Chapter 4: An Urgent Call

[Winry]

After my conversation with Al, I go back to my room and sit on my bed. On my wall are some old pictures. Some have Mom and Dad, some have Ed and Al, and some are ones that I've taken. It brings back so many memories. But enough of that. I need to sleep.

o0o

"Winry, wake up!" I-is that Al? He sounds worried.

I slowly open my eyes and sit up. Al is sitting next to me with wide eyes. I look at the clock and it says 8:30 am. What could possibly be so urgent this early in the morning?

"What's wrong, Al? You look worried." I ask.

He swallows. "Roy-san just called. He needs us both in Central right away."

Since when were Al and Colonel Mustang on a first name basis? And why would he need me? I'm just a mechanic. I rub my eyes and yawn. It is way too early for this. I need some coffee or something to wake me up.

"Why? What happened?" I ask.

Al shrugs. "He didn't say. All he said was that it was urgent."

"B-but I need to pack and have coffee and eat and—"

Al holds me by the shoulders. "Don't worry about it. Obaa-chan has taken care of that already. Just get dressed."

I take a deep breath and nod. "Ok. I'll be downstairs in a sec."

He nods and walks out, shutting the door.

I quickly find some decent clothes and fix my hair. Then I speed-brush my teeth. I almost sprint downstairs. I can see my bags and Al are waiting for me. I look around and say good bye to Obaa-chan, then grab my bags. Al and I head over to the train station and board a train within ten minutes.

As I watch the trees pass by, I can't help but remember all the other times I was on a train with Ed and Al. Some of those times were good, and some of those times were bad. It almost hurts, but I can't cry again. I just can't!

I take another sip of coffee and lean back in my chair. Al is sitting across from me and is reading a book. He's been reading a lot lately. He won't tell me any specifics, but all I know is that it's important. When we finally told him everything, it was, as I like to call it, The Week of Hell. The poor guy almost went insane.

"Winry? Are you ok?" Al asks.

I look at him. "Huh? Oh, I'm fine. I was just remembering some things."

He frowns then gets up and sits next to me. He doesn't look at me and his hair is covering his face. His hands are in fists and they're barely shaking.

"I was afraid to tell you when you just woke up, but I need to tell you something." He says finally.

"What is it?" I ask, leaning closer to him because he's talking quietly.

He exhales then takes my hand. "They can't find Nii-san…"

My eyes widen and I squeeze his hand. "H-has he g-gone missing or…?"

He shakes his head. "I don't know. He didn't say anything else. All he said was 'I'm sorry, Al. But we can't find Edward-kun. It appears that there was a fierce battle but we can't find him.' "

I gasp and find myself speechless. Al tightens his grip on my hand. I squeeze my eyes shut and hold back the tears. No, he can't be gone! He just can't! He promised! He promised!

"Gomen, Winry." Al says. "Nii-san has to break his promise again."