Chapter three! I've extended the story a little so that there's a cool fight scene at the end, so there'll be a few more chapters yet. (grins)

Chapter Three: Woken

White...

Such a bright colour... Such a bright light... Like he was inside a fluorescent light bulb...

It was painful...

Slowly, Edward's vision focused, but it didn't do any good. The whole room seemed to be glowing this painful white, making it impossible to see anything at all, not even sillouhets. His head and stomach throbbed in sync with each other, with his heart beat. A feeling that would soon drive him insane, if he didn't focus on something else..

He tried to move his arms, his legs... but they felt so heavy... Was he so weak? What had happened to him? Thinking back, all he could remember was running towards a black ship... Something was behind him, chasing him... There was no time to fight... No time to flee...

No time...

Yet he was alive. Injured, obviously, but alive. How long had he been unconscious? Hours? Days? Was it night now? It was impossible to tell.. Impossible to think..

Edward tilted his head slightly to the side, trying to block out the painful light. His head was clearing a little, and he soon realised it was only coming from the ceiling, illuminated by the white walls. And the beeping... The incessant beeping that was in sync with his throbbing head and body. It was so annoying, so painful! Edward groaned in pain and irritation, once again trying to move his arms, to shield his eyes, his ears.

Suddenly he could hear voices. They were muffled and quiet, like they were behind glass, and Edward couldn't make out the language. It was deep though, like a human male voice, had he been back on Amestris. It was clearly shouting something.. but it was impossible to figure it out.. Soon enough, another deep voice joined it, each taking turns to mutter something. A conversation.. It seemed to quickly end, as the voices fell silent. Once again the only sound was the irritating beeping.. So irritating...

It needed to go.

Suddenly furious, Edward managed to lift his arms. He clapped them together, one flesh hand, one metal hand. He then swung his metal arm up, over his head, groping the air for something, anything, anything to destroy and stop the noise! He quickly found something above his head, behind him. Perfect. A second later there was the familiar, electrical sound, and the object in his hand disintegrated, simply vanishing, along with the beeping. It was gone...

A wonderful silence filled the air.. Now to do something about the light.

" He destroyed the heart monitor! " A muffled voice suddenly cried, loud enough to be understood. Edward froze. Whatever said it, it spoke English. And it was watching him! With a cry of alarm, Edward sat up instantly, seeming to feel a sudden burst of energy. But it didn't last long. Immediately after sitting up, a wave of intense pain washed over him, Edward grunted in pain as he doubled over, gripping his stomach and head, trying to stop it..

" Edward! " He heard somebody shout. It sounded strangely familiar.. Struggling, Edward slowly lifted his head until he could peer out from his hand at the room in front of him. Now he noticed why he didn't see anything other than walls. There was nothing else in the room other than the bed he lay on. And right in front of him was a large window that covered most of the wall. And on the other side of the window, with a hand pressed against the glass...

Edward gasped in shock, his eyes widening. Instantly he knew where he was. He was once again frozen, unable to move, or speak, or think, until eventually he managed to move his mouth.

" F-.. Father...? " He muttered, barely audible. But the man seemed to know what he said, for he smiled warmly, the emotion in his eyes hidden by square glasses. Hohenheim reached for something beyond the window, keeping his hand there.

" Edward.. " He muttered, his voice amplified by a speaker. " Good to see you.. Are you well..? "

Father.. Edward repeated in his mind. His father, right in front of him! Was it an illusion? A dream?.. Well it wasn't a dream. If it was, it would be Alphonse standing there, instead of Hohenheim. But an illusion? Did they have that sort of technology? But...

... Can an illusion mimic a voice?

" Edward? " Hohenheim muttered again, like he was trying to get Edward to respond. Can I trust him..? He thought, merely staring back. Can I trust this image as real?

Am I home..?

...

No.

" Wh-what is this..? " Edward growled to himself, narrowing his eyes to glare at the image of his father. He was behind a screen. Even if it wasn't an illusion, it could merely be a giant digital screen made to look like a window. There was no possible way he could have made it back home... No way...

" Edward, " Hohenheim continued, worry now evident in his voice and expression at Edward's reaction. " Don't you know where you are? "

" I'll decide that for myself! " Edward snapped, desperately trying to ignore the constant wave of pain from his movement. I'm not going to get far, like this.. He growled again. I can barely sit up, let alone walk!

In front of him, 'Hohenheim' just seemed to stand there, looking concerned, as if trying to decide what to do. He was being unusually slow witted, for Hohenheim. Was this a sign of a false reality? He hadn't even moved his hand from the glass, like it was his lifeline, or something. Suddenly Hohenheim turned his head to the side, frowning, looking at something Edward couldn't see.

" Let me in. " He stated to nobody.

" But, Sir! " A disembodied voice cried out from further away, making it hard to hear. " We still don't know- "

" I think I recognise my son when I see him. " Hohenheim interrupted, his tone suggesting no more argument. A tone he used to use allot with Edward..

" B-but, S-S-Sir... " The voice tried to argue, clearly losing it's nerves at the higher rank's demand. " It-.. h-he-.. "

It?.! Edward huffed, scowling deeper. What did they think he was?.!

Despite trying to argue, it was obvious the source of the voice had no say in the matter. Hohenheim merely stared off to the side at the source- an intimidation tactic he used to use when he was miffed and impatient- until the other person cracked.

" Yes, Sir.. " The voice whimpered. Hohenheim smiled.

" Excellent. " He stated. A second later he lowered both his arms, walking out of view of Edward. He's coming in? Edward growled. He wasn't sure what was to happen. If it was all fake, then an enemy was coming over to him when he's in a state of total weakness. But if it wasn't fake.. And it really was his father.. Then his father would be coming to him when he's in a state of total weakness. Either way, it wasn't desirable. But, either way, there was nothing he could do to escape, or to fight..

To his left, a white door- noticeable only by it's outline- creaked open. On the other side was a young man dressed in the blue uniform that all of the guards on Amestrian space stations wore. The man stared at Edward for a moment, as if expecting him to leap up and charge. Though after a few seconds, the man seemed satisfied at Edward's lack of aggression, for he stepped further into the room, pressing himself against the door to allow the other man to pass. Without hesitation, Hohenheim walked straight in, avoiding the guard's frightened gaze. He stared at Edward, the light's glinting off his glasses in painful flashes. Edward could barely resist covering his eyes.

" You can go now, Kerry. " Hohenheim muttered. The guard straightened himself up.

" Sir, I really think- " He began.

" If you think Edward is so dangerous, than why do you insist on leaving the door open? " Hohenheim interrupted, glancing at the guard named Kerry.

" Oh, uhh- R-right, Sir! " Kerry saluted clumsily. He then hurried out, shutting the door behind him, leaving Hohenheim and Edward alone. Edward simply stared at the image of his father. It wasn't like he could do anything else.. Hohenheim merely sighed, tucking his hands into his trouser pockets. After a few moments, he smiled.

" How do you feel, Edward? " He asked in a soft voice. " I can imagine you must be aching right now.. Is there anything I can do for you? "

" You can stop blinding me with your damn glasses. " Edward growled. He had tried to sound forceful, but all that came out was a quiet squeak.

" The light's too bright, eh? " Hohenheim smiled again. He walked over to the wall beside the door, where Edward only just noticed a small panel that stuck out of the wall with a simple dial and a switch. A light switch. Hohenheim turned the dial, and the intense light dimmed until there was barely enough light to see Hohenheim's figure.

It was bliss..

Edward suppressed a sigh of relief. His headache was less intense now, too..

" Is that better? " Hohenheim asked in the same soft voice. Edward didn't reply. Hohenheim sighed again, returning his hand to his pocket and stepping forward towards Edward.

" Don't you dare. " Edward huffed instantly. Hohenheim seemed surprised, but quickly that expression disappeared.

" Edward.. Do you know where you are? " He asked again.

" I said I'll decide that for myself! " Edward snapped. Though he had spoken a bit too loudly. His head throbbed again, causing him to gasp as he held his head tighter, closing his eyes..

" Ah, Edward, lay down. " Hohenheim muttered, stepping forward again with his arms outstretched, as if considering to help.

" Don't you dare! " Edward shouted, ignoring the intense headache. He tried to look up, to glare at the man who looked like Hohenheim, to defend himself.. But all he did was make himself dizzy. And now his stomach was on fire.. The feeling travelled up his body, up his throat. A second later he vomited, a bit more than a mouthful of blood splattering onto the blanket. Hastily he opened one eye slightly, trying to see Hohenheim, only to realise the man was now standing right next to him. Edward cried out in surprise, but there was no way to fight... Hohenheim knelt down. Edward swung at him with his arm, trying to push him back.. But it was no use.. Hohenheim grabbed him by the shoulders, and...

... Hugged him.

Edward gasped in surprise, his chin now resting on Hohenheim's shoulder as the man squeezed him gently. He smelled.. just like Hohenheim...

" Edward... " Hohenheim muttered. " My son... I can't tell you how happy I am to see you again.. " Edward only now realised he was holding his breath. Slowly he breathed out, lowering his arms to his sides. If this man was an illusion... They were using a damn good program...

As much as Edward wanted to fight, to be on his guard, he felt himself relaxing, his exhaustion returning. Damn it.. He thought wearily. I can't afford... to relax... But nevertheless, his heartbeat slowed, and his breathing became more even. Was he wrong? Was this... really his father? Was he really home?

Or was he only wishing it was?

" You... " Edward muttered, deliberately avoiding Hohenheim's name. " Where... Where is my brother? "

" Alphonse?" Hohenheim muttered. Slowly he let go of Edward, chuckling softly. Edward glared at Hohenheim as soon as he could see his face again. " You boys were always so close. " He smiled. " Alphonse is on Amestris, as always. He never did come up to the Space Stations, even after you disappeared. "

" Is that so? " Edward mumbled. That definitely sounds like Alphonse.. He thought. No matter what he used to do, he could never convince Alphonse to go up with him. His little brother always preferred to stay on the ground, leading a normal life with their friend, Winry. Though as much as Edward tried to convince Alphonse to leave the planet, Alphonse always begged Edward to stay.

" You know, Edward, " Hohenheim continued, " Your brother never did give up on your returning home. He always believed you were still alive. "

" So you're saying everyone but Al thought I was dead? " Edward asked, contempt in his voice as he glared at Hohenheim, his frown deepening. " You all gave up on me that easily? "

" Edward, don't be irrational. " Hohenheim replied quickly, looking slightly panicked. " You know perfectly well we had no chance of retrieving you, and there were no supplies in the engine room- " He cut himself off suddenly when he spotted Edward's broad grin.

" I remember you running away and getting Mum to explain what happened to Al's cat when it carked it. " Edward stated mockingly. Hohenheim sighed.

" Back to your old tricks, I see. " He groaned, leaning back. " Do you finally believe me about where you are? "

" No. " Edward stated bluntly, folding his arms and closing his eyes. Faintly he heard Hohenheim sigh.

" Edward.. " His 'father' muttered. " What will it take for you to believe me..? "

" I want to see my brother! " Edward snapped, opening his eyes again to glare at the man. " And I want to leave this room, unescorted! " He added with a growl.

" Edward, you're too weak to leave just yet! " Hohenheim argued gently. " You look like you're gonna collapse even now, while sitting down! Just talking to me has exhausted you. "

" I'm not your weak little boy! " Edward hissed. " I say when I'm tired! "

" Still just as stubborn.. " Hohenheim muttered. " Fine. " He stated after a few moments, raising both his hands to show open palms in submission. " Feel free to leave, in fact, you can go right now, go on. " Hohenheim gestured towards the door. " Tell Kerry I said to leave you alone. "

Edward couldn't help but look surprised. He had not expected the man to give up so easily. " About time! " He growled, flinging the blanket off his body, revealing a plain green shirt and pants. A hospital gown. Edward sighed inwardly. It'll have to do. Slowly he slid his legs over the side of the bed. It was surprisingly difficult.. He definitely shouldn't be getting up, he knew that, but he couldn't stay unguarded until he knew for sure where he was... He simply couldn't rely on the word of a man he didn't even like that much.

But man, it's going to be an effort. Struggling, he lifted himself to a standing position,wobbly on his feet... And instantly fell back down onto the bed, his head and vision swirling, and the uncomfortable burning feeling welled up in his chest again... He felt Hohenheim's arms wrap around him, to steady him. He wanted to shove them away, but he was still so dizzy.. if he let go of the bed, he was sure he would fall over...

Slowly, the burning feeling died down, this time only leaving the taste of blood in his mouth, rather than making him puke red. After that, the room slowly stopped spinning, and Edward loosened his grip on the edge of the bed, breathing heavily.

" Still want to go? " Hohenheim asked him.

" Shut your trap, old man. " Edward growled.

" You'd better climb back into bed, then, if you think you're not up for it. " Hohenheim continued. Baring his teeth, Edward could do nothing but comply. There was definitely no way he was going to get anywhere...

" Just get lost. " Edward hissed, his pride now sore. " You've got no reason to stay here and harass me. "

" But you're my son. " Hohenheim protested. " You've been gone so long, I want to talk to you. "

" Well I don't want to talk to you, and I'm the one that can't leave, so you get lost! " Edward snapped. Hohenheim merely sighed a reply. They were then silent for the next few minutes, Hohenheim staring at the ground, surely pretending to be hurt, while Edward shot his best glare.

" Would you rather talk to you're brother? " Hohenheim muttered after a while.

Alphonse..

" What have I been saying for the last ten minutes?.! " Edward huffed. Hohenheim smiled at him- which was a really irritating response.

" We have made an advancement in technology since you were gone.. " He replied. " We have invented a camera which can give live feed back to Amestris with barely any delay, so it's like talking to them over picture-phone. "

" Really? " Edward asked, his interest instantly captured. " What's the satellite range? "

" 399,000,000 kilometres. " Hohenheim replied. " With no glitches, or jumps. "

" As far as Mars... " Edward muttered. Astounding.. He thought. That must have taken years to perfect!

" Still just as fascinated in technology. " Hohenheim muttered, smiling again. Edward now realised his reaction. He opened his mouth to protest, to deny, but found himself just remaining quiet. It was getting harder and harder to deny his fathers current existence...

" The Toxicology Report is back from Amestris, Sir. " The station doctor stated.

" Excellent! " Hohenheim exclaimed. Hohenheim had rushed to the Medical Clinic of the Space Station after the doctor called him down, regarding Edward. It was late night. Hohenheim had decided, despite Edward's and Alphonse's protests, that they could speak to each other tomorrow, after Edward had gotten more rest. The poor boy looked like a wreck, despite his words. He had checked up on Edward on the way down. At least he was actually lying down, sleeping or not, which was good. Edward never knew how to take a break.

" What does it say? " Hohenheim asked the doctor.

" It's... baffling, Sir. " The doctor sighed, sitting behind his desk while motioning Hohenheim to take the chair in front. " At least, that's how I describe it. The lads who transferred it over here from Amestris thought the Toxicologist was pulling pranks. " The doctor paused for a moment to pass the papers to Hohenheim, who, tried as he did to read it, could only understand the word 'toxic'. " There were exactly two poisons found in your son's body. Definitely poison. I'm shocked he's not seriously ill, at least I would be if I stopped reading there. "

" Uh-huh. " Hohenheim muttered. " Is that the baffling part? "

" Not exactly, no. " The doctor replied. " The baffling thing is that they both completely cancelled each other out. That's why he isn't sick. Alone, both of them would have killed him in one way or another, but together they are both nullified. The first one- " The doctor pointed to one piece of paper on the desk, "- resembles closest to the saliva of a leech. "

" A leech?" Hohenheim repeated.

" Yep, a leech. " The doctor nodded slowly, as if he barely understood himself. " But for the amount that was in him, it would have had to have been one big leech. It seems to have been injected through the wound in his stomach, the one that goes right through. The largest concentration of it is there. This would have stopped the blood from clotting, and he would have bled to death regardless of what anyone did to stop it. It's powerful too, so one would bleed to death from a scratch, if it drew blood. Also, it's been added in the notes that the largest concentration of the toxin is on his back, so my guess is whatever got him was behind him. "

" So, he was either caught by surprise, or running away.. " Hohenheim muttered. " I can only hope it wasn't the latter.. "

" Think your boy was being a coward? " The doctor asked, pulling an odd face at the thought.

" Wha? " Hohenheim uttered, looking surprised. " Oh, no, no, no coward. If Edward was running from it then it would have been really powerful, too powerful to fight. The boy's not an idiot. " Hohenheim added.

" Ha, of course, of course. " The doctor smiled. " Makes sense. Anyway, the second toxin.. I couldn't tell you what it was, the guys on Amestris couldn't identify, or compare it, to anything. It's a toxin non-existent on our planet. I can tell you what it did, however. This poison, as I said, completely negated the effects of a first, like an antidote, only not like an antidote I've ever seen. If Edward didn't have the first toxin in his body, the second would have probably.. how can I word it... dried his blood. " The doctor sighed. " It's not as potent as the first, however, it would take hours to take a hindering effect, and only a small dose would easily be fought off by the body's natural defences. It was entered into his bloodstream by a small bite on his left shoulder. I think if it came from a creature then it would be used more for defence than offence. "

" How could that possibly defend something? " Hohenheim asked. The doctor merely shrugged, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his desk.

" I don't know, maybe it's more effective where it came from. " He suggested. " The bite was from something with a fair few teeth, and it was in a circle pattern. The punctures were pretty deep, too, but nothing serious. "

" A circle pattern, you say? " Hohenheim repeated. That creature that was on him has teeth that stick out in a circle..

" Sound familiar? " The doctor asked. " I thought so too, after seeing that beast he was with. I'd say it attacked him, but in doing so, it saved Edward's life. "

" This is much to consider, but sitting around guessing won't get us far.. " Hohenheim replied before rising to his feet. " Thank you, Doctor, you have been a great help. "

" My job, Sir. " The doctor nodded. " I'll inform you if we discover anything else, but for the time being I'd say in a week Edward will be well enough to move around on his own. "

Hohenheim nodded in reply before walking out of the office and medical clinic. He had hoped the visit would clear some questions, but instead it only left him with more. More that Edward would surely have no problem answering. But as curious as he was, Hohenheim felt it wrong to go harass his son on it now. He had no idea what Edward could have been through, and his best guess says it wasn't pleasant.. Was it right to force him to give answers? Or wait until he supplied them himself? But knowing Edward, he will never tell Hohenheim. He wouldn't even tell Alphonse, though for completely different reasons, Hohenheim had found. Sighing loudly, he began to make his way back to his quarters, the route taking him passed Edwards room. Looking through the large window, he could see only bright, golden hair sticking out of a body-shaped lump under the blanket. Edward was surely fast asleep. Perhaps he was dreaming of home, like Hohenheim so often did... A complete family, out in the sun enjoying a barbeque with their friend Winry. All smiling...

Together...

Or perhaps his mind was haunted by nightmares.

Sorry if it looks like I cut that last bit a bit short. It's late. Woooo.

Until next chapter!