Hi, everyone! Sorry for taking so long. I got distracted with college and life in general, but here it is! It's a little short, but this story is slowly drawing to a close. Probably another two chapters or so.

Anyway, enjoy and please review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.

Previously:

"I wish, with each second that I am alive, that the Crimson Phantom was dead, but Heino does want me to resurrect him – that much is true."

"I am the Crimson Phantom."

The Revival

A deafening silence fell across the room. No one dared to even move a muscle at the shock of the news.

"Uh…I didn't mean anything by what I said about dealing with you earlier, Boss. Honestly…" stuttered Havoc, his cigarette dropping to the ground.

Ed chuckled, his laugh hollow. "That is if you could deal with me. Roy can tell you – he saw the Phantom once. Almost died too."

Now all the attention was on Roy whose expression was one of bewilderment. It all made sense now, why Ed seemed to not recognize him that time when his eyes turned silver.

"Roy, you knew about this and you didn't tell us?" demanded Hughes, his guilt transforming into anger, "If I knew about this from the start, I wouldn't have left Ed alone! Instead, I come back to find that he was attacked and almost killed! How do you think that makes me feel?"

"I…" Roy started.

Al rounded on him as well, his brown eyes blazing, "You knew, yet you left Brother without any protection. I thought you cared for him."

"I…!"

Riza raised her gun, cocking it as anger filled her calm demeanor. "Talk, Roy."

"I would if you let me!" Roy quickly said, "Put your gun down!" He slowly stood, his hands raised in surrender.

"Look, I didn't know that Ed was the Phantom, okay? Otherwise, I would have taken actions to protect him! Do you really think I would just leave him alone if I thought he was going to be in danger?"

"You saw him become the Phantom, yet you didn't mention it!" Hughes yelled.

Suddenly, a gentle hand rested onto Hughes shoulder. Confused, the intelligence officer swung around to see a certain blond man beside him, facing the opposite way as him. Ed's face was hidden behind his bangs, but Hughes had a feeling that it was one of apathy.

"Hughes, stop yelling at Roy. There's no reason to," Ed said, his tone unusually calm and cold.

"What…!"

More than anything, Ed just wanted to move on – to pretend that no one knew who he was, but the cat was out of the bag. Somehow, he had to find a loophole. Even a small one was fine – he had always been very capable of escaping as long as there was a hole. "Look, I know you guys are freaked out about my…other side. But there's nothing you guys can do even after knowing this fact. Just let it be."

"We're not upset about that, Ed."

"Bullshit!" Ed snarled, whipping his head around. Silver tinted his eyes, "Don't tell me you're not afraid. You have seen what I've done and can do in my present state, Hughes. You're not stupid. You can imagine the horror the Crimson Phantom can evoke."

"But that's not you!" Hughes protested.

"You don't know that," Ed hissed, "It's been five years. People change, especially those in my circumstances."

"Ed, you're being ridiculous! Sit back down!" growled Roy, "You're not in any condition to move around!"

"Quiet, Roy. This doesn't concern you," came a cool response.

"What the hell do you mean that it doesn't concern me?" Roy asked, taking a step towards Ed. "This has everything to do with me!"

All he got back was an icy glare, "Shut up, Mustang, or do you not remember the terror you felt when I was the Phantom?"

Swiftly and without a warning, Roy was already in front of Ed, slapping him fiercely across the cheek. "What I remember, Ed, was feeling scared that you would do something that you'd regret. Much contrary to your belief, I wasn't afraid of you. I was afraid for you. That has never changed. I know that you are scared of the Phantom more than anyone else here – stop acting so strong when you're clearly…"

"When I'm clearly what?" interrupted Ed, "When I'm clearly so unstable that I had to create a fucking new personality that likes to kill people? No, it's you who doesn't understand. I almost killed you, Roy. If I can kill you, who's next? Al? Hughes? Why not the whole fucking world?"

"I'm here, aren't I?" Roy shouted back, "You had enough control to stop the Phantom, didn't you?"

"That time was a different story! There's no telling what I'll do when Heino is here!"

"What the hell do you mean by that?"
"The Crimson Phantom doesn't obey anyone but that man!"

Shocked silence fell between them again.

"What do you mean by that, Ed?" Roy repeated, quietly. "You have never listened to anyone in your life. Why do you obey Heino?"

Ed shook his head, a sudden throbbing attacking his mind. His entire body trembled as a chill surrounded him. He was slipping. He could feel it. Whether it was from his injuries protesting his movements or the memories threatening to envelope him, he couldn't tell. Whatever it was, every time he heard Heino's name, a hot lance of fear would strike him over and over, and it was taking away his breath. What was it about Heino that drove him to this state? It was true that Ed loved him – he loved Heino like a father or brother – but he loved the people around him more. Heino should have never been able to tear his heart apart like this. There was a memory that was eluding him – that was the key to Ed's absolute terror of this man. But what was it? He couldn't even remember when the Crimson Phantom appeared within him…

"Ed?" Roy gently grasped the blonde's shoulder, concern overcoming his anger.

At his touch, Ed flinched away, gasping at the sudden pain. His knees buckled and he fell, unable to stop himself. Strong hands caught him in almost every direction. People were calling for his name, but he could barely breathe, let alone respond. His blurry vision focused on onyx eyes, but the face in front of him was not Roy's…Heino smirked, bending lower to come closer and closer. Hands were holding him down, despite his desperate struggling, and it made Ed feel just as helpless…as when? He couldn't remember…But he had a feeling that he had to.

He could hear yells and mutterings of the people around him – his precious people – but he was far too gone to make any sense of their words. There was a small prick near his left elbow and something cold ran through his blood. And then there was nothing…

There were times when Ed didn't know where he was or how he got there, but whenever he "awoke", he was always covered in blood. As far as he could tell, it wasn't his. Perhaps his body had been so numbed from these blackouts that he wouldn't have felt any injuries if he even had any.

Out of everything in that god forsaken camp, the single thing he was most afraid of was not dying – it was surviving. If he died, his suffering would end – he wouldn't be scared of himself. Yet, he continued to live and he didn't know how. How many numerous suicide attempts had failed? He had lost count. Something always stepped in, but he had no memory of it. His genius mind had already theorized the reasons behind it, but there was never any proof.

He stared at mirror, soaking in his gaunt, haunted face. He was going crazy. There was no other explanation. Why else would he see someone that was not him? Sure, his reflection looked exactly like him, but those eyes…Never had Ed seen such a radiating silver glow that chilled him to his bone.

"Who are you?" Ed whispered.

His mirror merely smiled at him, shaking his head, as if saying what Ed wanted was absolutely silly.

"Who are you?" Ed screamed.

The phantom-like figure frowned, shame written clear across his face. His haunting words resonating in Ed's mind…

"I hope you never find out."

Roy could see the strength within Ed fade away with each passing second that he was standing, but if there was ever a time to push for answers, it was now. Without any knowledge of who Heino was or what he could do, there was no way to ensure Ed's safety. They had to cover all grounds, but the distressed look in Ed's eyes kept making Roy hesitate. The tiny flinches whenever Heino's name was mentioned were not lost in the conversation either. It left Roy bewildered, especially when the young alchemist seemed to be confused about some unknown factor.

He had expected Ed to collapse, and he wasn't the only one. Everyone had their hands out ready to catch him when the poor teenager buckled to the ground. However, no one, not even him, had expected Ed to struggle in their grasps or even stop breathing for a full minute. Riza had to whip out a sedative before anyone could help Ed.

Now, Roy was sitting at his desk, his gloved hands clasped together in front of his mouth, staring at the sleeping alchemist on his couch. The blond seemed to be fighting with himself in his dreams; his passing winces and grimaces on his face said more than anything Ed would awake. What was he dreaming of that made him seem so terrified of everything? Roy had a feeling Heino was involved. What exactly did that man have over Ed? There were so many questions and Roy grew increasingly frustrated at Ed's tactics to keep himself and the people dear to him safe. Perhaps he was the same, but he had long learned to trust Riza and his men to have his back in case anything went wrong. They all instinctively knew how and when to pry Roy for answers. Ed was different though. In the past, he had never leaned on others. He always carried his burdens alone, believing that he was at fault for his brother's condition and only he had to suffer. Roy understood that after Germany, Ed lost most of his capabilities to trust anyone, even the people he loved the most. It didn't mean that Ed didn't try though, but his efforts simply weren't enough anymore. Ed was apparently in imminent danger and only he knew why. Only he knew how to protect himself…

Ed's breathing hitched and for an alarming moment, Roy thought that he had gone into respiratory arrest again, but it was just Ed waking up. Ed's eyelids fluttered open and Roy watched as those scared golden eyes swiveled around the room, deciphering the world around him. His tense body relaxing into the couch the second he figured out where he was.

He sighed, rubbing his wound absentmindedly. "Roy, it's impolite to stare, you know."

"It's impolite to be such an idiot," Roy retorted.

"Excuse me?"

"Only an idiot like you would purposefully try to deflect any help that people offer."

Ed looked away again, "There's really nothing much you guys can do for me anyway. Besides, you and Hawkeye have already coordinated guards, haven't you? Hence the gloves…"

Anger boiled within the Flame Alchemist. "There isn't much we can do because you won't let us. You won't tell us anything! Does it satisfy you to see me run around in loops to keep you safe? Are you happy that you make me feel utterly useless? You're driving me insane, Ed! I feel like I'm stepping on nails every time I see you!"

"You're overreacting, Roy."

"Don't give me that," hissed Roy, "How do you think I felt when you had a panic attack and stopped breathing? We can't even figure out what set it off!"

At that, Ed finally turned his golden orbs onto Roy. Ed's eyes widened at the sight of Roy standing at his desk, his entire body shaking. The emotions on his face were completely visible, no longer hidden behind that stoic mask Roy was so famous for. Concern, anger, and hurt were easy to understand, but the fear was something that Ed was new to. Seeing Roy's tightly clenched hands, Ed came to realize that Roy wasn't afraid of Heino or the Phantom. Roy was terrified of losing him.

He sat up, ignoring the twinges of pain from his wound. "I'm sorry…" he whispered, reaching out a hand towards the Fuhrer.

Roy hesitated, but his need to feel Ed – to feel that he was alive – was too great and he found himself wrapped up within the comforting feel of metal and flesh. All the while, Ed rubbed his left hand on his back, breathing apologetic words into his ear. He could hear his heartbeat mesh together to match the sounds of Ed's and a gentle calmness took him over.

He settled back into the couch and Ed leaned onto his right shoulder while entangling his left hand into his right. Ed's hands were cold against his gloves, but within seconds, their temperatures reached equilibrium.

They remained motionless for a few moments, but Roy sensed that Ed was more than willingly to talk now.

"Who is Heino, Ed? We need to know," Roy pushed.

Ed took a deep breath, bracing himself for those ghastly memories to resurface, but he had to. He didn't want to see that kind of expression on Roy's face again.

"Do you remember the time I talked about that camp I was imprisoned in? Heino was one of the founders of it. We were all being trained to fulfill his shoes. He took an immediate liking towards me and basically took care of me. He was like a father to me and I was greatly indebted to him. Then, I was forced to take the final test. All of us candidates were placed in an arena and were told that only one would be a victor. The one who remained would be granted their lives and freedom. I was ready to give up. Freedom meant nothing to me and I had long forgotten about you or Al. Yet, somehow I survived and Heino betrayed me. Ultimately, I think he wanted me to stay the Crimson Phantom from that moment on, and I did, until I found Alphons and Winnie."

"So, Heino was your mentor? Why does he want to kill you then?"

"I thought I already answered this. I killed him. You saw that scar on his face, right? I gave that to him moments before he died. Maybe he wants revenge, but he only wants to kill Edward Elric, not the Crimson Phantom."

"You mentioned it before, that the Crimson Phantom only listens to him. Why?"

"I don't know. It's not like I communicate with that bloodthirsty murderer," Ed said with disgust, "But I couldn't even come up with any theories. There's something that I can't remember, but as hard as I dig, I just can't recall it. I feel like that's the key to everything – to why the Crimson Phantom remained in existence when I didn't need him anymore. Something happened between him and Heino, but I just can't remember what it was."

"One last question and I'll let you be."

Ed sighed, "What is it?"

"Since when were you able to use flame alchemy?" Roy questioned, his face completely serious. He couldn't help it. His pride as an alchemist was hurt.

Ed chuckled lightly at that, "The basic concepts of manipulating the stream of oxygen in the atmosphere and igniting it with a snap is not that difficult for a genius," he said, grinning mischievously, "Though I have to admit, it is difficult to control the flames as well as you do, Roy."

"As long as you know that," huffed Roy.

Roy felt Ed snuggle into him a little more.

"Hey, Roy?"

"Hmm?"

"Can you promise me something?"

"It depends on what you want me to do, Ed."

"If my other side appears, don't try to bring me back and keep Al away from me. I don't want you guys get hurt."

"Ed, I can't promise that. I brought you back once, didn't I?"

How could Ed explain that shadow he knew was growing in his heart? If he turned into the Crimson Phantom when Heino was around, there was no telling if he could return to just being Edward Elric.

"At least promise me you won't do anything reckless," Ed insisted, "Like fighting against me or Heino."

"You know I can't promise you that either, Ed. How many times do I have to tell you I'm not letting go of you again? If that means we both fall at Heino's hands, then so be it."

"And you know you can't do that, Roy. You're the Fuhrer. Who else can fill in your shoes? Hughes? You know that he'll just mandate everyone to worship Elysia."

"Why do you have to be so pessimistic? We'll all be fine, okay? Heino is going to hell and we'll be alive and kicking."

Ed snorted. "Aren't you too optimistic? Don't you have work to do, almighty Fuhrer?"

Roy sighed, sitting up straighter, "Yeah, I do, but I'm a little worried leaving you to your own thoughts. Knowing you, you're going to think of something absurd and we have to spend twice as long to prove you wrong."

"When am I ever wrong? Just get your butt to your desk before Hawkeye decides offs you."

The black-haired man stood up, laughing quietly to himself as he stretched his slightly sore limbs. He turned back to smile reassuringly to Ed, but as he did, black eyes suddenly blocked shocked golden ones. The next second, Roy found himself flying across the room, slamming heavily into his table, cracking the wood with the force. Pain burst through his body and a groan slipped out of his lips as he crumpled to the ground. He couldn't even decipher what hurt the most – all of his limbs seared with an intense fire. Heino was strong beyond belief and that had been imprinted into Roy's body.

He heard Ed yell out his name. He knew for sure that the blonde had probably recklessly acted out, but even with his blurred vision, he could see Ed being pressed against the wall. Heino's right arm had a tight grip around Ed's neck and his left hand held Ed's automail in place next to his head. In that position, there was no way that Ed could perform alchemy and free himself to breathe. Frantically, Roy urged himself to move, to just flick his numb fingers, but he must have taken a great deal of damage for him to feel so lethargic. He didn't even see Heino, yet that man could be so strong…no wonder Ed was so afraid of him.

The fear in Ed's eyes was ever so present as they stared into Heino's dead orbs, but his instincts still forced him into attempting to kick his mentor in the chin. He almost connected, if Heino didn't angrily pull Ed closer to him and bash his head against the wall. The light in Ed's eyes suddenly faded away, his dull eyes seeing nothing as his eyelids gently closed. It was only then when Heino released his deadly grip on Ed's neck, leaving dark, purplish bruises.

Ed fell limply onto the couch, but within seconds, Heino had already wrapped his arms around the blonde, lifting him over his shoulder. The assassin glanced at Roy before smirking.

"Bye bye, Roy Mustang," laughed Heino, waving his free hand at the Flame Alchemist. The two disappeared in a whir of emptiness, just as Roy succumbed to the darkness.

Heino chuckled to himself, staring at his prize with his distorted, grinning face. The blonde man was hung by his arms to the rafters of the abandoned warehouse where Heino was residing in. It was so easy to kidnap the young alchemist. To think that Heino had overestimated the power of that black-haired man…The Fuhrer was out of commission with a single punch. Granted, Heino was an assassin who could easily crush rock with his bare hands, but that didn't excuse Roy Mustang for being so weak. This world would be so easy to take over and Heino could create a whole new kingdom under himself.

By the slight twitches from his captive, Heino could tell that he was recovering and adapting to his surroundings. His eyelids slowly opened, revealing bright silver eyes. Heino's grin grew more tender and broader as he reached out to gently touch the blonde's cheek.

"Long time no see, my dear Crimson Phantom."

The silver-eyed man smiled, "It's good to be back."

Sorry, this chapter is a little short and that it took so long for me to get it out. Let me know if I can improve it in any shape or manner, okay?

Anyway, please, as always, review. It really motivates me to write more and not get stuck.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter!

~ Kanae Yuna