The Colonel and Lieutenant Colonel stood in front of the double doors that led to the Furer's office. The knot that had been forming in Roy's stomach was now impossible to ignore. Normally he wasn't so easily intimidated but this situation had completely unnerved him. Maybe it was being around Ed in his Chimera form for so long that had caused his confidence to waver. If someone as cocky at that kid could be brought down so low, what hope did anyone else have. Pushing the doors open, he swallowed hard and forced a civil grin on his face.
King Bradley looked up and gestured for them to come in. Moving at the same pace, they came to a stop in front of the large desk and saluted. The Furer waved his hand back and forth and welcomed them in a kind tone.
"It's good to see you back on your feet, Colonel. From what I heard from the Bio Healing Alchemist, you've been working quite diligently."
"Yes sir, that's actually why I've come to speak with you. It's about the Fullmetal case."
"I had a feeling that's why you finally reported in."
"Sir, I was really making some headway when you brought in General Mattox. I would appreciate it if you'd continue to allow me to be of some help to him. I have a lot of valuable information that would be useful to him."
"Unfortunately I feel that you're somewhat too emotionally attached to this case. It could easily cloud your judgment." Roy brought his head down, feeling defeated by the Furer's words. Hughes cleared his throat before speaking up.
"Sir, to be honest when you consider the kid's mental state and what he's been through, he really needs to be around people he knows." Bradley leaned back in his chair, mulling the suggestion over in his mind.
"And what about his brother?"
"He's hasn't been allowed to see him these past two days either." Hughes' tone was somber but his concern was evident. Their leader brought his hands forward on the desk and leaned his chin on them.
"Gentlemen, please excuse me. I need to make a call to General Mattox and confirm that this is in Fullmetal's best interest." With another salute, the two friends exited the office and waited out in the hallway. Sitting outside the office, they both found themselves to be oddly quiet, unsure of what to say. Roy thought about thanking Maes for his input but was completely lost in his thoughts. Besides, Maes knew how he felt.
Several uneasy minutes went by before the Furer walked out to see them, his demeanor as laid back as always. They immediately stood as he came closer. "At ease men. After speaking with General Mattox, he confirmed what you told me, Lieutenant Colonel. That being said, he does feel that you should be involved. It seems you've been in high demand." For the first time in a while, Roy felt a small ray of hope. There was a chance that this whole nightmare was close to being over.
Once they were excused, Hughes and Mustang made it out to the car and headed in the direction of the lab. Roy sunk deeper into his seat as he leaned against the window. All the horrors from two days ago started to come back to his mind. He had sort of confirmed that Ed was okay but until he could truly determine that for himself, he would remain uncertain.
Maes, in the mean time was determined to get them there as quickly as possible. He took side streets and maneuvered around traffic with ease. Before either one of them knew it, they had come to a stop. Turning off the engine, they both stared up at the unwelcoming building. As much as his thoughts caused him to hesitate now, somehow Roy found the strength to open his door and get out of the car.
Hughes followed quickly after him. Once they got up to the front gate, Alphonse came into view. He was sitting outside on the pavement, hunched forward, holding his knees. Maes walked over to him while Roy spoke to the guards.
"Hey Al," the Lieutenant Colonel casually called out, smiling down at the armored boy. "So you want to go see your brother?" He had never seen anyone move so fast as Al forced himself up, staring down at him.
"W...what? Really?" Mustang turned back to them, motioning to follow as the gates were opening.
"Come on." His tone came out with authority as they headed into the lab. General Mattox greeted them, giving Roy a strong handshake and a smile.
"You're just the person I needed to speak with." Roy gave him a wry grin as he was so beyond talking and formalities like shaking hands. He had to remind himself that this other alchemist was here to help, even if he didn't agree with how things went down. "Colonel, if you'll follow me, please."
An annoyed sound escaped Mustang's throat as he nodded and the other two followed behind him. While Al and Hughes remained in the hallway, Mattox and Roy entered an office where the desk was covered with all the research from Roy's house.
"I have to say all of this is pretty advanced. You must have worked really hard." As much as the Colonel liked being complimented, his patience were wearing thin if not already gone completely. Placing a gloved hand up, he stopped the General from continuing.
"Please, I just want to know how Fullmetal is doing."
"Oh yes of course, I'm sorry." The other alchemist grabbed a new file from one of the many stacks of papers. "Although it really is touch and go right now, he's starting to come around. After the last transmutation you completed, we didn't have much response from him. After we got him settled in, he would ask for you or his brother, I believe and then he would completely revert and refuse to speak at all. When we're not seeing that reaction, he'll spend hours muttering nonsense to himself as though he thinks he's somewhere else."
Roy grit his teeth, knowing full well what Ed was confusing his surroundings with. Rubbing his temple, he cleared his throat and got back to the point of the matter.
"Can I go see him?" He was trying not to sound bothered but it still managed to come out that way. Finally Mattox nodded quietly, gathering up the new folder and handing it to him.
"Whenever you get a chance, feel free to look it over. This way."
With that they moved back to the hallway and down to a quieter area. Roy suggested to Alphonse it would be best if he just went in alone at first so not to overwhelm Ed. He nodded silently, although deep down he wanted nothing more then to go in. Roy entered the large room that had been designated for Edward. It was white and clean, nothing like the dreary obismal cage he had found him in before. The blond lay silently on his side, facing away from the door, in a bed with several machines hooked up to him. The scene brought a chill over Roy's skin, although that might have also been due to the temperature in the room. Restraints laid off to the side, but the Colonel was sure they had been used whenever the bed's occupant didn't want to be cooperative.
Despite how the room looked, it was still a cage and Ed was still something to be studied to these people. The thought made the Colonel want to take him away from all this. Walking over, Roy leaned down to see he was sleeping peacefully and he placed his hand on top of his head, silently. He seemed normal for now, even if he wasn't completely there, at least Roy knew in this moment he was close to being normal again. There was a light knock on the door and Mattox came in, keeping his voice down.
"We've been doing about three to four transmutations a day, nothing as large as what you had at your house. I guess you could say there are a couple of final things that need tweaked." He made it sound as though he wasn't talking about a person at all.
"Does he...has he been able to understand much?" Roy brought his hand away, as not to let Mattox think anything of it.
"I imagine he's starting to get what's been going on and some of what's happened to him. It's hard to say cause he hasn't said much to us. He's still doesn't trust my staff." Roy could understand that. If Ed had been awake when they took him from the house, he probably would have been upset. He couldn't imagine what it was like to wake up in this place. Just as that thought entered his mind, Edward winced in his sleep and stifled a whimper. Mattox excused himself, knowing his presence wasn't really welcome. The Colonel leaned over more to see weary amber eyes open, still unable to focus on anything particular. Bringing his hand up, he wiped the sleep from them.
"Ed?" Roy watched as it took him a minute to register who was speaking to him and his tired gaze met his superior's. The Colonel couldn't help but smile back. Edward didn't seem to know what to do as he stared back up. Mustang attempted to get him to talk. "Do you know my name?" Ed's eyes started to water again and he forced them shut. It was as though the question brought too many unsettling memories back that he didn't want to think about but had no control over. His frail body started to shake under the thin blankets. "Ed, it's going to be okay."
"Go home..." The plea was simple but Roy knew it was impossible. He wanted to be happy, it was no longer the deformed sound coming from his throat, it was Ed's voice. His real voice. It made the situation all the more bitter sweet even to the point that Roy found his eyes becoming misty.
"Not just yet, okay. They need you to stay here."
"Noo...noo." More tears burst from his eyes and he curled in more on himself as though it was the only way he could feel protected. "They hurt Ed...please no."
"I'm sorry, I know kid." Edward brought his hand up to his head, as though this short conversation was more then he could handle.
"Can't stay here..." He stared up at Roy in such a way that felt as though it cut right through him. The dread and complete horror behind Ed's eyes made him take a step back and confirmed something in his own mind.
"You know, don't you? Ed?" The shorter alchemist's nodded back as more tears found their way down his face.
"What happened,...everything. I know but the words aren't right." He shuddered some as though he desperately wanted to forget all of this. At the mention of the word everything, Roy's mind immediately wondered if Edward was also talking about what he attempted to do before the final transmutation.
"So you remember what I tried to..." His throat began to close up as he couldn't bring himself to say it. To admit he'd tried to kill him. As much as he wanted to believe Ed would understand, part of him felt the kid would be justified in hating him. Moving more onto his back, Ed got a better look up at the Colonel. He definitely knew and Roy brought his head down, ashamed. The movement brought a wave of pain that caused a yelp to leave Ed's mouth. Gritting his teeth, his hand weakly came up and tugged at Mustang's pant leg.
"W..why didn't you?" He almost seemed pleading as he squinted through the pain. His superior was dumbfounded by the question.
"I just couldn't."
"Would have been okay, it hurts here." Ed's acceptance or even request for death caused Roy to shake his head sadly.
"No, it wouldn't. Alphonse needs you and now I know that wouldn't have solved anything. I don't expect you to understand it right now, you probably feel that I've failed you." He was right, Edward was incapable of grasping all he was talking about and his mind went back to what was bothering him currently.
"Please, we go home,...Colonel." Somehow Ed didn't hate him and Roy smiled ironically to himself. He hadn't managed to destroy him but it still pained him that his body still wasn't able to keep up with his normally sharp mind. Like a small child whose been injured and can't explain it.
Sadly he shook his head again. He knew Ed would get better at home, but it was a miracle getting in here at all to see him. Now requesting to leave would be impossible and as much as he hated it, these people could get him back to normal a lot faster.
"I can't take you home yet. I know you hate it here." Something between panic and distress entered Ed's eyes now as he tried to comprehend why they couldn't leave yet. His rationing wasn't working on the level it needed to and he let out a sob, covering his eyes. "Ed, I'm sorry." The inability to grasp this reality brought out a sudden growl as the blond turned back onto his side, now ignoring the situation. "Hey I was talking to you," The Colonel stated with a huff. There was a long moment of silence before he got a response.
"Want Al." His tone wasn't angry but Roy knew he was frustrated with him.
"Edward..." The Fullmetal Alchemist shut his eyes tightly and stiffened his shoulders.
"Said want Al! Al!" Now his anger was evident but Mustang knew why as he gracefully retreated back into the hallway.
Alphonse glanced up as the Colonel exited the room and motioned for him to go inside. His demeanor was difficult to read as his expression was as stern as always.
"He wants you." Al's enthusiasm was obvious as he hurried inside. Hughes walked up next to his friend, holding a cup of water. They watched the Elrics through the small window in the door.
"So what happened in there?" Roy shrugged back, too tired to get into the specifics.
"He doesn't like it here, but that's no surprise really." He calmly opened the file he had under his arm, looking over what the Bio Healing Alchemist wanted him to see. It was suppose to make the point that he didn't want to discuss Ed's condition out in an open hallway. Of course Hughes being the way he was, was completely oblivious.
"Well it's certainly no vacation spot, that's for sure." His gaze went down to his cup as he continued speaking what was on his mind. "Although it might be a good idea to find out how long they want him to stay here. We both know he's never going to calm down at this rate. They probably have him drugged now just to get close to him." Roy let out a tired sigh, knowing full well he was not going to avoid the conversation.
oOoOo
Alphonse walked around to the other side of the bed, seeing the deeply burdened look on his brother's face. Before he could say anything, Ed realized he was standing there and extended his arm, grasping desperately onto the cloth around Al's waist. His breath hitched some as he still didn't dare look up, knowing his emotions were raw and his mental state dwindling.
"Brother, are you okay?" The question puzzled the older Elric as he continued to stare off into nothing. He was attempting to come to a conclusion.
"No.." His tone wavered at the new realization. "Not okay. It hurts...Al." In Al's entire life, in armor and in the flesh, he had never remembered his brother being this uncertain in speech and thought.
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Al watched his brother's fragile body curl around him. Taking in a deep breath and closing his eyes, he attempted to settle some against the cold metal. It didn't feel good against his skin but he didn't care. All that mattered was it was Al. There was a light touch of his brother's armored hand on his head as Alphonse carefully combed out several tangles from his loose hair. Even though he couldn't feel anything in his fingertips, Al brought his hand down over Ed's thin back. At least it was bringing him some comfort, although the sight of his backbone and ribs jutting out in such an unhealthy manner brought Al so much grief.
It would take months if not longer for him to get back to where he was before all of this. A lot of hard work that Al would normally think would be no problem for his older brother. However so much hinged on his state of mind and determination. Right now both were faltering right before his eyes.
"Brother...are you mad at the Colonel?" Edward's eyes opened abruptly as he processed the question more.
"Mad? No...just upset. They're mean here." A tremor moved through his body and Al brought the blankets higher on his small shoulders. Alphonse glanced back to the door to see Hughes and Mustang watching him as he comforted his brother. He might have been trying to hide it but Al could tell by the tired look on Roy's face that he was still grief stricken for Ed's well being. Bringing his other hand over, he cupped Ed's face and brought his dazed eyes in his direction. The gentle touch caught him by surprise and Al had his undivided attention.
"Ed, I know it's hard to understand right now, but the Colonel has done a lot for you. Please don't be upset that they won't let him take you home. We have to keep moving forward, okay." Al's tone was caring and he made sure he spoke slower then normal. There were several seconds where Ed didn't answer right away, however do to the distress that took over his features Alphonse knew he got it. Just like an animal, he could only comprehend the present state of things. There was a definite need currently, to want to leave this place and pushing past that was difficult. Eventually he nodded slightly in agreement.
"Understand now, okay. Sorry Al." Somewhere in the confusion of his thoughts he knew Al was right even if he couldn't piece together what he was suppose to be doing before all this happened. Glad that he was getting through some how, the armored boy remained there until Ed fell back asleep. Moving silently off the bed, he headed back into the hallway. By now both Hughes and Mustang were leaning against the nearby wall. While Roy had yet again delved into the research before him, Maes seemed content with just being there.
"Colonel, he's not mad at you. I'm sorry if you thought he was." Roy glanced up in shock for only a moment, before his rough exterior faded. "He knows he has to stay here and that it's not your fault."
Mustang was now distracted and simply waved his hand back and forth as he read over part of the report before him. His eyes went wide and he pushed away from the wall. Hughes and Al glanced up at his sudden movement but didn't have enough time to ask what was going on before he walked off.
"Wonder what that's about," Hughes stated out loud, glancing up at Alphonse. Roy walked down the hallway with purpose in each step that brought him closer to the Bio Healing Alchemist's office. Mattox was on the phone when he entered without knocking and placed the file on the desk. Ending his phone conversation quickly, he casually folded his hands in front of him and waited for the Flame Alchemist to explain his presence.
"What's this about?" The Colonel's finger came down with unexpected force onto the page placed before him. "Why have you been targeting only certain areas during your transmutations?" It was clear he was heated at the thought of Mattox causing Ed more discomfort then need be. The other alchemist calmly cleared his throat, looking over the section of his research that was so upsetting.
"You need to understand, it's easier to control pain when it's restricted to one area. Also we've been able to see more improvement doing it this way."
"But the process takes longer. It means he's in pain LONGER."
"This is exactly what the Furer was concerned with. Please trust me, I have no desire to hurt Fullmetal more then necessary, however this method has been proven to be the best way. It's not as much of a shock to his system." It would just be easier to stand there fuming and clenching his fists, however Roy knew he had to tread light. It would do Ed no good, if he got kicked out now.
"Fine, but I want to be there for the next transmutation. Also how long are you planning to keep him here?"
"Is there somewhere he needs to be?" There was a definite thread of sarcasm in the question but Roy disregarded it.
"Actually we need to get him to his automail mechanic sooner preferably then later."
"Well I only have two more transmutations left tomorrow and then I need to evaluate how he's doing. If everything looks good, I suppose he could leave as early as the end of the week." The Colonel hated the idea of Ed being stuck here till then but hid it well. It was evident that he really didn't like the other state alchemist but had no other choice except to work with him. He just nodded silently and excused himself. With not much else to do, Maes drove Roy back home. Alphonse decided to stay for how ever long they'd allow him to. The sun had most likely set hours ago, although it had been difficult to tell when, considering the overcast.
Roy dropped his keys on the kitchen table and went into his fridge looking for something to eat. He really hadn't been taking good care of himself these past several weeks.
"Gosh that kid is gonna owe me, any time he gives me attitude." Hughes had to hide his grin behind his hand, glad his friend had regained some of his humor back. However as best as he tried to cover it up, Roy sent a glare his way. "I'm serious Maes, I'll make him clean toilets or hell I don't know but I've got a whole lot of time to think about it. If he was smaller and cuter I'd use him to pick up women." Now Maes really couldn't hold back as he fell into a chair at the kitchen table.
"Now there's an image." Roy grabbed the quiche from before and started the stove to heat it back up. Hughes let out a yawn and leaned on his arm. "Come on, you know you'll miss him being around here."
"Yes, cause I love dog hair on everything and having to push some half starved Chimera over in the middle of the night cause he's hogging the bed." His friend just shook his head knowing full well he wouldn't admit he was happy Ed was going to get his life back to normal but at the same time would miss him.
