Allen found himself staring out the window again. It was something he did often, and wasn't sure why. Maybe because he wanted to leave, maybe because East City reminded him of when he was younger with all the abandoned alleyways, maybe because he just needed fresh air, or to think. He didn't know, but every time he looked out the window, something reminded him of his friends. The littlest things reminded him of everything. Like when there was a dog that peed on a man's shoe and the man went running after it with a murderous stare in his eyes. It reminded Allen of Lavi bugging Kanda and then Kanda chasing after him angrily. There was only one diagnosis for the way he felt: homesickness. He wanted to go home. To see everyone's smiling faces again. But, if he did go back, would they be smiling? He grabbed his stub, clenching his fingers around it. He no longer had Innocence. Would he really be welcomed back with open arms?

"So, Allen." Hughes walked into the room, setting down a tray of food on his bedside table. Allen looked at him curiously.

"What is it?"

"This military that you worked in...was it...strict?" The officer asked. Allen thought about Komui, whose paperwork was spread all over the Science Division and how he would make destructive robots over doing his work.

"Uh...I don't think so." Allen replied. "I mean, we were sent on missions to collect special matter. There was only one type of weapon that could kill Akuma. It's called Innocence and there's different types. You can be born with it too. It was the only way you could destroy an Akuma. We collected it before it could be destroyed by the Akuma's creator." Allen informed. "They used to be...a very bad organization. I mean, they saved people, but they used to force Innocence inside people so they could create more fighters..." Allen mumbled. "Of course, they're not like that now. It's changed. Everyone there is more laid back, but we still have to destroy Akuma before they take over the country (more like the world) and sorts." Hughes nodded his head several times.

"I see. These monsters are very interesting. Anyways, Roy contacted one of his subordinates who has very advanced automail. Hopefully his mechanic will make you a new arm. Do you have any money?" Allen sweat dropped.

"I didn't get paid." He replied. "You see, at the Order, you got free food and a free place to stay. It was home for us. We didn't need to be paid." I suppose that explains their ritzy uniforms. Hughes thought. They could be expensive because they had too many funds.

"Allen, what do you plan to do once you get back? Will you continue destroying Akuma? Roy said he searched your body for a weapon, but you didn't have one on you..." Allen's expression suddenly grew dark. He grabbed his left shoulder.

"I...I don't know what I'm going to do..." He looked down, his bangs cascading over his eyes. "I was born with my weapon..my weapon was my arm...they...destroyed my Innocence..." Hughes' eyes widened. It must have been hard...Allen seemed fond of this 'home' of his.

"Allen...how did you first join the Order?" Hughes was so curious about Allen. He seemed really tough for his age. It sort of reminded him of Edward. "To create an Akuma, you must-" Allen started but there was a knock on the door. I almost told him...Allen thought, shaking his head. That was too close. Roy opened the door and walked towards the bed.

"Can you stand? Most of your wounds should be healed. I believe the doctor said it was just that your heart was weak. It's amazing that you managed to survive; after all, he said that you had a hole in your heart." Roy said, giving Allen a suspicious stare.

"A hole in my..." The Tease...did it eat at my heart like they ate Suman? He wondered, shuddering when he thought of the deceased Exorcist. He died slowly...painfully...he never got to see his family again...Allen shook his head before his feelings could get to him. "I don't know how...but yes, I'm sure I can stand."

"Right. Just don't push yourself; I've already checked you out." He paused and looked at Allen's hospital outfit. "You're going to need new clothes."

"Right..." How am I supposed to get one when I can't afford clothes? Allen wondered. "But I ca-"

"I called a tailor to recreate your uniform, if you don't mind." Allen's eyes widened at the news.

"Did you...change it?"

"I didn't. The tailor did. I told him how old you were and he did change it a little, only because it was shredded when we found you. Like you were thrown around by some tornado." He paused. "It's a bit different, but he used every piece of fabric that he could, adding more as well. He did it for free. Said something about wanting to experiment with it. I gave him your measurements that the doctors took." Allen seemed a little depressed by the news, but he understood why they did it. They walked outside and Allen received many strange looks. He was used to them, though, so he ignored them. Hughes noticed this as they walked to Roy's office. He told Allen to stay as he went in the office and retrieved his outfit for him. He came back and handed it to him. Allen stared at it with awe. It was changed, but it still looked quite amazing.

There was a gray vest sewed onto it and the cuffs were made of a white, silky material. On the shoulders and below the cuffs, there was a red attachment on the buttons. The coat was designed to spread out and the ends of it were white as well with some of the silver lining still intact. The buttons were the same at least. However, it looked as if he would still have to wear a white button-up shirt under it. "Damn, it looks expensive." Hughes observed.

"You'd be surprised." Roy commented. "He said it was made from leftover materials. Anyways, you should change into that before Fullmetal arrives."

"Fullmetal?" Allen asked..

"It's Edward's State Alchemist name." Hughes informed. Fullmetal sounded like a very...advanced name. It made him sound cool, but Allen wondered about this. You shouldn't judge someone on their name.

"Yes, his full name is Edward Elric. As for the automail, you'll have to figure that out by yourself." Roy replied and opened the door to his office. "Once you're finished, come back to this room. Hughes." Roy gave him a look and Hughes nodded in understanding, leading Allen to the nearest bathroom.

"It'll probably be a bit difficult dressing with one arm, no?" Hughes asked, cheeky smile and all. Allen shook his head. "The Innocence that I had paralyzed my left arm. It took awhile for me to get used to it so I had to get used to dressing with one arm...but...it has been a long time." He intervened quickly when he saw Hughes' pout. The man grinned and helped Allen take his shirt off, staring at the small scars littered around his body. He also seemed a little more fit for someone being in a hospital bed for almost a month. There was a scar on his chest, where his heart surgery was performed. He helped Allen put on his white shirt, buttoning it up and then slipping his overcoat on, buttoning up said coat just a bit. He then helped him change his pants and slip on his boots. Allen stared in the mirror, his hand lingering on his port. He wanted his Innocence back...Allen frowned. It felt like he was missing something. He walked off and Hughes followed him. It was when he walked past the colonel's door that Hughes questioned him. "Where are you going?"

"Do you have a ribbon?" Allen asked, looking around for some type of clothing closet or something.

"A ribbon? My daughter loves them! What do you need one for? What color?"

"Red." Allen answered. Hughes hummed and told him to stay put, walking off. It took about half an hour until he returned with a cloth ribbon.

"She likes putting them in her hair, so I always keep some on me."

"Do you mind tying it around my collar?" Allen asked, pointing at his white collar.

"Uh, sure..." Hughes mumbled and leaned down just a bit, tying it. Allen walked back to the bathroom and looked in the mirror again. Better. He thought with a small smile. "It does match..." Hughes commented, staring at the red attachments to his buttons. They walked back to Roy's office and Allen knocked before peeking his head through.

"Took you long enough." Roy commented. He was currently leaning against a wall, talking with the other officers. They stared at Allen, making him slightly uncomfortable. Hughes walked in like he owned the place and dropped in a seat, chatting up with Havoc about his daughter and shoving pictures in his face. "Come on." He said, leading him into the inner office where a couple of couches were with a desk in front of the window. He sat down on the couch as Roy sat at his desk and began filling out paperwork (or he was doodling). "Fullmetal should be here shortly. He was actually supposed to be here half an hour ago, but he's usually late." Roy informed. Allen nodded and waited patiently, closing his eyes. I hope everyone's okay...he thought.

Suddenly, the door slammed open, hitting the wall, causing Allen to jump up.

"What the hell did you want this time, Colonel Bastard?" A temperamental voice asked. "You already sent us on a wild goose chase two days ago, don't tell me you're doing it ag..." The blond boy that burst through the door looked quite...different. He had golden hair, tanned skin, a red coat and black clothes on underneath with black boots, red underlining it. What caught Allen off guard the most was his golden eyes. It reminded him of the Noah. "Who the hell are you?"

"This, Fullmetal, is a soon-to-be State Alchemist. Allen Walker, this is Fullmetal. But you might want to be careful. His temper is bigger than his height." Allen slapped a hand to his mouth, trying his best not to giggle. Edward looked pissed. He glared at Roy and stormed over slamming his hands down on the table. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING A RUNT SO SHORT HE WOULDN'T DROWN IN A RAINDROP BECAUSE OF THE TINIEST OXYGEN MOLECULES?!" He screeched. Allen raised his eyebrows.

"Brother! Don't be so rude. You're making a bad impression."

Allen froze. His eye activated and he turned around to see a metal armor that was at least seven feet tall. The childlike voice looked nothing like how tall he was. It sounded hollow, as well as his footsteps. But, what struck him the most was the soul hanging above the form. It...wasn't suffering. The chains weren't choking or squeezing him...it looked more like they were caressing him. "You want us to what?!" Edward snapped, catching Allen's attention. He looked over curiously. Edward wasn't thrilled, Roy seemed agitated. "He'll just get in our way, there's no way we're escorting some fragile kid around."

"Fragile...?" Allen questioned. The boy beside him, Edward's brother he guessed, sighed.

"Sorry about him. We're on a serious quest of our own, so he doesn't want any distractions." He apologized, holding out his hand. "My name is Alphonse by the way. Alphonse Elric. I'm Edward's younger brother."

"Younger?" Allen questioned and Edward's head snapped over to him. He immediately slapped a hand to his mouth. Roy rolled his eyes.

"Fullmetal. This is an order."

"Damned colonel." Edward growled. "Fine, but after he gets an arm, we're looking for the stone again." He huffed.

"Stone?" I wasn't informed of any of this...Allen thought.

"It's none of your business." Edward snapped. Allen wasn't amused. Great. Another Kanda. Miniature Kanda. He thought with a small, yet evil smile. Take that, Kanda. Not a beansprout anymore, am I? He thought a bit triumphantly. "Anyways, so you're gonna be a State Alchemist, hm? What are you specializing in?"

"Uh..."

"He hasn't figured that out. But you don't really specialize in anything, right Fullmetal?"

"Whatever." Edward muttered. "Okay, so we'll take him to Risembool. But after that, he's on his own." Edward snapped and stormed out. Alphonse and Roy were quiet.

"Sorry about him." Alphonse apologized, the soul's face above him looking apologetic. "Lately we haven't been having a good week..." He explained, looking out the windows as it began to rain. "Meet us at the entrance, will you? I'm going to go talk to my brother." He said softly and left. Alphonse left the room and Allen looked at Roy expectantly. Roy sighed.

"A friend of theirs was morphed with a dog to create a chimera. She was just a little girl and a serial killer murdered her and her father. They didn't take it lightly."

"Oh..." Allen said softly and stood up. "I suppose...I will see you when I get back...?" Roy nodded and grabbed a scrap piece of paper, writing on it and then throwing it at him. "If anything happens, make sure to call." Allen stared at the number and nodded. "Thank you, Colonel Mustang." Allen said softly, smiling.

"It's not a problem." He replied and told Allen to see Hawkeye before he left. Allen did so and 'Hawkeye' ended up being a blonde woman who was currently polishing a gun. She was a sniper, as Roy informed. She took him out into the hallway.

"Allen, in the state you're in, you're very vulnerable. Do you know how to use a gun?" She asked. Allen thought about his Innocence, where he was able to morph it into a canon.

"More or less." He answered. She nodded approvingly and took his hand before placing a holster in it. It had a gun inside.

"Edward is always against using one since he thinks it's designed to kill people. But I think you need to understand that without protection, you could die. It's not only a weapon to destroy, but also to save." Allen smiled at her and accepted it. He remembered when he confessed to Kanda about wanting to be a destroyer who saves. It seems like he and Hawkeye would understand each other more than he believed.

"Thank you." She blinked her brown eyes at him a bit surprisingly.

"You're welcome." He attached the holster to his right thigh and waved her goodbye, meeting Edward and Alphonse at the entrance. They instantly stopped talking when they saw him. They were talking about some philosopher previously, but that was all Allen heard.

"So...I suppose we should get tickets then? For the train?" Or we can just jump on it. Allen thought, remembering his first mission with Kanda.

"Yeah, lets go." Edward mumbled and walked off, not caring whether he got wet from the rain or not. Allen slightly wished that he asked for an umbrella as he shivered slightly. After a few minutes of walking, they reached the train station. The next stop didn't leave for awhile...so, they walked around until they came across a few steps. Edward sat on them and Alphonse followed suit.

"I think...I'm going to grab a map...I'll...be back..." Allen said awkwardly, choosing to leave them alone to their thoughts. He sighed and walked to the nearest shop, where they supplied maps. He didn't even have the money for a map...why did he bother coming here?

"Excuse me, boy, are you with those two?" The clerk asked, pointing to Edward and Alphonse.

"Oh...yes, actually...I just came over to look at the map...I think...I don't have any money to buy it..."

"Nonsense! We fully support State Alchemists! Take it, please!"

"R-really? Thank you very much, sir." Allen smiled, grabbing a map. At least he didn't look like a total idiot.

"Here, take an umbrella too!" He handed one over and Allen thanked him. Who knew State Alchemists could be so well-respected? He waved the clerk goodbye before opening the map and umbrella (with the help of his foot) and held the two in the same hand, using his mouth to keep the paper from flying away every so often.

"So...we're here right now...here's the train station...and the military building. I think that's all I need to memorize for n-" Allen bumped into someone and the map flew away. Well...I suppose I have no choice but to only memorize those. He thought and looked up to see a very intimidating man. He had dark skin (not as dark as the Noah's) and black sunglasses on with a large scar across his face. "O-oh...sorry about that...I was looking at my map and..."

"You, boy, are you the Fullmetal Alchemist?" He asked darkly. Allen's eyes widened.

"What...what do you want with Edward?" Allen asked, taking a step back.

"Where is he?" The scarred man growled. Allen narrowed his eyes at him.

"What do you want with him?" Allen repeated.

"Are you a State Alchemist?" He growled.

"I...no...not yet...as soon as I get my arm back I will be...why?" He asked, backing away as the scarred man moved forward. He lunged, reaching his hand out. Allen let out a cry and thrust the umbrella at him. In the blink of an eye, and a spark, it was destroyed. Allen looked at the destroyed umbrella and up at the man, paling. He dropped the umbrella to the ground and took off running.

Edward...Edward...Alphonse...I need to find them...this man is going to kill me...! He thought, feeling so useless without his Innocence. He looked behind him to see the man catching up. He's fast! Allen thought and ran as fast as he could. It wasn't enough. His chest began to constrict and he tripped, not seeing the slight shifted brick. He turned around and rolled when the man reached for him. He blew the pavement away and rocks flew at him, bruising his skin. He panicked and grabbed the gun, shooting the man in his leg. The man growled and charged at him. He shouted and stood back up, running again, putting the gun away. He held onto his chest, his heart throbbing painfully. It felt like he couldn't breathe. He looked behind him and noticed the man slowed down thanks to the bullet wound. Allen suddenly felt his chest lurch and held his hand to his mouth, removing it to see blood. Just don't push yourself. Roy's words echoed in his head as he coughed. He couldn't go on much longer, neither did he have any idea where he was. He caught a glimpse of gold and turned that way, running as fast as he could. Blood made it's way past his lips, but he had to keep running, even if his vision was going blurry. Then he ran into something...or someone.

"Allen!?" Alphonse cried out, seeing blood.

"What the hell happened!?" Edward asked.

"Guy...looking for you...try...kill me..." Allen panted, coughing up more blood. "Can't...breathe..." He gasped. Was he choking on his own blood? They both looked up to see the man limping.

"You shot him?!" Alphonse asked incredulously.

"I...can't...breathe..." He gasped, clenching Edward's coat. Edward growled and clapped his hands, creating a wall. The wall was destroyed.

"Oh shit." Edward whispered. "We've got to run...Alphonse, grab him!" Edward shouted. Alphonse picked Allen up and they took off. The poor soul looked worried...or at least he thought he did...he couldn't see very well. "Why are you bleeding!?" Edward asked.

"Heart...very weak...there was...a hole...still healing..." Allen panted through breaths.

"Great, I knew he'd get in the way." Edward growled.

"I...I'm sorry..." Allen breathed out tiredly. Edward glanced at him and looked forward. They ran downstairs and the scarred man destroyed them, causing Alphonse to drop Allen. He held onto the edge, too weak to pull himself up.

"Allen!" Alphonse shouted as the piece of rock began falling. Panicked, Allen grabbed a metal piece of the rail and drew a transmutation circle, slapping his hand on it. He created a large block, thrusting it towards the killer. He easily destroyed it, but it gave Edward enough time to think up a plan and shoot the stairs away from them. The man destroyed the base and it crumbled, sending all three of them rolling. Allen pushed himself up, feeling so pathetically weak. Alphonse picked him up and they kept running. Edward was shouting about how some guy shouldn't be trying to kill him, but the words were blurred. "Hang in there, Allen!" Alphonse called out, seeing Allen's eyes close.

He felt himself set down for a brief time and then picked up. Looking around, he saw a wall created as they ran to the back of the alley. The wall exploded and then the wall beside them crumbled to pieces, blocking the exit. Edward grabbed a piece of the pipe and charged after transforming it into a blade, he was easily thrown aside and Alphonse put him down again to attack. "Al...phonse...?" Allen tried standing up but couldn't. Not with his heart hurting the way it did...he coughed and looked up, only to see the man's hand land on Alphonse's armor and destroy it. He heard Edward scream and stared at Alphonse in shock. Then again, what else did he expect? Why would there be someone inside if he was just a soul? Allen crawled over to him.

"Allen...stay still or you'll get hurt." Allen chuckled.

"I'm already hurt." He replied and looked at Edward, who threw off his jacket and clapped his hands, making a blade. The two watched in horror as Edward lunged and the man grabbed his arm, destroying it easily.

"BROTHER!" Alphonse shouted. Allen stood up and shakily walked, picking up the dagger that Edward had created from the pipe earlier. "Allen, no!" Edward and the man mumbled to each other, but Allen couldn't hear any of it. All he could hear was his heart beating in his ears. All he knew was that Edward looked like he was giving up and Alphonse was screaming. The scarred man's hand lingered over Edward's head and Allen staggered forward, lifting the blade. Scar grabbed him by the throat with his other hand before he could move.

"Killing two birds with one stone." He thought and chuckled to himself. Allen stabbed the arm, but his grip only tightened. He dropped it and gasped for air, clenching Scar's arm.

"Can't...br...ea..." Allen choked. There was a sudden shot in the air and Scar dropped him, looking up to see a whole row of military cars. Allen looked up to see Roy and the others...or well...it sounded like Roy. His vision was darker than usual. Roy moved forward, pulling on a glove, talking as he did so. Scar said something else, but it was like Allen had literally gone deaf. He closed his eyes and let himself fall beside Edward. "Ed...ward...are you...okay?" Allen asked. Edward didn't reply, but nodded. Allen tried standing, but found that he couldn't, deciding to just lay there with Edward. Apparently a larger, muscled man showed up and began to fight Scar. Havoc ran over and helped Edward sit up. He looked at Allen and his blue eyes widened, helping the boy up as well and wiping at the blood on his mouth with a cloth. Allen stared at him in a daze before nearly falling backwards.

"Come on, you've got to pull yourself together." Havoc said seriously.

"Can't...breathe..." Allen said, breathing heavily.

"Just calm down." Havoc rubbed his back. Allen coughed some more, blood once again showing itself. There was suddenly a rumbling and the ground collapsed in front of them. Havoc stood up and jogged over. Allen leaned on Edward and gazed around. Was it...over? Where was Scar?

"Oh no, Al!" Edward shouted, jumping up and running away. Allen tried catching himself but ended up falling and curling slightly with a whine, covering the back of his head (which hit the concrete when he fell). Hughes walked over and helped him up. They all looked over at Edward and Alphonse, chatting among themselves.

"Where's...that man...?" Allen asked, dazed.

"He escaped." Hughes informed.

"Oh...bummer..." Allen mumbled. Hughes placed his hand on Allen's chest, feeling his heart beating fast and loud.

"Yes, but we're all okay, and that's what matters, right?" Allen smiled at Hughes and nodded.

"Yeah..." He closed his eyes and fell against Hughes, his heartbeat slowly softening. Hughes sighed with relief and picked him up, carrying him over to Roy. He looked so...lifeless...like the day Roy found him. Roy sighed and grabbed the bridge of his nose. "Just when we managed to get him out of the hospital." They looked back to the Elric brothers, who were making up after Alphonse punched Edward in the face...twice...

"Ah crap. Our train leaves in ten minutes..." Edward muttered. Men were currently picking up pieces of Alphonse and putting them in a large crate, as well as Edward's automail.

"I'll go cancel the tickets." Havoc said, taking them from Edward's coat and running to the train station.

"How's Allen?" Alphonse asked. Hawkeye looked uncertain, looking over at the unconscious boy in Hughes' arms as he disappeared into a car.

"He's injured really badly. We hoped there wouldn't be any commotion on the way to Risembool since his heart is pretty weak at the moment." Hawkeye informed. "Somehow a hole got through his heart and he barely made it through the surgery. Edward sighed and looked up at Alphonse.

"Looks like our trip to Risembool is delayed."

Whoopsy. Super late on this, it was supposed to be updated Saturday, but I had things going on so I totally forgot about it, sorry. Anyways, huge thanks to dragonfox123, banapples2018, NightoftheLivingShadows, asadmummy, miuruzeny, and Poison-Apple-Orchard for reviewing! And also midnightstardust for beta-ing, as always...which reminds me...she has yet to make her own little A/Ns like I told her too -3- seriously, though, guys. Check her out here, she's an amazing author. She also decided that the pairing should be EdwardxAllen (though I was kinda thinking AlphonsexAllen since they're so similar) for the fic. She was the one to motivate me to write this so I feel she should get this privilege...even though she forgot she chose that pairing...*face palm* she's also drawing fanart for the fic so hopefully I can get a cover photo up soon!