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Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.

The Awakening

To this day, Roy still could not figure out how every single one of them made it back to Central and into a hospital, as injured as they were, without dying. All of them spent some time in the ICU, except for Riza, who spent the majority of her time either in Havoc's room or her office trying to sort out a plausible excuse why the newly appointed Fuhrer was hospitalized. Ed, on the other hand, floated continuously between the O.R. and his very own hospital room. From what Roy heard, there were complications from his wounds, seeing how it had reopened and gotten infected during the fight. Fortunately, his body was healing much quicker than before or Ed may not have survived this ordeal with Heino. Perhaps the Gate had released its hold on Ed. No one knew, but their questions couldn't be answered either. Two weeks had passed, and the blonde alchemist had yet to wake from his apparently self-induced coma. The doctors all said that it was his body's way of healing himself. Roy knew better. It wasn't that Ed couldn't wake - he just didn't want to. After seeing the medical reports on his team, Roy could understand why Ed couldn't forgive himself, even if he wasn't in control of his body. Hell, even Riza avoided Ed's room like a plague, but even still, Roy spent the majority of his time next to his lover, just hoping to see those golden eyes that he loved once again.

A gentle hand touched his shoulder and dazed, he glanced up at his best friend. Hughes' nose still looked red and swollen from being broken, but it was mending and he didn't seem bothered by it when he smiled.

"You should get some rest, Roy," Hughes suggested. "You weren't any better than Havoc when you came in." It was true. Out of everyone, Roy and Havoc had the worst injuries, but Roy wasn't letting himself heal. Every time someone tried to pull him back to his room, he would pull his rank and find his way back to Ed.

"I've slept long enough," Roy insisted, "I want to be here when Ed wakes up. If someone isn't here to talk to him, he'll just end up thinking too much."

"All of us are here. We can look out for him."

Roy laughed mirthlessly, "Riza won't come within ten feet of Ed's room, Havoc is still confined to his bed because of his head injury, and Al knows that he can't see Ed until his injures have completely healed or Ed might die of guilt. Between us, there's no one else and you have to stay with Gracia. She already lost you once - this close won't help her lose that fear."

"Gracia understands, Roy. Besides, I spend every other moment that I'm not here with her and Elysia. We are fine. It's you we're worried about." Gracia did have her moment of not letting Hughes out of her sight. Once she saw how Roy was, she was more concerned about him than her husband. It was quite sad, honestly. Hughes would have liked Gracia to cling to him more.

Roy just shook his head, "I can't. Not until he wakes up."

Hughes sighed as he recognized the signs of stubbornness and patted his best friend's arm. "Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

Hughes could see his best friend fading away in front of his eyes, but he couldn't help him. He couldn't possibly understand what he was going through. Roy loved Ed so much to the point that their lives were tied together. One could not survive without the other. After having tasted the happiness between the two of them, it was impossible to go back. And now, to be so close to his lover and yet not be able to even speak to him…it was truly tragic.

"Yeah, thanks, Maes."

He heard the door close and he turned his attention back onto the blonde man lying on the bed. Ed was paler than usual, but other then that, he looked as though he were asleep. The thing with Ed was that he never stopped moving around, even when he was sleeping. It was so hard to see Ed like this - so lifeless and dependent on machines to keep him alive. It was just so wrong.

Roy swallowed hard, pushing down the tears that threatened to spill over. Reaching over the bed, he held Ed's left hand and lowered his head to rest onto it.

"Please come back to me..." he whispered, "Come back, Ed..."

But Ed remained a soulless shell of who he was, leaving Roy to despair with a broken heart.

A certain calm and serenity swept over Ed. It had been so long since he felt this innocent and clean. Here, the stench of blood didn't overwhelm his sense of smell and he actually felt safe - his instincts dulled with the peace. He smiled at his companion, enjoying the feel of the lush, green grass under his hand.

"I take it you like this place," chuckled Edric, his silver eyes dancing with amusement.

"It seems familiar," Ed replied, taking in the warmth of the sunlight and the gentle caress of the cool breeze.

"Of course it is. This is my haven - I created it from my memories of Germany."

"Why did you bring me here then? This place is special to you." By bringing Ed here, it meant that he could see Edric had his most vulnerable states - as if Edric was surrendering to him.

"I brought you here because there are things I still have to tell you and I wanted to be here one last time before I go."

"Go? Where are you going?"

Edric smiled warmly at Ed, "Ed, you don't need me anymore and the only thing that tied me to you was my promise to Heino. Now that that's over, it's time for me to go."

"What promise?"

His smile faded a little, "You don't remember either? I actually feel kind of hurt."

"It's not like I purposefully forgot! You know how much pain those memories could have saved me? I thought I was insane!"

"You are, Ed. You're sitting in an unknown place talking to your second personality. How are you not insane?" laughed Edric, but then he grew more somber, "But I don't think I can blame you for it. Your memory was wiped when I was created."

Ed shot him a puzzled look.

Edric sighed, "It seems I'm going to have to start from the beginning."

"From when you appeared?"

"No," Edric said, shaking his head, "Everything started from the first time you met Heino. At that time, Heino had just survived that very same camp you were thrown into. Everything started with his struggle to remain human..."

The world hated Havoc when he woke up for the fifth time since he landed in the hospital. Everything spun and the ground seemed unsteady, but at the sight of Riza sitting by his bedside, reading some documents, it seemed as if all was well. He almost forgot that his head throbbed terribly and his stomach threatened to turn against him every single minute.

"Hey," he greeted, his voice hoarse.

Riza's head snapped up and her papers fell to the ground, but she didn't seem to care. "How are you feeling, Jean?"

He considered that for a moment, "Much better than before. What's the verdict on me?"

"The doctors say that you're fine now. All the swelling in your brain has gone down and other than the headaches and nausea that you may still have, you're completely healthy."

"Oh good. I was getting bored lying here all day. How's everyone else?"

"I'm fine," piped in Al from the bed behind Hawkeye. Due to various reasons, Havoc and Al had been roomed together, which was probably better and easier for the two.

"You're awake too?" smiled Riza, shifting her position so that she could see the two of them.

"Yeah. I wasn't injured too badly. Just a lot of little cuts that I've already healed already."

"How about that concussion you had, Al?" asked Havoc.

"That hasn't been a problem for a while now," Al responded. He was supposed to be released a week ago, but he was worried about Havoc and spent a massive amount of time healing the soldier when the doctors weren't looking. It seemed like it worked - Havoc looked a lot better than when he first came in.

"Thanks, Al," said Havoc, reading between the lines and figuring out why he had recovered so quickly.

Al smiled, "No problem."

One of the differences Al had compared to Ed was that he was completely comfortable with being open about helping others. Ed would just deny it, probably because he was simply petrified of showing any sign of weakness. That was the way Ed was, and they had all learned to accept him for being so independent because that was what made him strong.

Speaking of which...Havoc turned to Riza, "How is Boss?"

"From what I heard from Roy and Hughes, he is recovering, but he has yet to wake," she responded, bending down to pick up what she had dropped.

Something was wrong with her actions and Havoc frowned. "Does that mean that you haven't seen him yet?"

She hesitated. "No, I haven't. I've been busy at the office."

"But you spend so much time here. Why haven't you visited him yet?"

"Roy is there. I don't want to intrude."

Havoc sat up, gritting his teeth as his head throbbed at the movement. "Don't give me that, Riza. Why won't you see Boss?"

She didn't answer him and chose to stare at her fidgeting hands.

Realization struck both Al and Havoc heavily, like they had been punched in the stomach.

"You're afraid of him..." whispered Al in horror.

Riza swung around, immediately on the defense. "You didn't see him after you all fell unconscious. He was like Adonai, thriving in the suffering of others. I still can't forget the look he had when he spoke to me...it was so cold, so murderous..."

"Riza, that wasn't the Boss though. He had no control over his body..." Havoc said, his voice quiet.

"I know that! But what if Ed wakes and he's not who we know? What if he's Edric? It's terrifying!"

"You know, I don't think Edric is as dangerous as we thought..."

"Look at you, Jean! Look at Al! Those injuries were all caused by him!"

"But think about it," Al started, "He could have easily killed all of us. Instead of hitting Havoc in the head, he could have shot him and then there would be nothing to save. It's the same with me, Mr. Hughes, and even you, Miss Hawkeye. We're all alive because Edric let us live."

"That doesn't prove anything. Roy was in an even worse shape than Jean..."

"But the majority of those injuries were inflicted by Heino," interrupted Havoc, "Edric didn't even knock Mustang out." Havoc paused and reached out to his girlfriend, caressing her cheek. "See, there's nothing to be afraid of. I'm sure the Boss will come back to us anyway."

Al chuckled, leaning back into his pillows, "Brother has a promise to keep to Fuhrer Mustang. He'll keep it at all costs."

"Now do me a favor, Riza. Please, go see the Boss. The more people who call for him, the more likely he'll come back. Do it for me, since I can't leave my bed. "

"I'll come with. I want to see Brother too!" exclaimed Al, jumping up.

Riza slowly nodded her head and bent down to kiss Havoc on the forehead. "I'll be back soon."

Havoc sighed in bliss, "I love you, Riza."

"I love you too, Jean." She turned to Al and smiled, "Shall we go visit Ed?"

Al grinned, "Yes!"

It didn't take them very long to reach the ICU. The two peeked into the door to Ed's room and saw Roy clutching the alchemist's hand tightly, murmuring quiet words to him as he ran his fingers through the silky blond hair. It was almost heartbreaking to see Roy being so tender and gentle to his unresponsive lover.
Riza knocked once to catch Roy's attention, feeling like he needed a break from tending to Ed like that.

With a slower reaction than normal, Roy glanced away from Ed and his tired face burst into a smile at the sight of the two.

"Hey! How are you guys?" he asked, shifting in his seat to face them, but his hand never left Ed's.

"I'm feeling alright," Al replied. "Havoc wanted to come, but he's still on strict orders for bed rest. How is Brother?"

"There's no change," Roy said, his tone echoing his sadness.

"He'll wake up soon, I can feel it. Knowing Brother, he's probably just a little lost."

"I think so too."

"Have you seen Mr. Hughes? I think I figured out how to fix his nose." Like, Havoc, Al had been so bored lying around all day that he began to hypothesize numerous medical treatments in his mind.

"Yeah, but he left about ten minutes ago. He's probably with Gracia."

"Maybe I can still catch him..." he turned to sprint out the door, but he paused before he did. He looked back at Ed and took a deep breath. "See you soon, Brother," he called out loudly, and then he was gone.

Roy chuckled at the liveliness of the young man, but his expressions grew more sober when he took in Riza's tense form.

"You alright, Riza?"

"I'm fine," she replied, stepping closer to the two. Silence fell and Riza felt so awkward from her guilt of not coming here earlier. Her unnecessary fear of the Crimson Phantom had stopped her from seeing Ed - someone she had cared for like a brother or a son - and even Roy who looked as though he was wasting away at Ed's side.

"I'm sorry, Ed, that I haven't been able to come and visit you," she started, "And I've come today to cheer you on for Jean as well. Come back, Ed, or this idiot here will worry himself sick again, do you hear me?" Riza finished, turning her gaze onto Roy who smiled at the familiar scolding from his secretary.

"It's nice to see you, Riza."

"Take care of yourself, Roy," she responded, "When Ed wakes up, I'm sure he wouldn't like to find you in the state you are now. Get some rest, you hear me? Or I'll bring in my gun."

Roy paled at her words and nodded quickly.

"Good. I'll see you later then."

She had only taken one foot out the door when she heard Roy say, "Riza, thanks for saying 'when' instead of 'if'."

"With Ed, there's no such thing as an 'if', silly," Riza replied.

"Even so, thanks."

"I'll come back to visit you two. Bye!"

Hiding in the hallway, Riza had to hold herself together or she would've crumpled in tears. It was just so sad...to see that one could not live without the other. She briskly walked backed to Jean's room, hoping with every single fiber of her being that Ed would regain consciousness before it was too late for Roy.

Edric sighed, standing up to stretch his tired limbs after sitting for so long. Ed remained motionless at his feet, trying hard to absorb everything. Even after the truth had come out, Ed didn't know how he felt about Heino and the events that happened because of him. Hell, he had only just come to terms that Edric only meant well for him. It was too overwhelming...

"Ed, I didn't tell you all this so that you would start liking Heino. I told you so that you would understand and that when you return, you can find some consolation from the guilt I know you'll feel because of me. So stop worrying," Edric said, "You have to go back soon anyway."

"What will you do then, Edric?" Ed asked.

"I'm returning your body to you, Ed."

"So you're disappearing? But, what if I'll need you again?"

"You won't...Ed, your window is closing fast. If you don't go back now, you'll be stuck here in my memories forever."

"I don't understand..."

Edric gave him a look like he was talking to a slow child, "We are in my memories right now and my hold on your body is dissipating quickly. If you're still here when I leave, there's no way out."

Ed shot up, panic in his golden eyes. "How do I get out?"

"Listen...someone should be calling for you."

Ed closed his eyes and relaxed, letting darkness surround him. There, like a sudden clear bell ring, Ed heard his name being called by a voice that sent warmth throughout his body.

"Come back to me, Ed..."

"I hear it," whispered Ed. "I hear him calling me."

"Then answer him. Go to where his voice is."

Instantly, Ed's body began to turn to smoke and he opened his eyes to stare into silver ones.

Edric smiled and waved at him, "Goodbye, Ed."

"Thanks for everything, Edric..."

And then he was gone.

The world around Edric started to crumble and collapse, but he left with a smile on his face for he had fulfilled his purpose in life, protecting the people that were the most precious to him.

The third week was rolling around and hope was disappearing quickly. Just yesterday, Roy heard the doctors murmuring amongst themselves. Apparently, if Ed didn't regain consciousness in the next few days, it would become increasingly harder for him to ever come back. Moments after, he heard punches being thrown and when they came to check on Ed's vitals, Roy could see the slight lines of bruises upon their faces. He didn't think too much of it until Hughes and Havoc walked past, looking very smug. It seemed that Hughes was taking Havoc on his "recovery" strolls, though Roy knew that the two did that more often than necessary to check up on him. He was a little annoyed at their over-protectiveness, but they were worried for him and he could understand that.

Sighing, Roy leaned onto his left arm, his palm pressed against his cheek, as he looked down at the back Ed's hand where he traced circles over and over again. It was a habit he picked up when his throat was sore after talking for so long. He continued this for several minutes when suddenly, Ed's index finger twitched. Fearing that it was his imagination, Roy immediately shifted his position to hover over Ed.

"Ed?" he called out, his tone more hopeful than it should be.

There was no response, but Roy distinctly saw Ed's fingers curl into a slight fist. Roy's frozen heart started to thump loudly against his chest, melting with the warmth of the aspect of his lover finally responding to his voice.

Ed's eyes fluttered open and Roy soaked in the sight of those beautiful, golden suns. At first, all Ed could see with his blurry vision was the white ceiling. He felt like his head was disconnected from his body. It was just a silent, white bubble until feelings slowly returned to his numb limbs.

"Ed?" he heard someone say very near him. It was a glorious voice – the one that had called him back to this world, but even as much as he wanted to respond, he still could not move his head, let alone his mouth.

Roy's face appeared in his line of view and he almost sighed in happiness. It seemed like Ed had smiled because a similar massive one brightened up Roy's expressions.

"Welcome back, Ed," grinned Roy, his hand stroking Ed's cheek.

At his words, Ed fought hard against the sluggishness and tried searching for his own voice.

"R-roy…" he rasped out.

Suddenly, he felt Roy's arms surround him and pull him up slightly to hug him tightly against his chest. Ed could hear the thumping of their hearts echoing into one. It was only then did Ed and Roy both truly know that this wasn't a dream – Ed had finally returned.

Using all of his strength, Ed snaked his arms up and wrapped it around Roy's neck.

"Love you…" Ed breathed into Roy's ear.

"I love you too, Ed," Roy replied, his voice heavy with emotion.

Roy could feel Ed's grip around his neck weaken slightly and he gently lowered his lover onto the bed. Brushing Ed's golden bangs aside, he leaned down to press his lips lightly against Ed's. The unspoken passion between the two was sparked by the sweet moment of reunion, but there was no sense of urgency. Adonai was sealed, Heino was gone, and everyone was still in one piece and together, and that was what truly mattered.

Roy pulled away slowly, feeling Ed's weak grasp on his sleeve. "I'll be back, Ed," he coaxed, "I'm going to tell everyone the good news, is that alright with you?"

Ed nodded, his eyelids already feeling much heavier than they should be.

"Stay awake for us, okay?" was Roy's parting words before he completely slipped away from Ed's side.

Letting himself rest for a little bit, Ed's eyes drooped closed and his now more active mind started to turn. Things from his dreams were coming back to him more vivid than before, but before he could dwell on those thoughts, he heard numerous, rapid footsteps approach his room. With a massive effort, he forced his tired eyes open to see everyone - Al, Hughes, Riza, Havoc, and Roy - standing outside his door. Each one looked excited, anxious, and a little hesitant at the same time.

Ed rolled his eyes, "Stop staring at me like that. I know I'm more dashing than Roy, but you're making me feel embarrassed."

Al rushed forward with tears in his eyes and sprang onto the hospital bed, hugging his older brother tightly. Despite the slight pain he felt from his sore muscles, he smiled and wrapped his arms around Al.

"Thank the Gate you're back!" mumbled Al.

"I would never leave you alone again, Al, and that's a promise," Ed whispered back.

At that, Al leaned away, still sitting on the side of Ed's bed and wiping the corners of his eyes. Ed chuckled and ruffled Al's hair with his left arm.

"You're still a crybaby, Al."

"Only because Brother's such a worrisome idiot!" retorted Al.

"I second that," chimed in Hughes as he stepped in.

"Agreed," said Havoc, joining Hughes at the side of Ed's bed.

"How's the...um...head injury?" Ed asked, pointing to his own head as a reflection of Havoc's bandaged one.

"Never better," he replied, settling down into a chair.

"I swear, he seems to be smarter now," quipped Riza as she sat in the chair next to her boyfriend's.

"Riza!" Havoc protested under the laughter of the people in the room.

As the laughter died away, a tension replaced the initial happiness. Each one of them remembered that nightmarish day on that battlefield. No one wanted to ask the questions that everyone wanted to say out loud.

The pressure was so heavy. Ed, feeling like he at least owed them answers after everything that Edric did, swallowed hard as he broke the silence.

"Edric is gone," he started, preparing himself for the barrage of questions he knew he'd get.

"We don't have to talk about this right now, Ed. You just woke up," said Hughes.
Ed shook his head. "No, I have to. I owe that much to Edric."

"What do you mean by that?" asked Riza.

"When I lost consciousness after that fight with Heino, I couldn't..." Ed hesitated, trying to find the right words, "handle what happened and I was lost somewhere in the dark. Edric came to find me. I don't know how it happened - it was like a dream and I found myself in his consciousness. He told me everything - from start to end - about Heino. I didn't remember anything about Heino, except for the fact that he trained me exclusively at that camp in Germany, but apparently, we were more than just student and mentor."

Ed took a deep breath, drawing more strength to tell his story. "He was my best friend…"

It's a little short, sorry. Next chapter, I promise everything will be explained, so please support me still!

As usual, I hope you enjoyed it and please review! It truly motivates me more. I have been getting very distracted with a book that I'm writing and I almost forgot about this until someone reviewed my chapter, not that I would leave this unfinished.

Anyway, please review! :D

~ Kanae Yuna