Hey everyone! First off, I want to apologize to every single person who waited for an update for this story, I'm sorry that I let you down by just forgetting about this. I'm going to try and finish, but I can't guarantee it'll be great or anything. Also, I want to thank Shadow Heart Hawk-eye for giving me the inspiration I needed and the push to keep this story going! Sorry again to everyone.
P.S. I think after this, things start to get a little... dark. Be warned.
-C
After Gabrielle had left, Edward had been left to churn her words over in his mind. I heard a girl by the name of Winry Rockbell is in Central, maybe I should go pay her a visit, ask her about you... Ed shuddered at the thought of that insane woman being anywhere near Winry. And what the heck was Winry doing in Central anyways?! Guilt blossomed in Ed as he realized she had probably come to check up on him and his automail. She would be in for a surprise, when someone, probably Al, told her he had been kidnapped. Ed was determined to get out of this, if only to protect Winry and stop this crazy woman from hurting anyone else and creating another philosopher's stone. Exhaustion finally caught up with him , and he drifted off into a fitful sleep as he tried not to think about what his future held.
"Wha- what do you mean HE'S BEEN KIDNAPPED?!" Winry was practically having a heart attack. Al was trying his best to calm her down and Fuhrer Mustang was surprised that someone could scream so loud.
"Winry, please, calm down and let us explain," Al said, trying his best to get Winry to listen. She was having none of that right now, shooting from her chair and making exaggerated gestures towards Al and Fuhrer Mustang and pretty much the entire world.
"Explain?! I hope you mean explain why no one bothered to tell me Ed had been kidnapped?! Did you guys not think I would want to know or what? No wait, let me guess, you didn't want to worry me, is that it? Well, let me tell y-"
"WINRY, WILL YOU SHUT UP! WE HAVEN'T TOLD YOU BECAUSE WE'VE BEEN TOO BUSY TRYING TO FIND HIM! I KNOW YOU'RE WORRIED, BUT HOW DO YOU THINK I FEEL?! I'VE BEEN TRYING TO FIND HIM FOR THREE DAYS NOW, AND I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE WHERE HE COULD BE! SO IF YOU'D JUST BE QUIET, WE CAN EXPLAIN EVERYTHING!" Winry collapsed back into her chair, shocked silent by Al's outburst. She couldn't decide if he looked like he wanted to cry or punch someone. Probably both. He sighed, running his hand over his face and through his hair, and it wasn't until that moment that Winry noticed the bags under his eyes and the crease on his brow that showed his distress. Al pulled up a chair to sit in front of Winry and sighed again, this time getting ready to explain their situation.
"Al, wait. I'm sorry. You're right, I can't imagine how hard this must be for you right now. Sorry," she offered, regret and compassion clear in her voice. Al nodded, the only acknowledgment he was willing to give at the moment. Winry gave him time to recompose himself, and Al gratefully took it before he had to recount the past days' events.
"About a week ago, when we first came back to Central, Fuhrer Mustang informed us of a series of attacks all across Central, with state alchemists as the victims. Eight kidnappings, and only two bodies recovered so far. Ed and I have been working on the case ever since, and we even had bodyguards with us again as an added safety measure. Three days ago, Ed and I had been doing some research in the library when he said he was hungry, but honestly he was just really frustrated. He left with Second Lieutenant Ross to a local sandwich place, and... I know, I can't believe I didn't, I should've gone with him, been there, maybe I could've... could've helped or something, stopped the attacker..." Winry could hear the desperation and guilt in Al's voice, given away only by the slight way it cracked as he spoke. He took in a shaky breath, trying to keep his composure. "He... he was kidnapped, and I've been working with Fuhrer Mustang and his team since to bring him back." Winry sat with her tea, stunned. How could someone have possibly gotten Ed? He was an excellent fighter, how could have anyone... caught him off guard?
"Winry, you may be wondering what this has to do with us not exactly being appreciative of your presence, but if the kidnapper knows anything about Ed, and finds out you're in Central, they could very easily kidnap you too and use you against Ed to get whatever it is they want," Fuhrer Mustang explained. He had been very serious the entire time she had been here, and now she finally understood why. She was in danger, but Ed was even more so. Now that she was here, she knew that she wouldn't be able to go back to Rezembool or to sit around, locked up for her own safety, when she could be helping to rescue Ed.
"Al, I want to help." The finality and determination in her voice clearly stated that there was no room for argument on this one. Al glanced at Fuhrer Mustang, who simply shrugged. He wasn't about to fall victim to her wrath if they tried to stop her.
"I'm sure we can find something for you to help us with. In the mean time, you'll be staying with me at Ed's apartment. I'm not about to let something happen to you, either."
Ed awoke, his internal clock feeling slightly off since he had lost track of the hours passing by. He heard the clack of heels on the concrete floor, and sure enough, Gabrielle stood in front of him, in all her criminal glory.
"And how are you today, Ed? Hopefully better rested than last time we spoke, I think I've given you enough time to think about your choice to cooperate. I can't stall any longer, today we begin the interr- er, I mean, the questioning." Ed managed a decent glare, feeling in no mood to be within five feet of this psycho.
"I've told you once and I'll tell you again, I'm not answering any of your questions. So do your worst." Gabrielle sighed loudly through her nose, her irritation evident on her face.
"Alright, fine. If that's how you're going to be..." She stalked off to some other part of the warehouse that Ed couldn't see, and not long after he could hear the tell-tale squeak of wheels. Gabrielle returned, pushing a cart full of... weapons. Ed's eyes widened as he started to put the pieces together. Gabrielle pulled on a pair of surgical gloves, rolling up her sleeves, and picked up something off the cart. As she approached Ed, he realized it was a long, thin knife. And not the kitchen variety, either. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart.
"Remember when I said I had my ways to make men talk? Well, I think it's time I showed you just what I meant." She held up the knife, looking like a butcher ready to carve up a poor animal. "Oh, and don't worry about trying to keep quiet. This warehouse is soundproof, so your little friends won't be able to hear you scream..."