Ed froze where he was, shocked to see Winry just standing there. She was rubbing her eye and still seemed to be half asleep.
"Occupied," he stated in an annoyed tone, quickly bringing the towel down around his waist. She still didn't seem to know what was going on as she remained where she was. "Winry, get out." A deep flush made it's way across his face as she glanced down, finally realizing why he was so upset.
"Eep," she squeaked and turned around, "Ed, sorry...I didn't know you were in here." Her cheeks became a light shade of red as well.
"It's fine, just please give me a second." She reached behind her and closed the door, leaving him alone in the bathroom.

Once he was finished drying off and dressed, he opened the door and glanced around, noticing she was no where in sight. Heading into the room, he realized she was back in bed with her pillow over her face. He took in a deep breath and headed over and sat down at the edge of the bed. Pulling his hair back into a braid he decided to say something to ease her embarrassment.
"I've got a meeting with Mustang and then I'll grab some breakfast ,okay?" She nodded causing the pillow to move. "Are you going to be all right?" He leaned down near her.
"I'm fine, really." Her voice came out muffled. Edward straightened up and shrugged, grabbing his long black military coat and heading out.

After going down to Mustang's room, he discovered he'd already left for the main office. Grumbling most of the way there, Ed trudged along through the now melted snow. He could feel it slushing under his boots. It was odd for Mustang to be at work so early in the morning. As Edward walked up the stairs leading to the largest building in Central, he noted that there weren't many soldiers present.

Walking through the hallway, he got lost in his thoughts again as he stared at the floor. He almost missed a turn and glanced up to see Riza sitting outside Roy's office. She glanced up to see him and smiled lightly.
"Good morning Edward, did you sleep at all last night?" For some reason she always did notice how tired or stressed he looked. Maybe it was because she still thought of him as a child and felt that he dealt with more then someone of his age should have to. He forced a smile back.
"I'm fine. Is he in?"
"Yes, he's waiting for you. Go on in."

Ed nodded back and walked in, closing the door behind him. Roy was on the phone and motioned for him to come in and take a seat. Once he got off the phone his gaze fell on Ed's clothing and a frown formed on his face.
"And here I thought you were actually going to stay in uniform. Guess that was hoping for too much." He was now wearing his usual black pants and brown belt with a dark crimson red collared shirt but he still had the coat and white gloves from the uniform. He just shrugged it off.
"Anything new happen. It's kind of early for you isn't it?"

Ed leaned back in his chair, bringing his one leg up on his lap and slouching, making sure he was as comfortable as possible.
"Not today unfortunately. I spoke with the counsel and they have declared Hakuro missing. Until they find a body or whatever they will decide who will be the next to fill in as Furer. I've been told I am at the top of the list." Edward laughed under his breath and stretched his arms over his head.
"Ah, so you're getting promoted because of me, is that what you're saying? It's okay, I accept your gratitude."
"Very funny, anyway I was also told that all charges against you and your brother have been dropped. After reviewing your record, they decided that you've done nothing that required such hostile treatment.
That being said, you've been reinstated. Congratulations."

Mustang opened one of the side drawers of his desk and pulled out a metal item and placed it infront of Ed. Leaning forward, the Fullmetal Alchemist picked up the new silver pocket watch. He had to admit it was nice having it back. "So Fullmetal, I'm guessing you and your brother would like to stay here in Central. If you want I can have an apartment set up for you here, however I think you need to rethink your dress code. The last thing I need is anyone thinking I am giving you special treatment."
"Actually sir, I was thinking of something else." Roy sat up some, kind of surprised that Ed wasn't taking him up on his offer. "If it's okay, I'd like to head home and do my research back in Resembol." The General stared at him for a second, wondering why the change. Finally he let out a chuckle.
"Oh I get it, yeah sure that does make sense since your machanic is there and all."

Edward gave him an odd look, wondering why that would be a reason for him to go home. Although Winry was part of why he wanted to be relocated. "Don't worry, I'll make sure it happens. Besides there are a lot of alchemic resources out there." He knew he should feel relieved but for some reason he felt that Roy wasn't doing him any favors. "So now that we've got that out of the way, tell me what's been going on with our other problem." This was the part of the conversation he wasn't looking forward to but he was determined to let the General know everything.

After several hours at the main office, Edward finally headed back to the dorms. Making a quick stop on the way, he grabbed some breakfast at a small donut stand along with some coffee for himself. As he opened the door to their room, he remembered what had happened that morning and felt his face flush at the thought. Hopefully Winry didn't remember much about it. Alphonse came into view as he turned to the opening door. Concern came over him, as he noticed the discouraged look on Ed's face. Before he could ask him anything, he plastered a wide fake grin on.
"Hey I'm back and I've got donuts." Winry was sitting on the couch and seemed to be avoiding eye contact with him. He walked over to her and handed her his cup of coffee.
"Want some?" Figuring he forgot about earlier, she happily took it.
"You do realize this is more like lunch," Alphonse mentioned, although he was really enjoying his donut.
"And what's wrong with donuts for lunch? I would have been here sooner but I had a meeting with Mustang." "Are you planning on leaving again?" Winry finally glanced up at him, noticing he still had his coat and gloves on.
"Well we still have to deal with our homunculus problem." Ed turned to look out the window. "Although we have no clue where they are."

Alphonse finished his donut and grabbed another one from the bag before handing the bag over to Winry. He couldn't think of anything that would help, considering he had tried to find them the day before and had no luck. "Did Mustang mention anything about the military helping out?" Al's dark brown eyes met Ed's gaze.
"He's trying to keep them out of it because it'll bring up too many questions about us."
"Guess that makes sense."
"But he offered any resources we need and his own help."

The conversation was making Ed's stomach turn as he thought about the mess Envy had made for them. But there was no avoiding it. Al remembered what Ed wanted him to talk to Winry about and figured this was as good a time as ever.
"Hey Winry, have you thought about heading home? I'm sure Granny misses you." She shook her head, resolutely.
"I want to stay with you. Can't I just stay in the room, that way you don't have to worry about me."
"But Winry, it's really dangerous around here. We'd feel so much better if you were back in Resembol." She dropped her blue gaze down to the cup in her hand, trying not to cry.
"What if you don't come home? What will I do then?"
"We'll call you every night. I know we don't have the best track record but I promise we'll call."

There were several minutes of silence where she started to sniffle a little, knowing it would help them out more if she left.
"Actually I didn't get to tell you yet. I've been reinstated." Edward pulled his new pocket watch out.
"Really, even without the automail," Alphonse asked him, causing Ed to snap.
"It was my awesome talent, not just the automail. Sheesh."
"Yeah but you know it helped."
"Oh sure, when people weren't mistaking you for me." Winry wanted to laugh at them but still felt bad about the idea of leaving. "Anyway," Ed continued, speaking through his teeth, "Roy offered us an apartment in town however, I told him we wanted to stay in Resembol. There's a lot of minerals around that area and the state doesn't have anyone out there. So we'll be heading back once we get this resolved."

Winry felt some relief come over her, knowing they would definitely come home. She looked up at Edward, who was smiling down at her. It made her feel so much better and gave her hope that things would eventually be normal again.
"Okay, I'll head back tonight. But you better call me every night you're still here, or else." She wiped the corner of her eye, taking in a deep breath. Just as Ed was going to say how relieved he was, something outside caught his eye. Turning his attention in that direction, he saw a blond standing down below, smiling up at him.
"Well at least he made it easy for us." An ironic grin reached Ed's lips. Alphonse stood up and looked out the window as well seeing the same thing Ed did. "I'm really tired of all these people trying to be me. He must have gotten desperate."

Without saying another word the Elric brothers hurried to the door, Al waving bye to Winry as they left the room. She glanced out the window to see what was happening. She watched as Envy waited just long enough for them to get down to the street before he took off running. Ed's voice could be heard even from where she was standing.

Surprisingly, Envy led them straight back to the abandoned church. Al was shocked when they got inside, taking in the sight of the mess his brother made.
"What happened here?"
"Uh well, there's a perfectly normal explanation for this." Edward scratched his cheek as they tried to make their way to the front of the building.
"Don't bother, I'm sure you had everything to do with this, Ed." As much as he wanted to argue back, Ed was too determined now as he pushed broken wood out of their way, getting closer to the secret entrance. They ran down the dark flight of stairs, now wondering what kind of trap Envy had planned.

Once they made it down into the city, they stopped to catch their breath. This area was actually kind of pretty as water cascaded down into a blue pool. Broken statues littered the area around them as they paused in their search. It was almost like a different world down here. Unfortunately every trip had made it difficult to enjoy the scenery. Looking around there was no sign of Envy anywhere.
"Where do you think he went, Brother?" Ed remained quiet, listening for anything that might give him a clue. A shadow appeared from above, causing him to jump backwards, dodging Envy landing on him. Loosing his balance, Ed fell backwards into the shallow water. "Good move." Envy straightened up and grinned menacingly. Edward got back up clapped his hands together, pulling a spear with two sharp ends out of a nearby wall. Holding it in one hand he pulled another weapon out as well, this one more like a sword and tossed it to his brother.
"Here yah go, Al. Let's see if there's another way to kill one of these things." His tone was deadly serious.

Alphonse heard someone moving in on him from behind and turned just in time to block Greed. Unfortunately he was too strong and knocked Al to the ground. Ed was about to help him when Envy got in his way.
"That's not a very smart place to stand." He ran forward, swinging his staff. The homunculus jumped over to part of a statue's head, surrounded by water. It didn't keep Ed away though as he ran over, soaking his boots in the process.
"Oh I think it's perfect, but this fight needs a little something else." Before they got too involved in the fight, Envy transformed into Winry wearing a very short skirt and tank top. "This feels a little bit more comfortable." A cocky smile pulled at the one corner of Ed's mouth.
"Didn't you learn last time that your cheap trick doesn't work? You're just reminded me of something else to be pissed off about."
"We'll see how easy it is this time," Envy mused in a lighter female voice, lunging at his opponent.

Meanwhile Greed was nice enough to step back long enough for Alphonse to get up. However Al was not about to give him the same gesture as he ran at him, aiming for his midsection. As his weapon broke making contact with the homunculus, he clapped his hands and dropped to the ground, sending a spike directly at Greed's head.
"I would have figured you'd know better then that." He smashed through it as though it was cardboard.
"Never said I was finished with you either." Al came into view again, now with a canon aimed in his direction.

Over the blast, Ed ducked low, avoiding Envy's swing and bringing his foot up, making contact with his back. The idea of him kissing Winry came to mind again and brought a new level of anger to Ed as his eyes burned into the homunculi's.
"What's the matter, does it still bother you?"
"Shut up, I am going to make sure you never bother us again!"
"And I'm going to make sure you're miserable." Edward brought his weight forward, kicking his opponent in the stomach, sending him flying into a pillar. Standing up, Envy let out a whimper, acting innocent. "Edward, why are you being so rough?" Winry's voice reached his ears.
"Hah, same stupid tricks, don't you do anything else?"

Greed was attempting to pull himself back together as Al had managed to keep him at bay with the canon. Alphonse was not letting him have an inch and unlike Ed didn't want to get so rapped up in the fight that he ended up getting soaked. He decided to stay on the dry land for his portion of the fight. If his brother could take care of Envy, then they would only have the one to deal with. He glanced over his shoulder to see how Ed was doing. He also tended to be more mouthy, although Al hadn't been keeping up with the conversation. Envy turned back into his normal form.
"Well how about this trick, it worked pretty well last time." He transformed his arm into a long slender blade. He flipped into the air, picking up momentum as he came down. At the precise moment, Ed brought his legs up, catching Envy's face between his boots and slamming his face into the water. Faster then the Fullmetal Alchemist could predict, he was back up and swinging at him again, this time landing the blade's sharp edge into Ed's stomach around to his back and cutting his right arm. It wasn't too deep as he had moved away as best he could but it still stung.

At the same time, Greed fell to the ground, yelling in pain simultaneously with Edward. Squinting through the pain he glanced up.
"I thought you weren't going to kill him." Al halted his attack, confused at what had happened. Envy turned to Greed as he coughed up several red stones.
"I'm not, just enjoying myself." Ed swung his leg around, also knocking Envy away. He landed with a solid thud.
"Enjoy that," he huffed back, holding his midsection.
"Brother, are you okay?" Al hurried through the water to help but Ed put his hand up, leaning against a pillar.
"Yeah I got this, don't worry, it's not so bad." He was beginning to understand how Greed could be killed. They were connected through pain. "So if you can't kill me, what's left Envy? Eventually you'll run out of ideas. You only good at taking orders." The homunculus grit his teeth and he moved slowly to get up. Al moved back into solid ground, standing several feel away. He glanced back at Greed, making sure he was staying down.

Envy began laughing, still on his knees. It was loud and grating on Ed's nerves which just made him enjoy it all the more.
"I don't have to kill you." Before anything else was said, he lunged in a different direction from Ed. It was like it happened in slow motion before his eyes as Envy moved towards Alphonse. Just as he turned back, Al felt something sharp pierce his side. White flashed before his eyes as his body suddenly felt heavy. Edward's feet refused to move for him as he watched in horror as his little brother's body went limp on the ground at Envy's feet.