An Array of Wonders
Equivalent Exchange
Colonel Roy Mustang, black hair, black eyes, and an equally intense charismatic look to him, stood before the tired young boy who was nearly a foot shorter than he. It took a moment for the name and face to properly register. Edward Elric.
Roy couldn't remember the taunt face filled with fear. Fear for his family, he concluded, as the boy poured his story out to him. Some man had kidnapped his mother and little brother, and demanded his father go out to pay a price for them. The Colonel had a sinking feeling that that price was not to be in currency but in blood.
He sighed as he walked around his desk to stand in front of Ed who looked out of breath and flushed. He could easily see that the younger male needed to be in bed.
Edward felt light-headed as he stood there. He barely noticed it until the Colonel was right in front of him that he had moved closer. The boy's mind was racing, and he wanted nothing more than to finally see his family again. He had been gone too long. Gone for a pointless endeavor that had seemed almost like a secret adventure that had turned out to be a waste of time. Ed had decided not to say that he had helped out a wanted man. That had nothing to do with the situation that was going on now. That guy, Scar, was probably out of Rizembul by now, doing who knows what. At least he wouldn't be framed for kidnapping or anything.
"Edward." Roy said, shaking Ed out of his musings. He had abruptly stopped explaining when he had said all he could think of with the situation. The Colonel could tell the boy was still thinking about something, but decided not to press him.
"Edward, I'm happy you came to me about this. My men and I will get started on this investigation immediately. We'll make sure that your family is returned. Do you have any clue of who this person might be who took your family? Also, do you have any pictures. I know what your father looks like from working under him a few times in the past few years as this war has raged on but I do not have the knowledge of your mother or brother. If you have some that would be good. Someone must have seen something, even if it was a stormy night." Roy said, then nodded over to Hughes who stood by the door.
"Get everyone on this that we have available right now. Also once we get the pictures make copies and distribute them to our men so they may know who we are looking for at all times. Tell Riza to get Black Hawkeye to sniff the area and try to follow the scent." He glanced back to Edward, and noticed the boy really looked like he was about to pass out at any moment.
"Bring a doctor here so Ed can be looked at properly." He commanded, and Edward didn't have the energy to argue. Ed really wished he hadn't gotten sick.
The day went on in a whirlwind of activity and the search started.
Scar had skillfully "taken brief command" of a truck that used to belong to a farmer in the area. He had been driving for 4 hours already and the boy he had knocked out earlier was starting to wake. At the pointed glare the boy had thrown his way Scar was quick to avoid it as he kept looking at the road that connected to a slightly bigger city.
He was thankful for gags. It kept the trip relatively quiet.
A few more hours passed and he noticed a grey car was starting to keep up with his fast driving. Scar could guess that the man behind him was none other that who he had been sent to capture. The Isbalan man almost felt guilt about taking such underhanded measures to complete his mission, then his red eyes glazed over as he remembered his mother's and father's screams as a wind of fury took their lives. His hands clenched on the steering wheel as he thought of it.
He kept on driving, the painful memories urged him forward. There was no looking back. And no way he would fail to complete his mission.
Trisha Elric ran up to her home's door. Intent on checking to see if Ed was really there, and also what state he was in. If that Isbalan man had done something to him… she could barely think straight.
Her husband had assured her that he would get Al back and that everything would be alright. He had said Ed was fine, but something in those cold, hard, red eyes had scared her. To be caught by an injured Isbalan man…. Those words frightened her more than anything.
She fumbled with the lock and then pulled the door open. Her dress was stained with small cuts and her eyes looked bloodshot. She was about to run inside when she stopped short. A blonde woman stood in the way, her brown eyes looking up in surprise. A small dog was at her side, and the woman looked to be… military in uniform.
"Amm, w-what are you doing in my house?" Trisha asked, her steps silent as she stared at the woman.
"Are you.. Trisha Elric?" Riza asked, her eyes still wide.
At the brown haired woman's nod, Riza gave a small sigh of relief.
"Your son will be happy to know you're here. We've been searching for you and your family." Riza said, and now it was Trisha's turn to stare wide eyed.
"Is Ed ok?" She asked. Riza nodded and smiled when her dog went up to Trisha to sniff her skirt hem.
"Is this little one yours?" Trisha asked, tickled at the dog.
"Yes, he is supposed to look for your scent so we could track you and your family. Are you all safe?" She asked.
Trisha's expression soured.
"The North Fort is where they are headed. My husband is chasing after an Isbalan man who wears sunglasses over red eyes and an x shaped scar on his face. He's taken my son away and won't let his free." Trisha said, her vision getting blurry as she though of all that had been happening lately.
"I'll take you to the office and get a report. Colonel Mustang will want to talk with you and Edward is still being treated there. Don't worry, Mrs. Elric, the Colonel will not let these transgressions go unpunished." Riza said gravely.
The North Fort was dangerous territory, but the military was going to do all they could to bring about a quick resolution.
Riza smiled. Maybe she'd get to see the legendary alchemist in action.
Krylacelo note: I know, it's been a loooong while since I last updated. I finally am starting to pull them out of Ed's hometown, and the fireworks can begin!
Also, thanks for the reviews. They were nice to read and if I get some more I'll be more encouraged to update sooner.