When The Icicle Melts
Chapter 2: "My Time is Now"
"Are you sure you're going to be alright for the day?" Riza asked as she glanced to the side only to once again catch the blue eyed girl staring off into space. "You don't have to stay at HQ for the entire day. I can take you to Gracia's house on my break. I'm sure Elysia would love to see you again."
Winry snapped out of her train of thought and sat upright, hoping to will away the memories that always seemed to plague her mind. "Um... it's alright. I really don't mind hanging out with the others. Besides, I enjoy watching them tease the hell out of each other with their bets..." Winry stated while fiddling with her fingertips nervously. She hated it when Riza or anyone else caught her daydreaming. "I also have Scieszka and Maria-san to talk to if I get bored. Then again, I'm not sure if I want to hear the bookworm give me another lecture on proper book keeping." She added with a light chuckle.
"… I see…" Riza said quietly, more to herself.
"I'll go see Elysia-chan another day. Unless of course her and Gracia-san come visit us at the base again..." Winry continued as she shifted uncomfortably. "I have something I've been meaning to give to Elysia for awhile now..."
Riza glanced over at her noticing that she was clutching something inside of her jacket. 'I wonder what she means by that...'
The rest of the drive to HQ was fairly quiet. Except for the odd curse escaping Riza's mouth when other drivers would pull reckless stunts.
Winry felt a small amount of anxiety build up in the pit of her stomach as Riza pulled into a parking space close to HQ. She was excited to see the others again, even though the last time was only a few days ago, yet she was nervous at the same time. Ever since she found out that the Fuhrer himself was a homunculus, and that the entire military was in the hands of the homunculi, she was a little on edge when she saw one of the higher ups. Even though she knew well enough that the former Fuhrer had been killed by Mustang.
Since King Bradley's death, a new Fuhrer needed to be appointed. And since there were no other Generals still alive, other than General Hakuro, he had been given the job, much to Mustang's displeasure.
With Hakuro's rise to power, there had been a number of promotions; Mustang had been made a General, Hawkeye had been promoted to Lieutenant General, still working under Mustang. For his efforts in the war in Lior, and being a reliable soldier for so many years, Armstrong was promoted to Brigadier General. Finally, Havoc was promoted to that of a Colonel.
Winry followed closely by Riza's side as they ascended the stairs to the main entrance. It was crowded in the base, as usual. Since the war in Lior, not even two years ago, the city and the entire military had been in a state of turmoil, in fear that another attack would ensue. Afterall, none of them had seen what it was that actually stopped the attack.
'Or the two who were responsible for saving Amestris, maybe even the world.' Winry thought serenely. When it came down to it, she was proud of the Elric brothers, as always, but she would not let her mind linger on them anymore. They were her past… the one she wanted to forget, so she could start a new life…
After several staircases they arrived at the fourth floor, where Riza and the others were now stationed. They entered the lounge area and office cubicles where Jean Havoc, Heymans Breda, Vato Falman, and Cain Fuery were hanging out, not exactly doing their jobs…
"I'm telling you guys, this time I really think this one could be an it!" Havoc whined. "She's not like all the others; she's sweet, charming, beautiful, her skin so soft, and she said I'm CUTE!" Havoc beamed like he won the prize for being Amestris's most eligible bachelor.
"Uh huh, and that's what you said about last week's girl and then the one before that, and so on and so forth." Breda replied while rolling his eyes. "It's always the same deal with you. First you meet the girl then you act like you're frickin' engaged or something!"
At this, Havoc's face dropped almost comically as he fled to the corner of the room to begin his pouting session. "… well, it's true… this one's different… I know it." He muttered while sniffling.
At the sorry display of self pity, Winry giggled as Riza massaged her temples in irritation before they walked fully into the room.
Falman was the first to notice them enter. "Oh, good morning, Lieutenant General." He put down the files he was carrying onto Riza's desk, in order to salute his superior. He then noticed Winry who was standing a bit behind Riza. "Winry-san, it's good to see you again, how are you today?"
Winry flashed her sweet smile. "I'm alright, thank you Falman-sama, how-"
"WINRY-CHAN!" Fuery jumped up with the brightest smile you had ever seen with his dark eyes sparkling like gemstones. "How are you doing?"
"Uh… just fine… Cain. And you?" Winry asked, giving an awkward smile and wave.
Riza just shook her head. 'I think it's more torture than entertainment for Winry to be here talking with these clowns. At least there's never a dull moment.' Riza looked over to where Fuery was grinning like an idiot. 'Sorry Fuery, but I'm positive that Winry's not interested. Besides, she's WAY out of your league.'
"I'm doing great! Thanks for asking!" Fuery immediately turned away hiding his blush. 'Holy crap, she asked how I was… SHE CARES!'
Winry cocked an eyebrow before shrugging it off and walking over to where Havoc was sulking. "So Havoc-sama, I hear you've got a new girlfriend. May I ask who the lucky lady is?"
The light returned to Havoc's world as he shot up off the ground. "See? Winry-san believes me, don't you? Alright! I tell, you this girl is special. She works in a flower shop on the east side of Central. She's got a great sense of humour, she's smart, and she even-"
"Alright, Alright, I get it!" Winry replied flailing her arms around in a blur. "She sounds really nice, Jean-san. Best of luck to you!"
"Thank you, Winry-chan!" Havoc said as he lit up a cigarette, a triumphant smug plastered on his face.
"Humph, ever since he got shot down in flames by Catherine Armstrong, he's been more determined to find that special someone." Breda scoffed. "Same old desperate Havoc…" He sneered.
Havoc's mouth fell open causing his cigarette to hit the floor. "I can't believe you just said that out loud. I thought we all agreed never to bring that up again!" He wailed.
"They find the most pointless things to yell about." Riza let out a frustrated sigh from behind Winry. Meanwhile, Falman was trying to pry an enraged Havoc's death grip off of Breda. Fuery was sure enough, still waiting for his blush to fade. "Are you sure you don't mind staying here while I go check up on the General?"
"Hey Winry-san!" Breda wheezed out, still rubbing his neck after Havoc's assault. "We've got a poll going, to see how long this one's going to last, you in?"
"GO TO HELL, BREDA!" Havoc yelled, the inferno raging up in his eyes again. If looks could kill, Breda would be sprawled out on the floor with about a hundred daggers sticking out of him, each conveniently missing his vital organs.
Winry placed her hands on her hips and turned giving Riza a bit of a cocky smirk.
Riza grinned. "Alright, fair enough, I'll leave you to it." Before she left she grabbed the folders Falman had placed on her desk earlier. The top ones were documents from a Russell Tringham of Xenotime addressed to the General himself, it was something about a new discovery concerning the red stones.
'This should be fun.' Riza mused. 'It's probably more paperwork for the General to sign. As if it's difficult enough to get him to do his regular paperwork.' Riza tucked the folders under her arm before turning to leave the lounge area.
She closed the door behind her and paused outside the door upon hearing Winry's laughter from the other side of the door. She smiled to herself before finally releasing the brass door handle and starting down the hall towards Roy Mustang's office.
Riza slowed her pace as she neared the General's office. 'A month and a half…' She absently thought to herself. 'It's been a month and a half since the day I found her in that mountain town, half dead from her injuries. What had she been doing all that time? Whenever I bring it up she always changes the subject...'
She paused with her hand outstretched towards the door knob on Mustang's office door, still deep in thought. 'I should have known… all of us should have known… since the Elric brothers left this world, she put on such a brave façade, nobody would've thought that she was slowly slipping away into the darkness of her own heart. Then with the deaths of the last two members of her family, it pushed her over the edge.'
Riza lowered her hand, and gazed at the door, or rather through it to whom was on the other side. 'It was Roy who found out first that Winry had gone missing. The night he received a phone call from Resembool…'
...Flashback (Riza's POV)- six and a half months ago...
I was sorting through the files in the cabinet, collecting what paperwork the General would need on his next trip. There was alot of work ahead, all to do with the reconstruction of Central. It was ten o'clock and I was already working overtime. For some reason Roy was still here. As strange as that was, he usually punches out early, as often as possible. I guess it was some sort of a sign that this day was meant to change all of our lives.
That's when Roy got the phone call. Colonel Havoc walked into the office and informed the General that there was a girl who needed to speak to him.
Roy paused."A girl huh? Now who could that be? I told Talia I'd call her tomorrow and I told Yelena… well… I'm busy right now, Colonel. Take a message and I'll call back." I rolled my eyes at this. 'Like that'll happen. The lecherous General is always on the prowl, he'll never even remember they exist tomorrow.'
"But General, the little lady said that it's an emergency… it's from Resembool…" Havoc added, he seemed concerned.
At the sound of Resembool both the General and I looked up from what we were doing. The General had worry written all over his face. He agreed to take the call and told the Colonel to leave. I pretended to still be sorting through the files while I listened in on the conversation. 'What could be going on in Resembool…?'
"Central Military HQ, General Roy Mustang speaking. Is it you… Rockbell-san?… A friend of hers? What's wrong?" The General's visible eye widened as he began to shake. I immediately dropped the folders I was holding and walked over to Roy's desk, my heart racing. 'I rarely see the General like this. The last time he had that look, he had just found out about… Brigadier General Hughes… oh god…'
Suddenly Roy shot up and yelled into the phone "WHAT DO YOU MEAN MISSING? For how long?… I see… thank you for calling…" He gripped the phone for a moment, he was trembling and his knuckles had gone a ghostly white before slamming down the phone. "FUCK!"
I waited for a moment, I wanted to know what happened to Winry, but I wasn't sure where to begin. So there I stood, watching my superior bury his face in his hands then rake them through his ebony hair. The weakest state I had ever seen him in. The great 'Flame Alchemist' in the worst state of vulnerability…
"… Hawkeye…" I heard him choke out, I looked up from the ground to lock eyes with him. I expected his face to be swallowed in despair, but no it was… anger? Yes, his eyes had an intensity in them, not determination but bitterness. Bitterness and hatred towards himself no doubt. I can only imagine what had gone through his mind, his past and what he had done…
"Sir?" I asked trying to keep my voice even.
"… that was a friend of Winry Rockbell's, she said her name is Nelly." He told me. "Winry's grandmother and her dog… both passed away…" My hand shot up to cover my mouth before a gasp could escape. He continued. "Shortly after that, about a month ago, she… disappeared without a trace only taking the cloths on her back… nothing else…"
When he finished I swore my heart had already stopped. 'It's too much, she's too young to have to face this...'
I just stood there for a moment, staring off into no particular direction. I didn't know what to say, or do. I had the sickest feeling in my stomach as I felt the bile rise up in my throat, scorching it. I swallowed as best I could and raised my shaky hand up to my heart. 'How did it come to this, why did it have to be this way?'
"I had a feeling… something like this was bound to happen…" My eyes averted their attention back to the man in front of me. He now had his hands folded against his chin, leaning on his elbows. "It was only a matter of time, Lieutenant General… so much trauma in that young girl's life… all started by me…" He was tapping his heel against the leg of his chair. The only sound in the room other than the crickets chirping outside.
'Maybe it was bound to happen.' I thought to myself. 'But that still doesn't mean she has to do this alone…'
I wasn't even sure what I planned to do. I hadn't seen the girl many times before but I was still quite fond of her. She had gone through so much but still managed to hang on strong, but it was more than likely just a mask to conceal her sorrow… still… she wasn't all alone before, she had her grandmother, her dog, and even the Elric brothers when they were around, but now…
"I'm going." I stated bluntly.
He looked up at me. "What?"
"I'm going… after her, it's a personal promise I made to myself once. Please don't question my actions and permit me a leave of absence. I don't know how long I'll be, it could be weeks or more…"
He smiled a bit. "Alright… Hawkeye, I grant you your leave." Then his expression hardened. "Just make sure you and Rockbell-san come back safely."
I nodded and turned to leave. 'He really does have a split personality when it comes to serious matters.'
...End of Flashback (normal POV)...
Riza snapped out of her trance and once again gripped the door handle to Mustang's office. 'Afterall, trauma causes pain: internal pain that is nearly irreversible.' She thought sadly as she turned the handle and stepped into the office.
After she closed the door quietly behind her, she saw Roy standing by the window, hands folded up against his back, gazing out at the scenery. Riza walked up to his desk and cleared her throat. He turned slightly to look at her. He still wore the same black eye patch that covered the entire left side of his face. To him, it served as a reminder of the challenges he faced in order to make it to the top. "Good morning, Lieutenant General." He said quietly.
"Sir." Riza placed the folders on his desk.
Roy's visible eyebrow twitched. "Oh you've got to be kidding me!"
"Afraid not, sir." Secretly, she loved the look on Mustang's face when he was waist high in paperwork. His facial expression really was priceless.
Roy went over to the stack of files and took the top one off and started skimming through the pages. Riza went over to the filing cabinet to start with today's organizing. The funny thing is that Roy actually seemed interested in what was in those reports, Riza noted. He then took the second report off the pile and went through those pages. At this one, a sly smirk crossed his features as he seemed to be recalling something.
Riza shook her head and went back to sorting through the files which were as usual, so out of order it was beyond recognition. After flipping through a few, she stumbled upon a file that read "Corruption in Lalania." Riza furrowed her brows in confusion. 'I don't remember this file being here before… and I've never heard of this place before… Lalania…'
Riza walked over towards the wall with a giant map of Amestris. Sure enough, at the north-western most part of the state, a small town by the name of Lalania was situated. 'Corruption…' Riza thought as she went back over to the cabinet. 'Wouldn't I have been informed of this if it was serious matter or potential war crisis? I'll have to ask the General about this later…'
"Lieutenant General." Roy called.
Riza put the file away and walked over to Mustang's desk. He had the first two files he was reading placed neatly on his desk while all the others were… sitting in the trash.
Riza resisted the overwhelming urge to knock the cocky General into tomorrow and plainly responded with. "Yes, sir?"
"It seems I'm needed in a few places and I want you to come with me. I need you to book us train tickets to Xenotime and Aquroya. We'll be leaving immediately in the morning."
"… I see…" Riza seemed a little disheartened.
Roy seemed to catch on to her train of thought. "Is… did you bring Rockbell-san with you today?" He asked a bit cautiously.
Riza raised her brow. "Sir… there is no need for formalities anymore. She's perfectly fine with it if you just call her Winry. You know this, she told you herself. You need to move on from what happened in the past… she has, and you can't avoid her forever. "
However, her statement fell on deaf ears as Roy was in his own world, mindlessly shuffling the papers in his hand as the room fell deathly silent once again. Leaving both occupants lost in their own thoughts of the events that transpired a little over a month ago.
Riza's thoughts lingered on the night she found Winry.
...Flashback (Riza's POV)- a month and a half ago...
"Winry! Are you alright? Say something, Winry!" But it was too late, she had already passed out from blood loss.
"Damn it…" I cursed under my breath still shaking the now frozen girl. "Winry, don't you dare give in. You're stronger than that…"
I looked around hoping to find some sort of hospital or house I could take her to but everything was closed down for the night. Even in the residential areas all the lights in the houses were out. What a strange little village.
I glanced back down at the bleeding girl in my arms who was now shaking uncontrollably. 'She's suffering from convulsions, a common characteristic from substantial amounts of blood loss. Just how long has she been out here anyway?'
I rested her gently back onto the pavement. 'six months…' I thought to myself absently. 'I have to try and stop the bleeding and try to make it… all the way back to Central.'
I ripped three pieces of cloth from my blue coat and dressed Winry's wounds which now looked to be almost rotting from over exposure. I then took off my black military overcoat and wrapped it around Winry's frail body and picked her up letting her head rest gently against my chest and ran towards the train station I saw on my way over here.
It was quarter to midnight and I knew that every train in Amestris has one last departure at midnight so I picked up the pace. Upon arrival, I saw that there was barely anyone in the station so it was easy enough to get tickets, as well as avoid any questions. It's not everyday one sees such a gory sight.
It was the cheapest looking train I had ever seen it didn't even have private boxes .
I placed Winry on the window seat and sat next to her, allowing her upper body to rest on my lap.
Her skin was deathly pale and her lips were tinted blue indicating she was in a mild stage of hypothermia. Her once sunny blonde hair now held a red tinge to it from the amount of blood that covered her entire body and her clothes could be described as nothing less then rags.
I looked out the window adjacent to me at the starry sky. "I can only hope and pray that we make it to Central before it's too late." Riza thought worriedly. "If there's one person who wants to help Winry as much as I do, it's… Roy."
I glanced back down at Winry who had finally stopped shaking so violently. There was something about her that was different. I remembered seeing the look in her eyes before she fainted. They had been deprived of their natural sparkle and joy, the same orbs that would light up at the sight of her family and friends.
The old Winry was no more…
Winry Rockbell…
The beloved automail prodigy…
Was gone…
...End of Flashback (normal POV)...
Riza snapped out of her thoughts and glanced over at the old clock on the wall. It was almost noon, and time for her break. She looked over to Mustang who was still in a trance. 'What could he be thinking about?'
"Sir…?" Mustang looked up. "If those boys wanted to… could they come back? Afterall, the gate was destroyed, and I don't think that it's something even Edward could fix…"
Mustang let out a deep sigh, but said nothing. This was obviously a sensitive subject with him, so Hawkeye dropped it. "Well, I'm going to head back and check up on Winry and make sure the others are doing their jobs, and I want you to get those files out of the trash and go through them… or…" Riza gripped the handle on her pistol.
Mustang grimaced. "Fine, you're dismissed Lieutenant General."
Riza saluted and turned towards the exit. When she left, Mustang got up and headed back to his original place at the window. 'So, Winry really has moved on… she really meant what she said…"
...Flashback (Roy's POV)- nearly two years ago...
I watched hesitantly as the final traces of Alphonse Elric's coat disappeared beyond the gate after his older brother, like a crimson blur into an endless tunnel of darkness. He really would follow his brother till the end of time, and to the farthest ends of the world...
I was doing the right thing, wasn't I? Letting that boy go after Fullmetal, he wanted to so badly. I thought he was going to have a breakdown while I watched him fall on his knees, his sobs racking his small frame.
Then one final solution came to mind as I approached the broken boy. I placed my hand on his shoulder and told him one last thing that made his whole world light up again. He jumped to his feet and immediately took off towards the gate.
I watched as the gate changed to a silhouette flickering as it was about to close. But I did nothing as I watched it disappear.
I turned and headed back into the ruins of Central. As I approached a clearing in the rubble I saw Winry standing there with a huge suitcase slung over her shoulder. She was staring up at where the gate once stood, while one of her best friends; Scieszka, I believe was her name, was standing just a bit behind her.
As I approached her she lowered her head and made eye contact with me. I averted my eye to the side, I just couldn't look this particular girl in the eyes. Afterall, I had done it again… I was responsible for taking two more people who meant so much to her.
'She must blame me for everything, I wouldn't hold it against her…'
"Colonel Mustang..." I looked up to meet her gaze. I was expecting her eyes to be spilling over with tears, but there were none. "Was that… Edward…?" She asked me. Her eyes looked so serene, almost peaceful.
"Yes, I'm sorry Rockbell-san, but they're gone… both of them…" Winry's eyes darkened as she looked down. Yet a small smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. She must have been proud of them. I followed her gaze back down to the pavement.
We stood like that in silence until I felt something on my shoulder. I raised my eye to see that Winry had her hand on my shoulder. She had such a calm expression, I had never seen that look in my presence before. Whenever I was around, her face would change into that of bitter hatred. But not this time…
"Has… the gate been destroyed?" She questioned, her eyes allowing one set of tears to pass.
"…"
"It's alright." She began, almost reading my mind. "I don't hate you for this… I…" My eye widened, she couldn't be saying this. "… forgive you." And just like that, it was said. The biggest weight on my shoulders had been lifted with those three simple words. No sooner had she made that simple statement that she removed her hand and was now walking back down the path with Scieszka in tow.
I watched her retreating form in astonishment. 'She really has matured, unlike Fullmetal. It must have taken her every ounce of courage to come right out and say that to my face…'
...End of Flashback (normal POV)...
Roy smirked. 'However… I never once said to anyone that I actually destroyed the gate…'
Meanwhile, Riza was nearing the lounge when she heard a loud crash and a shout from within. What she saw when she entered the room, didn't please her in the least. The water cooler had been overturned and there were papers scattered everywhere. Havoc and Breda were at each others' throats for yet another reason. Falman was trying his hardest to keep the peace, and Fuery was trying to protect his glasses from being smashed. On the other side of the room, far away from the action, Winry was talking to Scieszka who had just arrived.
Riza inhaled deeply trying to calm herself down by counting to ten but to no avail. So she reached for her gun and fired it twice at the roof, grabbing everyone's attention. Ironically enough, a dislodged piece of the roof fell and cracked over Havoc's skull who muffled his displeasure in his hands, a wise move as to not piss off the Lieutenant General with anymore outbursts.
"It was his fault!" Havoc and Breda shouted in unison while pointing at each other, but immediately shut their traps when Riza shot them a look that could make the dead cringe.
"I see we're not doing our jobs, as usual." Riza stated in monotone.
Havoc and Breda were holding each other for dear life. 'Man, she's fucking scary when she's pissed.' They both thought.
Before things could get too out of hand Winry stepped in between the two terrified men and the menacing Lieutenant General, with Scieszka trailing behind. Both girls looked just about as scared as the other two, but nevertheless, Winry attempted to calm down the seething blonde woman. "N-Now… come on, Riza-san… i-it wasn't that bad… c-calm down please." She was shaking and Scieszka was gripping onto the back of her jacket whimpering.
Just as quickly as it rose, the temperature in the room returned to normal along with Riza's temper. "Fine with me." Riza said as she walked over to her desk.
Winry smiled and Scieszka gave her the thumbs up. "Nice going Winry-chan." She whispered.
About fifteen minutes of painful silence went by with Hawkeye now in the room. Until the handle on the door turned and in walked Maria Ross and Denny Bloch.
"Hey guys!" Winry exclaimed as she jumped up and went over to greet them.
"Oh, good afternoon Winry-san." Maria greeted. "I didn't know you were coming in today."
"Well, it was sort of a spontaneous, heat of the moment kind of thing." Winry replied scratching the back of her head, sheepishly. "So, what's new?"
"We just dropped by to tell everyone that Denny and I are putting in our two weeks notice, because we're engaged, and due to military standards we are not permitted to keep working here." Maria explained with a slight blush.
Winry seemed depressed at first about the news of them leaving but then lit up like a fluorescent light bulb. "Really, you're engaged? THAT'S GREAT NEWS! Congratulations!"
Riza watched in amazement as Winry grabbed both of them by the heads and pulled them down into an embrace while they started to tell her how it happened. 'So Winry is still an absolute sucker for that sort of thing.' She smirked. 'It's nice to still see a glimmer of the old Winry kicking it once in a while…'
"Wow, Denny. I'm so glad you finally got the courage to tell her." Winry said still beaming. "Good, I don't want to see you crying over her anymore."
Denny's brow twitched. "I… I wasn't crying! I was just having an allergic reaction to the air in Resembool." He crossed his arms and nodded to himself in reassurance. "Yeah that's it, all that straw and fertilizer just isn't good for anyone's health."
"Sure." Winry replied while rolling her eyes. Everyone in the room got up to offer their regards to the new couple when yet another person came into the room.
"What's all the commotion about Lieutenant General?" Mustang asked, he was carrying the same two folders from earlier.
"Lieutenant Ross and Sergeant Bloch are engaged, sir." Riza replied. Winry inwardly cringed. She always hated it when Riza called him 'sir.' Truthfully, she didn't think that Riza should have to answer to anybody, which was far from the reality.
"I see." Mustang looked over at Denny. "So Sergeant, I guess that means your shop is closed." He said with a smirk.
Denny flushed a deep red and puffed out his cheeks in irritation. "What are you talking about? I'm not a pervert who goes after practically anything that moves!" Mustang just shrugged and went over to where Hawkeye was standing.
"Hawkeye, have you booked those train passes yet?"
The smile on Winry's face faded as she looked up at the woman next to her. "Where are you guys going?"
Mustang answered for her. "There have been some things happening in the other towns involving some new findings on the red stones in Xenotime, and some issues concerning a thief in Aquroya that have once again gotten a little out of hand." He looked over to where Havoc was seated at his desk. "And I want you to accompany us as well, Colonel."
Havoc glared at him. "What for?"
Mustang faltered slightly at the Colonel's lack of respect. "That's insubordination, Havoc." Then he grinned mischievously. "Afterall, who better than you to act as my bodyguard?"
"Ha! I knew it." Havoc turned away. "So all you want is a human shield, ooh let me be the first in line." Havoc spat sarcastically, waving his hands for dramatic effect, but failing miserably. Then it occurred to him. "But I have a date tonight!"
"So? break it." Mustang stated plainly like it was the simplest task in the world. Havoc crossed his arms and went back to pouting. "Easy for you to say, you attract girls like screws to a magnet." He murmured under his breath.
Winry cast her gaze downward. 'Those are some of the places that Al and… Ed visited, while they were searching for the Philosopher's Stone.' She kept her gaze glued to the linoleum floor for a few minutes, contemplating on what she was about to do.
"… I'm coming too…" She said quietly.
"What was that?" Roy asked.
"I said I'm coming too!" She shouted, catching everyone off guard with her sudden outburst.
Winry looked straight up at Mustang, pinning him with her eyes. "Winry?" Riza tried calling out to her, placing a hand on her shoulder, but Winry shrugged it off. That girl was on a mission. She started towards the baffled General with a determination coursing through her body that would have even put Ed's to shame. She stopped mere inches in front of one of the men that had caused her so much grief in the past and gripped her elbow with her opposite hand.
Mustang blinked a few times, clearly amazed by the fire in the girl's ice blue eyes. A clear contradiction in terms. But also about how much she resembled Edward in that instant.
"Mustang…" Same tone as well. "I've always been forced to sit on the side lines when it came to those two. They always shut me out, and I know that they were just looking out for me and doing what they thought was best.…" She took a deep breath before continuing. "But… they're gone now, and now it's my turn to see the world. I have nothing to go back to and nothing more to lose. So I want to get out there and find my own purpose in this world. And I want to start with learning about what I missed. If I don't do this for myself, I know for a fact that I won't be able to move on with my life…" She paused and lowered her head. "I think… or I hope, Ed would've wanted me to do this. If it makes me happy…"
"Winry…" Riza breathed, obviously touched as was everyone else in the room by her bold declaration and confession all wrapped together in one very moving speech.
Roy's one onyx eye softened as he stared at the top of the blonde girl's blonde head. "Well…" Winry's head shot up to look at him. "How can I say no to those eyes?"
Winry's eyes widened. "Really? You mean it?" Roy nodded, a small smile now on his face. "That's great! By the way…" Her face turned serious again. "I won't need you to brief me on anything concerning the red stones before we get to Xenotime… I already know that the Homunculi used them a sustenance."
Roy's face twisted in confusion. 'How does she know about all of that. That's top secret military information that only Fullmetal, his kid brother, and higher ups like myself know about. And I know for a fact that Edward wouldn't tell her something like that, the knowledge would put her into too much danger…'
Roy was brought out of his thoughts when Havoc broke the awkward silence. "Hey, it'll be fun now that Winry's coming with us. I'm sure there's a lot of places she would like to visit too, and we could serve as her escorts while getting a little paid vacation time. It's a win-win for all, right Winry-san?" Winry smiled in return. "For example…" He continued. "I'm sure you would love to visit... what was her name? Rose Thomas?" Winry nodded. "She's your best friend, am I right?"
Winry's smile weakened. "I don't think it's such a good idea to go to Lior…" She trailed off. 'I don't think Rose would want to see me.' She thought sadly.
Riza looked down at her knowingly. "Just leave it alone, Colonel." She spoke softly to Havoc before he could say anything else.
Another wave of silence filled the air giving it a chilly aura, until a booming voice sounded from other side of the door, cutting through it like butter.
"I sense negative energy flowing from this room!"
Then the door flew open knocking it clean off its hinges. 'Great...' Mustang grimaced. 'Now I'll have to spring for a new door from my own wallet since the military won't, due to all the desks Fullmetal trashed during his pint-sized rampages.'
Soon after, everyone in the lounge was blinded by the bright light and pink stars permeating from non other than Alex Louis Armstrong. "Why does everyone in this room seem to be so depressed? It's a beautiful day outside, the sun is shining, the leaves are turning a brilliant orange with the changing seasons, the squirrels are beginning their harvest to prepare for the Winter days ahead, and…"
His eyes fell on Winry who was still trying to adjust to the light. "Well if it isn't Winry-san!" He stated happily. "It's always a welcome surprise to see your smiling face around here." He went over to give her one of his trademark bear hugs, until Riza stopped him with a hand on his chest.
"Let's not and say we did, shall we?" She said. Winry was hiding behind her pretending to be invisible. Armstrong's pink stars turned into storm clouds as he went over and sulked in the corner, in a similar style to Havoc's.
Mustang rubbed the side of his head. "Okay... now let's start preparing for tomorrow's exhibition. Hawkeye-"
"I will assist you!" Armstrong cut in, trying to repair his shattered confidence. "I will do my best to help you all fulfill your goals and ambitions. I-"
"That's alright." Mustang said patting him on the shoulder. "You can hold down the fort while we're gone, right? Okay." For the second time in just under a minute, Armstrong's world collapsed.
"I'll book the tickets right away, sir." Riza said, then turned to Winry. "Afterwards, we'll be heading home, alright?" Winry nodded and went over to get her coat.
Ten minutes later, Riza met up with Winry in the lobby of HQ. "By the way, isn't there something you wanted to give to Elysia? This will be your last chance because we're leaving tomorrow."
Winry thought over the suggestion for a second. "Yeah, I do have something for her..."
When they arrived at the Hughes' home, Winry ran ahead and knocked on the door quickly. It was Gracia who answered. "Oh hi Winry dear, hello Riza." She greeted with her bright, cheery smile. "It's nice to see you both again."
"It's nice to see you again too, Gracia-san." Winry bowed slightly while Riza nodded.
"Would you like to come in for some tea?" She offered.
"Um, yeah… come on Riza-san."
The two blonde woman sat down on the coach while Gracia went into the kichen. It was mostly silent until they heard pounding footsteps sprinting down the stairs.
"Sounds like Elysia's heard your voice, Winry-chan." Gracia smiled as she placed the tray of tea and cinnamon coffee cake down onto the antique cherry wood table.
Like clockwork, Elysia came rushing into the living room and clamped herself onto Winry's leg. "Nee-chan! I'm so glad you're here!" She sang happily.
Winry smiled and ruffled the small girl's hair, which was now worn down and reached her mid-back. "Hello sweetheart, what are you up to today?"
Elysia reached into her pocket and pulled out a small beaded daisy she had been making, but some of the beads were sliding off because the ends hadn't been tied. "Nee-chan, I can't tie this up. It keeps coming undone." She was glaring down at the craft in irritation, she had obviously been at it for awhile.
Winry looked at he deformed flower and gently pried it from the frustrated girl's grip. "See, it's not that hard. There's a trick to it." She pressed her finger down on the string close to the edge of the daisy and tied the rope around her finger. Then she removed said finger and kept pulling until the tiny knot hugged the flower, keeping it firmly in place.
Elysia looked on in bewilderment. "Wow, how did you do that?"
Winry grinned. "It just takes practice. I use to make them all the time when I was your age..." She placed the daisy onto Elysia's palm, but let her hand linger there a moment longer as she brought her other hand up covering the other side of Elysia's small hand. "Now promise me you'll keep this forever, so that you don't forget me."
Riza scrunched up her eyebrows. 'What do you mean by that, Winry?' She thought worriedly.
Elysia blinked at her in shock, as if totally disconcerted by the mere thought. Then she removed her hands from Winry's and climbed onto her lap. "I could never forget my Win-chan."
Winry raised her eyebrow. "How do you know that name, Elysia?"
Elysia bounced happily. "My Nii-sans; Ed and Al used to call you that all of the time when they would talk about you, but Ed would always get really mad at Al whenever he would use it."
Winry chuckled. 'I guess some things will never change.' Then she remembered the reason why she came here in the first place. "Here Elysia-chan, I have something for you." She reached inside of her jacket and pulled out the cherry blossom origami.
The young girl's eyes sparkled in admiration. "Wow, Win-chan. It's beautiful… is it for me?" She asked hesitantly.
"Of course it is, silly." Winry replied as she placed it into Elysia's hands who eagerly accepted it and went over to show her mom.
"Here, there's one more thing I want to show you." Winry said. She walked over and bent down in front of her, on one knee. "Watch this." She instructed as she took the paper crane and pulled on a little string at the base. A small swing fell down, it was attached to a branch by the other end of the string.
"That's so cool!" Elysia exclaimed as she fiddled with the tiny, old-fashioned swing.
Winry smiled sadly. "I'm glad you like it. I had originally made it for someone else, but I forgot to give it to him. And I never got another chance…"
"Where is he now?" Elysia asked.
"… he's gone…" Winry said quietly. Images of the strange little homunculus, whom she thought was just an innocent child, projected through her mind.
Surprisingly, Elysia smiled. "Oh Winry-chan..." She started. "I give my daddy flowers everyday. I know he can't actually have them, but he knows that they are there. Don't you see, it doesn't matter that your friend is dead, because if you give this to him, he'll know that you still care for him. It's from the heart..." She shoved the sculpture back into Winry's hands. "Give it to him, it'll make you feel better."
It was astonishing. Only nine years old and she already sounded like a scholar. Hughes was right, she really is brilliant.
Winry looked up into the celadon eyes of the cutest little girl she had ever seen. "… you're right… Elysia… it's something I need to do… thank you." Elysia smiled and wrapped her arms around Winry. The two older women exchanged a warm look at the moment.
Winry stroked Elysia's soft hair tenderly. 'Maybe things will be alright afterall…'
Disclaimer: As always, nothing has changed, it's still not mine.