Chapter One

"Scared…so scared!"

"I know, I know. It's ok, now. I'm here."

"I can't-I can't-"

"Ssh, Winry, calm down. I will catch the bastard who did this to you. But you have to help me." Edward Elric cooed to a beaten and broken Winry as she cried helplessly into his arms. Her arms and legs were bruised, her hair a tangled mess. Blood ran down her thighs… It made him absolutely sick that someone would do such a thing to such an innocent girl. He tightened his fists and bit his lip. She was so defeated. He would kill the man who did this.

He took her to the hospital from where it happened. He was taking a walk through Central and heard high pitched screams from down an alley. He ran with the speed of light, coming to a halt to see a man overpowering his love, her dress ripped and her panties thrown into a dumpster. He had been blinded with rage and stabbed the man with his transmuted automail, but the man escaped. He wanted to chase him, but that would leave Winry alone. So he scooped her up and cradled her as she wept. He only wished he caught the attacker's face. As police and ambulance arrived at the scene, he never left her side. He carried her to the ambulance and rode with her, her hand in his. Paramedics checked her with gentle care, Winry wincing away from them. When they were at the hospital, Ed carried her to a room, the paramedics following him. No one argued. He had the military power. They listened. She was given a room and a female doctor was requested. The woman examined Winry and wrapped any injuries, stopped any bleeding, and took a sample of semen. As nurses assisted, Edward was greeted by Alphonse, who sat by him in the waiting room.

Ed took one look at his brother and his strength faltered enough for him to lose control. He cried into his younger brother's shoulder, pain and fear of what happened reeling in his brilliant mind. Al wrapped him in a brotherly hug and let his own silent tears fall as they waited.

The doctor came out of the room, nurses exiting to the right of her to tend to other patients. She smiled sweetly at the Elrics, but pity was etched into her eyes. Ed stood up. "How is she?"

"For what she has gone through, her spirit is quite…tattered. I presume you are the one who carried her here?" Ed nodded at the brown, curly haired woman.

"Yes."

"You may see her. She's been asking for you." She looked at Al apologetically. "Forgive me, but I will only be allowing him in the room." Al nodded.

"I'll wait out here, brother." Ed nodded and entered the room.

Winry was lying in the bed, her eyes half closed. Her arms were bandaged with gauze and her face was puffy from tears. There was a long strip of gauze on her collar bone and she winced when she took a deep breath. He went to her side, gently holding her hand. "Win?" He looked at her, his eyes pleading for a response. She slowly looked at him.

"I was raped…wasn't I?" He gritted his teeth at the word.

"…Yes." She let more tears fall down her cheek, but he wiped them away with his soft, fleshed thumb. "Is it ok if I stay by your side, Winry?"

"Don't leave me. Please Edward, he might come back! He might find me and finish me!" She was growing hysterical. He caressed her cheek comfortingly.

"I will stay by your side always." He smiled softly at her and her eyes lightened.

"Lay with me?" Her question was quiet, the words a whisper. He stared questioningly at the doctor behind him. She nodded approval, then left the room, the light dimming. He stood up, swinging his legs onto the bed and wrapping his body around her, holding her close to his chest. She turned to face him, snuggling against him."I was so scared. I thought he would kill me. I thought I would die a heap of bones and skin."

"Ssh, Winry, you aren't going anywhere. Not for a loooong time. Not as long as I'm here. I promise you this." Edward brushed his hand through her hair, watching as he lulled her to sleep. "I won't leave your side, Winry. I will stay right here for as long as you need me. Forever." He kissed the top of her head and felt her back relax, then her legs. Her arms remained tucked between her and him. She fell asleep, leaving Ed to think about how, who, why, and what?

This story will get brutally good. That guy has a lot coming to him. Know why? Because it's Ed! Thanks for reading, R&R!