Disclaimer: I don't own Full Metal Alchemist or any of the characters. I'm just borrowing them for a little fun.

Author's Note: Eep, I hope this is a bit alright. Oo;; No real action yet (thank god), but I hope I didn't bring people too much out of character. It's getting more difficult now to continue with my own storyline, I notice I get a bit influenced by the new episodes.
Anyway, I loved the last bit. That was great to write!!!! :D Even though it's the shortest part of the whole chapter, it felt good to write!! :D I'm absolutely happy now, even a bit hyper. Oo;; That's not good.
I'm a bit scared for the next chapter, since I'll be more or less forced to have a real fighting/action scene in that one. God knows I can't do that. Oo;; So it might take a while before I have an update. Apart from that scene, I want to work on several other stories as well. ;
By the way, they translated Sloth's rank wrong. It's not Colonel Juliet Douglas, but Captain Juliet Douglas. I don't know who said it, but it was definitely 'taii' and that means captain.

Warnings: A lot of spoilers from episode 25... so if you're new in the series and you haven't seen that episode yet, I strongly advise you not to read it yet. It's also Alternate Universe (meaning it's written in a different universe than the original series... you'll see why), and for the rest I wouldn't know yet. Oo;;

Second Life – Chapter Four

Aimlessly, the Fullmetal Alchemist wandered through the city, loosing himself in the maze of streets and narrow alleys. He didn't notice the rain that had suddenly replaced the sun of this morning, he didn't notice the people around him, as a matter of fact, there was very little he did notice. The only thing he was aware of was the consuming grief inside him, resting on his chest like a heavy stone. Edward did not cry, although he wished he could.

Lieutenant Colonel Hughes – no Commodore Hughes – was dead. Dead, like Nina, Majhal and all the others. Dead, like their mother. Although he had never dared to admit it, Commodore Hughes had been a replacement for his own father, who had left his family behind years ago. The Intelligence officer, though often annoying with his boundless love for his daughter, was always there to help the Elric brothers. He realised only now how much he actually had depended on the elder man.

There was a familiar, heavy clanging sound coming from behind him. "Niisan! Wait a moment! Niisan!"

Edward stood still and within seconds, his younger brother stood next to him. Despite the fact that Al was nothing more than an empty suit of armor and an attached soul, he could still feel his presence emanating from piece of iron. It was slightly comforting, though it could not remove the grief that had taken hold of the young Alchemist's heart.

"Niisan, are you alright? Did anything happen after you and Colonel Mustang walked away? … Niisan?"

A tear had finally managed to break through the barrier Ed had erected. He clenched his fists and firmly shut his eyes to prevent any more tears breaking free. "Al… Lieutenant Colonel Hughes has died." His voice was scarcely more than a whisper. "No, I mean, Commodore Hughes has died. Mustang showed me his gravestone. He was killed in action. Al, he's dead." There was a deep desperation and anguish in the boy's voice that pierced through Al's invisible heart.

"N-no way… He's dead? Hughes-san is dead?" Al sounded shocked, which was the only way to tell how hard the news had hit him. The younger boy, however, was much more sensible than his reckless older brother – which might be caused by the fact he had only his soul and not the all those cumbersome emotions, like fear, sadness or grief. "Niisan, you'd better go back. It's raining and you'll catch a cold if you stay outside."

The logic reasoning of Alphonse, however, missed its target and Edward flamed up. "I don't care if it's raining! I don't care if I'll catch a cold! Don't you understand it? Hughes is dead! Dead! Dead, like mother!" His lower lip began to tremble as the emotions began to take over the scientific part of the his mind. "Forget it!" Without looking again at his brother, Edward ran away, dashing the tears away from his eyes.

Alphonse sighed, shaking his head. "Niisan, you idiot. Be careful." And with that, the younger boy returned to the headquarters, his mind filled with concern.

"Did you see Fullmetal?" Mustang inquired immediately when he saw Alphonse.

"I saw him on the streets, but I have no idea where he is now, Colonel," the armored boy replied politely. He hesitated for a moment. "I heard that Hughes-san has died. I'm sorry."

How strange, actually, Mustang thought as he nodded slightly. I should be the one to comfort him, but in this case, it's the other way around. "We are all very sorry about his death," he managed to say neutrally. "You have absolutely no clue where I could find him?"

Alphonse shook his head. "Niisan could be anywhere. I think it's better to leave him alone for a while. He'll calm down after a while. I know him." Mustang would swear he perceived a vague smile in the boy's last sentence.

Mustang fretted silently. With Fullmetal running around without being able to think clearly and possible enemies wandering freely, the boy could get himself into trouble within a blink of the eye. The fact that he could see Hughes as well made him too precious to let him get killed as well. A sudden notion began to form in his mind and he reminded himself to ask that later to his friend.

"Colonel? Is there any reason behind the death of Hughes-san?"

"Hm? We're not sure. The case is closed and I'm not in charge of it." The evasive answer proved to be useful again. Explaining the fact that he could see ghosts would not be a wise thing to do.

"Can't you make any guess, Colonel? He didn't die because of us, did he?"

Mustang glanced quickly at the shimmering figure of Hughes, who shook his head. "No. As far as we can determine, his death has nothing to do with your search to the Philosopher's Stone. We're not sure, though. There are very few hints of who has done it." It was a lie, he already knew who was responsible for Hughes' death. But it was once again one of those things he could not explain.

"Thank you, Colonel. I'll see if I can find my reckless brother." Alphonse Elric bowed and walked away.

"Funny," the Flame Alchemist commented dryly. "I always thought siblings always knew where the other was. Guess I'm disillusioned once again."

"I can see you were the only child," Hughes responded. "Siblings always have many fights as well. And then it doesn't matter who they are, if they're twins or not, they'll always have fights. It's a common pastime between brothers and sisters."

"Heh. You know… I always looked up to you as my older brother when we were younger. You were always the one who helped me with my study, or who got me away from my mother or made up some excuse why we were late."

Hughes snorted. "You were doing a great job in the last thing as well, Roy. I sometimes thought you born lying. But then again, that might be exactly what you need when you become Fuhrer."

"Still pushing me up, Hughes?" he asked faintly amused.

"You know it, Roy. Even death forces me to keep you out of trouble."

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it."

They were in a hushed discussion when the door banged open and Fullmetal entered the room. He did not look well, Hughes thought. The shock came harder than the boy dared to admit, but the pale, withdrawn face gave away exactly how he felt.

"You were looking for me." His voice was hoarse, an indication he had been crying. Hughes permitted himself a faint smile. Although it had not been necessary at his death, it was nonetheless good for the boy to let go of his emotions. For as far as he knew Edward, he had cropped up those feelings inside him for too long and that could eventually kill him.

"Yes, I did. I'm surprised Alphonse could find you. Before you run off again, there are a few things you need to know." Mustang glanced up at his friend.

"Well," Hughes started. "You know the affairs of the fifth laboratory. As I recall, you played a great role in the laboratory's disaster, so I'll skip that part. What you didn't know was that after your departure, I went to do some investigation on my own. The case was closed, but it didn't satisfy my curiosity. I discovered a few interesting facts, which probably lead to my death. I knew too much and the enemy didn't like that.

"Now, you know of the Homonculus, right?" Edward nodded. "Good. Whoever they are, they form the main part of the enemy. Moreover, the enemy has infiltrated into the army. We don't know yet who belongs to the other side. We do know, however, that Captain Juliet Douglas, the secretary of the Fuhrer, is one of them."

Hughes fell silent and watched the golden-haired boy, who was busy coping with all the information. The former Intelligence officer waited patiently until Edward was ready. Quick of mind was he, however, and it didn't take long before Ed looked up for more.

"There isn't much more," he continued. "We are currently busy trying to find out who co-operates with the enemy and what the enemy is trying to accomplish. That'll be basically my job, since Roy is glued to his desk and you have other things to do as well. Just remember that you're one of the few who can see me, so don't blurt this out to everyone."

"Also, since you're in this as well," Mustang added, "we'd like some help as well. Whether you like it or not, you're taking part of it like we do and when the time comes, you and me will have to do the fighting. Do you understand that?"

"Of course I do." Edward shuffled a bit with his feet. "Was that all?"

"For the moment yes. Report for duty tomorrow. Get some sleep now."

"Thank you, Colonel." Ed bowed curtly and stamped away.

The two men watched how the small figure disappeared behind the wooden door. Then Mustang looked up at Hughes. "You didn't mention Alicia."

"I know. He doesn't need to know it yet. Besides, she has you as her champion, right?" He winked at the grumpy Colonel.

"Can't you ever be serious?" Mustang snapped.

"Not if I can help it. You need to laugh from time to time. It's healthier than scowling." He patted his best friend insultingly on the head. "Let's go home. We have several books to read before the end of the week."

"It's only Thursday."

"That is almost the end of the week, Roy."

"Niisan, wait for me!" Alphonse quickened his pace to catch up with his brother. "What did the Colonel want from you? He said earlier he was looking for you."

"It's nothing really," the golden-haired boy shrugged. "You know how the Colonel is, bugging other people with needless warnings and boring talks. Basically, all he really did say was that I should bring in my report tomorrow instead of today."

"That was all?"

Ed shrugged again. The conversation with the two men made him a bit unsure of what he was supposed to keep a secret and what he could say to his younger brother. Oh well, he thought. As long as I don't announce I see ghosts, everything will be fine, right? Besides, I can't keep anything from Al. He'd find out sooner or later anyway, and I'd just hurt his feelings if I don't tell him.

"The Colonel explained me a bit what had caused Hughes' death. You remember the Homonculus, don't you, Al? They're not altogether sure of it, but the military suspects they are behind his death. Since it has something to do with our mission, he wanted to warn us for some dangers. He even mentioned there might be some fighting in the future and he said he'd need me then. I'm touched, of course, to have been invited by the great, almighty Flame Alchemist for some fighting party."

"Isn't that going to be very dangerous?" Al sounded doubtful.

"Of course it is, but everything we do is dangerous. Don't worry, we'll survive it. Right?" Edward flashed a broad grin at his armored brother. "Anyway, just shows again that the Colonel can't do anything on his own. Poor little Mustang needs help from a kid. What do you think the military will think of this?"

"Niisan! You don't talk like that over the Colonel."

Ed waved that protest away with an even broader smirk. "Why not? Are you going back to the base? I need to do something first and I can manage on my own. I'll catch up with you later."

"Hn, alright."

"No protests?" The Alchemist sounded surprised.

"You're not going to listen to them, right?"

"Well, no, but-"

"Just be careful, Niisan. We don't know where the enemy is."

"Ah. I'll see you later then." Ed ran off in some direction before Al could change his mind. He definitely didn't want any help with this.

Envy watched how the Fullmetal Alchemist disappeared in the darkness before he changed back to his usual form. "Well, thanks a lot for the information, Hagane no Chibi-san. You've been most helpful."

He smirked superiously. The notion of changing into that empty suit of armor the little brat called his brother seemed to have worked even better than he had thought. It shouldn't be too hard to plan what the other side was going to do. The only question remained how they found out about this.

The Homonculus shrugged indifferently. It didn't really matter. They were dead soon anyway. "I'd better call Sloth to inform her about this. I bet Hagane no Chibi-san is going to be in for some bad time."

TBC