It is has been far too long since I've updated. Sorry to the three people actually reading this story. Some more reviews would be nice though. That way I know at least three people are reading.
Chapter four:
Lies
It wasn't Alphonse in the suit of armor.
That's what he would tell them. It was just an inatimate object that followed him around. It was some fancy technique he'd come up with using alchemy. Like Archer didn't have alchemists working for him. For him to find out Al wasn't just a cheap parlor trick would be easy. And he knew he wouldn't be able to stand by while they took Al apart trying to figure out how he worked. What if they damaged the blood seal or something like that based on what he told them. He wouldn't be able to live with himself. This kind of thinking would get Ed nowhere.
For whatever reason, he had been left alone for the time being. He wasn't sure if they had concluded that he wasn't going to tell them anything or if they were just planning their next move. Either way, sitting still for so many hours doing nothing was beginning to bother him. They had found the best way to torture him apparently. He contemplated falling asleep so at least he wouldn't be able to acknowledge the hunger or boredom. Before he was able to get any more confortable, there was the sound of loud footsteps coming down the hallway. He could see a shadow under the door as the owner of the footsteps stopped outside. Wearily he looked up as the door was forced open.
Edward blinked several times and while he was not shocked at who was standing before him, part of him was kind of surprised. The larger State Alchemist's demeanor was quiet, which was far from his usual boisterous personality. While Ed hoped his presence meant he was there to help, he knew otherwise. There was usually an attempt to kill the younger alchemist with a bone crushing hug but he remained at a distance and his expression was surprisingly stern. Maybe this was another attempt to get him to talk although Armstrong already knew quite a bit about the brothers. He could have told Archer everything he wanted to know, so why was he here now?
"I think it would be a good idea to answer any questions the Lt. Colonel asks. It's in everyone's best interest, Fullmetal." His words were cold and Ed could feel his temper starting to rise.
"Guess I shouldn't really be surprised you're on Archer's side. You know what'll happen if they get Al?" The larger alchemist sadly shook his head.
"Unfortunately it's only a matter of time before that happens. If you don't give them the information they want, when Al is arrested you can be sure they'll take it out on him."
"Then maybe you should make sure that doesn't happen." His statement didn't sound like he was asking for help. Besides they were way beyond that now.
"You know I can't go against orders." By this point, Alex was returning the angry look he was receiving. He had thought if he just asked Ed to talk to them that maybe it would make the situation better. At least for Alphonse. But as always Ed was unwilling to yield. "I recommend you consider doing the same."
"I'm sure Archer has done plenty of things that haven't been following orders," Ed shot back. There was not point arguing with him. The Strong Armed Alchemist shook his head and turned, leaving the room. Lately, the Major seemed to be more and more against them and Edward couldn't figure out why. He had attacked them recently in Dublith, following orders and then he had gone up against their teacher at South Headquarters. If Armstrong was willing to do all that, then maybe Ed didn't have as many allies as he thought he did.
It didn't seem like a lot of time had passed before the door opened again. The light was turned on, causing Ed to close his eyes and look away. The quiet snicker in response was a dead give away who was visiting him now. Kimbley casually grabbed the chair from the corner and turned it around, sitting down in it backwards and resting his arms on the backside. Leaning towards Ed, he continued to stare of the alchemist sitting across from him. Ed didn't bother making eye contact and was annoyed that he was even there. After so long, Kimbley let out an annoying laugh that grated on Ed's nerves. He couldn't decide what was worse, dealing with the cold demeanor of the Lt. Colonel or a lunatic like Kimbley. Either way he was determine not to speak to anyone from this point on.
"Not very chatty are we?" There was still no answer from the blond. "That's fine. When they're done with that tin can you call a brother, I'll definitely enjoy blowing it up." That got some attention, as Edward's head wiped around and revealed the shocked expression on his face. "Although it's not what I normally deal with, I'm willing to make an exception this one time."
Ed ground his teeth together, trying to think of a quick response but nothing was coming to mind. He felt his stomach wrench at the thought of Kimbley hurting Alphonse. There was nothing he could do or say that would change things now. He suddenly realized what the other state alchemist had just said.
"What do you mean 'when they're done with him'?" Kimbley's smirk grew bigger as he leaned closer to Ed.
"Oh did no one tell you yet? They caught that suit about an hour ago."