This chapter alternates between Ellie and Al and Roy and Ed talking. It's the best way I think of explaining Ed's visit to central without doing it in third person, which just doesn't work for this fic. Anyway, on to the chap. And Thanks to those who reviewed!
I sighed when I got to Central. I didn't want to be here, didn't want to explain to Colonel what had happened, but I was already at my wit's end with Ellie, and wanted to make certain no long term damage had been done. Not that I could fix it. I had the distinct feeling that even if I could, it would mean killing Ellie and I've hurt enough people. Maybe she was penance for that.
Penance, I don't believe in god, but I pay for crimes I did against him. Hmm, I shook my head now isn't the time to consider my religious views, or lack there of. Before I can knock on the door, Hawkeye opens it on her way out.
"Oh, Edward." She seemed surprised. "What are you doing here? It's still early."
It wasn't. It was close to 8 o'clock, but I guess working with the colonel, who from what I've heard, hates to get to work so early, this must have been early. It had taken me a day to reach central on the train, or that's what it felt like.
"Is the Colonel Here?" I asked almost hoping he wouldn't be. I really didn't want to explain this to his smug face. This would put me in his debt, again. Stupid Bastard.
"Not at the moment, Ed." Hawkeye answered, pulling on her jacket. "We've had a bit of trouble, and he's at the scene already, I'm on my way there, I'll tell him you'd like to see him."
"What Happened?"
"It's best you don't know."
"But—" I started to complain, but felt suddenly dizzy, I thought for a moment my legs had slid out from under me.
"Not now, Ed, why don't you go rest for a while in the office?" Hawkeye asked in some concern. "It may be a few hours before we get back."
"Alright." I wasn't interested in whatever had Central in a twist. I wanted to know, very badly, what had just happened to me.
Ellie didn't go to bed until later, later then me, and was up before me. She looked tired. This was the Second day of brother's absence, and Ellie would concentrate on books. But I knew something wasn't right, when it took her almost an hour to read one page. She seemed a little transfixed, unfocused. When I asked what was wrong, she'd smile much the same way brother did, and reply she was fine, it was probably the fact she hadn't slept well the night before.
She didn't avoid me or anyone else, but she didn't talk too much that day either. Preferring to sit by herself. She said she had a lot to think about. After I told her about me and brother's adventures, those I could remember, she had gone quiet. I was beginning to think something I said had upset her.
Once, when I went to apologize, unable to take it any longer, I found her leaning on one leg, and holding the wall. Looking pale and sick.
"Ellie?" I couldn't help it. After all, she was like a sister, even though she had only been alive for a few days.
She hadn't immediately responded. It took a moment for me to get through, and I was hesitant to touch her, when I did she shook what it was off. Saying it was nothing; she had stood up to quickly. I didn't think this was the case, but if she were anything like brother, which she probably was, there was no point in trying to argue the truth out of her.
I wished that brother were there to ask…then I remembered, Ellie had said it would put stress on them both. What did she mean? I had to ask, but Ellie said she was going to lie down, so I left it alone for a while. I helped Winry a little, mostly trying to change the subject off of Ellie. Mainly because I didn't know what to say. I was also preoccupied, trying to puzzle out what kind of Stress Brother might be putting Himself and Ellie through.
"Here I thought I'd never have to see you again."
Yeah. So had I. I was almost counting on it. The last thing I wanted to see right then was his jeering face when I asked him about what I needed to know. Then, if I left it alone who knows what may happen?
"Well, Fullmetal, you came for a reason?"
"Yeah, I did." Now all I had to do was think about how to tell him what had happened.
First I had to think whether it would be wise to tell him or not. I wouldn't have doubted if it were only myself in trouble. Or who could get into trouble. It was Al…especially Al, that I was worried about, though if something happened to Ellie I'd probably never live it down.
"And that is?" I see a jibe he wanted to say but something in my expression or lack of sarcasm must have told him that it was of some importance.
"What happened earlier, Hawkeye said she was on her to a scene, but I didn't bother to ask what."
"That's not what you want to tell me, Fullmetal. Out with it."
There are times his attitude was annoying, but he was right and that wasn't what I had come to say. "We found a Stone." That was probably the best start.
"And?"
"It worked," I said looking at my right arm, still made of harsh steel. "Mostly, I got Al's body back."
"And? Something must have happen or you wouldn't be here talking to me."
"While in…inside the gate, something happened to me." I started trying to remember exactly what it was. "I…"
My words failed me utterly. I didn't know how to explain what had happened inside the gate. Only that I could remember that thing…that awful thing…saying my name and saying something about not going to see us again. How it planned to make use of me, somehow.
"Fullmetal?"
"That thing said it didn't want to see me or my brother again," I said it all very fast, as thought getting out on one breathe would make it easier to say. "For some reason, when I got my brother back, it… it used part of me and the Stone to make another body…and she's…."
"Wait." Mustang held up a hand to get me to stop.
I was fairly certain this is where the Stone went. Almost positive. It would partially explain how Ellie was alive. I didn't want to tell Mustang this, I was worried he'd do something to Ellie, and so far she had done nothing wrong.
"What are you trying to say, Fullmetal? Try it again. slower."
Had I not worked myself into a fit, I would have noticed that Mustang had lost most of his cocky attitude. That for once he seemed truly concerned.
I forced myself to take a breath, and calm down. Now or Never.
"I… made a Homunculus." I said it, and hoped I would not regret it.
I had to put in a cliffhanger. I'm certain if anyone is reading this but here is the next chapter, and longer then the other two, I hope. I couldn't think of a way to tell this part if I only did Al's Viewpoint, so I switched to Ed. If it's too confusing please Review saying so and I'll label them next time. Zevanna.