(A/N): I'm always writing this story, so I update when I can. I'm dedicated! Enjoy, and favorite, and follow!
What..? Elena can see the surprise on Edward's face as Alphonse trembles with tight fists.
"Didn't want. This body." Alphonse mutters, observing the floor as the unfeeling cold metal shakes. Winry is upset, scared of what they had just walked into. Her eyes widen, recalling the secret that Alphonse doesn't know. Scared for Edward.
"I'm sorry. It's my fault that everything is screwed up. That's why I want to restore your body as soon as possible." Edward apologizes, guilt covering his face and every movement. It doesn't bother Elena that the focus is on getting Alphonse's body back. She could live forever without hearing her voice if it meant hugging human flesh, and seeing her middle brother's smile.
But why is Al like this? What could have happened in a month?
"And what proof is there?" Alphonse's usual calm voice is laced with danger.
"I will restore you! Trust me!" Edward pleads, pleas for Alphonse to believe him. Elena does without question as always, not wanting to think about her second guess. She's trusted her big brother, even though no progress has been made from what she always sees. Injuries, wounds, more promises. Leaving her to fight their battles alone.
"TRUST ME?" Elena can't stand how dark Alphonse's voice is as he repeats Edward's words with a frustrated echo. "You expect me to 'trust' with this hollow body?"
Everyone is frozen, both still with shock and sadness.
"In alchemy, they say a human being is made from the flesh, the mind, and the soul." Alphonse continues, every person in the building sure to hear him now. "But has anyone ever proved it? Memories are information, so can't they be artificially created?"
"What are you saying...?" Edward dares to ask, Elena afraid to know the answer that she's thinking of.
"You said you wanted to tell me something. Something you were too afraid to say before." Winry gasps as Edward's fear comes true. "That my mind and soul are fake! How can you all prove that Alphonse Elric really existed? You've been tricking me, haven't you? All of you! Isn't that right, brother? Ellie? Tell me!"
Never has Alphonse yelled before, or rant in such an accusing way. Never has the kind soul acted so cruel, or demand of his siblings. Elena escapes into herself, watching Edward set his hands down on the tray that seems eons away from her.
"Is that all?" Edward asks quietly, but still strong. "Did you say everything you wanted?"
Elena wishes she could read Alphonse's face just once to see what the now silent body of armor is thinking as he nods.
"I see." Is all Edward says as he stands from the hospital bed and walks past Alphonse and them without so much as stopping for a second.
Elena can feel tears forming at her eyes as she watches Edward's back turn out of the silenced room, then glances at Alphonse who just stands there.
"Ed!" Elena mouths her brother's name as Winry manages to shout it, not leaving the room to follow after the eldest Elric.
But Elena does, the baby sister chasing after her big brother.
To the roof.