Geez, this chapter did not want to be written!

Disclaimer: Remember what I said last chapter, about things never being finished? Yup, no change there! Still not mine!

Book 6: The Mission

It took months before Edward Elric finally broke.

It wasn't from the noseless creep's torture sessions. The dark wizard used to visit him on a daily basis in the beginning, with his spells and his lady friend's knives. They would cut and play and toy with Edward. That Ed had handled with a scoff and a loud insult.

It was when they stopped coming that Ed started to lose hope.

The sound of nothing was overwhelming. It made the sound of his heartbeat unbearable. It made their screams that much louder.

The quiet brought him back to a time he thought long over.

Hadn't he already escaped? He wasn't supposed to be locked up or alone anymore.

He had promised.

Maybe it had all been a dream?

Did he fabricate his first escape out of sheer desperation?

Did he only imagine Al?

Ed couldn't even hug his knees with all the chains holding him back. He hadn't been able to move for months.

Or was it years? If he had never escaped then he had been here for a very long time.

Despite having the power to escape, Edward had vowed long ago to never use the stone for his own gain. He wouldn't sacrifice someone else's soul so unnecessarily.

So he sat, alone in the darkness for months, with only the souls he inhabited to accompany him.

o0o

The cave was a maze. The Order members had been forced to split into pairs if they ever wanted to find him before they themselves were discovered.

Remus shivered as he kept moving forward through the twists and turns, keeping watch of Moody's back all the while. Even lumos couldn't light their way more than a few feet in any direction. The only sounds he could decipher were his own breaths and Moody's low grunts every other step. The hollow was low and the walls were narrow. There was no chance of an echo.

Remus couldn't hold back another shiver. What must it be like to live in total isolation from everything?

Alastor held up a fist. Remus stopped at the corner behind him.

He had seen something up ahead.

Was it an enemy? Or was it the man they came searching for?

Moody lowered his hand slowly.

"It's him."

Remus scrunched his brows behind the ex-auror's back. If they had found who they were looking for, why had he sounded so defeated?

Wait, was he-?

The werewolf pushed ahead to see for himself. The Order couldn't lose anymore members. Hell, there was no way he could report they had lost him to Albus! Not after all they went through to find him!

What Remus saw made his eyes widen momentarily, until he adopted the same grim look as his partner.

Both Remus and Alastor had met this man a few times during Order meetings. He never showed up with any degree of regularity but it had never been a question that he and the headmaster were close. No one knew how the headmaster became such good friends with someone so young or where the youngster had the gall to treat Dumbledore like an equal. Whenever they saw him there had been a fire in his golden eyes and a constant smile itching at his lips, like he had to fight himself to contain it. It would lighten the atmosphere, despite Molly's misgivings of his youthful appearance.

But now those golden eyes barely revealed a sign of life. There was no sign of the fire Remus had come to expect.

It was unnerving.

And it broke his heart.

Just how many more people would Voldemort destroy before he was satisfied? Before he was finally stopped?

Moody muttered a spell and allowed Remus to continue when it revealed the man was not an imposter.

The man didn't make a move even as Remus and Moody approached. His once golden hair had dulled. Some of the strands covered the man's face but it didn't completely hide those dead eyes. Remus tried to shake his shoulder but his head only lolled.

"Edward?"

Edward's eyes didn't even twitch in recognition. Lupin took a breath before trying again.

"Edward? I'm Remus Lupin. We've met a few times in the past. Do you remember me? We're here to bring you back."

Edward remained lifeless, only slumping further down as the werewolf undid the chains that bound him for so long.

Just as Remus was getting Edward settled on his back, Moody returned to the small room. Lupin started; he hadn't even noticed the older man had left.

"Found his wand not too far off. They knew he wouldn't try to escape. I'll send a patronus to the others, let them know to meet us outside."

Albus was already there when the group arrived. He helped Remus place Edward down, his lips drawn tight. The Weasley's left the room and most of the other Order members left before their absence was noticed. Remus dared to break the silence.

"Dumbledore, we found him as fast as we could. We brought him back alive."

Remus never knew eyes could convey such immense sorrow until the headmaster turned to face him. He swallowed thickly.

"There was never a doubt that he would return alive, Remus. But living is more than just breathing. I fear it will be a long time until Edward returns to us, if ever."

Edward only continued staring blankly ahead.

o0o

Members of the Order tried to slowly bring the former alchemist out of his shell again. Molly made sure he was fed properly. Remus would talk about his favorite creators during his visits. Severus would come on occasion to talk out his theories in potions. Even Alastor would come just to sit with him in a comfortable silence.

Slowly the color returned to Edward's locks and his cheeks didn't look quite as sallow. It took days until he started moving of his own free will. A week until he didn't need Molly's prompting to eat. He was still a ghost of himself but those who knew him dared to hope.

Albus would try to come out whenever his schedule allowed. He hated that it wasn't as often as he wanted. The headmaster would sit and simply speak with Edward. He knew Edward thought he was still trapped in that horrid place, in a time before Voldemort entered his life. He didn't need Legilimens to see that. So he would regale Edward with all the adventures they had together. Sometimes he would read the letters Edward himself wrote to the headmaster. Whatever it took to convince his friend that it had all been real.

It wasn't as hard as he originally thought and he couldn't help but smile whenever he returned. Albus could see that stubborn man refused to give up, no matter what his life threw at him. It made Albus almost ashamed he ever doubted Edward.

More weeks passed. Edward became more familiar with the Order and they with him. He had become soft spoken and never started a conversation. He slowly began to thank Mrs. Weasley, discuss fascinating beasts with Remus, and even bounce back ideas with Severus.

But his favorite times were with Albus. While it wasn't the same, signs of life started to shine through and it was always brightest when Al came to visit.

o0o

Edward hadn't left Grimmauld Place since his arrival weeks ago. Mid spring was approaching fast and Albus knew there wasn't a lot of time left. He would have to do this now before he lost his nerve. He entered the alchemist's room to find him on the floor, papers filled with notes and figures sprawled all around. Edward himself was scribbling away, not even noticing the headmaster's arrival. Albus chuckled and the blond jerked upward at the sudden noise. He gave a small smile to his visitor.

"Hey Al."

He started shoving his pages into a pile as Dumbledore took a seat in the pixie bitten chair.

"I don't know how you can sit on the floor for so long, my friend. My weary joints just won't allow it."

"Maybe it's because I work out, you old man," Edward mumbled loud enough for Albus to hear.

"Hm? What was that? I may be old and my hearing may not be all it used to be but let's remember which of us needed help figuring out how to ride a broom not too many years ago!"

"Hey! That hardly counts! Besides, those things are a death wish waiting to be fulfilled!" Edward's comebacks didn't hold the same bite they once did but it still lifted the headmaster's lips into a grin nonetheless.

The two sat for a minute, content with each other's presence, until Albus sighed heavily.

"As much as I would love nothing more than to simply enjoy your company Ed, there are many things we need to discuss."

"Alas, there is always work to be done." Edward tried to jest but neither of them could produce more than a tired smile.

"I may have an idea of where another horcrux is kept. I plan to go retrieve it soon."

"So that's it? You're not really planning this through, are you? I've told you before, I'm supposed to be the hot headed one. Al, what's going on?"

The wizard looked to the floor, unable to face his companion.

"Edward- Ed, I don't have a lot of time left. I can't make the time to plan or be precise in my actions any longer." Albus withdrew his left hand from his pocket.

"I'm dying, Ed." There was a short silence.

"Al, look at me. Albus!" The headmaster flinched at the use of his full name. Edward swallowed, pulled himself up, and approached the wizard until he gripped his shoulders firmly enough to get his attention but not without obvious care.

"Al, I know there isn't a lot of time left. Trust me, I probably know that the best. But dying doesn't give you the excuse to throw all caution to the wind. Dying doesn't mean you should try to die faster."

"Ed, think about it from my perspective. Who better to send into obvious peril than a man already dying? At least he's already expecting it and no one else must die needlessly. Besides, who would miss an old goat like myself?" Albus tried to force a smile that was so painfully fake to the both of them.

"I would," Edward whispered, his sincere gaze forcing Albus to look away again.

"Edward, if times were different I would live until my dying breath. But this is war. I have been more than fortunate enough to live as long as I have. More fortunate than most! No amount of stubbornness will allow anyone to escape what's to come. At least this way I can choose how I die. I choose to die making a difference, trying to end this war a little faster."

Edward pulled the wizard into a tight hug. Albus froze momentarily but quickly adjusted.

"If I didn't know better, I'd think you were Alphonse. You're both so alike. You both give me so much to live up to." Albus could hear the slightest quiver in the blond's voice but that was all. Edward had told him about Alphonse once. Albus knew that he was Ed's younger brother from a time long ago. He knew Edward held his brother in the highest regard and being compared to him was an honor Albus wouldn't take lightly.

"But Al, I don't want you to ever think that you wouldn't be missed. You will be leaving people behind. Hell Al, you're family. I'm not sure what I'm going to do without you."

The two eased apart, Albus' eyes glistening.

"I hate to ask this of you Ed but you know as well as I do that I won't be able to finish my mission in time. I need you to finish what I started. You understand Voldemort's horcruxes better than anyone. Harry needs your help to eliminate the Dark Lord for good. This world needs your help, Edward. Please."

Edward gave an explosive sigh, scratched the back of his head, and found his place on the floor again.

"Geez, that's another thing the two of you have in common. I can't say no to either of you! I already feel bad enough that I didn't come to your school this year, though that was hardly my fault."

Albus looked up expectantly. Edward's eyes widened.

"Gah, geez, enough already! I give, I give! I'll help Harry as best as I can, ok? Please just stop giving me that face!"

Albus couldn't help but smile wide. Here he was, an old man with little time left, and Edward was still able to make him smile like a young child.

Yes, he would miss this.

Albus stood to depart.

"Al, wait a sec. I need you to promise me a few things too."

The dying wizard stilled in his place.

"Of course."

"First, promise me you won't go after that horcrux alone."

Albus visibly struggled but still nodded.

"Alright. Is there anything else?" Ed made a show of rubbing his chin in thought.

"Hm, actually yes. I want you to try to send me letters with your phoenix on your progress and your plans."

"I can do that."

"Great. One more thing? I want to see that potions teacher, Severus. Can you ask him to come visit? It's been a while since he shared one of his theories with me."

Albus was puzzled by Edward's final request but he figured being alone for so long would make the seemingly young man hungry for any human interaction. Albus nodded again before heading out.

"Good-bye Edward."

o0o

Lupin apparated in front of the door to Grimmauld Place looking more disheveled than ever. He was out of breath but still pushed himself through the entrance and up the stairs. He paused before the closed door ahead, taking a few breaths to compose himself. He knocked softly but the door was still opened for him. The room's occupant had been expecting him.

"Albus didn't send Fawkes tonight."

Remus swallowed. This was much harder than he originally thought. Even worse, saying it aloud would make it real.

"Edward," his voice cracked. Remus cleared his throat before continuing, "They wanted to send a patronus but I felt it appropriate to tell you in person."

Edward sat heavily on the lone bed, clutching his chest tightly and squeezing his eyes shut.

"Please, no. Don't tell me. Please."

Remus took another minute to allow both of them to calm somewhat. He didn't want to say it either but it had to be done.

"Edward, I'm so sorry. Dumbledore was murdered tonight. I am so, so sorry."

A/N: I wanted to cry after writing Albus' good-bye.

Albus kept his promise, he didn't go alone but I'm not sure if bringing Harry is what Ed had in mind! XD

Also, I couldn't help myself but stick in that Doctor Who reference in the end. I'm sorry!

I can't believe this story is a year old! Thank you to everyone who favorited and are following this story! Special thanks to everyone who left a review!

Lisad80 and Guest: thank you so much!

Jay: Wow, thank you for your review! I have a whole ton of world building left to reveal to you guys and this story isn't over yet ;) Sorry I couldn't have Ed go undercover though!

Now was she actually sloth or is it a taunt. . . I guess we'll have to wait and see! (sorry, I'm evil!)

Also, about Book 3, if Voldemort couldn't bother to show himself then there wasn't much reason for Ed to visit!

There will be more so stay tuned. . .