A/N: Hi guys! I'm back! (Hears numerous groans.) What did you say?! (Pulls out borrowed wrenches from Winry and begins throwing them at people.) Ha! Take that! Anyway, here's my next story. Only my second, actually. It'll be longer than my last one. Well, please, read, review, and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own FMA! Ahhh! Lawyers! Back, back I say, you fiends! Be gone! It's mine, all mine! (Laughs maniacally, and then gets hit with a tomato. Yes, I know that's random, and no, I don't know where it came from.) Fine, fine...Can I at least own Ed? Pretty please? I won't hurt him too badly… (Hears screaming and the sound of a certain midget running in the background.) Okay. I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist. If I did, would I be typing this and acting like a psychopath?! Stop reading the disclaimer and read the story already!
Rating: T
Summary: Ed and Al return to Central to find that Winry has been kidnapped, and is being used to try to manipulate Ed. Can the brothers get her back? EdWin. Bad summary, plz read. Slight spoilers.
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A Kidnapped Heart
Chapter 1
Edward Elric wandered around the aisles of Central's library, weaving through them with an ease that spoke of much practice. Dodging a librarian with a stack of books head-high, he went on his way, knowing right where he was headed – the alchemy section, where else? Turning the corner, he saw Scheska, and nodded her way. She grinned and waved back, then quickly returned to the book in her hands. Ed shook his head – you never found Scheska without a book. This was the perfect job for her.
As he went on his way, he heard a crash, and wheeled around to find Scheska, lying on the floor and looking rather dazed, lacking glasses and surrounded by a sea of books and a fallen shelf. The bookworm looked around in confusion, rubbing a sore spot on her head that would definitely become a bump. Ed rushed over to help. "You okay, Scheska?" She looked up at him with unfocused eyes, before she recognized who it was.
"Oh, hi Ed! Yeah, I'm fine. I was just reading this really good book here when I, uh…uh, ran into this shelf." She explained with a blush. It was then that she realized her lack of glasses, and began trying to find them, feeling with her hands. Ed grinned and picked them up from behind her, and discovered they were broken. Clapping his hands and repairing them, he handed them over, receiving a nod from Scheska. Upon being restored of vision, she looked around in despair. "Look at all these books!" she complained, "I didn't know there were this many!" She stood up and began restacking them in piles. Without saying anything, Ed moved around beside her, and, demonstrating strength he didn't appear to have, restored the fallen shelf to its previous position, and began reorganizing books. Working together, the two finished quickly.
Scheska nodded her thanks and gave him a smile, which he returned with one of his own. She then picked up the book she had been reading before, and once again engrossed herself in its pages. Remembering what he came there to do, Ed resumed his walk to the alchemy section.
Once there, he sat about searching for a new book he had recently heard about from Mustang, of all people, which might shed some light on the elusive Philosopher's Stone. Seeing the book he desired, he picked it up and brushed the dust off, coughing as it flew off. This is one old book. When was the last time it was read? I thought the library took better care of its books than this. He thought, taking note of some ripped up pages, a well-creased spine, and a dented cover, which read, The Hidden Sciences of Alchemy on it, but lacked an author. Somehow, Ed wasn't surprised someone wouldn't want to admit they wrote this book. Good way to get killed if it said the wrong thing. Actually, he was surprised enough that the library even had this book. It didn't look like the kind of thing the military would want its alchemists to see. Still, he had to give it a chance.
The short alchemist flipped it open, noticing the yellowed pages and faded script. Was that bastard colonel sure this book was any help? How'd he find out about this anyway? However, noticing the size of the book, Ed decided it would be better to take this with him to look at longer. As he headed up front, Ed stopped and put the book on a small table near the front desk, noticing someone he thought he knew. Running forward he peeked outside, but not seeing anyone, he ducked back into the library. Walking back over to where he had placed his reading, he frowned, not seeing it. Looking closer, he found a note written in sharp, precise script.
Hello, Fullmetal. If you want this book back, or your girlfriend Winry Rockbell, for that matter, you'll do what we say. Don't tell this to anyone, or the girl will pay. I'd hate to mess up that pretty face of hers, wouldn't you? If you're smart, you'll do what we say. Currently, we just need a little recall. Tell us everything you know about the government's current work – the troop placements, plans, everything. If you try to pull something…Well, let's just say it won't be pretty. Leave a note outside your apartment with the information on it; we'll get it.
Ed looked back up, the note crumpled in his fist and his whole body trembling with anger. His golden eyes burned, seeing red, and a passerby noticed them and squeaked in terror. How could they involve Winry in their petty schemes! They would pay for this!
However, he knew he shouldn't just walk out. Maybe someone around had seen the culprit who left this foul note. Walking over to the front desk, he called to the librarian nearby. 'Um, excuse me, but have you seen the person who left this note? Perhaps someone over in that area?" He asked, gesturing to the table where he had been. The librarian glanced over at the table, and back at Ed.
"Um, yeah, I think. There was this man. He was tall, about 6'3" or so, heavyset, with a pale complexion, though darkened by the sun, and a trim brown beard and short-cut dark brown hair. He had black eyes, and was dressed in this strange long overcoat. He had on black combat boots and had a cruel air about him. Didn't seem like the kind of guy you want to be around, you know?" At this Ed nodded and thanked her, heading outside.
He glared at everything as he left the building. Rage infused every fiber of his being. However, he knew he had to keep a level head about him. He couldn't let himself get worked up and lose reason. That was kind-of hard to do right now…Still, first order of business; should he tell the military about this? He didn't really care about the bastards, but he couldn't let this terrorist group get away with this either. Who knew how many lives would be lost in the resulting chaos? Not just militia, but innocent bystanders would get dragged in too. He knew enough about the war with Ishbal to know that, at least. Not to mention, if they gained control, these fighters were sure to be trouble for the people. He was the "Alchemist of the People" after all, he couldn't let this happen…But, was he willing to risk Winry for it? The thought of her being hurt, or worse, left a hollow ache in his chest that wouldn't go away. Winry HAD to be alright. He wasn't about to let anything happen to her. She meant a lot more to him than he'd ever admit – A whole lot more than just a mechanic. Ed blushed a little at that thought. Then, he got an idea. He couldn't believe he was thinking this, let alone going through with it, but…but maybe he could tell that bastard colonel Mustang. He'd kept Al's secret. Besides, he wanted to make it to the top, and destroying a terrorist group before the military even knew it existed would certainly earn him points. If Ed had his way, the government would never know just how involved he was. Besides, Mustang would have sense enough to be discreet. Ed hated to admit it, but Mustang was a brilliant military tactician. Besides, he might know who the man who left the note was. Now, to go see Al, and then the Colonel…
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Mustang's POV
Ahhhh…I hate paperwork. And yet here it is. Mounds of the demonic stuff. Why do I have to sign all this again?! Sometimes I hate my job. When I'm Fuhrer, my second decree right after all women wearing mini skirts will be that I have to do no paperwork. None whatsoever. He smirked. Ha ha, maybe I'll even make the Fullmetal runt do it for me. Now, that's a tempting idea. Of course, I could just try sneaking out right now before I die of boredom…
Creeping out of my chair and trying to be utterly silent, I slip over to the door and peek outside. The coast is clear. I'm making a break for it. Just as I took the first step towards freedom, I heard footsteps and a loud crack, like that of a fired handgun, and jumped back in time to see a bullet go whizzing by inches from where my head had been. Freezing, I turned around, already knowing what I would see. There, framed against the doorway, stood 1st Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye. Oh, was I dead now…
"Colonel! Get in their and get that paperwork done, now! I said move!" she shouted, as I did not move quick enough for her and was forced to shrink further back into my office to avoid a few more bullets.
"Cool it Hawkeye. I, uh…I wasn't trying to get away or anything…" I said sheepishly. She gave me a look filled with so much sarcasm you could drown in it. Gulp…
"MUSTANG! I said get in that office now. Paperwork won't sign itself." Fortunately, she did put her gun away.
Gulping again, I did as I was told, knowing it was dangerous out there. Who was the superior officer again? Though I have to admit, the lieutenant was very pretty when she was angry…and very scary. As I darted back around the corner and into the relative safety of my office, I spied Havoc, Breda, and Fuery peeking around the corner behind Hawkeye, their expressions a mix of laughter and terror. It was bizarre. Let them try to face her. Still, I had better get back to work…Argh; did I mention I REALLY hated paperwork?
Normal POV
Ed raced along the streets, knowing that he first had to inform Al of these events. It wasn't safe for him, either. He also was aware that his little brother would want to come with him. He was Winry's friend, too….But, Ed didn't want to endanger him. However, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to stop him. How do you stop a suit of armor, anyway?! Still, he had to tell him. Rushing to their apartment, he hurriedly knocked, and as soon as Al opened the door, he flung himself inside and locked it. (A/N: Anyone know where they actually stay in Central? I'm not done with the series, and I have no clue.)
"What's wrong, Brother? You look upset, and worried…" Al knew when something was wrong with his big brother.
"It's Winry! She's been kidnapped!" Ed yelled at his sibling, his alarm showing through. Al started, shocked, before his eyes turned hard, practically glowing red.
"What! Tell me everything, Brother!" So, Ed told him. By the time he was done, both brothers were furious, and had agreed on the decision to tell Mustang. With that thought, they set off at a run to find aforementioned Colonel.
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Mustang's POV
"There, done. Surely that's all the paperwork. Can I go home now?" Roy asked pleadingly, looking up at Hawkeye with puppy dog eyes. Unfortunately, puppy dog eyes don't work on a currently-very-annoyed Hawkeye.
"Good job, Colonel. Of course there's more. Now you can move on to this stack. After you're done with it, maybe you can go home." She said, procuring a stack of paperwork about a foot tall seemingly out of thin air. With that she turned around and shut the door to take a position by the outer door, effectively preventing his escape and sentencing him to at least 2 hours more boredom. He slammed his head against his desk to be sure he wasn't asleep and just having a very bad nightmare. Ughh…no luck.
Just as he resigned himself to his fate and started on the paperwork, he heard an exclamation of surprise from Hawkeye and looked up to see the Fullmetal runt and his brother come barging in, out of breath and looking alarmed.
"Oh, hello Al. Where's your brother? Oh, there he is. Sorry, Fullmetal, couldn't see you over the desk. Is that your latest venture, stilts? It's a good idea for you, actually." Roy started in, being his usual snide self. However, when his taunts failed to elicit the normal infuriated response from his subordinate, Roy began to get worried. "Seriously Fullmetal, what is it? You're never this quiet." He stopped and waited for Ed to speak.
"Sorry to barge in Colonel. It's just that we have a big problem." At that, the boys started to rapidly tell the tale of the day through the events in the library, including giving the description of the man who left the note. When they were done, they sat back in the chairs they had taken, waiting for Mustang's reply.
Roy crossed his fingers and sat back in his chair, analyzing the information the boys had given him. Hmmm…the man did sound familiar. Still, this was not good in the least. They military definitely didn't need any of their information leaked. They had enough trouble maintaining control as it was…If this got out, things were bound to get ugly. Not to mention, he didn't want this Winry to get hurt, either, both out of consideration for Fullmetal, and out of a debt he felt he owed for killing her parents. He felt like he had a responsibility to keep her safe. Not to mention, if he could destroy this terrorist group before the higher-ups even knew it existed, that would be major points, and that was just what he wanted. He was sure the brothers in front of him were aware of this, too. That's why they had come with little fear of him telling the Fuhrer. But first, he needed Hawkeye to pull up some information on this man. He thought he remembered his name from a case he had once read, and the man in it sounded a lot like this one…
"Maybe I can help you boys. I'm sure you're aware I need some points. Let me get Hawkeye to pull up some information on this man, okay? He sounds familiar; let me see…What was his name again…Thomas McKinley. I think that's right. Doesn't sound like a name belonging to anyone dangerous, does it?" While he had been speaking, Ed and Al's expressions had been picking up. They had someone to help find Winry. And if they knew anything about Mustang, it was that once he started something, he wouldn't give up.
The sarcastic colonel got up, and opened their door enough to yell to Hawkeye to get files on a Thomas McKinley. She began searching for them as he shut the door. "Hey Colonel," Ed spoke, "Thanks. For helping, I mean." He looked at the floor, embarrassed and annoyed that he had to ask for, and appreciate, the help Roy was giving them.
At this Mustang smirked, "It's alright, Fullmetal. Can't leave you to go try to rescue your girlfriend on your own, now can I? You might get hurt, and I don't want to deal with an injured, crybaby pipsqueak right now. So, I guess I'll lend a hand." He said, shrugging and flashing his eyes at Ed, who was currently glaring daggers at his superior officer and shouting various insults, curse words, and numerous sentences along the lines of, "Who're you calling so short it takes a microscope to find him, you jerk?!", and "She's not my girlfriend, she's just my mechanic!", at the top of his lungs. Mustang was only being saved by Al, who was trying to reason with his hot-tempered sibling.
"Ed, calm down. We've got to have his help, so you can't attack him yet. Deal with it after we rescue Winry, okay? Do it for her sake." At this, Ed relaxed a little, and at that moment, Hawkeye walked in with the file.
"The file on Thomas McKinley, sir. Will there be anything else?" She laid it on his desk. As he shook his head, she turned and headed out with a nod to the Elric brothers, who tried to return a friendly grin.
Roy opened the file on his desk, and skimmed through it. "Hmmm…Seems we've had trouble with this McKinley fellow before. Looks like he tried to lead an uprising against the State four years ago, but without enough manpower he was defeated. Didn't go without a fight, though. Looks like he's an alchemist, too. Before he was arrested he killed almost 150 soldiers, and another 50 citizens in the vicinity. Doesn't sound like much, but considering he only had about 50 men, he has quite the destructive capabilities. By the sound of it, almost all of those with him were alchemists, and I doubt it's any different this time. He was taken into custody and locked away, but that didn't last. He broke out after just 2 years in prison, meaning he's probably been amassing followers this entire time. He should have a good number by now; there are a lot of people who hate the government out there. We'll need to be very careful. It appears that he took a hostage last time, too. The wife of a state alchemist. Looks like he did what they wanted and gave them information, but when the military found out, the alchemist had his license revoked and was thrown in jail. However, after the assault was led on the rebels' base, they found the woman's body inside. She'd had her throat slit. It was too late." At this he looked up grimly to the shocked and worried faces of the teenagers in front of him. "We're going to have to be careful. This isn't going to be easy, and we don't want to repeat past mistakes. At the same time, we still can't tell the military, or they could very well just rush in and attack again, and by the time the fight was over, I suspect we'd have heavy losses and find your friend inside, in bad condition, or worse, dead. I'm sorry to say this so bluntly, but you need to get over the fear of it now so you realize what you're up against and can get her out of there."
While Roy was speaking, Ed's face had slowly hardened, full of determination and resolve. He WOULD get Winry out of there alive, no matter what the cost. There was no way he was going to lose her, too. Especially not to those bastards who would sacrifice a young girl for their own petty schemes. They would pay for this. One look at his brother's face told him he was thinking the same thing. It was then that Edward realized something – he would die before he let anyone close to him get hurt ever again. He would save her if it was the last thing he did. If those bastards did anything to her…there would be hell to pay. Now, all they had to do was come up with a plan.
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A/N: How is it sounding? I'm going through a bit of a writer's block right now, but I'll try to post the next chapter as soon as possible. Now please, please review. I have gotten a grand total of three reviews on my only other story here. I need some input here, guys! There's so many people that read stories but don't say anything. I would really appreciate it if you would just drop a word or two. It can be a little or a lot, I just want some opinions. So, so you see that little button down there? Push it, ok? Thanks for reading, and I'll see you next chapter!