothing like that. Man, Roy and you both have such one tracked minds. My wife demanded that I bring you over to our house tonight. She knows how hard everyones' been working and thought it would be a nice treat." At some point he had taken Al's one hand and was marching him down the street towards his house.
"That does sound nice, but I don't think I can. The Colonel really needs my help even if I couldn't get any of the materials he needed."
"Well then there really is no reason to hurry back now is there? Besides Elysias' gotten so big. She's so adorable that pictures just don't do her justice." Although this was a perfectly normal way for the Lieutenant Colonel to act, something seemed off and Al stopped walking.
"I really can't tonight. I'm sorry but I haven't gotten to spend much time with Brother since I got here." Hughes clenched his bottom jaw as Al's words brought another wave of sadness to his heart. "You understand that, when you've been away from home for so long, right?"
Had it started raining already? Hughes had to blink several times before he could find his words again.
"Yes," his voice squeaked out quietly.
"Lieutenant Colonel? Are you alright?" He had to keep it together, he made a promise. Dammit, Roy didn't know what he was asking of him.
"Al, Gracia was really looking forward to seeing you. She's been so worried about you boys." Alphonse wasn't able to respond before several Military Police vehicles passed them, heading in the direction of Colonel Mustang's house. Hughes stood there dumbfounded, wondering why they would be going there. Wouldn't he have heard about something like that? Al's voice brought him back to reality as he called from several steps away.
"Lieutenant Colonel, we have to hurry. Come on!" With that, he took off before Maes could remember that he was suppose to keep him away.
"No, Alphonse wait!" As he ran after him, he felt several rain drops hit his face as the sky opened up.
oOoOo
Was it raining outside? It was difficult to tell all the way down in the basement but there was that distinct sound of it hitting the house mercilessly. Roy could barely hear what was going on outside but found the weather to be irrelevant right now. His pointless thoughts were interrupted by an even louder pounding against his front door and the sound of voices that followed shortly after. Unable to move from his place on the floor, Mustang remained still. Whoever was at the front door would just have to leave. He was not in the mood to deal with anything else. The pounding returned and he could barely make out someone calling his name.
The frail body in his arms was deathly still. He forced his tired eyes open to see the expressionless look on Ed's face. What had he done? There was the sound of his front door being forced open and the reality of how this look came to him. Al would think he did this on purpose, he would be devastated. Hadn't Mae's been able to stop him? There was no way he should be back already.
The answer to his question was answered at he heard several sets of footsteps overhead and finally an unfamiliar voice calling out for him. Was it the military? Why were they in his house? It didn't take long before he heard the soldiers making their way down the stairs to where he was.
Several men came towards him, one particular soldier leaning down to take the boy in his arms. Something inside told him to cling to Ed, to not let them take him. Just to stay where he was, and be allowed to mourn his mistake. He was helped to his feet before one final individual entered the basement. The older gentlemen was clearly the head of the operation as he looked around the room, taking in the transmutation circle on the floor.
"W...who are you?" Mustang finally managed to find his voice, weak as it might have been. He noted the silver pocket watch tucked away in the man's uniform. For the life of him though, he didn't recognize this state alchemist. He received a faint smile from the man standing before him. Roy's patience was wearing thin as he was ignored. "Answer me, dammit." Bringing one hand out from behind him, the other alchemist offered it for Roy to shake it.
"Name's Maddox. General Maddox. It's a pleasure to finally meet the Flame Alchemist."
Unfortunately Mustang was not up for exchanging pleasantries. Still concerned for Ed's well being, he glared up at Maddox for his intrusion. However the General didn't seemed fazed in the least bit.
"This is quite a set up you have here. Very impressive."
"What do you want?" Roy was seething by now although he wasn't able to do much in his present state. Maddox pulled out a piece of paper and shoved it in his face.
"The Furer sent me. I'm here to collect Fullmetal." Roy was about to argue back that he would not allow that when he finished reading the order from above. It had turned out that Mattox was also known as the Bio Healing Alchemist and was brought in from the North. Apparently since no one in the military including the Furer had heard any updates on how the kid was doing, this was the result. By this point, Maddox was looking Edward over, rubbing his chin like he was deep in thought. "You've really got to be careful with these kind of transmutations. If you push too hard, it tends to have a longer recovery time. You're lucky." Roy's head shot up, almost unable to process what he was talking about. Had Ed survived? From where he was, he managed to see Ed's chest rise and fall with each breath. Even if it was very shallow, he knew what he saw.
"He's going to be okay?" It wasn't really a question but more of a declaration that brought a wave of relief to the tired Colonel.
"The Furer wants me to take him to one of our labs. I must say I am shocked at how far you got. From what I understand, this isn't really your field of expertise." As much as Mustang wanted to respond to the insult, there was a bigger concern right now.
"He should stay here. I don't think a lab is the best place for him, considering all that's happened." Maddox chuckled softly at the suggestion.
"I understand you're worried, but I have my people here who are also well versed in the study of Chimeras. It's in his best interest." Roy tried to stand on his own but was too weak and found himself still relying on the two soldiers holding him up.
"I've been taking care of him for a while now. Why can't he stay here?" His irate tone was the only way to express his anger. In any normal situation, he would already have grabbed this man by the collar and tried to shake some sense into him. Nothing more was said as Maddox moved back to the stairway and the soldier carrying Ed followed close behind. The two soldier's holding Roy up went next, being careful on the way.
"Come on sir, you look as though you need some rest," the one mentioned to him.
"If you're taking Fullmetal, I'm going with you." His threat was genuine although it was becoming incredibly difficult to keep his eyes open. He heard Maddox mention something about his assistance not being necessary but it was hard to focus on the conversation. Out in the living room, there were two more soldiers collecting all the papers scattered around and anything else that would be useful. One of them brought Ed's lab file over and handed it to Maddox.
"Why don't you bring Colonel Mustang to his room. He must be exhausted."
"No, wait. I said I'm coming with you." His vision was becoming blurred as his body felt heavy and all arguing ceased. The last thing he remembered was being carried back to his room.
oOoOo
Several military cars pulled away from Colonel Mustang's home, passing Alphonse and Hughes on the way. Maes paused for a second, watching the cars heading back to Central Command. His suspicions had been right and he knew that this wasn't a good sign. Al was almost to the front door when Hughes turned back and followed him.
The door was unlocked and the younger Elric brother entered the house. Inside, it seemed dangerously quiet and empty. Al had already made it down to the basement by the time Hughes made it into the now clean living room. He paused, realizing all the research material was gone. The sound of empty armor bounded back up the stairs and Al's helmet came into view.
"They're not downstairs. Where are they?" His voice came in a desperate tone. Hughes was beyond words, still wondering what had happened himself. Had Roy done it? Had he managed to kill Ed? There was a low groan from the back room that they barely heard even in this silence. Al moved first, pushing the bedroom door all the way open. "Colonel!" Maes caught sight of his friend, lying on the bed. He was cringing and brought a hand up to his forehead. Maes moved over to the bed and gently shook Roy's shoulder. The only response he received was another moan.
"Hey Roy, come on snap out of it. Where's the kid?" Mustang's eye barely opened to the question as he took in a deep breath.
"They took him. I couldn't stop them."
"Don't worry, I'll find out what's going on." With that he got to his feet and turned to Al. "Can you stay here till I get back?" Reluctantly Alphonse nodded, still unsure what was going on. He desperately wanted to know what the military wanted with his brother.
"Are you gonna find Ed?" Hughes smiled up at him, letting out a tired sigh.
"I'll see what I can dig up, okay." Patting Al on the back, he headed out into the living room. Placing his hands in his pockets, he glanced around the now clean area. Why the military had been so rash all of the sudden was a mystery. Before he left he walked into the kitchen, making sure the coffee pot was turned off. It wouldn't benefit anyone if the house burned down. There was a solitary piece of paper sitting on the table. Picking it up, he read over it's contents quickly. It was the order to come get Fullmetal. It made the mystery a little less vague although why the Furer had taken such an interest still seemed odd. "Well at least I know where to start now."
oOoOo
He let out a shiver, realizing how cold it felt. The stench of medical equipment and sterile chemicals stung his overly sensitive nose. His entire body felt heavy and just as he started to gain some small understanding of his surroundings, he noticed everything seemed to be hurting. There were unfamiliar voices of people standing over him which brought back a terrifying, familiar realization. He started trembling more, now from the unexplainable sense of fear that crept up on him.
"Sir, I think he's waking up," a male voice announced. He dared to open his eyes and what he saw only confirmed his fear. Several people hovered around him, too many to count, each wearing protective glasses and medical masks. Behind them was a large bright light angled at him that hurt his eyes. The people around him seem to lean in more once they realized he was waking up. Unable to handle the situation, he snapped his eyes closed again. He tried to turn his head away but was unsuccessful.
"It's okay, Fullmetal." Maddox's tone had a flat annoyed quality to it that didn't sit well with Ed. His throat felt dry and he made an attempt to swallow but something was keeping his mouth open against his will. He could feel gloved fingers probing his mouth, examining his teeth and repositioning his lower jaw to force his mouth open even more.
"His teeth aren't so sharp now, Sir. I don't think he could really hurt anyone." He flinched again as another pair of hands invaded his mouth, confirming what the first person had stated. Despite what was said, Edward's instincts kicked in and he tried to bite whoever had their hands in his mouth. After trying for so long he realized it just hurt his jaw more. A low whimper left his throat that didn't sound human. The eerie sound echoed off the walls.
"Quiet down. We're just looking you over."Ed could only understand so much but the longer it took them to 'look him over', the more upset he was getting. His breathing became erratic and his heart rate increased. While Maddox continued examining his mouth, someone else forced his one eye open and moved a flash light back and forth. Trying to blink proved impossible and they seemed to linger longer then necessary before moving to his other eye.
"His pupils are still hypersensitive to light but are responding normal." He was finally allowed to blink but it brought little comfort when another set of hands pressed against his rib cage. Gradually they moved down his abs, pressing against his sore muscles. The sudden contact made him want to fight back but he was too scared to move. He could feel his stomach twisting in knots at the thought of what they were planning to do to him. The panic was so overwhelming that he couldn't even hear what any of them were saying or try to figure out what it meant. Finally he couldn't take it any longer and in an attempt to protect himself, he started to struggle. His arm came up and he tried to scratch Maddox all the while kicking at anyone within proximity to his leg. Everyone quickly back away from the table. Despite the pain the movement brought, he turned on the metal surface and the entire thing shifted under him. As Ed fell to the floor, he knocked over trays of equipment and startled the staff.
Even with mobility limited, he managed to back himself into a far corner, behind some cabinets. He desperately pawed at the restraint around his mouth as he started drooling. He forced the device off but cut the inside of his cheek in the process. His jaw ached with the rest of him and he continued to heave with each breath, trying to calm down. He noticed they had put some thin white shorts on him, allowing him some dignity although he didn't completely understand their purpose. Unsure of what else to do, he pulled his leg up against his chest. Maddox removed his eye wear and sighed heavily to himself. "We should have tied him down," he concluded as he pulled the fabric away from his face and headed in the direction Edward went. "Fullmetal, there's no need to hide. We're just trying to help."
Ed had heard that fake sympathetic tone before in a place very similar to this one and pushed himself further against the wall. Maddox moved in, getting a visual of Ed from above. Edward brought his gaze up, golden eyes on fire as he glared at the older man and let out a growl. Maddox noticed blood running down his chin. "You hurt your mouth when you forced that thing off, didn't you?" Edward bared his teeth in response, growling even louder. "Don't make this more difficult then it needs to be." As a fellow State Alchemist, Maddox honestly wanted to give Edward the consideration he would want to receive. But at the same time he had dealt with Chimeras for so long in his career that his sympathy was running short. He knew Ed's reaction was from fear and a basic instinct to protect himself, he just didn't have time for this."Okay, well I tried to be nice," he admitted as he leaned down and grabbed hold of Ed's foot.
The staff paused in cleaning up the mess when they all heard a shrill yelping. Maddox managed to pull Edward out despite how much he fought him. The teen continued to yelp and whimper like he was fighting for his life. "You're alright. Come on." One of his men came over and motioned to Maddox to stop pulling the kid by his foot, before reaching down and scooping him up. Ed kept trying to kick and carrying on like a wounded animal as he was sat down on a bed. His lower lip was trembling now as he glanced around the room, taking everything in. Maddox firmly took hold of his chin so he could clean the mess off his face. He yelped again trying to pull his face away.
"Shhh, I know you're scared but we're not trying to hurt you." Another soft whimper was all he got back. "Now open up so I can see how bad you hurt yourself, okay." Ed shifted back some, unsure if he wanted to trust Maddox. The alchemist was starting to wonder if Ed understood anything he said. He had been certain Mustang had gotten farther then this in communicating with him. "Can you speak?"
The teen seemed too focused on everything around him to respond. His eyes kept darting around the room and he wouldn't look at Maddox even when he was speaking to him. Sighing again, he gently pushed Ed's jaw open and for whatever reason he was permitted to. When he was satisfied that the he hadn't injured himself too much, he released his face.
Everything that had been knocked over earlier was straightened up in no time. Just when they had Ed situated and he seemed to calm down some, Maddox ended the short peaceful moment when he started to buckle the restraint around Ed's wrist. The teen tried to pull away once he realized what was going on.
"Nooo," the panic returned quickly as he tried to get his arm free but was unable to. "No, no, no!" He shook his head back and forth as tears started to sting the corners of his eyes.
"So you can talk. I already told you it's going to be okay." Of course as Maddox was saying this he was busy with the other restraint at the end of the bed. One of the female staff members came over with an IV which only made things worse. "Nooo, stop. Please..." Someone from behind grabbed hold of his shoulders and guided him down onto the mattress. Another strap was brought across his chest and shoulders. He turned his head away from the woman with the needle, another whimper sounded from his as he felt the point slide into his vein.
"You're going to be just fine but you need to let us work. I really didn't want to drug you but you're not cooperating." There was no way to convince him that they weren't going to hurt him. He had come to his conclusion about these people and this place. He didn't like it and didn't want to be here.
oOoOo
It was still raining pretty heavily outside. Although it didn't seem to matter how much it rained, it didn't wash away the empty feeling Roy was experiencing. The last two days had been bleak to say the least as he slept though them undisturbed. With Hughes determined to get as much information about the military's involvement in removing Ed from the house, he was left alone. Alphonse had come and gone, equally as busy. At least sleeping through the past forty eight hours had kept his thoughts at bay. He couldn't feel the guilt that had been so determined to overcome him if he wasn't conscious. However enough time had past and now his mind would no longer allow him to sleep. Rolling over, he rubbed his forehead only to feel something rough between his palm and face.
Hughes must have wrapped his hands from the cuts he'd given himself during his last attempted transmutation. If the kid wasn't dead, the only question now was what kind of mind set was he in. The image of Edward staring up so blankly came to his mind and he covered his face with both hands, inhaling sharply. This was all his fault. Everything Ed had to endure, he had put him through. And if everything he had attempted to accomplish in the last several weeks hadn't been torment enough for the broken teen, now he in some lab somewhere, being put through who knows what.
Where ever he was, he must be scared, that is if he was able to comprehend what was going on. The Colonel didn't know what state of mind Ed was in since he hadn't been able to determine anything after the transmutation. He had managed to push past the alchemic block but everything beyond that point was still so uncertain. Worry was not something he needed to add to the guilt he already felt. Hearing the sound of someone opening his front door, he had no intentions of getting up.
The door closed and there was the sound of keys being placed down somewhere. Roy continued to stare at the ceiling, feeling as though he hadn't slept away the past two days at all. Maes cheerful tone broke through the silence as he pushed the bedroom door open. It was amazing how he could always turn on a smile as though all the crap he dealt with at work left his shoulders when he was away from the office. Mustang had to admit he envied his friend's ability.
"Wow Roy, you really look like hell." There was no response to the comment as it was probably true. Roy scratched his jawline, feeling his two day stubble. His hair was most likely a mess but he just couldn't bring himself to care.
Hughes began rummaging through the paper bag he had in his arms as he took a seat on the bed. Roy sat up reluctantly, somewhat curious what news there was and what he had in the bag. "Brought you some fruit as well as some left over quiche from Gracia. You must be starving by now."
Again there was no response as Roy's gaze dropped away from Maes. He was not capable of hiding his concern so easily which caused his friend to straightened up, releasing a sigh.
"How're you holding up?"
This was not the first time he'd seen him this devastated. Although he had gotten plenty of sleep, dark circles under his eyes revealed that he hadn't slept well.
"Has there been any news? Have you found anything out?" The Flame Alchemist's tone was low and weak. He needed to know Ed was okay. That he hadn't destroyed what was left of him in that final moment of despair. Hughes placed the bag on the floor and pulled off his glasses to rub his eyes. His look became serious as he focused now on cleaning a smudge on the lens.
"This State Alchemist, Mattox. He's very well versed in this kind of thing. If you wanted to compare him to Tucker...well let's just say Tucker was ignorant next to him when it comes to chimeras. Although he's never done anything as taboo as human transmutation, he knows quite a bit about that as well. While I didn't realize the Furer cared so much about the kid, he specifically called Mattox in. Maybe it was because of your last resort." Once he was finished explaining, he placed his glasses back on his face and turned back to Roy.
"There was a theory that we had an informant in the military. Someone telling the Anarchist's group when the military was about to move in on them. Do you think..." His mind didn't want to work as his throat tightened at the thought of this guy, this stranger that now had Ed, being involved with those responsible.
"You don't have to worry, I already checked him out. He's probably one of the most trustworthy people outside of your authority." The Colonel took in another deep breath. "Besides that, what happened before they got here? I thought you had made a decision?" The silence from before returned to the house as Roy thought back. His dark gaze met Hughes concerned look.
"I couldn't do it," he finally admitted. "I thought it wouldn't be so hard, I've killed before but this time..." His voice trailed off and he dropped his head. "Have you found anything out about how he's doing?"
"No, they're keeping pretty tight security on the lab. No one in or out without proper clearance."
"Can't you get a warrant or something? I have to get in there, Hughes." Mustang brought his eyes up, a look of exhausted sadness returning to his features. Maes rubbed his jaw, thinking about what they could do.
"I don't know. Even Alphonse tried to get in, being Ed's only relative and that didn't even work."
"Where is he anyway?"
"Camped outside the lab. Told me he's not leaving till they let him see his brother. Guess I don't blame him."
"He still doesn't know what I tried to do, does he?" Maes shook his head back. Although he could have told the younger Elric brother, he knew it wouldn't help the situation. Roy nodded his appreciation before rubbing his head again. It had been throbbing and he was probably in desperate need of some caffeine. That or scotch.
"I have to get moving. Maybe if I talk to Bradley, I can get clearance into the lab." Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he forced himself up. An ironic grin crossed Hughes face.
"Guess you plan on groveling then?" The idea was not a pleasant one for the Flame Alchemist but he would do what he needed to.
"Start some coffee, I'm gonna get cleaned up."