Author's Note: Thank you everyone for your reviews. I'm glad you like the story thus far. Once again, if there are any tiny errors with spelling or something, I'm very sorry. I've been writing my final papers for my classes.

Enjoy!

Red Water

Chapter Three

Choices and Mistakes

Al and Winry walked up the street that the restaurant Ed and Hughes had gone was. The sun that once hung high above the city was beginning to become engulfed by grey and bleak clouds. A light breeze blew through the streets, causing a cool chill to come over the girl. She pulled her coat tighter as they continued to walk along, trying to find the place where Ed went.

The two teens thought that if they went and met up with Ed after his meeting, they could go and get some dinner then walk back to the headquarters. But, with the way the weather was beginning to change so swiftly, it seemed that they would be running back through the rain instead.

"We should be getting close," Winry told, zippering her coat up to help block the cold wind that blew.

"Hm," was all Al mustered out as he continued to walk along the streets. After his brother had left, he and Winry had continued to do their shopping. They had talked about a little bit of everything, just to make the conversation pleasant and let the time pass by. But, there was one part of the conversation that was still bothering Al in the back of his thoughts.

As the two of them had started on their walk towards the restaurant, Winry had asked a question about Ed that made Al think. 'In everywhere that you've been, has Ed ever met…someone special?' That was the question. Al didn't know how to answer her. Sure, they had met a lot of people a lot of them were attractive women. But he didn't think his brother thought anything more of them that just people he helped. After all, with all the letters he wrote to Winry, Al knew that his brother wouldn't look at any other girls.

Ever since Al could remember, his brother and Winry had been extremely close. Sure, he was good friends with Winry, but nothing like his brother. One memory was still in the back of his mind that made everything seem to tie together. It was a long time ago, before their mother had died. Al had been sent out to find his brother, who was off playing somewhere. The sun was setting over the tiny country-side town as Al ran up one of the many paths that lead away from his house. He remembered calling for Ed, asking him where he was.

As he came up to the river, Al stopped atop of the hill. There, he saw his brother and Winry, sitting watching the sunset fall over the hills. Then, he saw something that back then, made him sick to his stomach. He saw his brother turn to Winry, and kiss her on the cheek. He really didn't know what to think about what he saw then. All he knew was, his brother and Winry were on a different level in their relationship.....something that he could never have with Winry....


"I think it's up the block a little bit more," she told the large suit of armor, causing him to break his train of thought. Al nodded as he picked up his pace a bit more. Letting his eyes look off into the distance, the boy saw a large group of people huddled around on the sidewalk. It almost seemed as if they were watching something of extreme interest and yet, terrible as well.

"What's going on up there?" Al questioned aloud, pointing towards the mass of people.

Suddenly, the sound of a siren filled the air making their pace slow slightly. Both teens glanced over their shoulders to see the flashing lights of an ambulance rush by them at unbelievable speed. The tires bumped harshly over the uneven streets as it made its way down the block. As it approached the group of people, the sound of the breaks being hit roughly made a loud screaming noise echo throughout the street. People rushed from the ambulance, carrying a stretcher and a small medical kit. They seemed hurried, as if what had happened was of the utmost urgency.

"I wonder what happened," Winry questioned, narrowing her eyes to try to get a better view.

A large black car pulled up next to the scene as they continued towards the commotion. Al studied it closely as its doors flew opened to see who was climbing out from within. Within moments, Colonel Mustang and Hawkeye emerged from the car and began to push their way through the crowd. They seemed just as frantic as the medical personal.

"Al," Winry began, "Wasn't that the Colonel?"

The armor nodded slowly, "But, he was supposed to be with brother. As was Hawkeye." Al's pace quickened almost to a run. Winry began to sprint beside him, trying to keep up with his large strides. They rushed up the street as fast as their feet could carry them, making the cold wind seem harsher.

Winry looked up at Al with a look of question on her face, "Why are we running?!" she yelled, her breath heavy from running.

"If my brother isn't with the Colonel, then where is he?" he called back to her, his pace starting to slow as they reached the cluster of people on the sidewalk.

The two stayed close to the back of the crowd, trying to see what was going on. Winry hopped up and down a few times to see if she could see over the crowd. "I can't see anything!" she said, frustration on every word.

Al sighed, "All I see is a group of people in the middle. I can't hear what their saying though."

Halting her jumps, she tapped a man on the shoulder, making him turn to look at her. "Excuse me. Do you know what happened?" she asked sweetly, trying to gain the information that she wanted.

The man shook his head slightly, "Don't know. I think someone is injured or sick. I can't tell from here."

Roy pushed people out of the way as he made his way towards the center of the crowd. The fact that there were this many people around was not a wise thing if this was a military matter. All he was told over the phone was that something happened to Full Metal and he needed to come immediately. Perhaps it was Scar? But Roy doubted that thought immediately. The last point Scar was located at was Central. And that was yesterday.

Reaching the center of the circle, the flame alchemist was met with Hughes kneeling, watching the medical workers examine the limp body on the ground. He drew back slightly in shock. There on the ground was Ed. This coat had been removed, folded up, and placed under his head. His breath looked as if it were nonexistent. His face had paled greatly from before as tiny beads of sweat began to form at his brow.

Recomposing himself, he moved to Hughes' side, kneeling down as well. "What happened Hughes?" he questioned as he came to the ground.

"He just collapsed," the man answered, not removing his sight from the boy. He watched with eyes narrowed as the medics prepared to move the boy. "He was fine one moment…and then the next thing I knew, he just fell over."

Looking his long time friend over, Roy could tell that he was worried. Hughes treated Ed and Al almost like his own sons. Granted, Roy (and just about everyone in the military) knew how much Hughes loved his daughter. But the man gave the two boys a lot of love and care. He always visited them when they were studying for their exam into the military and seemed to just enjoy talking to them. That was just how Maes Hughes was.

"Your order Colonel?" Roy heard his friend ask.

Nodding slightly, he looked up at Hawkeye, who had remained at the edge of the crowd in silence. "Hawkeye, tell the crowd to disperse. There is no reason for them to be here."

Saluting quickly, the woman nodded. She turned to the people who looked at her with a look of question. "Attention please! We are going to have to ask you to please leave! There is nothing left to see here!" she shouted loudly to the crowd.

Mumbles of disapproval passed like a wave to the back of the tiny mob. People began to turn and leave as they continued to speak to one another. Hawkeye turned back to face the Colonel, "Taken care of," she said flatly.

"Good work," Roy smiled slightly. His features once again became like stone as he looked at the medical workers. "Take him to the military hospital," he ordered.

As the men began to move Ed onto the stretcher, the youth let out a small moan. His head moved slightly, as if he were forcing himself to open his eyes. Roy, Hawkeye, and Hughes watched the boy carefully as he let out small pants of breath and sounds of agony.

His eyes opened slightly, barely enough to tell that he was awake at all. He stared up at the three officers with a slight look of confusion. "What……happened…?" he mumbled, his voice raspy and weak.

Hughes placed his hand to Ed's brow. Though the sweat was cool feeling, the boy's forehead felt as if it were on fire. This made his eyes narrow slightly from worry, "Don't worry Ed. You're gonna be just fine." He muttered quietly.

"Where's…..Al?" the boy asked. He was barely able to get out his brother's name.

"We'll find him," Hughes told him calmly, "You just rest." Ed tired to open his mouth to say something, but his eyes closed and he became still once again.

Hawkeye looked up from the boy to check the surrounding area. People started to leave slowly from the area, almost as if they were trying to linger around to find out more information about the situation. Her eyes began to glance slowly around, seeing if anyone was hanging around when they weren't suppose to. Suddenly, her red-ish brown eyes came to rest up the familiar suit of armor and blond haired girl. They were near where the edge of the huddle with looks of question on their faces.

Taking in a deep breath, she started over to the youths. She kept a calm look on her face, even though she worried more than anything on the inside. "Alphonse. Winry," she began, gaining their attention.

"Lt. Hawkeye," Winry said. Her words sounded airy as if she already knew what was happening. "What's wrong? What's going on?" she questioned.

"Where is my brother?" Al immediately asked, worry edged on his voice. Even though it was only a mere soul within a hollow shell, Hawkeye could swear she could see expression within Al. Just how he spoke to her, she could image a boy who looked similar to Ed, staring at her with those eyes. Worry would be on his face…worry for his brother.

Glancing over her shoulder, the woman sighed deeply, "He's right over there Al," she told him softly.

Al and Winry looked past the officer to the sight. Colonel Mustang and Hughes stood quietly as the workers lifted a body and placed it onto a stretcher. Both men held solemn looks upon their faces as they watched, unable to do anything. The wind blew a little harder than before, making their hair and long coats blow in the breeze. As the body was placed securely, the workers moved so that the people carrying it could walk. That's when they saw who they were carrying.

Winry drew in a gasp of shock and fear. She brought her hands up to her mouth to try to suppress her gasp. She saw Ed lying perfectly still as the men carried him, looking as if he was…..

"ED!" she screamed, grabbing the attention of Mustang and Hughes.

"Brother!" Al yelled, beginning into a sprint as he ran towards the ambulance. A hundred thoughts crossed his mind at that very moment. There was his brother, unconscious and he didn't know what happened. Was it Scar? Was he attacked by someone? Everything that could be bad, that could possibly lead to a horrible conclusion flooded Al's train of thought. All he knew was, something had happened to his brother and he needed stay with him, no matter what.

Mustang watched as the two ran towards where they stood. He glanced over at Hughes, who only adjusted his glasses on the edge of his nose. Holding up his hand, Roy glared at the two teens, "Stop where you are!" he shouted, causing the two to halt in their steps.

"Colonel," Al started, urgency etched upon every one of his words, "What happened to my brother?!"

Lowering his hand, the black haired man closed his eyes slightly. What could he tell these two? They had just appeared as if out of no where to see such a scene. Even he didn't know what was wrong with Full Metal. So, he did the only thing he knew how to do. Looking out of the corner of his eye, he saw the men place Ed into the ambulance and situated him securely.

Clearing his throat, Roy stared back at Hughes, "Lt. Colonel, please accompany the Full Metal Alchemist to the hospital."

"Colonel Mus-" Winry began to shout, her voice filled with desperation.

"You two are not permitted to travel with him. This is a matter for the military to handle." He roared loudly, cutting the girl off. He stared at both youths, unable to think of any calming words to say. If anyone were to admit he wasn't good with children, Roy Mustang would be the first one to do so. But, he wouldn't let emotions interfere with this. "Alphonse Elric, you and Ms. Rockbell will be taken to the East City Military Hospital by Lt. Hawkeye. There, you will be able to see Full Metal."

Winry let her tears roll down her face slightly as she stared down Roy. The man felt Al stare through him as well. The emotions he felt were that of horrid rage and anger. Hawkeye came back over to the two, leading them away towards the Colonel's car. He watched as the two were placed inside. Al removed his head so as he could fit in the back, while Winry sat in the front.

Hughes couldn't help but feel a hate for Roy at that very moment. He had just yelled at two people for wanted to see if Ed was alright. That was their rightful place. And Ed's own brother wasn't allowed to even ride with his brother to the hospital. For the first time in their whole friendship, Hughes wanted to slap Roy clear across the face.

"It was for the best," Roy muttered as he watched them get into the car. "If Full Metal is actually sick, we don't want them to get sick as well."

But Hughes only shook his head, "Sometimes you make me wonder," he muttered quietly as he moved to the opened back doors of the ambulance.

Roy glanced over as his friend entered the car, "What does that mean?" he questioned. Turning to face him completely, Roy glared as the man sat down, "They need to learn emotional control. Plus, I was looking out for their health and well-being."

Crossing his legs as he sat, Hughes only crossed his arms, "Ed might be your so-called 'dog'. But you have to remember that they are still children." Looking up, he glanced out of the corner of his eye at Roy, "Just because Ed chose to grow up at the age of 12, doesn't mean that Al and Winry did the same thing."

And with that, the doors closed and the car sped off down the road, leaving the Colonel with his thoughts. Roy glanced down at his feet to see Edward's coat still folded neatly on the street. All he could do was stare at it, wondering why he did want he did. A smirk of disapproval came to his lips as the words flowed from his mouth.

"….Damn it Edward….you'll be the death of me…."

Author's Notes: Please Read and Review