A/N: Hey, everyone. I don't know about you guys, but I had a stellar Christmas and New Years. I got all the gifts I wanted and none of my family (outside of the immediate a.k.a the ones I live with) from else where came over. Especially, my bratty cousin who I wish to stuff in Santa's bag and let him to dispose of him. Too harsh? O.O Anyways, Since I got such great feedback I would like to give a shout out to those that have been keeping up with the review comments:
obsidianlight: Thank you so much for the kind comments. You were the first commenter and I appreciate that. It makes me glad to know that youre enjoying the story thus far. Hopefully, I'll hear from you for every chapter after this.
iMac15: I remember reading your first comment about how you liked the story and me being a Pinako killer. I cracked up from reading that. And now, I got the impression that I gave you a heart attack over the computer from all the EdWin goodness (in a good way). I hope you don't grow tired of it because I have more in store for this fic.
Kurozu-Elric: It's good to meet another fangirl like myself. Though, I tend to lose absolute control of myself when I read EdWin fanfics with all the greatness of them. I'm already getting light-headed just thinking about some. But I'm glad that I was able to perk your interest for this.
BornOnTheBreakOfDawn: Let me just say that I like your pen name. I dont know why, but it reminds me of a certain event from my past. Anyways, thank you for enjoying my work and I hope to hear more from you soon. And like I told you before, watch out for the hints I drop with events and the dreams.
Now that I've honored my top reviewers, I would like to reward you all with a virtual ED AND WINRY PLUSHIE! That's right, you heard correct. Now you have something to snuggle with while you wait patiently for the next chappie or for when you're reading and you have the urge to let out your inner fangirl and squeeze the living daylights out of them. This costs nothing and is given with lots of love from yours truly. Now that youve read through a good portion of my rant, lets kick off those shoes and get to the next installment!
Chapter 4: Lurking in Darkness
"Son of a bitch! Where the hell could she be?!"
"Ed!" yelled Winry as she slammed her wrench upside the alchemist's head. The blow left him crippled on the ground, blood seeping from the gash on his head. "You do know that there are kids walking these streets. Huff. I swear with you..." Winry walked ahead to ask a nearby couple about the whereabouts of the Xing girl, while Al tried to restore his brother's soul back to his body.
It had been four days since their arrival to Lior, and yet there was no sign of the girl. Everyday, they walked around town and questioned town folks about her. But no one had seen her or heard of her being there. With each passing day, Ed's patience wore thin. It seemed like they were never going to find her. But Ed was always known to be stubborn. So he decided to stay and investigate some more. Rose didn't mind the long stay in the least. In fact, she encouraged the trio to stay in town for another couple more days. Part of Winry felt the reason behind it was to spend more time with Ed. But, regardless, she also knew that Ed didn't see her like that. Or did he? Nowadays, she wasn't so sure she really knew who Ed was anymore. There was just too many secrets between them to tell what the other was thinking. But she already told herself that letting this bother her would only hinder Ed from his goal and, in turn, frustrate her more. So she'd let it slid for now. After all, there was plenty time to question him (with a wrench if persuasion intended).
She had just got done asking the couple, and getting no good response in return, when Ed emerged from his near coma and gave Winry a stern glare. He still sported the rather large lump on his head and blood streaks marred the side of his face. But Ed was more occupied with being pissed with the mechanic. He knew that messing with Winry meant playing with very dangerous fire. Her mood was like a roller coaster, either spiraling out of control or running at a slow pace before another run through the spirals. If Ed wished to stay alive to see grandchildren, he knew not to test her patience with him. But he didn't like to make her feel like she won. So instead of calming down like his brother instructed, he walked close to her and began yelling obscenities in her face.
"What the fuck, Winry! All I did was ask where the bean girl was. That didn't give you the right to fuckin slam that shitty wrench on my head!"
"Oh, really! Did you even know what you did? Because you are damn well doing it right now."
"So I say a few cuss words. So what? It's not like they're not going to hear it from someone else. What difference would it make to hear it from me?"
"It would make a world of difference! The thing is that these are little kids. They're not potty mouths like you!"
"Uh, guys...?"
"Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't know I was in the presence of a perfectionist!"
"Don't you turn this on me, Edward!"
"Guys..."
"I'm only saying it like it is! You think you can just stomp over who ever you like and act like you're the only one who knows better. But for your information, YOU were the one who was yelling a damn storm of cuss words when I dented your precious automail!"
"That's besides the point! At least I'm not endorsing under age cussing!"
"Will you two be quiet!" The two blondes ceased their bickering when they heard Al yelling at the top of his lungs (figuratively speaking, since he didn't have lungs). "I understand that it's frustrating not to be able to find the girl. But, could you keep this argument to yourselves. All the commotion you caused got people's attention. More so than you wanted." It wasn't until Al said that did the two notice people all around them. There were kids snickering at them and women talking amongst themselves about how they shouldn't be having a lover's quarrel in the middle of the street. Their faces burned brighter than a tomato from all the unwanted attention. So rather than continue the argument, both teens fled the scene faster than Al could say idiots.
When he finally caught up to them, he noticed that they were sitting at opposite ends of the fountain. Neither spoke a word as Al approached them, both still flustered from the previous event. Al decided to take the initiative and lead the group to another part of town to resume their investigation. He walked between them to avoid the chances of either lashing at one another. There was no harm in taking a little precaution, right? After all, both were hot heads and didn't know the meaning of surrender. The remainder of the day was tranquil. It wasn't until later in the day when the two were on speaking terms. It seemed like they only needed some time to cool off for them to forgive one another.
"I don't know about you guys, but I'm beat. I say we should head back to Rose's."
"That sounds like a good idea, Winry. What do you think, brother?"
"I guess we could. I don't see anyone turning up any news after all the people said they didn't see her."
"Well then, it's decided. But before we do, I wanted to check out this one store. I saw some really neat stuff for those who own cats."
"Again with the cat stuff? I just told you not to be getting anymore strays."
"But this isn't a stray. Rose is taking care of a kitten for her neighbor while she's away. I wanted to see if they have something neat for it to play with. That's all."
"Are you sure that's all this is for? Because I don't want to leave Lior and see a cat sheltered in your armor."
"Don't worry, brother. I promise that it's only for the kitten at Rose's."
"Ok. But only for a couple of minutes. I don't want to be looking at yarn all evening."
"I promise."
The animal store was a small one that specialized in vet work and pet necessities. There was even a glass area with some dogs and cats for sale. Al took full advantage of the visit and petted every animal there. He also began looking at various toys for the kitten to play with. Ed busied himself with investigating the owner, claiming that there was no point in not asking last minute people. Winry saw a tool shop next door and went in to re-stock on supplies. The tool shop wasn't grand, but it carried all the necessary stuff she needed. She quickly purchased what she needed and left. Though, it didn't occur to her that the sun had set and the moon was glowing brightly in the sky until she left the store. She figured Al was too caught up in the stuff to be taking so long. At least, it gave her some time to walk around a little.
"You're quite the busy girl, aren't you?"
The tools from the bag clattered all over the ground. She was stunned, hearing the same voice from before. A chill ran up her spine from the tone the faceless voice carried.
"I assume you haven't been dreaming those dreams anymore?"
Winry swiftly turned toward the dark alley, but saw no one. She knew it was dangerous, but she had to know who it was. So she slowly crept towards the alley, a wrench at hand. Being night, there wasn't any light to illuminate the path ahead. She could barely make out a figure leaning on one side of the wall. From the looks of it, the person had on some dark clothing and wild hair that poked out everywhere. "Who are you? And why are you following me?" Despite her best efforts to appear fearless, her voice gave out a bit of a quiver. She was very frightened and there was no one out to protect her in case something went wrong.
"I'm here to check your progress." The voice seemed amused with the look on her face, the smirk being the only thing clearly visible under the moonlight.
Winry was confused and frightened, but decided to try and pry some answers from the person. "What do you mean by that?" This time, she made sure her voice sounded fierce, so as not to show the fear she felt inside.
The person didn't appear happy with her tone. "It's exactly what it means. But I guess it doesn't matter since you're only a puppet in the grand scheme."
"Gasp!" Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain attack her head. Winry couldn't help kneeling on the ground and holding her head in total pain. A flurry of images ran through her mind. She saw images of a lab and the face of a man who looked like Hohenheim. There was also a woman in a long dark dress talking to her, but no noise issued from her. During all that time, the word puppet was ringing in her ears. All the different voices that said it sounded menacing, scaring her even more. But she had no idea why she was reacting the way she was. She vaguely felt the person's hand petting her head and talking to her, but the pain was too unbearable to distinguish the words. It was as if the world around her was fading away, leaving the immense pain in its place.
The person, looking on with an evil smirk, grabbed a fistful of her hair and yanked Winry towards his face. "Now you listen to me, girl. I don't care if you tell your little boyfriend or not. What I do care for is when you think you can talk to me in that tone of yours. Regardless of the situation, I'll make absolute sure you never defy me like tonight." All of a sudden, a bell went out. The person knew the boys were done and had just left the store. He neared her ear to whisper one last threat before his departure. "I'll be watching you. So don't get too comfortable." He released his grip on her and swiftly fled into the darkness of the alley.
The pain seemed to subside some. But it didn't help relieve her in the least. She could still feel the cold hand that was on her head moments ago and the searing pain that invaded her. It took all the willpower in her not to scream out. And despite having only just met the person, she had a feeling that he fed off others pain. So with that in mind, she held it in so as not to give him the satisfaction of hearing her in agony. But all that transpired really wiped all the energy out of her. As she was falling into the darkness of sleep, she could hear Ed and Al screaming her name. That was the last she remembered before darkness claimed her for the night.
The blond mechanic began to stir. But she wasn't back at Rose's. Instead, she was lying on the ground of a pitch-dark place and wearing a white nightgown. It was only when her senses began working did she feel the chill of the place. She got up and began walking around the black world. She had no idea why she was here and who put her here. She remembered hearing Ed and Al running in her direction. So why was she here? Winry was walking around aimlessly, when she caught a bright object from the corner of her eye. She turned around slowly and came face-to-face with none other than...herself? It was true. Winry was standing in front of a five year-old version of herself. She was wearing the same outfit, but had a look of sadness on her face.
"Have you uncovered it?" By the confused look on Winry's face, the girl saw that she didn't have a clue of what she was talking about. "I guess you haven't."
Winry had no idea what was going on and why the younger her was here. She wasn't so sure if she should even trust the girl in front of her either. For all she knew, this could be a trap set by the mysterious person to lure her into his grasp. But in the void of emptiness, there was no hope of escape. As though sensing the teens thoughts, the girl walked closer to Winry and grasped her hand in a comforting manner.
"It's ok. I understand that you're confused. And that's only normal. But trust me when I say this: I'm not going to hurt you." Her words seemed sincere. After all, the smaller girl had more than enough time to attack her if she wanted. But the fact that she didn't said that the girl had no intention of enacting harm on her. Winry, feeling more confidence in the girl, gripped her hand and allowed the younger her to lead her through the dark void. When they walked a certain amount of distance, the girl lifted her free hand straight ahead, a white glow emitting from her hand. Their surroundings brightened, no longer being the dark world they were in moments ago. But right in front of them stood a large and elaborately decorated gate.
For whatever reason, its presence shook the smaller girl. She clenched Winry's hand tightly and there were small trickles of sweat forming on her forehead. Winry had to admit that she, also, felt a chill from being in front of the mysterious gate. But what kind of danger did such a thing impose that it involuntarily frightened both girls?
The girl didn't turn away. Instead, she kept her gaze on the gate. From the way her skin paled, Winry figured the situation had to of been bad. "W-we have to get you out of here." As she said this, her face contorted in a way as though the situation finally dawned on her. She proceeded to drag Winry away from it, all the while maintaining a tight grip on her hands.
"But what-"
"Now!" Looking at her in that moment, Winry couldn't believe that such a feeling could be displayed on her face. She wondered if that was how she looked when she came face-to-face with the man that murdered her parents. But as the situation seemed dire, Winry wasn't going to further pursue questioning the girl for answers. Rather, she couldn't wait to be away from the ominous thing that struck fear to her very core. But their efforts proved futile as the doors to the gate swung open and a black arm thing shot out and grabbed one of the girl's legs. Winry tried to pull the girl from its grip and hit it with her bare hands, but nothing seemed to make it budge. Several other arms went for her arms and abdomen. At this point, Winry didn't know if she could release the captured child. But regardless, she was using every once of strength in her to hopefully pull her away.
Sometime during the struggle, Winry felt a pair of small hands rest on her own. The small Winry looked into her eyes and a smile graced her features. "There is no hope for me. But you can still be saved. So please...don't let them fool you."
Winry could only look on with a face of disbelief. The child's words caused her to grip on to her even tighter. "What are you talking about? Are you honestly saying that your life holds no value!?" The tears poured from her eyes like a river. The pain of abandoning someone, especially her, was like what the Amestris government did to her parents in the heat of the battle. She didn't have it in her to just turn the other cheek and leave the girl to fend for herself. "I don't know if this is real or a figment of my imagination. But I'm not about to up and leave when I see someone in danger!"
"...Heh. I guess we're both stubborn like that. But I'm afraid to say that it's not your choice." A loud bang resonated around the area. For whatever reason, Winry felt like something was right behind her. When she turned around, she was confronted with another gate. The large doors swung open and the same dark arms lashed out to drag Winry in. She struggled as much as possible, while still holding the girls hands.
"No! Stop this! Winry!!" The smaller Winry watched as the arms pulled the teen into the dark abyss and the doors closing behind them, Winry screaming for the arms to let her go. But the child knew this was for the best. The arms holding her down released her and returned to their place inside the gate. The child was left to reflect on the possible dangers that the teen was bound to experience. Little did she know, the tortures that lied ahead were more terrible than she had imagined...
A/N: That's the end of another chapter. But I'm happy to see that I have many followers who've liked this. I'm currently running a poll for this. Check it out and pick if Winry should tell the brothers about what happened on the street or not. Also, leave me a comment and tell me how I did for this chappie. I leave the rest to you. Now if you excuse me, I'm going to go take a nap. I'm so exhausted from work its not a joke. _