The Flame alchemist walked with purpose, following two military police. A firm look on his face and his hands at his sides, gloved and ready for anything. His mouth pulled into a stern frown that made anyone who came in contact with him, uneasy. Regardless, he didn't care what people thought about how he carried himself, and never had for that matter. The MP's stopped in front of one particular door, completely solid except for the small opening to peer into the dark room. Roy glanced in, unable to see anything.
"Ferguson!" His voice boomed in the small room, echoing off the walls.
"I was wondering when you'd come to see me." A shadow moved in the darkness and the older alchemist's amused, smirking face came into view. "So tell me Colonel Mustang, how's Fullmetal doing?" Roy had to restrain his fingers, although torching the man in the cell would be far to easy for someone of his talent.
"What did you do to him?" Ferguson tilted his head, his grin becoming dangerously wide, revealing brilliant white teeth. He was enjoying this too much and it bothered the Colonel.
oOoOo
Part of Roy wanted to just stand there in shock, afraid to move, afraid to speak. But the soldier in him went into action, moving around the desk quickly and sinking to his knees next to the collapsed teen on the floor. He removed his gloves, checking Edward's throat for a pulse. All the while, his own heartbeat ringing in his ears.
Ed was still, so deathly still.
Eyes closed and mouth slightly open. After going to war, you got used to the sight of death, but that was a long time ago and far from here. Roy was never any good at medical stuff as he desperately searched for a sign of life. And then there it was, faint but there. He sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. There was a light knock on the door and Hawkeye poked her head in.
"Sir, I thought I heard something and..." His dark eyes made contact with hers as she took in the scene.
"He collapsed. I don't know what's wrong, we were just talking." She moved in quickly, closing the door behind her so no one passing by would know what was going on. "Help me get him to the couch." She took hold of Ed's ankles while the Colonel placed his hands under his arms. "Damn, he's heavier then he looks." As they placed him down, Hawkeye carefully removed his damp jacket before resting his head on the arm of the couch.
"He doesn't look too good." She kneeled next to Ed, seeing his chest barely moving up and down with each breath.
"I don't know much but his pulse seems weak. I've got to get him to the hospital."
"But won't that bring up questions about Ferguson?" She was right of course. Roy had to keep this quiet but knew they couldn't ignore Ed's condition either. An idea came to mind and he headed back over to his desk and grabbed the phone. He dialed out, knowing the number by heart. The line rang several times before someone with a gruff voice answered.
"Hey it's me." This person must have known the Colonel well if he didn't have to identify himself. "I need a favor."
"Isn't that usually why you call? I take it this needs to be hush hush?"
"You've got it." Riza rose back to her feet as he got off the phone.
"Sir, do you want me to call Alphonse?" Clearly he hadn't thought that far ahead and nodded back.
"He's in the dorms, I think."
"Yes Colonel." With that she headed out of the office. Roy glanced back over at the still unconscious blond and shook his head.
oOoOo
The suit of armor rushed through the familiar hallway which seemed longer then normal today. His crimson eyes revealing pure concern as he went as fast as he could without causing any suspicions. Forgetting his manners, he forced the heavy wooden doors open.
"Where's Brother?" Alphonse' worried tone was louder then normal as he shut the doors behind him. The Colonel and Lieutenant glanced up as he moved in farther.
"He's right here. Nothing's changed." Hawkeye had removed Ed's boots as well and had covered him with a blanket she'd gotten from the Barracks. Edward came into Al's line of sight, bringing the younger Elric a new wave of grief.
"Can't we take him to the hospital?" Roy was sitting on the couch opposite from them, leaning on his knees and shook his head.
"No can do, I can't have the military's doctors asking how he got injured."
"But we have to do something. He can't just stay here and..." Al was beginning to panic. Neither one of them had said anything about what Ferguson had done at the lab. Hadn't said anything about his deadly power.
"Al, you've got to calm down. We'll figure this out." Riza was not used to having to calm him down. He was usually so level headed. His behavior bothered the Colonel.
"What's this about, Al?" Roy sat back, crossing his arms. He was beginning to get fed up with their lack of cooperation. Alphonse continued to stare down at his brother, fists clutched at his sides not from anger but fear. "Alphonse! You're not helping him."
"He died!" Al's voice seemed to choke from emotion. "Ferguson used lightning alchemy and shocked Brother. He...he brought him back but...but." Al's heavy frame couldn't keep standing as he sank to the carpet below. "You have to do something. Please. We're sorry, we didn't know." The armor leaned forward on his arms for support. Mustang processed the new information before speaking again.
"So if he used lightning alchemy that would send an electric current through the body. And since two of Ed's limbs are metal, they would act as conductors, that would make the reaction even worse." He glanced up at the ceiling as though he was trying to reach a conclusion. "But he was fine on the way home." Before he could ponder this any further there was another knock at the door. Hawkeye was about to head over when Roy stood and motioned for her to remain where she was. Glancing down, she noticed Al had taken Ed's real hand in his. He seemed lost as though he didn't know what else to do. It wasn't like he could help in his current state. The Colonel cracked the door slightly. After peering out to make sure it was safe, a grim smile played on his lips as he let an older man in.
"Glad you could get here so quickly."