Scene Thirteen- Knox's House

"So anyway, I'm not really sure what happened to him. Just thought you should know these things." Dr. Knox explained to yet another visitor that evening. He was never going to get a moments peace it seemed.

"And you said his father showed up?" The dark haired man sporting a blue military uniform inquired.

"Yeah, when I checked on the patient after he left, he seems to be completely healed. What's strange is his dad doesn't want me telling either one of them about it. I don't even know how your subordinate got so badly injured in the first place but whatever did it didn't hold back on him."

"That actually sounds about normal," the statement was followed with a shake of his head. "Well I appreciate you taking him in. I know you didn't have to especially since the request didn't come from me. But I am grateful."

"I understand they relocated your staff." The other man sighed heavily really not wanting to discuss that particular topic.

"Yes, it's true. I'm under constant surveillance it seems." The Flame alchemist finally took a seat despite the mess on the couch, knowing he wasn't leaving just yet. "Things have been really hectic so that's probably why the Elrics didn't come to me with this. They most likely think I can't take anything else right now. But despite everything going on, I wish Al had come to me."

"Well regardless of all that, Fullmetal's okay and everything's fine. I wouldn't worry too much about it. His father claims he won't even remember what happened."

"Really? How does that work?" Knox shrugged back, rubbing his tired neck."You want me to explain you're science to you, not gonna happen. If it's not physical I don't really care how it works." His statement brought a smile to the Colonel's face.

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

Alphonse jumped back just as Envy's tail came down. He barely missed him, sending dust through the air. Al ducked down, trying to stay hidden. Somehow this fight had quickly shifted to the homunculi's advantage. The suit of armor had to think fast or he ran the risk of getting damaged and right now Ed couldn't fix him. Clapping his hands together, he pressed his palms to the ground. The dirt around Envy started to spark and a large spike hurled upward, impaling him.

"If you make yourself big it just makes you a bigger target." Envy grabbed onto the spike and squeezed it until the solid rock broke apart.

"I should leave you as a pile of scrap for that pipsqueak. That would be the perfect ending to all of this."

"Then what's stopping you?"Envy brought his large clawed hand back in order to swat the armored pest away like the bug he was. Al clapped again, bringing a wall up in defense. Before Envy could pull back Al leaped over the wall, spear in hand and came down on green flesh. The homunculus let out a howl in response and reared his teeth. Al moved away just as Envy bit down on the weapon and broke it in half. He angrily swiped at Al who kept leaping backwards until he lost his balance and landed hard of the ground. This was Envy's chance as he brought his palm up. He grinned happily at his victory until he heard his named called from behind.

"Envy, that's enough." He didn't have to turn around to know who it was. The Furer stood there, with his sword drawn as though he too was going to take out some frustrations on his fellow homunculus. "I think you've done plenty of damage for one day." Greed smirked at the predicament, crossing his arms and letting out a laugh.

"Did I forget to mention I made a phone call earlier this evening. You'll be lucky if Father let's you out ever again." The large green creature glared at him with hate in his eyes as he shifted back to normal.

"This isn't over," he warned Greed.

"Oh but I think it is."

"Envy, come now." The Furer was getting impatient. Al watched them leave and took note that the leader of the country didn't even acknowledge his presence. Part of him was glad the conflict ended but then he hadn't gotten to beat Envy to a pulp like he wanted to. Sighing heavily the armor decided to let it go. He honestly wanted to get back to Knox's house to see how his brother was doing. He turned to the only other person standing there now.

"So um, thanks for your help, I guess." Greed just smiled back.

"Don't mention it. Maybe one day you'll do something for me." Al didn't really like how that sounded but there wasn't anything he could do either. Without Greed he would have never found Ed. "So I'll see you around." With that Greed walked off. Al was kind of surprised the way the homunculus acted. It was as though they were close friends or something. It just felt weird. Shrugging it off, he headed back toward the residential part of Central. The way back was quiet considering the hour. Unfortunately it was quite a walk back which left Al with too much time to think. He always had time to think especially at night. His mind wondered to his brother's current condition and he worried about how this would affect their plans. He knew Ed well enough to know he hated being inconvenienced and it would be hard to keep him in bed long enough to heal properly. Just from what he had seen earlier it was going to be several weeks before Ed could even travel. And once he could go anywhere, they would have to first go to Rush Valley so Winry could repair the automail. They were trying to put some distance between themselves and their life long friend but there was nothing they could do. They needed her now. And then there was the emotional damage to take into consideration. Alphonse had to watch Ed deal with the guilt of what happened right after their failed attempt at bringing their mom back and he knew how he dealt with these kind of things. He had taken that whole burden on himself and pushed it all down so far to where no one could reach it. It might appear to everyone else that Ed was okay now but Al knew the long lasting effects that still lingered. He was there during those nights when his brother tossed and turned from nightmares that he couldn't get away from. This recent situation was not going to make their lives any better. It was like they had taken several steps backwards. All these thoughts made the fourteen year old's soul feel heavy and the walk back seem longer.