"Edward, you aren't eating. At least eat some fish. Here!" Hughes' wife Gracia placed a plate full of breaded fish at his plate.
"Thanks." Edward barely lifted his mouth to a smile.
"Is something going on?" Gracia Asked.
"He saw a serial killer die, he just needs some time." Hughes sighed. Winry also had a time of silence, thinking about the problem.
"Hughes." Edward Said.
"Yes?" This was the first time in a while where he'd initiated the conversation.
"Do you know anything more about the Philosopher's Stone?" He Asked.
"Don't you think you're out of shape to do anything about that? Winry hasn't even given you an arm yet." Hughes Asked.
"I can still read with one arm... clumsily sure, but still." Edward sighed, he thought about Shou Tucker, anger swelled up inside of him. "Hughes, are you sure Shou is dead?" Silence filled the room, Winry looked confused. And so did Gracia.
"Yes, He was executed by the Fuhrer." Hughes Replied. Edward sighed, relieved.
"Good." Winry was even more confused from Edward's reply. Alphonse looked at him filled with worry.
"Can someone tell me what's going on?" Winry Asked.
"Shou Tucker was found merging his daughter and his dog together to create a new life form. Ed and Al saw first hand what happened." Hughes explained.
"Yeah, and the military still refuses to let this out into the public." Edward sighed.
"It seems like you'll be investigating this case, Elric Brothers." Hughes sighed.
"But we've already had enough, we need rest!" Edward Replied. "Why does there always have to be a disturbance in Central?"
"Yeah, also Ed's arm is still not on yet!" Winry stated, Hughes blinked.
"Well then, I guess this'll take a long time. I'll head out for now, you can catch up later." Hughes Replied.
"Alright then, let's get to work!" Winry snipped. She grabbed a glove and stretched it into her hands, it sounded like rubber was snapping, it was very familiar to Edward, that noise. "You can walk to the couch, right?" Winry Asked.
"Yeah, my leg is fine." Edward stood up, his muscles felt very out of place. Winry set him down and started getting utensils. Edward took off his shirt so she could dissect the wound on his good arm, it was a triangle cut lining the top of his arm. "You're lucky you didn't die from this." she started cleaning the wound, and Edward felt himself shudder from hot throbbing pain.
"Ghaah chhh!" He winced.
"We gotta find a way to sew this back, or else you're gonna get a severe infection. The bleeding is slowing down but it's still going." Edward Groaned in pain as she applied more pressure. "I know this hurts but it's the only way." She Replied. Edward felt like his entire world was crashing down upon him. She started cleaning it again and she applied some solid antibiotics, used to cover the wound. Then used alchemy to seal it up. Light blue light shined as the skin slowly formed.
"No, don't do that!" Edward gasped weakly. "I don't want you to give up something on my account. What if you lose a lung or something." He Replied, and she stopped.
"Well, Uh, I gave up my ring. We're fine." Winry Said.
"What ring?" Edward Asked. "What're you talking about!"
"My mothers. She gave it to me." Winry Said. "I just thought-."
"You shouldn't have done that Winry!" Edward whined in pain.
"Don't tell me that... your life is more important to me." Winry Smiled, Edward went silent, at loss for words. He did know she cared, but that much? His emotions quelled up inside and only joy was there. He was grateful she was around, he wouldn't be around if she wasn't, back when he first lost his limbs she was there, ready to repair them. He realized that he never told her of his gratitude, Wait would it be weird if I said thank you? I don't want to make it weird. Would she yell at me? No she's not, she's not twelve anymore. He continued to have these spiraling thoughts, Winry was different now, more mature, Less angry. And taller, taller than him. He then realized he was calling himself short and that he should probably stop. Winry shoved the arm in and he was now allowed to stand.
"Kay, should be good as new! Now stand still, I need to measure your real arm with this one so it's perfect!" Winry pulled out a measuring tape and measured both of his arms.
"It doesn't need to be perfect Winry, sometimes real arms and legs aren't identical either, don't be so hard on yourself." Is what he wanted to say, but instead he just blurted out. "It's fine, don't worry about it!" Why could He never tell anyone how he really felt, maybe thinking scientifically may help. "Hey uh, I think the carbon is well balanced don't you think." Winry blinked.
"Why did he always have to talk in Scientific ways!" She Groaned to herself.
"Look, Ed. Has something been going on? You're more jittery than usual." Edward blinked nervously.
"Oh, uh um." Edward mumbled. "It's just, I don't know how to deal with what's been going on. I used to understand myself, I thought that I used to know the world around me. Believing that evil was far away, off on a distant story land. Something that'll never happen to me. And now here I am, wounded by a psychopath." He sighed.
"Be greatful there's not a bomb on your head." Winry snipped, Edward Chuckled.
"Yeah." He sighed.
"But I get what you mean, my parents lost their lives while serving those of us in the war, they were just doctors, but someone evil took their lives. I can't help but be angry, if I ever find the one who took them from me, I honestly don't know how I'd react." Winry Smiled.
"He's probably gone." Winry Smiled comfortingly, there was a knock at the door. It was Alphonse.
"Hey uh, are you two done yet? Mrs Hughes wants to play cards!" He Said through the door.
"Sure, we're coming, come on Ed!" Winry grabbed his good arm and dragged him out the door and down to the basement.
"I hate card games!" Edward Yelled.
"What's the case Roy." Hughes Asked, Roy's Eyes narrowed at the paper next to him.
"How about we talk about it later." He Said sternly, normally he wasn't like this Hughes was starting to get nervous. "Let's take a stroll outside." Hughes Smiled.
"Sure." They headed down and out of the office to the sidewalk and they walked.
"How are the Elrics doing?" Roy Asked.
"They're doing alright, Edwards recovering." Hughes Smiled.
"That's good." Roy Smiled.
"You know, if I didn't know you then I would've assumed you were their dad or something." Hughes laughed, Roy glared. "It was a joke, jeez. It's okay to let loose and display emotions sometimes you know." Hughes Replied, Roy didn't really like that point of view but he couldn't exactly argue. He didn't really know why he had a soft spot for Hughes but he did.
"What do you think is the best course of action for them?" Hughes Asked.
"If they don't give up the Elrics should achieve their goals, I'm still trying to become the Fuhrer but I haven't gotten there yet." Roy Replied, calmer than before.
"You wouldn't have gotten as far as you had without the people who care about you though, don't ever forget that." Hughes Replied.
"Yes you're right. I wouldn't be where I am today without others." Roy Replied.
"Hey man, I got something for you." He snickered, Roy gave a blank stare. Hughes pulled out a dog and handed it to Roy.
"Well what do you think?" Hughes smirked.
"A dog huh?" Roy's Eyes narrowed, he looked at the dog in a very long way. "I love dogs!"
"Really, you mean it?" He laughed amazed, Roy looked at him perplexed as if he expected Hughes already knew that about himself.
"Of course, dogs embody loyalty, they obey their masters commands above all else, without ever asking for a paychell." Roy held the dog up with his hands and shook it.
"I'm glad you like it but you need to take care of it too, and don't do that again, it'll get hurt." Hughes Said strictly. Roy sighed grudgingly.
"Okay I won't." Hughes handed the dog gently back to him and Roy started petting the dog, it was funny seeing him take so kindly to this brown dog.
"Now seriously, are Riza and you dating or not." Hughes smirked, Roy whirled around.
"What are you talking about, did she say anything, what're you getting at." He shouted all at once.
"You're so defensive! I was just asking, damn!" Hughes Chuckled.
"We went on one date, but that's not a big deal so quit cheering." He Said snidely.
"Aww, How cute, I knew you two had a thing for each other!" Hughes laughed.
"Can we change the subject please!" Roy Yelled.
"Fine, hey Roy? I have a question for ya!" Hughes glanced at Roy.
"If it's about how many women I've dated I'm gonna see myself out!" Roy groaned.
"No, it's about how many you slept with!" Hughes smirked, Roy's eyes widened and he whirled around.
"I'm just kidding, I was being sarcastic, it has nothing to do with romance." Hughes laughed.
"Well then, out with it!" Roy said.
"Why did you allow Edward to join the military, he is just a kid. He's gonna have to go through hell someday, we've certainly seen our share." Hughes replied. Roy's face was warmer now. A small smile lifted.
"Oh they've seen hell, the both of them."
"Brother? Are you alright, Winry's worried about you." Alphonse came up close to Edward and sat close to him.
"It's just, I don't know how to deal with this, I don't want this." Edward rambled almost inaudibly.
"Deal with what?" Al asked.
"I can't bear the thought of being like Shou or Barry, for as long as I live, I'll never kill anyone, because that'd be like them." Edward sighed. Al could tell this had really gotten under his skin.
"Of course you're not like them, I know you, and I know you're not a killer." Al smiled warmly.
"How can you have such confidence in me?" Ed had always been surprised about his brother's confidence in others, he wondered how someone could be so giving, but he recognised he's always been like that, sure he had his downtimes whenever something bad came his way, but for the most part he was always optimistic somehow.
"Because Ed. You're nothing like them. It's the truth. We're gonna find the Philosopher's Stone and get our bodies back. We're not giving up, okay, hang in there with me." Ed smiled with appreciation. Both looked at each other with warm looks.
"You're right Al, Thanks for cheering me up, I needed that." Edward grinned, "Oh and also, I just wanted to ask, are you mad at me?" he asked nervously.
"Mad? About what?" Al asked.
"For being a suit of armor, and not having physical senses?" there was a silence between them, Ed went on. "I'll understand if you do."
"Why would i be mad, you made a mistake, you didn't know any of the consequences, why would i be mad at that." Al said. Edward found comfort in his answer. How could he be so forgiving, he wondered to himself. Then a pair of footsteps alerted Ed and Al out of their thoughts when Hughes came in through the front door.
"I'm home!" Hughes said in a sing-songy voice.
"Daddy!" Elicia giggled, Hughes picked her up and she sat on his shoulder.
"How is my sunshine huh! You little sweetheart."
"Honey, that's enough. I'll be taking her to preschool now!" Gracia scolded. Hughes gave Elicia to his wife and she headed out the door.
"Okay." Hughes mumbled somberly. Ed knew he doted on his daughter, but he was a little much sometimes. He was a great father but didnt know when to stop spoiling her, but nonetheless he was a good father. Gracia drove off and Hughes took one last glance out the window.
Edward sat alone under a statue, the rain poured down on his face. He and Al needed time alone to think about all of the stuff that had been going on lately.
Suddenly a tall man with a white scar on his face appeared. Edward recognized him immediately.
"Hey! I know you, You're the guy with the tattooed arm I saw before Winry was kidnapped!" He yelled. Pointing at him.
"Are you a State Alchemist?" He asked. His white hair contrasted with his red eyes and dark tan skin. His tattooed arm was very ominous looking. He sneered.
"Yeah, why?" Edward asked.
"Wait, you're Scar aren't you!" Alphonse yelled, "I heard about you, you're an Ishvalan who kills State Alchemists!" Scar lunged at his face but Alphonse pulled Ed out of the way.
"What the hell is going on!" Alphonse yelled.
"Come on brother! Run for it!" Edward yelled loudly. Ed and Al both ran towards the stairs, Scar was behind them steadily catching up to them. Ed and Al arrived at the stairs and tried ro run down.
"Oh no you don't!" Scar yelled, he deconstructed the stairs with alchemy, it began to crumble beneath their feet.
"Damn it! What the hell is this guy's problem! Making enemies isn't something that I-!" He looked at Alphonse who was glaring at him. "Well, I guess I never really avoided it! But there's no reason why someone should be trying to kill me!" Scar continued to loom behind them as they ran.
"Why are you after us?" Al asked, Scar sneered. His eyes were void of any emotion other than anger.
"As long as there are creators in this world, there must also be destroyers!" Scar growled. Edward stared at him, unable to understand him.
"Then it looks like we're gonna have to fight!" Ed took a moment to retaliate and think about the way out. He clapped his hands together and his automail arm grew large and came to a thin sharp point at the edge.
"Gutsy one aren't you!" Scar chuckled, Ed lunged at him with his new arm sword, Scar grabbed ahold of it. "Too slow!" the automail shattered into a billion pieces.
"Edward!" Alphonse yelled. Running at him, Scar then shattered the left side of his suit of armor.
"Al! You bastard!" Edward shouted angrily.
"Brother, run away."
"Don't be stubborn Al, I'm not leaving you!" Edward sighed and turned to Scar who was looming above him. "So Scar, who else were you trying to kill today!" he yelled viciously. "You'd better not hurt my brother too!"
"If your brother gets in my way I will not hesitate to kill him too!" Scar replied, Ed gritted his teeth in seething anger. Suddenly a loud gunshot shook the earth.
"That's enough Scar! You won't be killing anyone else today." Roy said, lowering his pistol. "I'm taking you into custody! Where you will answer for your murder against ten state alchemists." Roy said sternly.
"So you're the state alchemist is that right? This is truly an auspicious day." Scar smirked.
"So you know who i am and you're still going to challenge me, bad decision!" Roy mused.
"Colonel, wait! It's raining, you cannot use your flame alchemy here!" Riza yelled, Roy nodded. "Let me take it from here." She filled her gun with bullets and shot Scar.
"You shot him." Edward gasped.
"I only grazed his forehead. He's unnaturally fit for someone his age." She studied him and his strange white scar on his face.
"Wait, unnatural healing patterns, Those red eyes!" Roy gasped. "He's an Ishvalan!"
"You might as well give up Scar! We're not letting you get away!" Hughes shouted.
"Where were you this whole time you two." Hughes and Havoc had a habit of always being late.
"Sorry Roy, it won't happen again!" Havoc grinned.
"It better not!" Roy sneered. "Wait, where did he go!" Roy turned to see that Scar was gone, and in the place of where he was standing was a giant crater.
"Ah shit he got away!" Hughes grumbled.
"Al, are you alright?" Ed ran to a now crumbled up Alphonse.
"Why didn't you run away when I told you to. What kind of idiot are you!" Al yelled.
"You know I can't very well leave you behind!"
"Which is exactly why you're an idiot! Ah great, now my arms come off because my brother is a damn idiot!" Al groaned.
"We look like we belong in a junkyard! Huh brother." Edward chuckled.
"But we're still alive." Al replied softly.
"Well, looks like I've entered into some strange kind of freak show today." Hughes mumbled.
"Heh, yeah I guess so." Roy laughed.
"I don't envy you, not one bit. About the war." Hughes nudged. Roy nodded.
"Yeah. But I prefer to bury that memory. The Ishvalan war wasn't pretty. I had to kill many I didn't want to. I understand why Scar wants revenge on us."
"Fair enough." Hughes smiled, Ed turned to Al.
"Well it looks like we have no choice. We gotta talk to Pinako!"
Once again Ed is asking for a new arm. But anyway I feel like this scene needed a little more of a serious tone like in the manga. I felt like there was no need for comedy with the two brothers. Anyway bye!