Story: Aftermath, Prologue.
Summary: It was even more startling to see that it was Ed upon opening the door. Of course, she didn't think too much of it right away, except that it was after midnight and that he should be in bed. But he doesn't talk. This story deals with topics of rape and more importantly the after math of it, the feelings of guilt that come along with it and opening up to those around you. This will probably be eventual RoyAi and LingEd/EdLing if there is a pairing. Mute!Ed for a while. (This story is kind of written based on personal experiences, so be mindful of that.)
Disclaimer: I don't own FMA.

So I want feedback about EdLing, I kind of do want to make that a thing in this, but I'm wondering if Ed and Ling should already be together in this for story sake or should I just hook them up eventually? I'm up for either, because EdLing, naturally isn't the main point of this story. The main point is getting Ed the help he needs from those who care.


It was one of those nights that Riza couldn't sleep. Not that she didn't try. Oh, she did. She had lied down for hours on that cursed bed just trying to relax, but the memories, the memories of Ishval, kept her awake and fully aware.

Sometimes, she could tolerate them, but other times, it was... like this, just tossing and turning in bed.

To be honest, she was a bit startled when she heard a knock on the door to her house(which caused Black Hayate to start barking), given that it had to be at least one in the morning.

It was even more startling to see that it was Ed upon opening the door. Of course, she didn't think too much of it right away, except that it was after midnight and that he should be in bed.

"Oh, hello, Edward, what are you doing out so late?" Riza asked, Black Hayate at her side.

No response. It was then that she noticed the blank look in the boy's eyes. Something wasn't right.

"Where is your brother?" she questioned.

However, there was still no response, and she found her worry growing for the boy. She gave a small smile. "Why don't you come in and have a seat at the table? I'll make some tea, and then we can talk."

Judging by his body language, she almost expected him not to follow, but he entered after a moment and did as asked. If she had watched him sit down, she would have noticed him flinch, but she had already walked over to start making the tea.

"I hear you've been getting yourself into a lot of trouble lately, mister. The Colonel's been telling me all about it." Riza said from in front of the counter.

"..."

"Of course, you never have been one to hold back… That's just how you brothers are..."

"..."

"Not that that's always that's a bad thing." Riza smiled softly. "This country needs more outspoken people like yourselves sometimes."

"..."

"So did something happen... between you and Alphonse, Edward...?"

"..."

Over the course of the next twenty minutes, Riza tried her best to get him to engage in small talk or at least answer some of her questions, but never once did he talk. A few times, however, it looked like he had wanted to, but in the end, no sound came from his mouth.

Finally, at some point, she decided she needed to call Roy, seeing as he was Ed's commanding officer, and because this might be a lot more serious than it seemed. For Ed to come to her house this late at night and to not be uttering a word… something seriously bad must have happened.

Trying her best not to imagine what trauma Ed could have gone through to be acting like he was, she waited for Roy to pick up his phone. Finally, he did:

"Hello?" His voice was groggy, he'd clearly just woke up.

"Colonel, it's me… I..."

"Hawkeye? It's really late."

"I know, and I'm very sorry, sir, but it's about Edward..."

"Fullmetal? Did something happen?" All sleep had drained from his voice and he was on high alert.

"...I'm not exactly sure, but he's acting very strange." Riza said.

"Strange?" Roy probed.

"He's not speaking… But perhaps it would be better for you to see him for yourself."

"Alright… I'll be over there in about twenty minutes. Thank you for calling me..."

After that, Roy hung up.

...

End of Prologue

I went ahead and posted this because I don't know when I will be able to write more on it.