The Man in the Shadows

by Dragneel777

After another failed attempt to get a Philosopher's stone Ed returns to East city- not realizing the man that seems to be watching his every move, and may be after his very life.

5. Chapter 5

Finally, chapter 5!

I am so sorry about the long wait- things got insane! Life always seems to want to get in the way of fun! =(

Thanks for the reviews from-

-darkraistlyn

-Attackoneverything

-FMAgeek

-AKanime

Feel free to review

NO FLAMES PLZ

Thank you all for being patient- and for those of you that are waiting on my other story (END Games) I'm just adding a bit more to the next chapter and it'll be out.

Sorry for the wait!

Enjoy!

...FMA...

Mustang's gut twisted as he looked around- something was not right, and he knew it. The Colonel looked back at the doctor who was restrained in handcuffs and was being loaded into a military vehicle all the while sneering back at Mustang. "Don't think this is over Flame-" The doctor didn't get to finish his sentence as the door was shut on him.

Armstrong peeked over at the Colonel and noticed the frown on the alchemist's face. "Is something wrong Colonel?" The large man asked as he stepped up next to him.

Instead of answering the strong armed alchemist Mustang frowned and looked up at the broken window of the room that he and Fullmetal had been staying in-

And realization struck him- someone had shot through the window, but they found Perez in the hall next to the stairwell.

There was no way that Perez could have gone from the building next to them to the hallway in the time period between the two events...

"There's a second person." Mustang spoke up.

Armstrong looked up at the window and must've come up with the same conclusion because he slowly nodded, "I will go search the building next door. It may be best if you head back towards Edward."

The Colonel nodded, "You be careful, if the person is still in there he will be armed."

"I will keep that in mind." The Major responded as he made his way over to the building next to them, then the Colonel turned and walked back towards the military dorms. "Roy?" Hughes asked as the Colonel passed him by, "Is something wrong?"

"You still have your knifes on you correct?"

"When do I not have them?" The over doting father spoke sarcastically.

"Good." Mustang ignored the other man's sarcasm and Hughes frowned, "Something tells me that we're going to need them." The knife holder silently followed- and slipped a knife into the palm of his hand as they slipped into the military dorms- immediately heading towards the staircase.

A gunshot rang and the two soldiers looked at each other before running up the stairs as fast as they could.

Mustang threw the door opened and froze- staring at one of the guards with his gun drawn. He heard Hughes behind him curse as he caught sight of the scene.

The shot that had fired had hit Alphonse- and only succeeded in knocking off his helmet- but it was enough time to grab Fullmetal-

Which was the scene he was staring at now, Hawkeye aiming her gun at the attacker- and the attacker aiming his gun at Edward, who he held up next to him.

"Let him go sergeant." Mustang spoke up- the man immediately turned in his direction- pressing the gun against the blonde's head. "Where are you going to go? You have at least eight guns aimed at you- a pissed off guy in a suit of armor- the Lieutenant Colonel behind me is ready to stick you with a knife any moment-" He held up his gloved hand, "And all I have to do is snap and you'll be a pile of ash. Not to mention that once Fullmetal gets his arm free he's not gonna be acting like a good hostage."

The man's eyes widened as he looked down to check on his hostage- but was a fraction too late as the young blonde clapped and touched his gun- transmuting it into a weird looking trumpet. Then he swung his elbow back and caught the man in the ribs with his metal appendage- and Mustang had to fight the urge to wince as the man doubled over.

Immediately Fullmetal pulled away and barely even had a moment to catch his breath before Havoc pulled him away from the man and behind the line up of guns. Mustang smirked over at the young alchemist. "Really now Fullmetal? I turn my back for only a few moments and all hell breaks loose?"

The blonde scowled in response. "Don't be over dramatic Colonel- Bastard. I could handle that on my own." Edward scowled up at the smirking Colonel.

"Yeah- sure thing chief." Havoc said as he forced him to sit down. "Just stay here- you're still healing last time I checked."

Mustang frowned and looked over as the man was pulled to his feet and dragged down the hallway. "Well that was too easy." He heard Hughes mumble behind him- and the Colonel nodded silently. That was too easy- it wasn't right. Nothing ever came easy-

He peeked over at the blonde alchemist who was trying to convince his fretting brother that he was just fine.

-Especially when it came to Fullmetal. The Colonel frowned and looked away.

He barely even had time to ponder over the thought before the group jumped to the sound of an explosion. Hawkeye immediately stood up and looked over at Mustang- who stood quietly- listening. That came from the building next to us.

The others seemed to come to the same conclusion seeing since Havoc moved Ed out of view of the window as the others trained their guns- ready to shoot.

"Lieutenant."

Hawkeye turned, "sir?"

"Go ahead of us and wait outside with a vehicle ready." The Colonel ordered.

Hawkeye nodded, "Yes sir, be ready in five minutes." she said then rushed off.

"Alphonse, cover me." Havoc said as he moved in to pick up Edward- knowing full well that a bullet could not hurt the metal giant. Al quickly nodded and moved to shield Havoc from the window as the Second Lieutenant picked up the young blonde. "Damn, you're heavy!" Havoc grunted as he lifted him up.

"It's the auto mail, and I can walk on my own!" Ed snapped, not being a fan of being treated like a child.

"Doctor says otherwise Chief."

"Last time I checked the doctor was the bad guy." Ed stated then looked away mumbling, "Add that to the list of reasons why I hate hospitals."

"Most of them aren't bad- you just have bad luck Chief." Havoc said, slightly agreeing with the young alchemist, "Even if he was a nutcase... You're still not fully healed-"

"I'm-"

"Don't argue Fullmetal." The Colonel interrupted, and Ed scowled over at him- but was quiet.

"Move out, but keep an eye out. There might be more out there." Mustang ordered and they silently started to move towards the exit. His team nodded and followed after the Colonel- moving after him with their guard up.

...FMA...

Hawkeye stood next to the car as the Colonel and the rest of his team rushed out of the dorms, sitting Ed in the back seat and closing the door quickly.

Mustang peeked over to the building next to the dorms, it was in ruins- leaving a pile of rubble. Hawkeye noticed his stare and spoke up. "Major Armstrong made it out of the wreckage with only a few scrapes." She reported as the Colonel walked over to the passenger's side.

Mustang silently nodded- it didn't really surprise him, he was fairly sure the Major could take a mountain falling on him- after all who was his sister...

He peeked over at Fullmetal, who was also staring at the wreckage. Then he got into the passenger's seat- seeing that his Lieutenant was already ready to go. "Head back to Eastern Command." He ordered

"Right away sir."

...FMA...

Ed scowled, trying to hide his bright red face as he had to be carried through Eastern Command. Soldiers stared at him, whispering to each other- but not speaking loud enough for their words to make sense as Mustang's team passed them in the halls and into the Colonel's office- where they sat Ed on the couch. "Just sit back and relax Chief." Havoc said as he stood up.

Ed peeked over and noticed that both Windows were closed with their windows drawn shut. He looked around and noticed that the couch had also been moved.

Well, this guy was willing to attack the military dorms, I guess this place wouldn't be that much different. Ed thought with a scowl. Except that it's a military base.

A knock at the door startled the team and they all tensed up as Hawkeye walked over to answer it. Hand clearly ready to draw her him in a flash of need be.

She opened it and immediately saluted as the Fuhrer stood in the doorway with Major Armstrong standing behind him. The Fuhrer nodded and stepped inside- the Major following suit, and closing the door behind him.

The Fuhrer looked over at Fullmetal and smiled. "I'm glad to see that you are alright Fullmetal. However, I need to ask you some questions." Ed tensed up, but nodded. "On your last mission did you meet anyone suspicious?"

Ed frowned. "I already told the Colonel about the guy at the train station."

"I am aware, I read it in the Colonel's report." The Fuhrer said, "What I want to know is if you spoke to anyone?"

"The town mayor was trying to start some weird cult, nothing out of the ordinary." Ed said as he wracked his brain trying to think of anyone who stood out. But it had been a normal job- with normal people... Minus the guy at the train station. "No, it was normal. He was the only thing that stood out." Ed said then looked up at the Fuhrer. "Why?"

The Major peeked over, catching the Fuhrer's nod of approval. Then he spoke up. "When I entered the building next to the dorms, I believe that I met the leader."

Mustang's head snapped up, "the leader? That means that this a group of people." There were at least two people involved in the attack on the dorm...

The Major nodded, "I met Dormage Hultz." he stated, and the room tensed up- except for the Elric Brothers, who peeked over at each other- clearly confused.

Ed peeked over at Mustang, "Am I supposed to know this guy or something?" he asked a scowl.

Hughes was the one to answer, looking over at the young blonde calmly. "Hultz is the leader of a terrorist group from the south that we've been dealing with since before you were born. Currently he is wanted in the murders of several officers."

Ed frowned. "Okay, so what does he have to do with me? I mean out of all the people he could pick..."

"Well, you are pretty famous." Fury spoke up- peeking over at the Fullmetal Alchemist. Not to mention that you're a ki- that you're still young. Hultz must think that you'd be an easy target for him."

Mustang frowned, "Hultz isn't the type of person to look at what's easy, not anymore." The Colonel frowned, "He used to- but lately he's been going after higher ranking officers. And his activities have increased as of late."

Ed peeked over, "So what changed?"

Mustang frowned- thinking for a moment before answering the Fullmetal Alchemist. "A few months back an attack on a factory ended up killing thirteen people, two of them were close to Hultz according to the message he left us. He killed a General only a few days after" he said, "He's been on the top of the watch list ever since."

Breda frowned, "So if this a terrorist group trying to show that they are serious about revenge, why the photos? And why does it match a murder from years ago?"

Fury peeked over, "Maybe to try and make it look like somebody else did it?"

"Unless they try and make it look like we did it, it hardly seems like something that Hultz would normally do." Breda said.

Ed scowled, could these guys not talk as if I'm already dead?

Mustang scowled and shifted on his feet. Go figure, a Hultz and his buddies are stepping up their game and their newest target is Fullmetal. He peeked over at the young alchemist, clearly able to see the blonde's nervousness- despite his attempt to hide it.

He remembered the photos and he looked away frowning, why the photos?

Hughes seemed to either hear his question or wonder that himself, because a moment later he stood up. "Well guessing won't give us any answers." he turned to the Fuhrer and saluted. "I'm going to go question Doctor Perez sir."

"Very well mind if I come along with you?" the Fuhrer asked- which was redundant, since nobody could tell the Fuhrer no.

"Not at all sir." Hughes answered then looked back to Mustang. "I'm going to have a chat with the doctor, see if I can get some answers to our questions. You-" he pointed to Roy, "Keep Edo safe, especially now that there might be more of those creeps out there." he said, despite the real reason being that they all knew what the Colonel was like when one of his subordinates were threatened.

Let's just say that Hughes needed to talk to the doctor before the Flame Alchemist fried him.

Once the door closed behind the Fuhrer and Hughes, Mustang turned to Armstrong, "Hultz, are you sure?"

"He was identical to the photo that was caught of him." Armstrong said as he say down in a chair. "His photo is posted all over Central, I'd recognize him anywhere."

The Colonel scolded then spoke up again, turning to Hawkeye. "Find a photo of him, I'm sure there's at least one photo of him posted somewhere in Eastern Command."

"I think I know where one is, I'll be right back." Hawkeye said then she rushed out of the room. Only to return a moment later with a paper in her hand.

The Colonel quickly took the paper from her and handed it to Edward. Who frowned as he took the paper and looked at it.

It was Hultz- the man was talk with blonde hair that was turning white with age. Ed shivered as he recognized the coat in the picture. "Do you recognize him?" The Colonel asked, noticing the change in Ed's attitude.

"His coat." Ed said as he looked at the photo. "The man at the train station had the same coat."

The Colonel nodded and took back the paper back. A coat wasn't much to go on- but Fullmetal wasn't the type to make comparisons unless he was sure.

And that was all Mustang needed. He sighed and handed the paper back to Hawkeye. Then he smirked down at the young alchemist. "Go figure you'd attract the attention of the most wanted man in the country right now." he teased with a light smirk on his face- hiding the clenching of his gut as he looked down at the nervous blonde.

Ed frowned, but nodded- recognizing that this wasn't Mustang's normal Bastard- teasing. He sounded genuinely concerned- or maybe he was imagining it. The young blonde sat back on the couch.

Mustang watched the young alchemist for a moment. "Get some rest. Technically you should still be in the hospital." he said as he turned and walked back to his desk, in the corner of his eye he spotted Hawkeye giving Ed a blanket and Ed arguing with Havoc that he wasn't injured enough not to be able to move himself in bed- but the Second Lieutenant only snickered and continued what he was doing with a little. "Lighten up kid, it's not every day that we get to baby you."

"I'm not a kid." Ed snapped, "Once this is over remind me to punch you." The blonde said. "With my right hand."

"Nah that sounds painful."

"I'll do it for you." Breda spoke up over his shoulder and Havoc glanced back at him with almost a pleading look.

"Let Edward sleep you two." Hawkeye spoke up and the room went silent, causing Ed to snicker as he laid back- closing his eyes.

Truth be told- he was exhausted.

...FMA...

Hughes walked up to the cell where Perez was staying and looked inside. "You're a real sicko you know. I don't mind pictures- I take them all the time, but shooting then stalking someone? That's sick." he said as he glared at the man in the cell. "Did you stalk him before you shot him too? Or did the bullet decide for you who you guys would stalk?"

Perez peeked over at him, but remained quiet.

The Fuhrer remained out of sight, watching Perez's every move.

Hughes frowned, "I got a kid at home- so stuff like this really ticks me off. So, I'll get straight to the point. I know that you are working for Hultz. What I want to know is why you are targeting the Fullmetal Alchemist."

Perez remained silent so Hughes continued speaking, "Why did you have to drag a kid into this mess?"

Perez laughed, then looked over. "Like you military can talk? What's a kid doing in the military in the first place?"

Hughes frowned, he knew that Edward had a deep reason behind becoming the dog of the military at age twelve, not that he would ever say it to some creep. "Why is Hultz after the Fullmetal Alchemist?"

Perez snickered. "You'll have to find out on your own."

...FMA...

Ed stared at the creation they had just made, sweat dripping down his face- but he was shaking.

"This wasn't supposed to happen." he whimpered as he pushed himself against the wall.

The creature looked over at him and took a shaky breath, that might of been it's last. "Edward."

Ed felt a sharp pain in his back and looked back, seeing a car speed away.

Was I shot?

Next thing he knew he was lying in bed- looking up at the ceiling of the military dorm. It was far too quiet, wasn't Mustang supposed to be watching him? If nothing else Al was normally with him.

And wasn't he supposed to be in the Colonel-Bastard's office?

He frowned and turned his head- seeing Doctor Perez standing next to his bed with a grin, "soon." he said

And Edward screamed.

Ed bolted up with a yell, His breathing was ragged and his body was covered in sweat.

"Fullmetal?"

He looked over as the Colonel knelt down next to him, "Can you hear me?"

Ed nodded, then looked around- clearing his throat. "Where are the others?" he croaked, since his throat was dry.

Mustang noticed this and grabbed the class of water that was left on the table for him. Ed took the glass and dipped down water as the Colonel spoke, "Working in the main part of the office. We figured you needed your rest, and I'm still stuck in babysitting duty." The Colonel answered- his voice flat.

"Hawkeye threatened you guys." Ed translated.

The Colonel snickered, "Yeah she said you needed the light off and there's already enough bullet holes in the walls." he said then sat in the chair. "Did you have a nightmare?"

Ed frowned and took another sip of water. After he swallowed he spoke quietly, "The normal, of that night."

Mustang nodded, he figured he knew what night Ed was talking about and kept quiet because it looked like Ed wanted to say more- and sure enough he did. Which generally surprised the Colonel- but he listened nonetheless.

Ed wasn't really sure why he was talking to the Colonel about his dream, however his mouth seemed to be on auto pilot, and once he was done he peeked over at the Colonel- waiting for him to respond.

The Colonel nodded once again and sat back, it didn't really surprise him that Fullmetal would get nightmares about getting shot- even Mustang still had those.

"Perez is locked away and is never going to see the light of day ever again. He can't hurt you anymore. And I won't let Hultz hurt you." The Colonel kept his voice calm as he spoke, watching the blonde relax little by little.

After a moment, Ed nodded and sat back- taking a deep breath to relax himself. Then he peeked over at Mustang. "Why do you think Hultz is after me?"

"You're a kid in the military-" Ed opened his mouth to argue but Mustang put up his hands, defending himself with, "I'm just saying from his point of view." He said and Ed sat back. "In his eyes a kid is an easy target."

"He sounds like a scum." Ed muttered.

"For a terrorist, he used to be tolerable- at least compared to the rest, only a few years ago he mainly kept to vandalism, then out of nowhere he started killing off officers." Mustang said and looked away, "Back then- out of all the terrorist groups out there he was honestly the last person I'd expect to go after you." Ed frowned. "But now he is a dangerous terrorist and we will take him out before he can do anymore harm to you or anyone else." Mustang said as he stood up. "Try to get some rest."

Ed nodded and laid back down

...FMA...

Mustang peeked over at the sleeping alchemist on the couch with a frown, watching as the blonde mumbled something in his sleep and shift a little. Then the Colonel looked down at the file in his hands, staring at the photo of Hultz.

"Don't do it Mustang!"

"These are orders Hultz, we don't have a choice!"

Mustang sat back in his seat as the past glazed over his eyes. "Dammit." he mumbled and closed the file.

Don't tell me that this is from back then? The Colonel scowled and looked back over at the older Elric brother.

But why Fullmetal?

Ed started to toss and turn in his sleep once again and he sighed, getting back up to make sure that he wasn't having another nightmare. However, as he approached Ed seemed to settle down once more, mumbling something in his sleep again and then relaxing once more.

Mustang watched him for a moment then sighed and sat back down, looking over at the closed curtains.

Dammit Hultz, I don't know what you want- but I'm not going to let you hurt anyone else...

There was a knock on the door and Mustang peeked up, ready to snap as the door creaked open and Hughes stepped inside.

"Hughes."

Hughes peeked over at the sleeping Edward and walked over to Mustang's desk, pulling up a chair. "We'll have to be quiet."

"I wouldn't worry about it." Mustang said, "He's out like a light."

Hughes peeked over at Edward, a worried frown evident in his face. "Well, he still is healing." he mumbled then turned back to Mustang. "Well Roy I do have some good news."

"Some is better than we've had so far." Mustang retorted.

"I'm fairly sure that we can stop worrying about the creepy photos." Hughes said and Mustang peeked up. "When I mentioned it to Perez he seemed pretty happy to talk about his hobby. I got the names of three more victims. Apparently Hultz would let him keep doing what he wanted as long as it was the target Hultz assigned."

"So how many targets are we talking about here- besides Fullmetal?" Mustang frowned, "Anything else about Hultz?"

Hughes sighed and shook his head, "He wouldn't peep, I don't even think he realized what he said about him earlier." Hughes frowned, "Hultz has his men on a pretty tight leash." He peeked over at Mustang, "The Fuhrer is heading back to Central for now- you want to take a crack at Perez?"

Mustang smirked. "With pleasure."

Hughes smiled and started cleaning his glasses, in the morning Mustang would be able to get Hawkeye to stay with Edward while he went to question Perez.

And something told him that tomorrow they would get the information they needed.

...FMA...

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And chapter 5!

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'Til next time!