Note: Dang, I'm feeling so unoriginal right now -pouts- In the past few days I've read 3 storys with the same plot line. Ed injured, Al dead and no one knows how, I even found one with Roy thinking almost exactly the same thing I made my Roy think O.o it was odd -sigh- It makes me feel I'm totally unoriginal although technically I posted it first.

But one look at all my awesome reviews made me continue it anyway. Thank you everyone so, so much for the awesome reviews. You all were so kind! Really thank you all you wouldn't believe how much I appreciate it, it motivates me to write too -sniff- (by the way I apologize for the long wait and the OCness in this chapter)

and now I must state once more: This is not a HughesxEd fic (eww that would be wrong) nor RoyxEd, or RoyxHughes, I apologize if it seems like it is, but its not. See Ed's just err...hallucinating and Hughes is just too darn fatherly for his own good.

I do not own FullMetal Alchemist

Warning: Spoilers on Episode 23 (just quoting the conversation between Hughes and Ed)

Lost Hope

Chapter 3

A Burst of flame

A thudding of footsteps echoed dismally through the air. He was running, sprinting faster then ever before. His frame sped past like a blur of silver and blue, his thick ebony boots slapping into the puddles sending mud and water cascading on his once spotless military attire. Bright green eyes gazed from his face as he raced time slowed by the extra weight he carried. Thank God I'm so close to Headquarters. He thought to himself as soon the towering building lurched above him, shining in the never ending torrent of rain. the green banner holding the symbol of the military that waved proudly ripping and blowing in the fierce ever mounting gale soared above him as he began his ascent to the entrance.

He loped up the steps two at a time his movements quick and anxious almost slipping on the soaked steps. Completely ignoring the guards he ran past slamming through the seamless double doors and sprinting into the military headquarter. Down the hall so familiar and well walked on, he ran onward undeterred ignoring screams and yells that echoed at him through the large hallway from open doors and shocked office members.

Dropping them abruptly on the desk she turned around with a slight smirk that suddenly formed into a frown, quickly her fingers reaching for the gun in its holster as the sound of rushing footsteps growing nearer passed her ears and the office door flung open suddenly with a bang. Withdrawing it in a flash she pointed the pistol quickly at the figure but froze as she saw..it was Hughes

Riza stood momentarily stunned her arm going slack at the realization of who had intruded the colonels office. It was Hughes.

She lowered her gun slowly, clicking on the safety once more, her glittering eyes still gazing at him with confusion. She lowered the gleaming pistol even lower placing it one more in the safe place at her waist. The angry voices echoing from the hallway seemed to snap her back to reality. Silently with an order of understanding she walked past Hughes and snapped the now damaged door closed. I'll have to have that fixed She thought numbly her fierce eyes picking out the cracks in the once seamless door, the surface perturbed by the sudden forced entry.

Roy peered anxiously around the fresh stack of papers, with a sudden hiss of surprise he bit his tongue to stop from yelling out. His strong fingers grasped the edge of his desk with vigor, gorgeous pools narrowing angrily at the sight.

Maes Hughes stood there panting his tall figure slightly slumped over. Mud, blood, and water splashed down behind him dripping upon the sparkling clean wooden floor. Crimson stains seemed to adorn the military attire he wore, dirt encased his knees as though he had either fell or had been kneeling upon the dirty earth. But what frightened Roy the most was the bundle in Maes arms, a crimson bundle with a glint of blonde black and silver. He could guess just be instinct where the blood came from.

Roy got up quickly, kicking the plush chair he had moments before been lounging in to the side. He stepped forward across the office as his friend spoke.

"Roy I found Ed."

Those words confirmed his suspicion and as he stepped closer to his comrade and friend he reached forward with a trembling hand. His fingers gripped onto the tattered red cloak covering the limp form in Hughes arms. In a mighty wrench he threw it off into a pile on the ground

He gazed down silently at the revealed face, his dark hued orbs soaking in the view, The ever cocky Roy Mustang's face blank and cold as a stone, solemn and silent.

This sight seemed oddly terrifying yet familiar. It froze his insides faster then ice. The rain splattering sharply upon the windows gave the atmosphere full affect. It had been a day just like this. The air cloudy and forever darkening, rain falling like wrath upon the cold earth tearing at every living object. Sending everything into a foreboding dead like silence. He could envision it as lucid as if the very scene still lay before him.

The first time he had laid eyes on the boy; laying silently under covers, his young face twisted into a grimace, bandages wrapping around his body, and bloody stains still splattered on his features. Was it honestly the fact that he survived such a severe injury and committed that evil taboo yet lived that made the Colonel request for the boy to join the armed forces? Because he considered the boys powers would come in use? Or was it that sense of determination that always seemed to linger around the boy even in his dead-like state of unconsciousness, was that what prodded Roy to urge him to join? For Ed's own well being?

The boy's critically injured get out now.

That face is what he saw now. Except it was as though mutilated. All sense of courage in the Full Metal Alchemist seemed drained, as though he had reached the end of the line and let the world's troubles crash down upon him. Finally letting all the worries and woes that formed above him destroy him. The ever persistent stubborn determination and angry energy was lacking. It seemed odd; for the first time in a long while Full Metal really did look like a helpless child.

Critically injured Except this time he can't be saved by his brother.

Roy's head snapped up abruptly his ebony bangs flipping out of his face, feeling the gaze of his fellow comrade and friend watching his reaction.

"He's not dead." Hughes said his brilliant green orbs meeting Roy's briefly as though speaking through a hidden connection. His gaze almost refreshing and comforting, although the usual brightness was shrouded in anger and worry. No wonder Hughes always seemed to cheer others up out of gloom and depression. The man had sense, and was joyful for the simple things in life. A factor Roy himself wished he had at the moment. Mae's couldn't be as happy as he always looked.

" Hawkeye call the military hospital immediately and demand an ambulance to arrive at the East Military Head quarters. Put it on my tab."

He spoke swiftly stiffly looking away from his friend and walked gracefully towards his desk. Gaining some of his leader composure back.

"Yes sir," Riza spoke in response frowning, her slender hand briefly touching her blonde locks before ending the salute and walking towards the door. She hesitated slightly, sparkling amber pools gazing at the two men with an almost deadly air and stepped out of the tense room shutting the door behind her. Immediately heading towards the quickest phone line available.

At Riza's absence Roy walked over to his desk, flicking his hand and sending the orderly papers flying to the office floor, the neat pile of finished and unfinished work now crunching under the Colonels feet, if it wasn't such a serious moment Roy probably would have been grinning over the enjoyment of trampling over the irritating work. He reached over his desk gripping tightly onto the large obsidian rain coat that laid slack at the edge of the gleaming work table. Grabbing it he flung it over his shoulders as he spoke, the words rolling quickly off his tongue.

"What happened?"

"I-"

"Al..."

But Hughes response was cut off by a broken whimpering from the figure in his arms. "Al.." He repeated. Ed's tortured head tossed limply to the side, his lips beaded with blood finally mumbling the words caught in his dry throat. His limp fingers twitching slightly as though groping forward for something. He dug his nails into the arm's holding him lodging them deep as though fearing to fall into nothingness, gripping so tightly Hughes winced in surprise at the sudden ferocity. Surprisingly enough sticky tears dripped down the teenagers face rolling down and splashing upon Mae's arm. His breath still low and barely readable coming out in short sob like bursts

Roy turned his head around sharply at the familiar voice stopping midway in shoving his arm through the thick coat.

"Maes" He said sharply, although his gaze was on Ed in an almost confused manner.

"I'm not sure what happened. I found him like this in an empty alleyway right next to HQ." He continued before whispering softly

"Ed, can you hear me? Its alright help is on the way." He spoke in a soothing voice that surprised him, one he would whisper to Elicia if she had a bad nightmare and needed comforting. That soft tone that seemed to say 'all is well' Although he was lying through his teeth.

Ed eyes seemed to slit open slightly, his heavy lids lifting up briefly to reveal glossy golden eyes, small pupils revealing from the affect of a fever, dulled over and blank. Everything seemed to be faded around the corners like an old photo, The face floating above him blurred and misshapen The pain in his head seeming to erupt, throbbing every other second.

"M-mother?" Panting he whispered gravely. His voice soft and crackled. He saw those bright green eyes and felt the warm touch of skin around him, cradling him. It was as though the world had reversed. All was ebony, creepily dark, filled with pain and foreboding. All shapes were mashed together in a blaze of pain, his head feeling as hot as an inferno lost in the fray. But those kind green eyes shone out of the haze, just like his mothers, kind, sympathetic.

"I'm sorry.."

The pain was still overpowering, he felt helpless. Too weak to do a thing wishing the darkness would swallow him whole and end this confusing madness of a hell

"Mom...Al...I'm sorry." He coughed from his dry throat feeling blood drip down his lips and grimacing weakly at the taste.

Roy stepped forward quickly, his footsteps echoing in between Ed's tortured words, finally slipping on the rest of the obsidian coat, tying it around his waist with a twist of his hands utterly surprised by the sudden rambling of the boy that a second ago had looked half dead. He glanced one more down at the boy locking his emotions away and gazing solely at the wounds. The limp pale fingers slightly twitching in pain seemed to be oozing droplets of blood although it was the least of Roy's worries. What was the worst seemed to be his stomach. It was slashed viciously with the look of a furrowed blade cut painfully spilling fresh blood. Ed's head also seemed to be misshapen , matted and sticky with dried crimson flecks in it.

He looked up glancing at the door angrily, Hurry it up Hawkeye! As though on call the door magically seemed to creak open slowly. Tauntingly. A click, click, sound resounding as the door opened slightly and a polished black heel slipped into the room. Followed by the bodice of a pale vixen. Her dress was shining ebony accentuating every aspect of her tight body, from those long thin legs, contrasting so sharply like the moon with the night, in her tight dress. Her immense chest held a red tattoo. Sleek black locks fell mysteriously over her face in large clumps of smooth slightly curled beauty.

A smirk was curled upon her shiny, perfect lips, enhancing her beauty double. But something sinister was about her devilish gaze. Purple slits of eyes gazed at the Colonel almost humorlessly Her whole demeanor seemed cool and calm, as though she was the one in control.

Roy stood there momentarily stunned his vision pinned on the woman before his senses kicked in at the bitter sound of Mae's voice.

"Who are you?" Hughes was turned slightly, silently fingering a dagger from his bloodied sleeve cautiously. He didn't like the look of this woman who so rudely intruded. Ed still pulled protectively up against him, the weak muttering's coming from the boy reminding Hughes of the little time they had left draining away.

"What do you want?" Roy snapped echoing his friends voice, his own creeping with assertiveness.

"No need to get so tense..." The lust filled choice chimed "We won't kill him yet" She progressed towards him quietly, flicking her head to make the luxurious hair tumble gracefully over her shoulder. That eerie yet enchanting smile still on her smooth features

"Right Envy?"

Maes took an intake of sharp breath backing up slightly his black eyebrows knitted together in anger feeling a fresh drop of sweat drip down his face. Remembering the conversation him and Ed had, not very long ago "What happened there?"..."Ed!"..."How should I know? I passed out"..."Tell me what you saw"..."Homunculus"..."Homunculus ?"..."They weren't human."... "They wanted us to make the stone using live prisoners"..."What did you say?"..."Right Al?..."Guardians who only had their souls"..."Tattoo's of Ouroboros." A psycho named Envy"

His orbs narrowed greatly at the tattoo sure enough engraved in that womans skin. He edged closer to Roy, his arm brushing against the Colonel's "Roy! She is a Homm-"

But light tinkling laughter came in the middle of the words, A beautiful tone but prickling darkly, like a rose its beauty tainted with thorns. "So that Full Metal Pipsqueak told you hu?" As she spoke she glanced towards the door in a bemused expression. "Hm looks like he didn't show up, oh well I can take care of you myself."

At her final words Hughes flung his hand out from under the embrace of Ed's body and threw a speeding dagger towards the woman. The sharp blade shining darkly before plunging into flesh. Blood speckled the floor, dripping down the woman's gorgeous yet deadly face as she slumped over, a bloody knife jammed into her forehead.

"Lets get out of here" He hissed running forward and grabbing Roy's sleeve tugging him forward.

Roy nodded not having a clue what was going on although not showing it. Things were moving so suddenly and his mind was locked onto Hughes words, Homunculi. His hand was in his pocket as they ran towards the door fingering the gloves hidden in the silky pockets corner. Just as Maes fingers grasped the doorknob, that chiming voice rang once more. "Now, now that wasn't very nice."

All of a sudden the limp woman on the floor was sitting upright, although leftover blood streamed from her face the dagger was pulled out the gash it one had made refilled with flesh anew. She raised a slender hand the fingernails on them suddenly extending into sharp ends, pointed like a blade. She jabbed forward smoothly the nails shooting out across the room elongating and pinning Mustang to the office wall.

"Who the hell are you?" Mustang snarled as her fingernails enclosed around him staring in surprise at her sudden revival, one finger was stabbing at his arm painfully pinning him against the wall brutally.

She stood up her purple eyes flashing towards the frozen Hughes who so close to freedom was now turning away from the door.

Damn it I can't just leave Roy behind at her mercy! He reached for another dagger preparing to throw it, calculating the small distance between them.

"I'm Lust" She murmured quietly. She stood up briefly recoiling her fingernails from Roy and slashed at Hughes who leapt out of the way quickly throwing another dagger which she easily dodged.

Lust's eerie smile returned as her nails although barely scraping Hughescaught on the bundle in his arms ripping Edwards clothes and meeting flesh. Greeting her ears was another yelp from Ed as the blade like nail nicked his skin.

Roy's eyes narrowed in fury at the sight of her turning her back on him and going after Hughes and Edward, this 'lust' would regret having messed with him. Ignoring his injured arm his hand moved sleekly into his pocket, Slipping on a glittering white glove. Marked with a red transmutation circle.

He rubbed his gloved fingers together sharply his whole concentration on the woman now reaching for Edward, focusing on doing the alchemy he the flame alchemist was known for. In a flash of light and energy flames exploded from his hand. Like bombs the fire rocketed towards Lust, surrounding her in a flash of burning hot fire.

He stepped forward angrily, his boots pounding on the now slightly ashy floor "I won't go easy on you"

"Good." The voice murmured from among the flames and Lust leapt through it barely singed, lunging at Roy once more with her nails exposed, her luscious ebony hair billowed behind her, as she raced through the flickering flames at him.

SNAP

His fingers rubbed together once more sending more fire at the woman, the office was starting to catch on fire, the paperwork earlier he worked on so bored now bursting into flame and crumbling to ash. His perfectly cleansed desk was on fire burning away.

The whole office became engulfed in the sweltering flames and he, Maes, and Edward were trapped in the middle with a manic artificial human.

Sorry for the terrible chapter xP School makes it hard to write on my own free time, I hope you enjoyed anyway