---------------------------------------------------
Edward had always trusted Winry's judgement, no matter what.
From the ages of 4 to 12, whatever her friend managed to get into—Automail, first and foremost—Ed never had a single doubt about his closest friend. After all, as an Alchemist he was always open for new discoveries.
Now, however, at the age of 16, he began to have his doubts.
It began with his first visit to Risenbool, for the first time in three years. At first, he thought that things would go pretty much all right…until the prized wrench Edward had given Winry in the first place slammed into his forehead.
After that, things pretty much went downhill.
Ed began to note that Winry seemed almost hesitant when she spoke to him nowadays. He could see the worry in her eyes, but ignored it. After all, he and Alphonse were on a dangerous journey, after all. There was plenty for the young mechanic to worry about. After a while, however, Edward noted that her worry was not always directed at himself and his brother. Pieces began to fall into place.
And the answer sent bile rising into Edward's throat.
--
The puzzle was completed on a rainy morning in Risenbool, after finding a note of horrifying clarity.
Ed had decided that he would visit Winry on his week off, along with Alphonse. An innocent idea, undoubtedly, but with hidden motives. At least in Edward's case. After all, if he was correct on his assumption, then Winry was in danger.
"Hey, Winry! We're here!" the Alchemist called, as he knocked loudly on the door of the mechanic's house. Silence. Tentatively, Edward and his brother Alphonse waited beside the door, waiting for their old friend to open the door with a smile. It was then that the Elric Brothers found the note that lay on the welcome mat beside their shivering feet. Worried, Alphonse picked up the paper in his trashcan lid-sized hand, and began to read, his grey eyes peeking out from his shining helmet.
"B-Brother…" the taller (and yet younger) boy stammered, staring at the paper in shock. "What is it, Al?" Ed asked, curious. His brother gingerly handed the letter over to him. The amber-haired Alchemist began to read:
To the Pipsqueak and Tin Can,
I have Miss Rockbell hostage. If you want her back, I suggest you follow the map drawn on the back of this letter. After all, you don't know what could happen to a girl in the hands of a Homunculus, right?
And by the way, she doesn't care for you little angels anymore. She has someone…better.
We'll both be waiting your arrival.
ENVY and Winry
Ed stared in horror at the scrap of paper in front of him. "It's not true…it can't be true!" he gasped, holding his head in his hands. The note floated down to the porch floor. This was a nightmare. It just had to be…
"Al, let's go and find Winry."
And so, a few hours later, Ed walked into the ballroom as requested, heart burning with rage.
--
Winry whipped around, staring in horror at the enraged form of Ed, who had barged into the room with enough force to send the large, oaken doors off of their hinges. The gold-haired young man was positively livid; his eyes held a fire that the mechanic didn't recognize.
"E-Ed? How did you—?!" Winry gasped, stepping back a few paces. Her childhood friend leaned on the doorframe, his forehead beaded with sweat. "Win…Winry…get back. He's dangerous…" he wheezed, staggering towards the young girl. The mechanic glared at Ed, panic flashing in her eyes. "What do you mean, Edward?" she whimpered, suddenly feeling all her dreams come crashing down. Could it be…?
It made sense, really. For years, Ed and Al had Winry all to themselves, with no one else to challenge them. Now, in the five years that they had been gone, someone new had taken their coveted place in her heart. Someone who, apparently, Ed didn't trust at all. Winry's dress shook slightly with her shudder. Was this really her best friend standing before her, with his eyes all aglow with fury and jealousy? She stepped back yet again, not wanting to be near the young man before her.
Then, a powerful, protecting hand clapped Winry on the shoulder.
"So. The great hero finally arrives, hell-bent on saving his sweetheart. What a touching story." Envy sniggered, pulling Winry to his chest. "Too bad darling Winry here doesn't want to be saved." The blonde girl sighed, and wrapped her arms around her beloved's back. Closing her eyes, the young mechanic turned her head away from Edward, breathing deeply to calm her nerves. "Right. Ed, I love Envy." she whispered, her voice echoing through the now-silent ballroom. Winry mentally winced as her best friend's ragged breathing filled her ears.
Suddenly, she found herself grasping thin air. Snapping her eyes open, she looked around desperately—and found Envy standing in front of Ed, lifting him up by his braid. "Well Winry, I think it's best if you leave. I'll catch up with you. Get going. Now." the green-haired boy ordered, not looking at her. Nodding, Winry quickly exited the room, looking for someplace to keep safe until Envy returned.
--
It didn't take too long for her Dark Angel to return.
Within five minutes, Envy had appeared at the entrance of the small room that Winry had hidden in. It was dark and cramped, and cobwebs hung everywhere. The only light came from the oak door, which was slightly ajar. The young blonde sat on a dust-covered antique chair, her hands clasped tightly as if in prayer.
"Come on, Winry. I know a secret exit." The green-haired young man said, walking to Winry's side and lifting her to her feet. "Where are we going, Envy?" Winry asked, concerned. She shuddered to think of Edward, her ex-best friend, searching for them. As if reading her mind, Envy smiled playfully and kissed her on the forehead. "Don't worry, we're safe from him." he soothed, clasping the mechanic's hand and running out the door. Calming her fears, Winry let herself be led along the strange passages, feeling peace wash over her.
She was ready for adventure.
--------------------------------------
How is it? This chapter was a little late, I realize. Sorry about that. (sweatdrops) R&R please!