Crazy

A/N- so apparently my time line is confusing so allow me to give a basic explanation for myself. First-Ed and Al get captured on the train. Then-Ed shows up in Central alone. Finally-Ed is chased by military. Sorry this was so confusing, wasn't trying to be.

Chapter Four-Hostage

"What kind of proposition are we talking about?" Ed's curiosity peeked, wondering why anyone from Drachma would want his help.

"Being a State Alchemist, I'm sure you have all sorts of clearance in the military." Edward arched an eyebrow but his mouth pulled into a tight thin line as he was starting to understand why Al and he had been taken. As much as he wanted to stop the man from continuing, he let him finish his thought. "We've been trying to reach a trade agreement with your General up at the border of the two countries, however she doesn't seem to want to cooperate."

"So you decided to kidnap one of their State Alchemists and what, hold me hostage?" Vladimir snickered back at him in amusement.

"Kidnap and hostage are such ugly words. We're just talking." Now it was Ed's turn to be amused.

"Is that why I'm tied up?" The older man looked at him more quizzically.

"As I mentioned before, your reputation precedes you. All we're interested in is information, that you have access to." Edward dropped his gaze, letting out a laugh.

"If that's all you want, I'm gonna have to say no. The last thing I need is for my country to think is that I'm a spy for Drachma." He brought his determined gaze up. The foreigner sneered back at him, maliciously.

"I'm sure we can convince you. How long before you agree to help is up to you." With that, he waved his hand in dismissal and Ed felt a large pair of hands grab him up again. As much as he wanted to demand where they had put his brother but he knew if he made too much of a fuss about it, they might use Alphonse as leverage. So biting his tongue, he quietly let them take him away.

oOoOo

Roy was the first to move forward, in a moment of pure rage fueled by relief. His fist made contact with Edward's cheek. It was enough to cause him to drop everything in his hands but not enough to knock him off his feet. Hughes and Armstrong stared in shock as the Colonel shook his hand from the sting in his knuckles. Angry amber eyes glared at him as Ed held his aching cheek.

"What the hell was that for!"

"Where have you been for two weeks? We were about to start a search party for you!" The Colonel was seething at this point. "Try to be more responsible, Fullmetal. You can't just run off like some spoiled little child." Edward was silent, dropping his gaze so that his blond hair covered his face. Hughes continued to stare in shock as Ed didn't come back with a sharp response. "Well, where were you?" Roy's tone came out as an order and Ed had to stop to think.

"We went to Dublith to see our teacher. She hasn't been doing very well." His voice came out in a small noise. The Colonel arched a critical eyebrow as he stared down at his subordinate.
Something seemed off. For starters, Ed's face seemed slimmer then normal and his eyes carried a worried look to them.

"So where's Alphonse?" Edward gulped hard but still managed to answer.

"He decided to stay there. It's not like we meant anything by it." Roy sucked in a deep breath.

"Maybe I overreacted a little bit. Even so, it wouldn't have killed you to call and let us know."

"Okay,okay." With that the Flame Alchemist walked off, most likely to find some ice for his knuckles. Edward let out a sigh of relief, still rubbing his face.

"Edward Elric." Ed heard his name and turned around just as two huge arms picked him off the floor in a suffocating embrace. "You're so caring to go out of your way for your sick teacher." Ed tried to pull away, gasping for air.

"Major!" Hughes stuffed his hands in his pockets, deciding he'd go back to bothering Roy, now that they knew Ed and Al were okay. "Hughes...aren't you gonna help?" Edward was desperate at this point.

"Well I would but I've just got so much work." With that he left the room, leaving Ed to fend for himself.

oOoOo

Somehow, he managed to make it back to his dorm. Of course he didn't remember coming here on purpose, it was just where his legs had brought him. It was still raining pretty hard outside which had helped in his escape from the Colonel and the others. He wasn't sure how long he could keep this up though. Unlocking his door he couldn't help but notice how empty the room seemed without Al there. It made his heart ache.

'If they do anything to him, I don't know what I'm gonna do,' Edward thought, closing his eyes and gritting his teeth. He pushed the idea to the back of his mind before his emotions got the best of him. Removing his gloves and black jacket, he headed into the bathroom to grab a towel to dry his hair. Next he kicked his boots off, feeling completely worn out. His one arm was covered in cuts and healing bruises. Lifting his shirt he cringed at the bloodied gauze he'd wrapped around his torsoe. Turning around, he saw the damage Hughes had done to his one shoulder. Just another injury he would have to hide for the time. If the Colonel or anyone else noticed how beaten up he was, they would want to know why.

As he left the bathroom, he noticed his automail leg felt a little off as well. Letting out a tired sigh, he moved his metal ankle back and forth. 'Guess sliding on gravel wasn't the best idea.' The one joint wasn't responding very well. Before he could access his damages any further, there was a knock at his door. Not thinking straight, he trudged over and opened it without hesitation. Roy stared down out him, his expression firm enough to send a chill down Ed's spine.
"What happened tonight?" His tone was low, on the edge of becoming threatening.