Edward took a nervous step backwards as the older alchemist moved in closer. "So I was wondering Edward, if you could tell me how you managed to bond a soul to a suit of armor?" Ferguson's gaze moved over to Al but then quickly came back to the older Elric. Ed swallowed hard, trying to come up with a way out of this. "You see my men don't have souls anymore, they aren't needed anyway but if I could figure out what you managed to pull it off, then I could double my forces."

"There's no way I'm gonna tell you about something like that. Why would I help you out?" Despite how uneasy Ferguson made Ed feel, his stubborn personality never ceased to come out.

"Well if you don't want to help me, then I could always find out from your brother. Of course I couldn't guarantee his survival." Edward could feel his chest tightening from the thought. Alphonse's fear was evident in his gaze as Ferguson still leaned over Ed. Suddenly he moved on impulse, shoving the older man away. Grabbing his older brother by the front of his shirt they took off running deeper into the complex. Ferguson got back to his feet, brushing off his white coat and adjusting his glasses, making sure they were perfectly straight.
"They always run, like it'll make a difference."

oOoOo

Mustang let out a yawn as he walked out of the office at the station. Moving away from the platform, he headed for the car he'd borrowed. Hopefully he'd only have to be here for just a day. But he had already confirmed that the Elric brothers were here earlier. It had only been a couple of hours since they arrived in town, so he was somewhat hopeful.

Now that his anger had settled some, he was able to think clearer about the mission at hand. Starting up the engine, he headed into town. Even though his anger was not as evident, he still felt the urgency to find his subordinate as quickly as possible. According to the attendant in the office, Ferguson had become an outcast and the people of this city tried their best to avoid him.

That hadn't helped him feel any better about the situation. If he was isolated then it would make things more difficult. The thought had him wondering if he should have brought back up. But there was no waiting around for that now as he headed into the city.

oOoOo

Further and further into the dark hallway but there was no where else to go. The Elrics frantically looked for another way out but to no avail. There was a reason Ferguson wanted them to enter the building. Alphonse pushed several doors open along the way only to find more dead ends. Heading to the center of the building, they pushed through a set of double doors at the end of the hall.

The room was large and obsessively clean. This must have been where Ferguson 'altered' people. Edward paused trying to catch his breath. Alphonse looked around for something to transmute into a weapon. Ed remained where he was as Alphonse hurried over to one of the metal tables. Edward's mind was trying to focus on what they were going to do. He didn't want to admit he was panicking but he was.

Al brought his hands together and pressed his palms to the cool surface. Sparks of alchemy faded and Alphonse now held a large ax. He turned back to his older brother who was still leaning forward on his knees, breathing hard.

"Ed, come on. What are you doing?"

"This is all my fault, I'm the one that wanted to come and now, he's gonna...gonna.." He couldn't bring himself to even voice the possibilities.

"We're not going to let that happen. Now move it." Edward straightened up, bringing his blade in front of him, defensively. He tried to steady it as his metal arm was shaking. There was a screeching sound of oil less wheels coming from a distance beyond the doors. Ed swallowed hard, keeping his eyes trained on the door. The noise got slightly louder and finally the doors opened. The squealing belonged to the wheels of a stretcher Ferguson was pushing, his expression still apathetic. It was as though their actions didn't surprise him, as though he had chased down his prey before like this.

"I figured you weren't going to be very cooperative."

"Just let us go. This doesn't have to get ugly." Ed managed to sound defensive however he didn't feel that way.

"Unfortunately I know too much about you and how you handle these kind of situations, Fullmetal. I believe we're past the point of you simply walking out of here." The man's tone was so obnoxiously calm and he really did seem to be enjoying this. Alphonse took a step forward, in front of Ed.

"If you're not going to let us leave, we'll force our way out!" With that, he charged toward the other alchemist, swinging his ax as he went. It was one of the few times Alphonse didn't have a problem hurting someone. Ferguson dodged out of the way with ease, sidestepping Al completely.
"You move so fluently, it's amazing. But I suppose I should just go ahead and end this already." He pulled his sleeves back to reveal two wrist guards. Each one had a transmutation circle on it. Edward could barely make them out but his mind worked quickly, coming to the conclusion that Al was in trouble.

Blue electricity flowed from the man's hands as he bend down and touched the floor. Ed rushed over, hoping to get Alphonse out of the way and possibly out the door.

"Alphonse, look out!" He grabbed into Al's arm. A bolt shot through his body, starting at his out stretched metal arm and moving down his spine. Edward couldn't even think to scream as the pain engulfed him and all thoughts ceased. As the alchemy faded, the electricity remained until his knees finally buckled and he collapsed on the floor.

"Brother? Ed?" Alphonse stared in shock as Edward laid there motionless before him. Dropping the ax, he leaned down. "Ed...Edward!" Grief emminated in his voice as he turned his brother over. Ed blankly stared into nothingness, his once bright eyes now a dull copper color. His mouth was slightly opened but he didn't seem to be breathing.