I wasn't going to post this today but as I have it finished, why not?
Thank you for continuing to correct my mistakes, my grammar is improving gradually. All I do ask is that you be polite when you point out a mistake so I don't do it again : )
One last thing, is Ed Blonde or Blond? I'm confused as to which word I should use.
Eventually, the men came to a halt, forced to rest their aching legs and nurse the forming stitches beginning to gnaw under their ribs.
Jean held a hand to his pounding chest and began to take deep breaths, the cold air stinging his throat and heaving his sore lungs. Wiping the sweat from his brow, the blonde collapsed against the nearest wall and ran a hand through his damp locks of short hair. He grimaced. Havoc could already feel the thick navy uniform cling to his torso, the white shirt buttoned tightly to the collar, digging into his neck uncomfortably. Without a second thought he blindly reached for the collar, prying it open with a weak pull.
Jean sighed with relief. He envied Ed sometimes, he really did. The teen had never worn the traditional Military uniform, and yet still managed to keep his job securely. Of course Edward was far too talented for the state to lose over a mere uniform, it was ridiculous how much talent he had.
Jean came to the conclusion that no matter how much he complained, the navy outfit would never disappear from his wardrobe. He'd always known the hideous clothing came with the job; he had no right to complain really. It could be far worse... couldn't it?
Armstrong, Breda and Roy were in a similar position, catching their breaths and leaning deadweight against the cold white walls. It wasn't difficult to notice the frustration etched into the Colonels features. His face was an unnatural shade of white, a pair of piercing black eyes burned with anger and determination.
Roy imagined that he probably looked as bad as he felt, and he hadn't felt so bad for a long time. Despite the exhaustion, the Flame refused to do nothing while his subordinate was in danger. Since the death of Hughes he'd been more adamant than ever before to keep his team safe. He couldn't lose anyone else. He wouldn't, refused. Sometimes Roy wondered if they knew he cared, knew that beyond the stern expressions and the desk that they weren't just his colleagues. They were his friends.
The raven haired man began to move, sluggishly continuing to walk. His legs protested, and Havoc grabbed hold of his arm tightly, tugging him backwards and routing him to the spot.
"Jean, let go of me," Roy said tiredly, batting the man's hand away with irritation. His voice was lacking the usual demand and authority.
"Like hell I will," the blonde muttered, "You need a break, we all do."
"Havoc, I'm going to ask you one more time before I lose my-"
"How do you expect to help Ed like this?! You can't even walk, let alone rescue him!"
The Colonel knew he was right; but still his usual stubborn attitude began to emerge. Turning to walk Roy fought back a growl, "There's got to be somewhere we haven't-"
Before he could finish, a hand hastily covered his mouth, affectively silencing him.
"Shh!" Breda mouthed, biting his lip in concentration as he released the Colonel. He could hear talking, the faint buzz of conversation drifting from the far end of the hall. Whether or not the others could hear he didn't know. He inched forward, motioning for his teammates to follow. When the noise was just about loud enough to hear they paused, holding their breaths as they listened carefully.
"You'd go this far to make yourself look pretty? I despise you."
"Despise? That would be too much to ask for!"
Roy's eyes widened as he heard the two familiar voices. He couldn't believe it. After searching high and low for what had seemed like hours, the missing teen and the cause of the chaos were just inches from him. Out of all the possible suspects that had vaguely passed through his mind, Archer defiantly hadn't been one of them. How was it possible?! He was supposed to be dead, and the Colonel had watched the man fall to the ground cold with his very own eyes. He'd seen the colour leave that single blue eye, heard the metal collide with the floor before collapsing from blood loss and exhaustion.
Running a hand through his hair, Roy really thought he wasn't beginning to lose his mind. He tried to move whilst the others were distracted, but found himself caught in the tight grip of Major Armstrong. It seemed it wasn't just Roy that was doing the caring. //
"Can you blame me for not wanting to look like this?" the man said coolly, drumming his fingers on his arm and pacing, as if he had all the time in the world. Ed tried to keep him talking, hoping it would give him enough time. He just need a little longer...
"Some people would call that vein," the blonde spat, trying desperately to ignore the irritating tickle in his throat. There was a toe curling laugh.
"Of course, you'd know all about being vein wouldn't you Edward?"
As soon as the words left Archers mouth the blonde knew what was coming. He cursed himself for not expecting it sooner. It was like pulling the wings from an insect and watching it struggle, Archer knew exactly what he was doing. Ed knew what made him tick, just like all the other psychopaths. Power.
Despite seeing the former Colonel as a mad man, the young alchemist knew the man was relatively normal compared to most criminals. He was intelligent, something that was not often found in most prison inmates, however a majority or killers were undoubtedly smart. Ed may have only been with the Military and Army for a few years, but he'd certainly seen his fair share of smart minded people. If only they could have put their knowledge to a good use. Edward was certain that if this was the case, the world would be a better place.
"How do you have the nerve to call me vein," Archer snapped, ceasing his pacing and locking gazes with the golden eyed teenager, lifting the young man's chin with his foot until Ed was looking.
"Correct me if I'm wrong Elric, but I believe it was you that signed your life away to the state to regain your limbs, was it not"
The raven haired maniac grinned when the blonde's eyes widened in shock and confusion. Other than team Mustang and close friends of the Elric's, no one was to know about the sin Edward and his brother committed all those years ago. Information falling into the wrong hands would undoubtedly land both Elric's in serious trouble. Law breakers in Amestris were punished, regardless whether they were famous or talented, and Ed would be no acceptation.
"Who... Who told you?!" Ed demanded angrily. How on earth did Archer know something like this? A swell of panic began to flutter in his stomach. If Archer knew, who else knew of their secret?! The pale man ignored him and resumed his pacing.
"WHO TOLD YOU?" the blonde cried, falling into a fit of pained coughing, wincing as another douse of crimson liquid passed through his lips.
"That would be telling now wouldn't it?"
The sound of electricity buzzed, humming loudly as the lights flickered. For the first time Ed could see the small window close to the ceiling, it being so high up made it impossible to reveal his location. He could see the sky, the disappearing blues and violets mingling with the pink and orange sunrise. There was a door on the far side of the room, open a mere fraction, just enough for the teen to see yet another white wall.
Suddenly, the room filled with light. The darkness disappeared, revealing an empty room and a concrete floor. It looked like a typical cellar, a single small window and a cracked floor.
Now Ed could see the pool of blood sprayed beneath his cheek, and the deadly pale man who was craning his neck to look up at the approaching daylight, his dark hair clashing with his unusually pale form. The teen had only met the man a few times before, but he could still remember the same white skin as clear as day, the zombie looking figure with piercing eyes in an orderly looking uniform.
The rope bit into Edward's skin as he struggled, the more he moved, the tighter it became. He was sure he could do it; he was so close to-
A pair of golden eyes widened in horror, scanning the floor nervously. Ed looked around as far as he could see. He was lying in the centre of a large chalked array, a familiar one he'd seen in photographs many times before. Another cough escaped his lips, Archer looked over. Walking steadily across the floor he avoided the intricate lines and curves to avoid smudging the array.
Edward panicked. He could hear the strain of his automail against the rope, fidgeting nervously he attempted to move backwards, away from the approaching man.
"I'm sorry Edward," the man's false frown turned into a wide grin, "I can't wait any longer. It seems I've become a little impatient after four years..."
Another cliffy. I bet you all really love me right now.
Sorry its short again, I hope you don't mind too much : )