Time skip until when the afternoon
When he arrived at the Headquarter, with his usual red jacket, his golden long hair in a braid, his golden eyes, all eyes were on him. Everyone who had been there at the time of the Promised day recognized him instantly, the other recognized him too, from the stories they were told by their colleagues. Edward Elric, the child prodigy – who wasn't a child anymore – the Full Metal Alchemist – even if now, if wasn't anymore a state Alchemist so he couldn't really claim this title – the hero of the people – this one was still true, he still helped people who needed it – the one who saved the whole country 3 years and a half ago was finally coming back.
As soon as he arrived, a soldier guided him toward Mustang's new office
- So you are really the Full metal Alchemist
- I was, I'm not anymore a State Alchemist
- Is it true you became one at only twelve years old?
- Yes, it is
- And that you always helped people who needed it, even against the military when they were acting unfair.
- I still do that
- And that you saved the world on the promised day
- No, I participated in the Promised Day, but I wasn't alone, I was helped by a lot of people, including my brother, General Mustang, Colonel Hawkeye, my father, Mei Chang princess of Xing, Ling Yao, emperor of Xing, Scar, General Oliver Armstrong, and a lot others. We did this altogether
- Thank you sir, we're here
- Oh, thank you
And so, as he used to, he slammed to door open, the only one surprised around was the soldier who guided him here.
- GUESS WHO'S BACK!
- Yeah, that's good to see you Full Metal, but you could just not destroy my door the first day you come back
- Oh shut up Colonel Bastard, or, now should I call you General Bastard
- Yeah, Yeah, sergeant, you can leave, he said toward the soldier who guided Edward here
- Yes sir
After he had left, leaving only Mustang, Hawkeye and Ed in the office
- Edward, you know it's no use trying to seem fine right now, we've known you long enough to see that Winry not waiting for you still hurts you, Hawkeye said, Mustang nodded as an approval
- Yeah, guess with you two I can't really hide it… Ed said, the fake smile he's been showing fading slowly from his face
That's why I came here, I have to find something to do to get this out of my head, and, I thought I could be useful here.
- In fact, yes, you could really be of use here, I'll have to ask the Fuhrer first, but I might have a job to give you.
- What would it be?
- Well, I know you're really smart Ed, and you proved more than once that you could be good with investigations, so, I thought of giving you the job Hughes once had, as head of the military investigation department, we haven't had anybody really competent there since Hughes's death.
- Yeah, I think that would be good
- I'll go ask the Fuhrer
Mustang left, leaving Ed alone with Hawkeye
- So, how are everyone?
- Well, Havoc is now captain under the General, Breda is my first Lieutenant, Falman is second Lieutenant, and Fuery is warrant officer by now.
- Oh, I see everyone got a few promotions. And how are they doing?
- Oh, really good, Havoc no girlfriend, but I think you could have guessed that, Fuery has been developing improvement for our communication devices. In fact, everyone's doing well. And, what about Alphonse, is he back too?
- No, he'll be back in around six or seven months, he still have some researches to do. Wait, I guess I should also called him, I hadn't called since I came back, he's going to worry, well, guess I'll do it tonight.
Mustang came back in the office
- Full Metal, Fuhrer Grumman wants to talk to you
- I'll go then
So he went to the Fuhrer's office, entering the office, he saluted
- Sir, you asked for me
- Mr Elric, I see you're now being polite to you superior officers
- Well, I guess I had to grow more mature someday
- Yes, that's good, so I heard you wanted to join us again
- Yes, I think I could be of use here
- Roy was thinking about you as head of the Investigation Department
- Yes he told me
- We hadn't had any efficient person at this job since Maes Hughes
- Yeah, he told me that too
- So, I guess it would be a good thing to have someone as smart as you for this job
- Thank you very much sir
- Oh, and, you'll get promoted, you'll be Brigadier General, to thank you for everything you have done for this country
- It is an honor sir
- You can go now, you'll start next Monday, that'll give you time to find some place to live and for us to prepare your new office.
So I guess you should start now
- Yes sir
So Edward left the Fuhrer office and went back to Mustang
- So that's settle Mustang, I start next Monday, I'll get back my title as Full Metal Alchemist, my silver pocket watch and I was promoted to Brigadier General.
- That's great, though, I'll have to assign you two more officers
- Are Brosh and Ross still working here?
- Yes they are both second Lieutenant by now, but now that Armstrong has moved to Western Head Quarters, they don't have a superior officer yet
- Well, would it be possible to assign them to me as my Second Lieutenants?
- Yes, I guess it could be done, just go see them, they're in their office packing. Mustang said, indicating Edward the direction
He knocked on the door
- Who is it?
- An old friend, Edward answered
They gasped and opened the door
- Edward Elric, you're back?
- Yes, I guess, he answered
- It's nice to see you, you're not with your mechanic?
His face saddened suddenly
- Well, while I was travelling she moved on without me…
- Oh, I'm sorry
- You don't have to, it's not your fault
- So, why have you came to see us? Asked Brosh
- Well, I'm joining the military again as Brigadier General Elric, head of the Investigation Department, and I had to get two Second Lieutenant according to the General – they all knew which General he was talking about – and as you don't have any commanding officer right now as Armstrong moved, I thought I could get you two.
- That would be an honor, when do we start?
- Next Monday, I have to find a place to live first
- Oh, good luck
- Thank you
So he left the Head Quarter, heading toward his hotel, it was too late to start searching for a new place to live right now.
He would call Alphonse to make sure his brother wasn't worrying
- Hello, Chang clan here, how can I help you?
- Hi Mei, it's me, Ed, could I talk to Al?
- Oh hey Ed, yeah I'll get him, he was worried you didn't call when you arrived
Hey brother
- Hi Al, how are you doing?
- Great, I learnt a lot since last time we talked, and you, finally home?
- Well, yes, we could say that
- What do you mean brother?
- Well I'm back in Amestris, but not in Resembol
- Oh, you're train got late? At least you'll be home soon
- No Al, my train wasn't late, I went to Resembol yesterday, but I went back to Central a few hours later.
- But, why?
- I have nothing left to do in Resembol
- What do you mean, and why do you sound upset? And what about Winry?
- Well, she moved on without me, tired of waiting alone
- I thought she said she would wait for- Wait, why is she alone? What about Grany?
- Grany died six months ago Al
- But… why hadn't she told us… Ed could hear Al on the verge of tears.
- I don't know Al, but still she didn't
- But hadn't she said she would wait for you?
- Apparently it didn't mean a lot to her
- Ed, I can hear you're angry, you should call her, give her a chance to explain herself…
- Yes I guess you're right, I'll try.
- Good brother, but so, what are you doing in Central
- I'm joining the military again
- Oh, that's quite… surprising
- Don't worry, I won't go on a lot of fights, I'll be safe, I'll be head of the Investigation Department
- Well, guess that's goo- wait wasn't that Hughes's job too?
- Yes it was
- So you won't be safe Ed, Hughes died…
- I know Al, but don't worry, I won't
- You'd better still be alive when I come back
- I'll be
- I'll call you soon
- Bye Al
- By Ed
Edward hang up and thought for a few minutes before composing another dial. He would try to be more mature than he was before his travel and he was going to give Winry a second chance to explain herself.
- Hello Rockbell residence
- Hi, could I talk to Winry please?
- And may I ask who you are?
- Oh, sorry I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Edward Elric
There was a few seconds of silence
- You should hang up now and never call again, she told me she never wanted to talk to you again
- And may I know who you are?
- Josh, her boyfriend
And he hang up
Edward was hurt, he was not mad as he had been when he left Resembol, he was hurt because Winry had always been his friend, for as long as he could remember. He thought they could at least still be friend, but apparently that was still too much to ask.
This night he didn't slept well, again…