Thank you all for the reviews! I love them very much!

So, I will be trying to update as fast as I can. Classes started up again and they require some time, plus I am working a lot since I am going to be moving down too Arizona in the next couple weeks! Sooo, excited! Anyways, here is the next chapter!

I DO NOT OWN FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST

Chapter Thirteen:

Sly Dog

"We're finally here!"

My arms reached for the sky as fresh air filled my lungs. The journey back to Central was a lot longer than what I had remembered.

"I'm beat…" Edward yawned.

"Being spied on for hours will do that to you." Alphonse inserted.

"Mr. Fu and Lang Fan were keeping eyes on him?" Winry question a little shocked.

I am not sure what was so surprising about it. Ling had jumped on the train with us despite Edward's insisting that he could not. The whole train ride to Central Ling had attempted to get secrets of the stone from the brothers and I, but the whole time he was ignored and that just made him try to get under Edward's skin ever more.

"Where is the young Lord?"

Mr. Fu and Lang Fan looked down at us from on top of the train. For two people who were supposed to be guarding the young prince with their lives, they always lost track of him. Ling had hopped off the train the second it stopped at its destination, and vanished under his guardians noses.

"He's not here." Alphonse informed while looking around for Ling's familiar face.

"Maybe he ran off again." Winry noted.

The two ninjas, as I continued to call them, sighed with disbelief and muttered obscurities under their breath. In seconds they bounced all over the station calling out for their young Lord in hopes that he would answer or appear to them.

"What if he's collapsed somewhere again?" Lang Fan spoke with so much worry in her voice that you could tell how much she cared for Ling. He was more than just a prince that she needed to protect.

"If so, good riddance." Edward muttered while making his leave. "Let's go."

Alphonse, Winry and I followed Edward but we also watched the two warriors search for their royal. It must have been a pain to have such a burden as protecting someone who did not want to be protected.

Once we were outside the train station, the busy city life greeted us instantly. People calling for cabs rushing to their jobs, teenagers roaming around with their friends looking for a good time, and children running through the streets dodging cars just to chase after a ball they had let loose. It was too loud for me. Lang Fan and Fu's shouts behind us just added to it.

"All right, we're gonna start at the military offices." Edward finally spoke.

"In that case, I'm going to go to the Hughes's house now that I'm in town. I can't wait to see Mrs. Gracia and cute Elisia!" Winry smiled.

"I'm gonna go with Winry. Not like I have much to do with the military." I laughed while latching onto Winry's arm which she laughed at.

"Sounds good. We shouldn't be that far behind you." Edward smiled.

Winry and I ran off after that. This was the first time I had spent away from the Elric brothers, except for the time when Edward ran off after Greed. I do not count that one. Ever since I had come into this world I had been with them. It was a little strange and unnerving at the same time. They had made being here easy. But either way, I was grateful for Winry. She was a lot like Jessica in some ways and that eased some of the home sickness I felt sometimes.

"You know, I have been practicing making apple pie ever since I had tried Mrs. Hughes," Winry started while stopping in front of an apple vender.

"I want to make it for the Hughes so they can tell me if it's any good or not."

The last time I was in Central, Hughes had been very generous to me. It was right after the run in with Scar. We were going to leave for Risembool the next day and he would not have us staying at a hotel so we were at his house faster than I remember. Mrs. Gracia had made her apple pie that night, and I have to say it was the best! I always looked forward to Christmas because my aunt would make her apple pie that just made your mouth water and that was just from the aromas. Once it hit your tongue it was a whole other story, but Gracia's apple pie made you want to cry in sheer delight.

"I'm looking forward to that!" I sighed at the wonderful memory.

After the apples had been purchased we continued our journey to the Hughes's home. With each step I took I observed everyone. It was odd. I was in a completely different world but all of the people around me were no different than those I saw in my own world. We were all people. Sure this world had alchemy and it was a little more mystical than mine, but people lived, fell in love, and raised their children just the same. It was truly amazing. A red ball rolled in front of us and came to a stop at a telephone booth. I smiled while Winry took the ball into her hands and handed it to the small children that stopped before us with ragged breaths. They said their thanks and raced off, but that joy I was feeling by watching these young ones slowly disappeared as the phone booth seemed to be glaring at me. Even though there was not a single cloud in the blue sky, the phone booth spread darkness out around this one area.

"You alright?"

Winry's voice broke my gaze and I weakly forced a smile across my face.

"Let's hurry. I'm really excited to see them."

It was a partial lie. I was looking forward to seeing them again, but mostly I wanted to get rid of the heaviness that had overtaken my body. My heart was filled with an emotion that I was not used to. I could only hope that my warning was enough.

"We're almost there. They live in that building across the street." She smiled and raced away.

I quickly followed her and once we were inside I almost ran towards the stairs as if it would have been faster than the elevator. It may not have been since the Hughes lived on the top floor, but it would have at least felt like I was moving faster than waiting as the elevator moved. Despite all of this we were standing outside the Hughes's door and were waiting for someone to answer Winry's knock. The door creeped open and a small blonde child peeked out with a large smile.

"Daddy?"

Little Elisia looked passed us and then up at Winry with tears forming in her eyes. She ran forward and wrapped her arms around Winry's legs since that was as far as her little body would let her reach. Gracia soon appeared behind the small child with a weary smile…and that was when I knew…Hughes was gone….

My mind would not let me register everything else that had happened after Gracia welcomed us into her home. All I could think about was the small little girl, who was asleep in Winry's arm, which was now growing up without her father that held her as high as a regal queen. Why had he not listened to me? Yes, what Hughes had uncovered was very important but could he not get involved? The brothers, no everyone, would have figured out the dark truth eventually. He did not need to die. Why did he not listen to me?

By now, Edward and Alphonse must have heard of Maes Hughes fate. By now, Edward was blaming himself for what happened. A small knock on the door confirmed that. Gracia led Edward and Alphonse in the room. All of us could feel the grief and guilt radiating from the brothers.

"Mrs. Gracia, there is something I need to talk to you about…if I may." Edward spoke softly.

"About Maes?"

"Right…you too Winry."

I knew what Edward was about to admit and I honestly did not want to sit and listen to any of it. I just wanted to leave room. There was too much sadness in this house and I could not stand it anymore.

"Excuse me…" I whispered while making my way out.

I heard Alphonse call for me but I just ignored it. I do not know where I was going to go but as long as it was not near the Hughes's house. I remember when my brother and I had witnessed Hughes's death on the TV, and it was something that made my eyes water, but what I was feeling now was far more than empathy for a character. I had met the man. He was not some fictional character anymore. He was a living, breathing person who was murdered.

I do not know how I found myself at the cemetery since I still did not know how to lead myself around this city yet, but either way I was glad. It took me a while to find Maes's head stone. There were so many people. Some children, other older people who had died peacefully, and those who had lost their lives as soldiers.

I sat down before his head stone and let the tears finally flow down my face. I new found hate for the homunculus Envy rose in my chest and from this anger formed and my eyes glared at the grey headstone.

"Why didn't you just listen?"

My voice sounded so sharp that it surprised me. I was sad yes, but there was so much anger in my voice. More than I had intended.

"What about your family?"

It was stupid for me to be asking these questions but I was almost hoping that someone would answer me. That Hughes would appear and have a logical explanation for all of this but there was nothing but the small rustle in the trees from a light breeze.

"You knew this man?"

Hairs rose on the back of my neck and I immediately rose to my feet. I could tell from the tone of the voice that it was a man. The person before me was covered in a tattered, grey cloak. The hood was rose up so I could not see the man's face from the shadows the sun light created.

"He was a great man…" I spoke a little cautious.

This man was either someone who knew Hughes or he was just a person I could not trust. He took a few steps toward me and I responded by stepping back.

"I saw you…traveling with the Fullmetal Alchemist."

This was a bit too much for me and I had to admit I was slightly afraid. I knew how to defend myself now if this man wanted to try anything but that does not mean I was fearless. It was intimidating to have someone know who you are and not be able to see their face.

"Please," His voice was so pleading that my guard dropped as he stepped forward slowly once more and reached out with one hand.

"Give this to this man's family…and this one to the Fullmetal. Please."

There were two white envelopes reached out towards me and each one of them was labeled for their perspective people. Hesitantly, I took them from him and give him my word that they would reach the people they were intended for. The cloaked man nodded and began to leave.

"Who are you?" I called out, but he never answered me.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.

I sat next to Alphonse with my legs crossed while I listened to Gracia encourage the brothers to continue their journey. I found myself in this spot just like I had the cemetery. My feet carried me there.

"Even if the Philosopher's Stone is a dead end there may still be another way."

Gracia's smile was so kind and sincere I wanted to know how she could manage it. Her husband was gone but she still shed a light around her. I could see why Hughes loved her so much.

"You boys keep moving forward. Anyway way you can."

With those words Edward rose to his feet and said that we would be leaving. With those words Gracia had spoken, it gave Edward even more incentive to make sure that his goal was accomplished. Hughes's death would not be in vein. As I rose to my feet my hand came into contact with the letters in my pocket.

"Mrs. Hughes…a man gave me this at Mr. Hughes's grave…he wanted me to give this to you."

I handed it to her gently and she started at the envelope in wonder and even surprise. In fact, for a moment I thought I saw a glimpse of familiarity flash in her eyes.

"Who gave it to you?" Alphonse inquired.

"I couldn't see his face…and he didn't tell me."

We bid our goodbyes and slowly made our way out the door. We were filled with so much grief that we did not want to do anything. Just sit and stare out at the vast world and be alone in the thoughts that filled our minds. As Edward shut the door, Elicia's pleas for her mother's tears to cease filled our ears. Edward's eyes shut tight and his hands shook.

"Pack your things sweetie. We're moving."

All of our eyes widened at Gracia's words. My head dropped and all I could gaze at were my own two feet. I racked my brain for answers but I could not remember any single moment when Gracia and her daughter decided to move. What was going on?

~.~.~.~.~

Winry and I sat in our shared room in silence. Neither of us had spoken a word since we left the Hughes's home. Her face was buried into a pillow as she cried silently. I could not find it in myself to shed anymore tears. Letting out a sigh I rose to my feet and made my way to the door.

"I'm going to get some food. Want me to bring you something?" I asked softly.

Winry raised her tear stained face and shook her head slowly.

"Thank you though." She stuttered slightly.

Giving a weak smile, I left the room. I head small sounds of Alphonse's armor in his and Edward's room. Staring at their door I slowly found the motive to move again. They had been through so much pain already and losing Hughes because he dug into their research only seemed to make things worse. How they managed to stay strong through all of these things was beyond me. Coming down to the cafeteria, my eyes found Edward sitting by himself with his head buried in his hands. Coming closer I saw a plate of untouched food in front of him.

"Hey Ed." I greeted while taking a seat across from him.

His exhausted golden eyes met mine and I conjured up the best smile I could. I was here in this world to help them. I had to do the best I could to shed some light in the darkest hours. Just like Gracia had done for us.

"This was my fault…" He whispered.

"You can't blame yourself for everything Ed. Hughes made his own choice. He wanted to help."

"I guess…"

Back in my world, I was usually the person my friends came to whenever they needed advice or help in areas and I had no problem giving them answers but in this moment I was at a loss for words. What could I possibly say that would make this situation better? Nothing. Sometimes silence was the best thing. So we just sat there. Both of us picked at our meals time to time but there was no reason for eating right now. The hunger was not there. Edward looked up at me and let out a forced smile, but it was a smile none of the less.

"Let's head up. I wanna make sure Winry eats something."

Nodding in agreement I followed but left him and Winry alone to talk to each other. She needed her best friend to comfort her right now.

"How are you holding up Al?"

"I…Well….I just can't believe he's gone."

Again I was a loss for words. Apologies and encouraging words just did not seem to cut it. I sat by the window and stared up at the sky. Even the stars seemed to lack their shine tonight. Turning my gaze down to the streets, a familiar tattered grey cloak surprised me. The man I had met at the cemetery was standing outside gazing up. It was almost like he knew I was there which seemed highly unlikely since this was a large hotel built for the military. My hands reached for letter I had not given to Edward yet. A part of me wanted to read it but I stopped myself. It would not have been right.

I looked down at the man once more only to find him gone. I scowered nearby areas but he was nowhere in sight. Who was this man? My thoughts were broken as Edward entered the room with a heavy sigh. Reaching for the letter once more I questioned if now was a good time to be handing it to him. I did not know if it was going to be something that only made this day worse, but I guess now was a good time then. Might as well get it all over with now. Like a band aid.

"I'm gonna go talk to Winry now." Alphonse stated while exiting the room.

Edward flopped down on the coach with a grunt and covered his face with his arms.

"Ed, the man who gave me the letter for Gracia gave me one for you too."

Lowering the mask he created out of his arms, his brow raised in question but he held out his hand as I handed the white envelope to him.

"Do I know him?" He asked me.

"How should I know? I couldn't see his face."

"Well, you're supposed to know these things, right?"

This was true. Everything about my time here had been familiar to me up until now. First it was the cloaked man at the cemetery, the notes, Gracia and Elicia moving…none of this was what I had seen. Something was changing and I wished I knew what it was. Knowing what the future held was nice for a change. We are always living our lives and hoping that each decision led to a promising future. Knowing what was to come in this world brought a comfort and I should not have become so accustomed to it like I had. Life was not meant to be lived that way after all.

"I'm sorry Ed…but this is new to me. That man and these letters did not happen when I saw it." I muttered while he tore open the envelope.

I watched as Edward read the letter. I leaned forward trying to see what was written when surprise filled his eyes. I could not see anything though. Only the length of it and from the amount of time Edward was spending reading it, I could only guess that he was rereading it many times. The suspense was starting to kill me inside. A large smile filled Edward's face suddenly as his eye locked with mine. This smile was different than the ones I had seen today. It was true. It was not forced or filled with some sadness. He was experiencing some form of joy and it was because of that letter which he had dropped. Edward pushed himself off the coach and threw his arms around me. The air I had in my lungs was suddenly shoved out and I could not take in anymore.

"E-Ed?"

He finally let me go and reached for the fallen paper once more and handed it to me but before I could read it I was being drug down the hall and out into the cool air.

"We have to hurry." He called out finally.

"What about Winry and Alphonse?"

"Just read the letter." Edward demanded.

"I can't with you dragging me!"

"There isn't time to read it now though."

"Well make up your mind!"

I was truly becoming annoyed. There was so much sadness in Edward moments before that you could almost see the dark rain cloud floating above his head but now all of that had vanished. The answer to that was held tightly in my hand but I could not read it at this moment. The cool air stung my arms and I could feel the chills running through my body. I was truly overjoyed when we had stopped finally stopped at it was somewhat warmer. We were at the train station and I looked at Edward with question. A child's laughter filled my ears and we both turned in time to see little Elicia and her mother boarding the train. I gripped Edward's arm once I noticed the cloaked man following behind them.

"Ed, that's the guy who gave me the letters." I hissed but he only smiled and pulled me closer to the train. We stopped where many others were crowded to bid goodbye to those they knew boarding the train.

"Read the letter." Edward smiled while searching the train. Most likely for Gracia and her daughter.

I bit my lip and pointed at a window where I had spotted Gracia smiling out at us. Elicia smiled and reached out for the cloaked man that sat before her. When she was nestled into the man, he looked out at us and lifted his head high enough for the few lamp posts that lit up the area to reveal portions of his face.

Edward grinned and held a hand high and gave a small wave. My eyes were stilled locked onto the familiar sight I was seeing from this man. He gave a gentle wave and a smile I could never forget. The train's whistle blew loudly while Edward shoved the letter in my face, but the tears that had begun to cloud my eyes made reading it near impossible.

Edward,

Be careful. There is so much going on in the military that you would not expect.

But whatever happens do not give up. You're on the right track kid.

The day you were leaving, Serena rushed off the train with pleas

For me to stay home. To be with my daughter. How could I refuse

Such a thing, but still I had to do what I did. I went to work that night,

But I was prepared. Something in your friend's cries made me cautious,

So I packed a little extra protection on me. Turns out, someone wanted me dead.

It was best for them to think they had succeeding which is why even my own wife

And darling Elicia believes I am dead, unless they have already gotten my letter to them.

At first I did not know how I was going to get this news to you and my wife without anyone

Finding me, but when I saw Serena at my grave I knew that was my best option.

I am alive Edward. Continue your journey and keep your mind open. We will meet again and I

Will be prepared to help you when the time is right. For now, I am taking my wife

and daughter out the country where we can stay hidden. Besides, Elicia's birthday is coming up

soon and I have to do something really amazing! Isn't she just adorable?

Take care kid.

~Maes Hughes

I laughed lightly while I tried to wipe away the tears that still wanted to flow down. The train started to depart and I chased after it until the station floor ended and waved to the entire Hughes family with a smile and tears now flowing freely down my face.

"You sly dog!" I laughed

Edward stood behind with his smile still intact. The train was now well out of our sight and the many others who were there to wish their loved ones off had long took their leave but Edward and I still stood there as if we could still see Hughes and his family.

"Everything I had tried to stop in this world still ended up happening no matter what I did, but it happened in a different way" I started wiping the tears away. "Hughes still died…but in a different way."

We remained there for a little while longer until one question finally sprouted.

"What are we going to tell Winry and Alphonse?" I asked.

"For now we need to play things off before we read that note. When we are out of this city…it'll be safe to talk about it."

I nodded in agreement and returned his soft smile.

I had to keep Hughes alive! Haha! Sorry but his death sucked! However, I am keeping him alive but dead at the same time so things can continue on the same path. Hope you all enjoy this! I know it was long in the angst part but Hughes's death was a huge impact. Anyways, review please! I am working on the next chapter already.