Sorry I late again—stupid doctors wouldn't let me on laptop since it has "flashing lights" fuck them -_-"

WHOA! WHAT UP, BITCH? Jk. It's me again! Well, I guess pplz really do care about what could happen in my story. I didn't know some pplz still READ this after the prequel. SO, GIVE ME THE REASON WHY YOU STILL READ ON ^-^! Also, I will post another FMA story soon called COLD, BUT I'M STILL HERE. It's an alternative ending to the original series. It involves ghosts ^-^!

Abe: I'm bored SHITLESS.

Me: O Shuddup u old fart. I need to please the readers ^-^

Abe: Then take off Ur shirt, that usually works with me ^_^

Me: FUCK! I not letting you touch MY cheesecake now _

Abe: BITCH, Y U HATIN'?

Me: Shut up! And don't talk like a gangster. U did that yesterday.

Abe: Sorry, I half black ^-^

Me: And the other half is Stupid.

Abe: So that means we're RELATED?

Me: Ugh! U bastard!

Chapter 3

~Keeping Secrets~

I shouldn't have hit him! I shouldn't have! Winry sat at the corner of the room she was occupying at the hospital. Hands wrapped around her head, she sobbed heavily. Her fingers intertwined themselves into her long, light blonde hair. She was shaking hard, torn between wanting to be angry and from being woeful.

Half of it…! Why, Ed, why? Her hot tears poured down her face as she hugged her body. The one he gave back… she would have never guessed that Ed would do it. He'd already tried once before, and it didn't work… She didn't know why he was able to bring her back, but Ed had explained calmly.

"The reason I was able to get you back was the same reason I was able to get Al's soul back: You weren't at the Gate for a long while. You hadn't gone through it or anything—just lingered. Al and I couldn't do it the first time because our mother had gone through the Gate long before…"

It made since, but she didn't know the reason why he risked himself to get her back. He hadn't gotten that far. Winry had been too angry at him. If she did die there, then she should have stayed that way. But when she expressed her opinion, Ed's expression became dark and grim.

"No, Winry. You weren't supposed to die then. I don't know why, but it's all part of some crazy scheme that i don't know shit about…"

But what scheme? What kind of plan would involve something like this to happen? Winry's frantic thinking was interrupted when Al came through the door. Al… He doesn't know…Winry wiped away the tears on her face as Al came towards her. The hulking armor creaked as it walked across the room.

"Winry, what happened in there?" Winry almost jumped at Al's voice. He sounded so young… she noticed this right now as the heat rose to her face. She was embarrassed for being seen like that, and for the fact that Al saw her smack the crap out of Ed.

"N-nothing, Al," she said, cursing in her voice for cracking, "Just that your brother was being stupid again." That fooled Al once, and hopefully it would work one more time. It's not like she was going to lie to him forever… right?

"But you've never hit him like that before. You didn't even reach for your wrench. I don't remember you ever hitting him without it." Damn. I'm far too soft to keep this up!

Winry felt like spilling what she knew, but if she did, Al would be devastated and she'd lose Ed's trust… She fought hard enough to get him to say anything important to her. And when he shows that he trusts me enough to tell me something important, he tells me THIS? Winry felt like tearing out her hair.

Al stared at her with those soulful, ruby eyes as she tried to come up with something. "Well, I-I wasn't thinking right! Yeah, that's it! HAHAHA!" Dammit! He's not gonna buy it!

Al sighed heavily, and the sound echoed softly as it echoed inside him. "Why don't you tell me? It's not like the world will end." Al. My existence in this world will come to an end! You're brother would kill me!

"Sorry, Al. I can't tell you. It's a surprise." A plan popped up in Winry's head, and she was glad that February 3rd was coming up. "You know why! The usual thing! E-Ed doesn't want a birthday party again!" WORK! PLEASE WORK!

"Really? Not again! It's going to be his 16th birthday and doesn't want a PARTY?" YEESS! It worked! Winry let out a sigh of relief as Al ranted on about only being 16 once.

Winry looked at Al as he began pacing the room, saying aloud the possibilities of being able to pull off a surprise party. I hate lying… I hope when all this is over, that we'll all forgive each other for lying so much…

"Winry! Come on, help me think!" the innocence displayed in Al's voice was dangerous. So naïve, it hurt to hear him speak.

It made Winry want to kill herself for lying.

Do you like it? The hot, burning in your body? Makes you feel warm on the inside, doesn't it? Isn't it comforting?

How is it…comforting? Ed bit his lip harder, tasting the copper in his mouth. He curled up against himself, making him into a small, trembling ball.

Well, it proves that you're still alive, and that none of this is a dream. A sick, sick dream. As much as you wish it to be one, this is one nightmare you'll never wake from.

Ed let out a small gasp as the burning intensified. Sweat rolled down his pale face. Blonde hair sticking to his neck and face, eyes shut tightly as he panted. Didn't they make a pill for this kind of pain? Ed opened his golden eyes halfway. The room… it's so blurry… Ed bared his teeth, hissing loudly, flinching as the pain increased even more.

You went years without having this pain. And when it does, it comes as a giant bitch-slap. I'm surprised you haven't allowed yourself to scream yet. It's not like you have any pride left, so scream like the little boy you are!

NO! Ed grinded his teeth together. Amongst the pain, anger rose inside him. I may not have any pride left, but I still have the will to not show any weakness to YOU! Ed knew his effort was useless, but it made him feel a little better on the inside. The door clicked open and Ed feverishly pulled the covers over his head, trying not to squeak as he moved, causing more pain.

"Brother~!" CRAP! IT'S ALPHONSE! Wait, why does he sound so happy?

Edward tried to stop his shaking, but it didn't work. Al's steps had come to a stop beside his bed. Shit… Don't look under here! Don't look at me!

"Brother, is something wrong?" Against Ed's wishes, the covers came away from his form, exposing the shaking position he was in.

"Dammit!" Ed practically hissed. He didn't want Al to see because he'd fuss over him like he always did.

"Al, don't you dare…bitch at me! I-I really don't need it…"

AHAHAHA! You can't hide anything from your little brother, can you? Well, besides the little inconvenience that got your friend back. But that won't stay a secret for long—I'm sure of it!

"Brother! What's happening?" Al didn't like the way his brother looked. His eyes looked bloodshot. Sweat glistened on Ed's skin. He was shaking violently. His only hand was holding the stump of the other arm, and his only leg was drawn up to his chest.

"I-it's nothing, Al. It'll p-pass soon…" At least I hope so…This shit has been hurting FOREVER!

"B-But, brother—should I go get the doctor?" Al's shrill voice hurt Ed's all-too-sensitive ears, and Ed flinched visibly.

"No—he c-can't do anything about it… This h-happens to people…who've lost their l-limbs…" Ed could feel the pain dulling a little, and he smiled inwardly. "But i-it goes away…eventually…" He tried to loosen up his muscles, and was relieved when they were able to.

The armor, though, was still a little concerned, if not worried, for his brother. The huge armor leaned forward to see Ed's face better. "A-are you sure you don't need the doctor?" Ed nodded slowly and gave Al a small smile.

Feeling like he was able to move without causing himself serious pain, Ed turned and lay on his back. "Fuck…" Al squealed at the cuss word.

"Brother!" Al didn't like Edward using those kinds of words. Even though Ed was older than he was and had full right to use them, Al didn't like him saying them when he was around. "Your manners! Where are they?"

Ed gulped. A pissed Al was never a good one. "S-sorry. I just kind of moved a little too early…"

Ugh. Brotherliness. Disgusting. You two make me sick. But to think, in a few years, because of your stupidity and your bond with that girl, that your little brother will be lacking that feature. You will be dead, so he'll have no one else to be like this for. Hahahaha-and you promised him you'd never leave him alone, too! WOW! How the tables turn against you!

It struck Ed like a bullet. The voice was right. He hated it when it was right… To bring back Winry, he'd pretty much made his due date earlier, causing him to leave Al sooner than he was supposed to. He almost broke one promise to keep another…

Al noticed how his brother became still and how the mood suddenly became dark on Ed's face. His small mile had turned back into a frown.

"Al…is it okay…if we didn't…talk…?" Ed thought if he heard his little brother say anything about what happened all those weeks ago, he'd come up with some bullshit that he'd regret later on.

He was surprised when his little brother said, "It's fine with me. I pretty much love being around you anyways!" That simple pleasure that brought Al happiness almost broke Edward. Oh Al…

Oh poor, sweet, innocent little Al. I actually pity him. So sad that you have to take the express train to Hell earlier than anticipated. But it can't be helped. You brought this upon yourself, and karma's coming right back to whip your stupid ass.

Shut up. I don't need YOUR bullshit… There's no need for you to pity him—he doesn't need shit from you.

Ed turned his head and looked at Al. The armor was sitting in the corner facing him. I know he wants to talk to me…but I can't…do it…

You don't have to be here, you know. Come with me, and I'll show you a place where you can be all alone, and no one will be able to see you hurt like this~!

The child-like voice purred and cooed in his head. It sounded terribly suspicious. If I do, though, what'll happen out here? Ed felt oddly as if he were being led into something he'd regret later. But his curiosity was peaked.

Oh that's easy! Your body will pretty mush just go on 'autopilot'. No one will notice a thing. Come on… it won't be long~!

Ed didn't like how the thing was sweet talking to him. Whatever it was up to, it was bad. No thanks, I'll take my chances here instead of there.

Oh. Well, that's too bad. I didn't want to force you, but looks like you aren't coming if I ask nicely…

What?

Ed could have screamed if something hadn't felt like it was choking him. The back of his eyes burned as he let out a small ragged cry. His back arched slightly as he shut his eyes tightly, writhing slightly.

Stop resisting, dammit! It's not like you'll achieve anything. You're going, whether you like it or not.

The world seemed to move in slow motion as Ed scratched at his throat, trying to find the invisible hands that choked him harder. What's happening? Stop it! STOP IT!

His arms plopped onto the bed as it went into a paralyzed state. Ed could feel the adrenaline going on overdrive as he started to stare at the ceiling. Ed could hear the muffled cries of Alphonse, but couldn't make out what he was saying.

What are you doing to me?

Didn't I tell you? You're going somewhere that only I know where it's located. I'm making sure once you're in there…

The voice giggled as Edward's eyesight blurred with tears that he didn't know were there. The child-like voice continued while Ed slowly closed his eyes.

...that you'll never get out.

"So you're saying that they are going to go after him again?" Roy felt so frustrated with all the work that had piled up over the past few weeks. But his mind wasn't on any of the paperwork that lay in front of him.

"Yeah. I heard some guys talking about it at the Devil's Cavern. They had tattoos on the back of their hands—I'd know it anywhere." The voice on the other end seemed reluctant to tell Roy what he was talking about.

I need to find tougher informants… Roy didn't have any time to waste and he almost yelled into the receiver, "Well? What are you waiting for? Tell me!"

"Ah! I-it's the sol tattoo that you've seen around! It only means one thing… the group you're looking for… is Helios."

Oh no… Roy ran a hand trough his black hair as he shook his head. Why'd it have to be THEM? Roy had heard a lot about the alleged group. The size of the group, though, made it seem like a government of some sorts—the number of members was unknown.

Helios was known to the military as a rebel group of some sort, but they weren't your average rebels. The group was full of assassins and geniuses skilled in almost every weapon. Sometimes, if they had no other choice, the military would hire a few of them for large sums of money to assist in times of war. But that wasn't the worst part.

They were also known for being companions of the homunculi.

Dammit! Of all the people to get involved with, FullMetal gets caught up with THEM? After a brief moment, Roy spoke through the phone again.

"So when are they planning to retrieve him?"

"Five days from now. Around midnight. I-I have to go; I've been on the phone for too long. You better keep my identity hidden, or I swear I'd go over there and kick your Colonel ass!"

It was a weak attempt at a threat. Roy hung up the phone and let out a huge sigh. He rubbed his eyes to get the sleep out of them. He waited a moment before picking up the phone and dialing another number.

"Increase the number of soldiers around the Hospital's perimeter. Also get a few alchemists over there—including Armstrong. He could be useful over there. Don't ask why, dammit, just do it! Colonel's orders!"

We have to make sure the little brat doesn't get killed by them…he might know something…Also, Al and Riza would bitch at me. But still.

What Roy didn't get was why they wanted a young alchemist such as Edward Elric. He had no clue, and he didn't want to find out by having Edward kidnapped again and/or killed. The kid had enough bullshit going around him.

I swear, I'm going to get to the bottom of this… and those bastards are going to pay… for giving me so much fucking PAPERWORK!

"Brother! Are you ok?" Brother, wake up! Al shook Ed by his arm softly, trying to get him to open his eyes. Brother!

"Al…stop it!" Edward opened his eyes, looking a little green as Al jumped in surprise.

"Brother, you scared me! What happened? Do you need me to get someone to he—?"

"Nah, I'm sure it was nothing… actually, I think I'm feeling better than I have for a while now!" Edward flashed a huge smile before pulling the blanket over his head. "But, I do feel a little weird… I haven't been moving a lot lately, and I think what bones I have left are getting stiff." Al was surprised at the cheeriness in Ed's voice. Also, he was peaked by it. Call me crazy, but I think Nii-san's voice got a little…high pitched…

"O-Okay, if you say so…" Al sat back down against the wall, but kept a very close eye on the blonde boy lying on the bed.

He doesn't suspect a thing! How marvelous! I can feel! I can touch! I can breathe! Oh, how I missed the feeling of freedom! I finally have it!

Edward smiled again under the covers. He stifled a laugh by pressing a hand to his mouth.

I finally have my own body! ^_^!

Why is it so dark? Why is it so cold? Why am I all alone? Ed couldn't tell where he was. It was dark…and cold… The ground was a purplish-red, and he could only see a few feet in front of him. He was in a chair… but he was tied to it.

Where am I? What is this place? Ed wished he had his automail—or even some chalk—so he could do some alchemy and get his ass out of this place. It had a really bad vibe to it…

It sucks in there, doesn't it?

Edward's head snapped up painfully, looking for the source of the voice that echoed around him. "Where the FUCK are you?" Laughter rang out, making Ed flinch.

Well, lets just say I switched places with you~! Don't worry, nobody misses you! Not one bit~!

?Edward froze. Switched…places…?

Ah, hell.

"The FUCK? What the crap do you think you're doing?" Ed thrashed in his chair, cursing at himself for getting so weak. The rope that tied his arm to the chair had already rubbed his wrist raw. He felt something pull at his blonde ponytail and he whipped his head around. No one.

Hey, no need to be so uptight! It is our body—don't you think I deserve a turn? Of course you don't. You're too selfish.

"OUR body? What the fuck? It's my body, dammit!" Ed tried to see what lie beyond the darkness around him, hoping to find some way out.

Well, it's mine now. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to fuck with your brother a little bit—see how he feels about the new Edward~!

WHAT? "YOU LEAVE AL ALONE, YOU FRIGGIN' BASTARD! WHY DON'T YOU KEEP FUCKING WITH ME INSTEAD, YOU COCKBITE?" Ed struggled against his restraints desperately. He needed to get out now.

Oh, I'm not done with you. I'm just trying to make shit worse for you out here~! Well, goodbye for now~! I wonder—how long will it take me to make everybody hate you?

"STOP! You're not going anywhere, dammit! STOP! STOP!" Edward kept screaming at the top of his lungs, even though he knew no one was listening in the infinite darkness around him.

YES! LONG CHAPTER! This time I want 7 REVIEWS! See how many people DO read this A

Me: Man my fingers hurt!

Abe: Damn, now you can't give me a decent hand-job…

Me: WHAT THE CRAP? WHO SAID I WAS EVEN GONNA GIVE YOU ONE?

Abe: Me.

Me: What gives you the right to say that?
Abe: Well, you ARE MY bitch ^-^ so that makes me your PIMP!

Me: I'm so going to rip off your balls…