Enjoy this next chapter. I do not own FMA or claim too.

Please allow me to tell you a story.

Chapter 8

Empty Armor

"Al? Is that really you?"

"Yes sir. It is."

"But how?"

"I was walking back to Central. Four men came out of a car and knocked me out. Afterwards I woke up in a big room. I couldn't see anyone. I only heard voices. Beside me I saw this armor."

"Do you remember how they put you in there?"

"No. I was knocked out again. I do remember a large transmutation circle above my head. I woke up crashing down on the street."

Everyone in the room listened to Al. Ed didn't even look back at his brother. This was his fault. He knows that if he didn't leave Al alone that this wouldn't have happened. He kept his promise. No dangerous work and leave all the fighting to Mustang. This was out of nowhere. How did they know they were helping them? Who are these people? Where is Al's body? All these questions kept repeating in Ed's head.

"General I want to know what you know. I want to stop these monsters for what they have done."

"Ed, I understand fully on how you feel. We do have a problem with that. I cannot allow you to become fully involved as a consultant. Only military personnel can have full access to this case and may be involved with the capture of these criminals."

"What are you trying to say to Mustang?"

"If you want to help out the military, I need you to become an active State Alchemist. That way there is no problem with your involvement. Once you are back I can provide troops and protection for both you and Al."

"Damn. You know I am going to have one pissed of woman to answer too? Well I guess I have no choice."

"All right then. Lt. Hawkeye please process the paperwork for Edward. Find a way to contact Lt. Colonel Thomas. I want him informed of the situation. I stationed him out in Lior to investigate the disappearances there. He should be working undercover to locate any criminal activity. Make sure you file the correct paperwork on his ranking. I don't want anyone to give Major Elric any problems."

This was a shock to Ed. Being a Major after just coming back? Some people would obviously be a little pissed about the news. None of that was important now. Getting Al back to normal and stopping whatever is going on. There was one more thing he had to do.

"General I want to help as soon as possible. I need to go to Resembool. I'm sorry if this is a problem. I need to talk to someone before I start."

"All right Ed, take your time."

They leave the office and head back to their rooms. Ed hears those hollow metal footsteps walking behind him. A long time ago it was comforting hearing them beside him. That sound always let him know Al was right there. In their rooms they are packing to get ready to head to the train station.

"Ed, do you think Uncle Thomas will be able to help us?"

"I don't know Al. We need to know what all happened to you first. Right now I need to go to Resembool."

"She isn't gonna be happy."

They arrive in Resembool. Walking down that old dirt road was relaxing. They were hoping Colonel Thomas would still be there. Hopefully he will be back in Central when they return. Coming up on the house they see Pinacco working outside. She sees Ed and Al walking up and just about falls over. She yells into the house and Winry comes out to see who is walking beside Ed. Before they reach the house a wrench bigger then usual comes flying at Ed. It was so quick he couldn't duck.

"What the hell are you doing? Is this some sick joke?"

"Winry, please this isn't Ed's fault."

Al helps out his brother and they walk into the house. Winry hasn't stopped being angry. Ed sits down at the table and begins to tell everyone what all has happened. Al gets up and says he is going to go for a walk. Ed asks Winry if they can have a talk.

"Listen I know what happened to Al is horrible. I want you to know that I did everything to keep my promise."

"I know Ed. I'm happy your home and that Al is still with us. Ed I know this is all so sudden. Please, just let me talk to you before you go doing anything crazy."

"I know what you are going to say. I came here to get permission to fight. I am going to beat those guy's senseless."

Winry doesn't say anything. She turns away from Ed walks up stairs. Ed is downstairs with Pinacco. Nothing is really being spoken. They hear Al coming back toward the house. Ed goes outside to meet him. They decide to go see mom before turning in for the night.

Nightfall has come and they are all sitting in the living room discussing anything that might be going on. Winry hasn't said a thing. Ed says that this might be an attempt to scare them from doing any more work. Al believes that whoever did this may be trying to make a new stone. Pinacco hasn't given an opinion. She asks a lot of questions about the boys ideas.

It is time to go bed. Al heads to his room and so does Granny. Ed sits on the couch with Winry.

"Look I know you are upset with me. I know you don't want me going. I am going to fix all of this. I would feel a lot better if you understood."

"Edward, if you go, I don't know how long it will take to forgive you. So much has happened since you came home. I just wish none of this happened. I want you to stay and never go back to that hell. I do love you Ed. I just hope you come back to this family."

She gets up and starts to head upstairs. Ed is still sitting on the couch. Noticing that he is not following her she goes back to him. Giving him a long hug, they get up together. They walk upstairs and go into their room. Ed takes off his jacket and lays it on her chair. She changes into her night gown and gets into bed. Ed sits on the bed beside her not laying down. He knows this may be the last night he gets to spend here. He turns to look to Winry who is staring up at him. He leans down and gives her a kiss and starts to cry. She hugs him and they lay down.

Morning comes and Al is downstairs with Pinacco. Ed and Winry make their way down. Sitting down at the table Ed pours himself a cup of coffee. Winry goes and grabs herself a cup of milk and sits down beside him. Even though he isn't drinking it, it is still very disgusting.

"I was hoping you had a cup of coffee. I can even smell that vomit."

"At least one of us has been drinking something good for them. I think that coffee must have stunted your growth."

Before Ed can explode the phone rings and Pinacco goes to answer it. She picks it up and is very short with her answers.

"Ed, someone is on the phone for you."

He gets up and goes to the phone. Al is right behind him.

"Yes?"

"Major Elric, you are needed in Rush Valley. We got a tip that several people arrived in the city. Some match the descriptions of the criminals that are of great interest to us. Be on the train as soon as possible."

"I understand General. Did you find Lt. Colonel Thomas?"

"No, not as of yet. I do expect him to check in soon. I will inform him and send him to Rush Valley. Go there and find out whatever you can. If you need back up, I want you to contact me and I will send whoever I can."

"Thanks. We will leave right away."

He hangs up the phone. Winry is starting to cry as she knows that they are going to fight. Ed goes upstairs to grab his things. Al stays downstairs waiting on Ed. Winry gets up to go upstairs but Ed is already coming back down. He walks by her and thanks Pinacco for everything. Turning back to Windy, he walks up to her.

"Ed, don't die on me. Just come home."

"I will. I still haven't forgot I need to be here in less then ten months now."

"Yes you do. I want you home sooner."

"I can't promise that. I do promise to be back here in time for the wedding. Then Al will be back to normal and this whole thing will be over.

They say their goodbyes and leave the house. Winry and her grandmother watch and the brothers leave their home. Pinacco walks over to Winry and grabs her hand. This little bit of comfort is very nice for her.

"Were you able to talk to Ed?"

"No, he doesn't need to hear that right now. He has too much on his mind and needs to focus on getting Al back. When he comes back, he will know."