Author's notes-this is a sequel, however I wanted it to be able to stand on it's own. So you are welcomed to read Exam lab 32, however you don't have to if you don't want to.

Even though it was coming up on midnight, the progressive city of Rush Valley was as restless as ever. Vendors were still open, hasty to finish any last orders before the weekend. Although even as the end of the week came, the next day would be just as busy. In this city so devoted to automail, there wasn't really ever time for anything but work.

It was no different for one of the youngest mechanics in the city, even when she had company. Winry Rockbell continued dutifully with the metal arm she was finishing. She had been working on this particular job for several days and was glad it was finally coming to an end.

"Winry?" She heard the hollow voice from behind her and turned away from her work. "Aren't you going to go to sleep soon?"
She removed the screwdriver from her mouth before replying.

"Yeah, just wanted to finish this up first." Normally the inanimate suit of armor wouldn't make for good conversation, however this particular armor was special as it moved freely over to her. Alphonse' soulful eyes stared down at the arm she was working on. "Looks a lot like Brother's." She nodded back with a smile. Even if Alphonse couldn't show emotion in his empty form, she could tell by his tone that he was worried.

"So where'd you go?" Her attention went back to the task at hand.

"Oh just around town some. It seems that no one around here sleeps really."

"No not really. Just too much to do." There was an odd silence between them before she brought up something that had been nagging her ever since her two childhood friends had arrived. "So Al, why did you two come here?" He straitghtened up some before she turned back to him, a deep frown forming on her lips.

"I...I can't tell you. I'm sorry." He brought his hand behind his helmet out of habit and dropped his gaze to the floor.

"This is the first time the two of you have visited me without Ed needing any maintenance. It makes me think something bad is going on." she narrowed her eyes at him. It was clear she was more then suspicious.

"Why can't you believe that we just wanted to see you? That nothings' wrong?" Winry shook her head, a smile breaking across her face.

"Cause that's never the case with you. So you gonna tell me or not?"

"Sorry Winry, but it's nothing for you to worry about." The blond mechanic let out a tired sigh before standing and stretching her arms over her head.

"You say it's nothing, then why is Ed in such a fowl mood." She looked over to the stairway that went up to her small apartment right above the shop. Alphonse released a vocal sigh as well. Of course his older brother could get pretty mouthy and childish over some things, however this was beyond his normal anger. This time he was quiet and it didn't take Winry long to figure something was up. After not eating much of his dinner Edward had gone upstairs, claiming he wanted some time to think.

"You know how he gets. I'm sure he's calmed down by now." Hoping she wouldn't push any more, he headed for the stairs before she had the chance. "I'll go check on him, he's probably sleeping." Winry knew she was not going to get a straight answer, not even from Alphonse. Stretching again, she removed the scarf from her head. There was a sudden noise of Al's armored steps hurrying back down to her. She noticed the worry had returned to his eyes as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

"He's not up there."

oOoOo

~Earlier that week~

"You have to leave Central, immediately." These were not the words Edward expected to hear first thing when he entered Colonel Mustang's office. Normally there would be an assignment or research that needed his attention elsewhere but this time there was no reason.

"Sorry, come again?" The teen closed the door and shuffled over in front of his superior's desk. The Colonel's posture was strained as he sat up in what looked like an uncomfortable position. Not like his usual laid back demeanor. Ed tilted his head some, waiting for further explanation.

"I mean it, this is serious. It's for Alphonse and your safety." The younger alchemist leaned forward, enjoying the slight elevation he had.

"Sure it's not just an excuse to get me out of your hair for awhile?" Mustang should have expected sarcasm back as he grit his teeth and balled his fists.

"Dammit Ed, why can't you just take my advice." Edward rocked back on his heels some, surprised that he had gotten under the Flame Alchemist's skin so easily. Usually this would go on back and forth for awhile. Roy dropped his tone slightly above a whisper. "It's Ferguson, he escaped from jail." Ed's eyes went wide from this new information.

"But how is that possible? He's been locked up for almost a year now. How'd he get out?" His voice grew louder and the Colonel motioned for him to keep it down.

"Someone from the inside helped him get out. While I don't know if he stayed in Central or what his plans are, I think it would be best for you and Al to get out of here as soon as possible. And don't tell anyone." Ferguson was a very skilled Alchemist however he was also very dangerous, not concerned with human life when it came to his work. And since Ed and Al had not only escaped from him, they were also the ones responsible for destroying his lab as well as helping apprehend him. Above all that, he had a sick obsession with human transmutation and the Elric brothers. There was no telling how far he'd go to get to them. Edward leaned forward again on the desk for support as he tried to think of a plan.

"But he doesn't even have a lab or anything left. Maybe he'll just go into hiding and leave us alone."

"Do you really think that's gonna happen? If you recall last time, he didn't stop even after he was in custody." The situation was still very fresh in Ed's mind, even if some time had passed.

"Whereever you go, don't tell me. Don't tell anyone. It's better to just leave. Contact me two weeks from now and I'll be able to give you an update on the case. No one should notice you missing since you and Al are always going off somewhere." Ed nodded back, worry written all over his features.

"Thanks, I appreciate the help." With that, he dissapeared from the office.