CHAPTER 11

Ed's heart sank into his feet. His breathing became ragged. Alphonse's gaze was dark, Ed could tell what he was feeling. Ed quickly tried to swing his casted leg over the side of the bed and get up. With one leg missing and another in a tight cast, it wasn't long before he stumbled over, causing Al to catch him. Ed felt tears well up in his eyes. Not Winry, anything but Winry. She didn't deserve this, she didn't deserve to be dragged into this, it was his fault, his fault! Al held Ed tightly, not only trying to comfort Ed, but himself as well. Roy stood blankly staring at Riza. Everything was moving so fast but in slow motion at the same time. He could hear Ed sniffling quietly beside him. Al's armor creaked as he lifted Ed back into his bed.

"Sir." Riza said, bringing back to reality. Roy stood quickly.

"Let's go." Roy began walking out of the room, before leaving he turned to Edward and Alphonse. "You just stay here, pipsqueak. We will get her back safe and sound." Roy smiled. Ed looked angry and upset, Roy knew he wanted to be right beside him, making that bitch pay for hurting Winry. AL nodded slightly. Ed's gaze was a burning fire that ripped into his soul.

"Get her back." Ed said, sounding much more grown up.

"I will." Roy promised, quickly exiting out the door. Time was of the essence.

Roy and Riza raced down the freeway. Sources had called in saying they spotted a figure who matched Lust's description going into a small building off the outskirts of Central. They had to hurry. Lust wasn't stupid. She wouldn't stay in one place for long.

"We are probably going right into a trap." Riza said.

"Won't be a trap if we know it's coming." Roy replied, not daring to change his gaze from the focus on the road. Riza's hands were gripping the steering wheel tightly. She nodded in determination and sped up even more.

The scenery changed quickly, from large towering buildings with well kept exteriors to now poverty stricken neighborhoods. The front of buildings were now covered with graffiti and trash littered the streets. Every big city has its rougher parts, Roy knew this, but still was not a fan. The streets were empty, except for the few lonesome people stumbling from a small bar back to their homes. Riza kept her speed high as she zoomed through the narrow streets, they were coming upon their destination, a small shoe factory from ages ago that suffered massively after the big industrial boom of Central, now left as a shallow husk of the past. The building fits in nicely with the others in this part of the city. Graffiti and chipping paint, a hole forming in the roof. The large smoke stacks that towered over the building were beginning to rust. Riza quickly turned her headlights off and slowed her speed to a minimum, creeping forward slightly, trying to not make any noise. Once they had gotten close enough to the building they quickly got out of their car, not daring to close the doors of the vehicle in fear of attracting attention. Riza had her gun drawn and held it close to her eye level, her elbows tucked in, protecting her chest. Roy slipped on his gloves and prepared himself to fight. They had called off the other officers in fear that the commotion would let Lust slip away with Winry. Roy felt his hairs on the back of his neck standing up. Roy was in situations like this often, any military official was. However, if you never felt fear in these instances, you would be insane. Fear might be the one thing in a fight that keeps you alive. Adrenaline pumping and your brain working overtime, hyper-aware of every sound, every movement. Fear is a survival technique that officials like Roy and Riza have learned to use to their advantage. Once they reached the small entryway of the factory they were greeted by a rusted metal door that looked incredibly heavy, and loud. Riza put her back against the wall, Roy doing the same on the other side of the doorframe. She looked at him for a signal. Roy gave a curt nod and kicked the door open, letting the moonlight pour into the room. Roy and Riza quickly made their way into the building with caution. It was much too still for their liking. The dust pooled all over the building, making it a death trap for someone with even the most mild of allergies. Their footsteps echoed and bounced off the walls much too loudly. Then in the corner they saw a small, blonde haired girl, tied to a chair. She appeared to be unconscious and was bleeding slightly from the head. Riza immediately began to rush over to her, but Roy put his hand out to stop her. THey knew they were walking into a trap, Roy was smart enough to not just walk up to Winry without some sort of risk being involved. No way would Lust make it that easy for them. Roy gave her a knowing look, Riza nodding in response, still remaining quiet.

"Call the officers in, tell them to surround the building." Roy whispered. Riza nodded silently and turned to leave, running outside with haste. Now Roy was left alone, merely ten feet from the girl. Roy desperately wanted to reach out and get her the hell out of here, but he knew better. Not only could his lack of caution get himself hurt, but possibly Winry as well. "Come on out, Lust!" Roy called, slightly jostled by the loudness of his own voice after such crucial silence. He knew Lust was aware of him and Riza's presence. Sneaking around won't get him any further. "It's just me and you, come on. Let's finish what we started." He jeered, trying to rile up the woman.

No response.

But a laugh. A sinister laugh cut through the silence like a knife. It wasn't coming from above… It was coming from right in front of him. Winry was giggling, but it didn't sound like her voice. Roy immediately went on guard. "What the hell?" He thought to himself.

"You're too late~" The voice chastised, standing from the chair, letting the ropes fall away. Winrys face transformed and contorted until her entire being melted away, letting black locks fall.

"You." Roy let out a breath.

Envy was smiling before him, with no Winry in sight.