Chapter 23: Judgment and Cost
It was almost noon the next day. Alfons stepped into the large, pale room where the hearing was to take place, feeling great apprehensiveness in the pit of his stomach. Luckily he had made it in time, despite messing up the directions (all the halls looked the same!) and an MP had come across him. After Alfons had managed to stutter out where he was heading he had been escorted there nicely instead. He was so incredibly nervous about all of this, even if he wasn't exactly the one to be nervous. Still he was probably more on the border of posttraumatic stress disorder than Edward – who most likely didn't know what it meant to be nervous judging from the way he had acted the day before when he had been able to see him for those five precious minutes.
"I'll be with you again soon."
Soon. That 'soon' couldn't come quick enough.
He recognized the room. It was the same place he had had his hearing at, but the furniture had been rearranged to look more like a court room. To the right there was a row with a long desk and chairs for the Council members, who he assumed would have the task of juries of some sort. Alfons had understood that this setup was different from his own world, and he wasn't much into jurisprudence in the first place. Up front there was the seat for the Judge on top of some kind of podium. In the middle of the room there were seats for the audience, with the charged placed in front – facing the Judge. It was already starting to get packed with people, mostly Council members, some dressed in uniform, others in black. Alfons recognized some of them from his own hearing, albeit this wouldn't be anything like his interview at all.
The Council members had already started to find their seats, and some of the audience seats started to get filled. There were a lot of military soldiers who obviously were curious on how the fate of the famous Fullmetal Alchemist would turn out, but Alfons was slightly relieved that this hearing wasn't open to anyone. The only soldiers allowed to enter were mostly from Brigadier General Kiehle's unit, in addition to those who knew Edward well.
Alfons felt someone stop behind him, and he turned to see who. It was Mustang. He had arrived together with Hawkeye and Al following a couple of steps behind. The Colonel looked a little tired and it didn't seem like he had had the time to shave this morning. Alfons greeted him with a nod.
"Morning, Alfons," Mustang said calmly.
"Sir," Alfons replied.
Al stopped some feet behind, not meeting anyone's eyes. He looked pale and uneasy as well. Alfons figured this must be extra hard for him. He had just been reunited with his brother, and then he had been mercilessly ripped away from him. Maybe he even blamed himself. Alfons wanted to say something to make Al feel a little better, but he didn't know what.
"Let's take a seat," Mustang said. He turned and guided Hawkeye and Al in front of him, and Alfons followed. Hawkeye sat down on one of the front rows so they would be sitting just a couple of metres behind Edward. She offered Alfons a sympathetic look as she sat down. Alfons liked the looks she always offered him. She had the most supportive eyes he had ever seen. Whenever she looked at him, he was reminded that he wasn't alone. He offered her a timid smile back, which hopefully told her that she didn't have to worry about him.
Al sat down next to Hawkeye, followed by Mustang and then Alfons, outermost on the row. Almost like a family going to the circus together, Alfons thought dryly. He cast a silent gaze at Mustang. He wondered what this man was thinking. He had loved Edward, and now Edward was in all this trouble he had tried so hard to prevent from happening right from the start.
Alfons turned his head and eyed the rows folding behind him, filling up with people. Two familiar men appeared in the door opening and seated themselves at one of the back rows. The Fuhrer himself, and Brigadier General Kiehle. Alfons swallowed.
Roy Mustang followed his gaze and let out a small sigh. This situation would not be to Edward's benefit, he knew that beforehand. But maybe he was lucky and had gotten a good spokesman. Just maybe. Still, he had made sure to put Al securely between himself and Hawkeye to prevent the boy from doing something stupid. He had yet to make sure that the older boy could indeed act like an adult. It wasn't that he doubted Alfons' maturity. In fact, Alfons Heiderich had shown more maturity than he had ever seen in a seventeen-year-old, even several officers older than him—that is, without mentioning any names. Still, he just wanted to make sure.
"Alfons," he said, and the blond-haired boy turned his head to him in response. "Even if you want to speak or do something during the hearing, don't." He spoke in a quiet voice, so only Alfons heard him through all the other buzzing in the room. "You'll make it worse if you choose not to keep yourself contained, understand?"
Alfons nodded slowly, looking troubled. "Yes." He watched the Council members who were taking their seats. "Who are the Council members anyway?" he asked.
"Half of them are military ranked officers," Al explained, who had overheard most of it despite that Mustang had kept his voice low. "There are three Lieutenant Generals and two Generals."
"The rest of them are inexperienced office rats," Mustang added. "Not to be underestimated though. The youngest person there," he pointed at a man with light-brown hair and round glasses, "Michael Austin. He has served the military for fifteen years, like me."
Alfons watched the man. He looked serious and it was easy to see that he was the youngest among the group, being around the same age as Mustang. The other men had wisps of gray hair, and honestly looked like they all had been seated there too long.
Alfons let his eyes wander back to Mustang and found himself wondering how old he really was. Like Edward, he must have been quite young when he first joined the military.
"Who is that?" Al suddenly asked, discreetly pointing towards a man by the podium up front, standing next to the Council-seats. The light-haired man eyed the audience for a second, before he went back towards the main doors and disappeared. Alfons followed him with his eyes as he went out of the room.
"That was Edward's spokesman," Mustang replied.
Al frowned, directing his bronze eyes at the Colonel. "I've never seen him before. He knows nothing about my brother. This is more of a hindrance than anything else."
"It's how the rules are," Mustang said. "The point is that he doesn't know the defendant until today. Your brother has already wasted his chance to speak for himself in plenum."
Al was about to reply, but out of the blue Jean Havoc spoke ahead of him while chewing on an unlit cigarette. "Nah Colonel, isn't that a little harsh?"
Mustang turned sharply to the row behind him where some of the most trusted part of his unit had seated themselves. "2nd Lieutenant Havoc, I would prefer that you shut up."
Havoc sighed and sat back on his chair. "The Colonel seems to be in a bad mood today."
"I'm worried about Edward," Fuery commented. "Will he be okay?"
"It all depends on the Council," Breda muttered.
"What does that mean?" Alfons asked fast. "Depends on the Council?"
"In the end the spokesman has nothing to say concerning the decision, it's up to the Council when they make the vote." Mustang's one alert eye scouted towards the right side of the room where the gathering of higher-ups were now chatting quietly amongst themselves. "That is what concerns me."
Alfons turned slightly and saw another person sitting behind them next to Falman. He looked a little surprised at the girl. "Scheiska..."
She looked uncomfortable. "Hi, Alfons."
"I'm glad you're here," Alfons offered, speaking in a low voice.
She leaned in closer to him for his benefit of hearing clearly. "I'm worried about Edward as well," she said. "When I heard that you were found... I tried looking for some loopholes in the laws of the government, but without real proof it's-"
Alfons nodded slowly. "Thank you for trying..." He paused for some seconds. "Does Winry know?"
Scheiska shook her head. "I couldn't tell her! I know I'm an awful person, but I just couldn't and I haven't had much time to either. She'll take it badly and-"
Alfons stopped her. "She'll know sooner or later."
Then finally a tall and massive man entered the room from a side door to the left of the podium. He carried a huge book and wore a long, black cloak. As he stepped on top of the podium, the audience fell silent. The Judge had arrived, and everyone in the courtroom rose from their chairs.
"I hereby announce this hearing to commence," the Judge stated. Everyone in the room sat back down on their seats, and the Judge stared circumspectly over the audience through his small glasses before speaking again.
Mustang sighed quietly. Here goes...
"This hearing is an assessment concerning Major Edward Elric, to decide whether or not he is guilty of the offenses he is charged with, considering the events that have happened both recently and formerly." He paused. "Bring in the defendant."
A couple of seconds later the two large wooden doors swung open, and a small eighteen-year-old with messy blond hair was brought in. He at least looked quite small compared to the guards at his side. Everyone in the courtroom turned their heads, gazing towards him.
He didn't meet anyone's eyes, and kept his sharp golden eyes at his own feet. Mustang thought his normally spirited and expressive eyes appeared almost dead. Edward walked a little stiffly between two guards who guided him forward with his hands still locked in wooden cuffs encasing his wrists. He was wearing some kind of prisoner's suit, several sizes too big for him. The arms on the shirt were too long, and so were the legs on his trousers.
A whispering buzz of voices followed him into the room. Mustang found himself a little irritated that they hadn't even given him something decent to wear. Every small detail would make certain impression the Judge and this wasn't a good start.
Edward and the two guards followed the defendant's spokesman. Mustang thought it was kind of hard to read that man's expression. He looked almost...
"He looks like he doesn't give a damn about my brother," Al muttered in a low voice from the seat next to him.
To Mustang's relief, Hawkeye took care of the younger brother, since she could in fact handle his feelings better than he could. She curved down and whispered some reassuring words in his ear, and Al lowered his head and kept still.
"Order, order!" the Judge called, and the room fell into a heavy silence.
Edward was led to his seat and was placed in the middle of one of the guards and his spokesman.
"Edward Elric," the Judge started. "You are here today because you are charged for deserting the military for two years, two weeks and three days. In addition to that there is proof that you have been in contact with a hostile terrorist organization, stealing an important experimental project from the Amestris State Military, and in general showed hostility against the military, which lies in the category of acts of terrorism against our country." The Judge suavely continued, scanning the documents and papers before him. "The Council has agreed that if Edward Elric declares himself guilty, a milder but sufficient punishment will be put in order. If Edward Elric declares himself not guilty of the charges, this hearing will continue on as planned and a decision on his innocence will be discussed."
Alfons eyed the back of Edward's golden head. Obviously he couldn't read Edward's face by just seeing him from behind, but he could picture a circumspect scowl.
"Edward Elric. Do you consider yourself guilty of all charges that have been discussed in this room today?"
Alfons felt a high tension in the room among all the people. But he already knew what Edward's response would be. This was the one and only time Edward would be allowed to speak during this trial.
"No," Edward said. His voice was hoarse and frigid.
The Judge nodded, like he had already predicted this answer. "Edward Elric has declared himself not guilty. Today his judgement will be set under the conditions of what his spokesman has to tell the court. They have been in a meeting today, and based on what Edward Elric has chosen to share with his spokesman, we will hopefully come to a decision by the end of this session today."
So they would decide if they were killing Edward or not by the end of this trial. Alfons didn't know if that was good or bad, but with this method everything seemed so superficial, even if the hearing had just started. He certainly didn't like it.
"Elric's spokesman for today's hearing will be Manfred Corbin. It is the Council's decision by law that this spokesperson shall be a man with no relation to the defendant in order to have an objective and non-biased view on the circumstances of this trial." He addressed the man sitting at Edward's side. "Manfred Corbin, can you confirm the fact that you've had no relation to Major Edward Elric until today?"
"Yes, your honour," the man replied. "I've never had any other business concerning him, until today at 9 AM."
"A spokesman of the Council will now ask you some questions, and you're allowed to speak freely as each question is asked, unless anything else is decided," the Judge informed.
"Thank you, your honour."
A man of the Council at the other side of the room rose from his seat. He was tall and had light-brown hair and his eyes were almost hidden behind a pair of thick round glasses. It was the same man Mustang had pointed out as the youngest member of the Council. Despite that, Alfons thought he appeared to be some sort of intellect.
"My name is Michael Austen," he said. "Together, the Council has prepared the necessary inquiries to find out about Mr. Elric's situation in detail in order to find out whether or not he can be declared guilty." He took a small break between each sentence and kept his eyes pointed down toward his papers. "First of all, we have reason to believe that Edward Elric had something to do with the Lior incident which took place sometime before he disappeared, in which the city was damaged and 900 soldiers went missing." He took a deep breath. "Therefore, my first question is, did Mr. Elric make any attempt to explain what happened and what he was doing during that time?"
Manfred Corbin looked a bit taken aback, like this wasn't a question or piece of information he had expected initially. "No."
"So I am correct in assuming that Edward Elric didn't mention the incident at all while you offered your ear to him?"
"That is correct."
"I see." The man adjusted his glasses a little further up his nose. "The Council will take that into account when it's time for the voting."
Alfons wondered whether or not that was good, but he concluded that it wasn't. He didn't know the details around that incident himself, but no matter what happened, Edward was not responsible for 900 missing soldiers. That was impossible. But the military didn't seem to question it much further. He wondered if Al remembered what had happened there. He gazed sideways at the younger, and frowned. Al was looking very nervous and uncomfortable. More than he had seemed before the hearing started. That probably meant that he knew what had happened. Alfons wanted to ask him, but now wasn't a good time.
"Mr. Corbin, after spending the last three hours with Edward Elric, what kind of person do you think he is?"
Manfred Corbin cleared his throat. "Edward Elric is a man of a few words, but is a holder of a great imagination. He's temperamental, smart and quite good at provoking arguments."
Alfons frowned. This statement didn't actually describe Edward very well, even if it the few words were true. To some extent, at least. Edward could talk a lot, but sometimes he was quite silent, and temperamental and smart were definitely two words that drew a good picture of him. But by saying that he had a great imagination, did this Corbin guy think that Edward had made the story up?
"In other words, you consider Edward Elric a trouble-maker, Mr. Corbin?" Mr. Austen asked.
"Yes, I do."
"Edward Elric has had the chance to explain to you how he disappeared two years ago," Mr. Austen continued. "What did he tell you?"
Manfred Corbin tried holding back a smile. "He said that a huge Gate showed up and pulled him into another world."
There was silent in the courtroom for some seconds, and then a flow of whispering started to emerge about the whole place. Even among the Council members.
Edward seemed annoyed and tense, and Alfons understood. The man probably left out some pretty important details. Although, Edward couldn't have told him about the human transmutation. It was forbidden, and if someone found out, Edward might as well dig his own grave. Alfons thought it was even stranger that Edward had told this man about the Gate and the other world in the first place. It didn't sound like something Edward would do, mainly because it would definitely create a disturbance among the higher-ups.
"Could you define this other world?" Mr. Austen asked, looking bewildered.
"No, I'm afraid I can't," Corbin admitted. "It is too far out for me to comprehend."
Alfons frowned. If this man wanted Edward to live, he would've had more to say. Wasn't the whole point of him being Edward's spokesman to have no prejudices towards Edward beforehand? This seemed totally pointless. Suspiciously pointless...
"Mr. Elric said that he was conveniently successful in coming back three weeks ago," Corbin just said. "He said he stole the flying machine that brought him back to Lior."
"Stole from whom?" Mr. Austen asked.
"Thule Society," Corbin informed. "The hostile terror organization."
"So there is proof that Edward Elric has had direct contact with Thule Society during the time he was away?" Mr. Austen surmised. "Since he had a type of flying machine just like Thule Society."
"Yes, after what I've understood."
"And where did he go the night he stole the military's experimental project?"
"He went to Thule Society's Headquarters."
Alfons frowned. Weren't these questions somewhat misleading? And they were also, not to mention, omitting other important facts. What about the fact that Al had been missing?
"That's right," Austen says. "He went to Thule Society's headquarters. And how could he know where it was?"
Corbin shrugged. "He didn't say how he got a hold of their location."
"So there is a possibility that Edward Elric knew where Thule Society's hideout was all along?"
"Yes," Corbin said.
Alfons noticed that Edward tiredly shook his head, which he could understand, because this was probably the most ridiculous heap of nonsense he had ever heard. They had no clue what the real truth was. Al moved, ready to jump up in protest, but Mustang caught him just in time, firmly pressing his palm against his mouth, sealing it shut. The small disturbance startled some of the people in the audience, but neither the Judge nor Michael Austen seemed to have noticed.
"Don't speak," Mustang whispered warningly into Al's ear. "You'll do more harm than good."
"I see," Austen said. "We now have reason to believe that Edward Elric has been siding with Thule Society since his return."
The tension in the room was practically physical and was pressing against Alfons' ears. He started getting fairly pissed off and understood Al's strong reaction. Why couldn't Edward just speak for himself? How could they accuse him of something so absurd? Why couldn't he just tell them they were wrong? He was sure Edward really wanted to explode at them, but he hoped he wouldn't. It would only make things ten times worse.
"To tell you the truth, Elric didn't comply much in telling me what the circumstances were," Corbin said.
"I knew it," Mustang muttered. "He's not helping himself much either." He had slowly let go of the small alchemist, after making sure he wouldn't go through with his wish to protest. He tiredly rubbed his forehead of Corbin's words, which Alfons mentally did too. Although, Alfons couldn't really blame Edward for being difficult towards them either. Being that Edward's trust was a very fragile thing, it was obvious that people he didn't know well wouldn't hesitate to charge him and were not suitable to have his reliance. But like Mustang said, that wouldn't help him get a milder sentence.
"Did he tell you anything at all that you would consider important?" Austen asked.
"No, he quite frankly showed me hostility and didn't want me to be his spokesman," Corbin said.
"I understand. I think that's all we need to know for now. No more questions, you honour."
The Judge took the word back. "We will have a break for ten minutes," he announced. "In the meantime I will discuss the matter with the Council of how much we know this far."
People began to mumble and rise from their seats, and the Judge disappeared into the other room.
Alfons wanted to go to Edward, but he wasn't allowed to go anywhere near him.
Mustang sighed and rested his elbows on his knees for a minute. He could feel Al trembling beside him.
"This isn't fair!" Al growled. "Nii-san has never worked with Thule Society and that's what they are convinced to believe."
"Technically, he did work with them," Mustang said. "He made the Gate, so either way if they find out the real details or not, he will be charged for helping them."
Al glared at Mustang with flaring bronze eyes. "You know he would never do it on free will." He then shut his own mouth, and both him and Alfons lowered his heads at the statement, although neither of them were aware of the other's guilty thoughts in the matter.
Alfons felt bad for being the reason Edward had made the Gate for Thule in the first place, and at the same time Al felt an uneasy tug in the pit of his stomach considering that his brother had acted to protect Alfons' life. As opposed to Edward, Al had mainly acted and transmuted the Gate for his own sake.
"I know your brother's intentions, Alphonse," Mustang said irately. "I know him even better than you think."
Al remained silent at that.
"As I said yesterday," Mustang continued more silently. "Be patient and wait for the hearing to be over. Then I'll decide what to do next."
Alfons had been lost in thought for a moment. Something about all this didn't feel right (in addition to the laws). Something was grating in the back of his mind. Then he suddenly turned and stared intently at the Colonel. "Do you know him?"
"Who?"
"Edward's spokesman."
"No..." Mustang replied. "As I've said, he has had nothing to do with the military until now."
"How did they pick the spokesman?" Alfons asked again, and Mustang looked annoyed at him for a moment.
"The Brigadier General sent out a proposal, and he was the one who volunteered," he replied.
Alfons' eyes widened exaggeratedly.
"All rise," one of the Council members ordered.
Everyone in the court room rose from their seats and stilled as the Judge returned. He announced for the hearing to start again. "I'm afraid I have to inform you that I have already come to a decision, based on what I've been witnessing today," the Judge stated. "The final decision will depend on the count of hands on my left-hand side that think whether or not Edward Elric is guilty."
Alfons' heart jumped up in his throat. This had to be some sort of cruel joke. They couldn't be voting already! They knew nothing!
"First I will enumerate every piece of information that has come clear," the Judge continued. "Edward Elric disappeared on April 7th 1915 without any indication of where he was going, and shows up again on May 1st 1917 in a hostile flying machine in Lior. This flying machine seems to be connected to the hostile terrorist organization Thule Society, and it is in Elric's own words that he has been in contact with this organization during the time he has been away. This makes us believe that Edward Elric has been or is working with Thule Society. On May 12th he steals one of the military's experimental flying machines and leaves to Thule Society's Headquarters. It is not known how he got the information of their location. He has declined to speak for his actions twice, the first time two years ago during the mystery of the Lior-incident and the second for his hearing concerning the Lior-incident and his long-term disappearance. I see this as suspicious enough to lead a final decision right now."
Alfons' eyes magnified in terror. This was way too superficial. And wrong.
"Edward Elric has declared himself not guilty. Let me first inform the audience that deserting the military in addition to any other crimes has a severe penalty," the Judge continued. "Now, Council members, would you please raise your hand if you find Edward Elric to be guilty of all charges."
Weren't they interested in knowing how everything happened? Alfons was shocked, and the Colonel read the question directly off his eyes.
"That's not their way of ruling this country," he muttered, hiding his words behind a low hem. "They see it more suitable to stuff things like this under the carpet, as long as they have someone to blame."
"It's over," Al whispered, gripping around his own elbows. "The way he's putting it sounds all wrong. They want to kill my brother, and for what reason?"
Alfons held his breath. The Judge, along with everyone else in the courtroom waited for the Council members take action.
One after one, all twelve Council members raised their hands. Al's assumption seemed to have been right. This was bad...
After observing the hands for a moment, the Judge cleared his throat. "Twelve Council members find Edward Elric guilty of all charges," he surmised. "The vote is unanimous. In that case, I hereby judge Edward Elric to be shot and put to death at dawn, three days after today. May God have mercy upon your soul."
Even before he had finished talking, the whole court room exploded in uneasiness and whispering. Al was already on his feet, with tears staining his eyes. "You can't!" he bellowed, and stormed forward with amazing suppleness. Stopping him again didn't even cross Roy Mustang's mind. For a moment he was completely stunned by the Judge's words. He hadn't even imagined that the decision would be made that fast.
Alfons rose too, gritting his teeth in detestation for the Judge, the Council, the whole military... but mostly he despised... His own thoughts were interrupted as he spotted Al and turned immediately worried. "Don't do anything stupid, Al..." he muttered.
Al had jumped over the front rows, heading straight for Edward. Two of the guards were already working on getting him up from his chair to escort him out. Edward struggled against them, protesting and spitting at them. At least until he became aware of what Al was doing and stilled with wide eyes. Al locked his arms around his brother's neck and dug his nose into his shoulder. "Nii-san..." he whispered. "This can't be... Why is this happening?" Why hadn't they brought up the fact that he had been missing? Edward had left for Thule Society to rescue him! He had sent out the information of their location, who cared how Edward had received it? What if he had just stayed to rot in his cell or inside the Gate or wherever, then Edward would never have been through all this! "I'm sorry..." he whispered. "I'm not going to let this happen. I'm not letting them!"
Edward's features softened. But before he could say anything, a guard had grabbed Al and dragged him away.
"Al!" Edward exclaimed.
"Excuse me, sir," the voice of his 1st Lieutenant next to Mustang's seat said. Then Riza Hawkeye slapped him. Hard. He jumped awake and stared at her with a wide black eye. "Hawkeye..." Then Al's scream and struggling reached his ears, and first about that moment, Mustang regained his mind completely from the trance. This was even worse than he had expected, coming to a decision this soon. (And he did not seem to handle it well.)
"Sir, please do something," Hawkeye ordered. "Or I will."
He nodded.
"Let go of my brother you fucking bastard!" Edward bellowed, trying to get to the soldier holding Al, but he was held back as well by two other guards.
Mustang rose and stepped forward, followed by Hawkeye, and took over Al from the guard. He held the boy's head still, facing him as he tried to twist out of his hold and shut his eyes tight. Tears were streaming down his cheeks.
"Alphonse," he barked. "Pull yourself together, or I will have you arrested as well."
Al stilled and stared detestably up at him. "Let go of me."
"No," he said. Then he quickly apologized towards the Judge and the Council members. He figured he might have gone the wrong way with Alphonse Elric to judge from the look he was receiving. He quickly reminded himself that he might still think of Al as a child sometimes. "Major," he said, figuring that calling him by rank would have bigger effect than calling him by his name. "I trust that you will keep your emotions where they belong and stay put for when I need your strength."
That worked better. Al nodded slowly.
Edward was led past them then, and Roy met his eyes as he bypassed. His eyes were resolute, but he could also see traces of fright. "Colonel," he murmured. "Alfons is gone." He couldn't hear the exact words, but Mustang could read his lips.
Then Edward disappeared.
Mustang swallowed hard and stared around the room. People had started to leave. Edward was right. Alfons was nowhere to be seen. He silently cursed. What chaos! He turned back to Hawkeye. "Take care of Alphonse."
She nodded. "Yes, sir." She escorted Alphonse back to one of the chairs and had him sit down to talk with him.
As long as he was with her, he'd be okay, Mustang thought. His eye suddenly fell on the young girl who had been sitting behind Alfons. Scheiska. She looked considerably lost.
Mustang lingered by her side for a moment, unsure what to say.
"I don't know what to tell Winry," Scheiska whispered.
"The truth," Mustang said. "Did you see where Alfons went?"
She shook her head. "He just rushed out. I didn't have time to-"
"Thank you," Mustang said, not wasting any time and rushed off as well out of the room. He needed a word with the little blond alchemist right away. He figured he would find Alfons there as well.
He found Edward Elric sitting on his mattress in his prison cell, his head curved and his legs crossed underneath him. His eyes were closed, like he was meditating. Except that he looked mostly defeated. Mustang wondered what thoughts were running through his mind now. He sat down beside him, not really knowing where to begin.
"You don't have to come here and comfort me," Edward said bitterly.
"I want you to know," Mustang said. "I haven't given up on you yet. I will never-"
"Then you can start now," Edward cut him short. "Give up on me. There's nothing more you can do."
Mustang frowned. The words almost... hurt. "It's not like you to say that."
Edward neither answered him nor glanced in his direction.
Mustang found himself starting to get angry with him. Why didn't he show more spirit, like always? Why did he act like he had given up? "You could at least have given your spokesman Corbin a shot! If you had tried to make him understand, you would've gotten a much better chance."
Edward's eyes flared dangerously at him. "You're an idiot!" he snarled. "That guy's name isn't Corbin."
Mustang was about to continue, but stopped himself because he had just heard something he had not expected to hear. He was left puzzled instead, wondering what it was that he had clearly missed.
"He's from Thule Society," Edward said. "Probably recommended by my good friend Thomas Peterson. They want me dead, so now they're getting their wishes fulfilled by making my own people kill me. I never wanted to tell the military about the other world in the first place. Everything he said he was saying on his own accord. He didn't care if I found out, the military wouldn't have listened to me anyway."
Mustang's eye widened. Thule had done it again...
He should've known. Maybe he even could've prevented them from using Corbin as Edward's spokesman if he had just turned Peterson in immediately after he had gotten the news. And that was the reason Alfons had asked questions about the spokesman. Alfons had already figured it out.
Mustang rose. "How long have you known about him?"
Edward gazed up at him. "He acted like a dick towards me during our meeting before the hearing. It wasn't that hard to figure out, even if he never directly said it. Especially considering how the military picks the spokesman, with a convict. Anyone can literally stride in without much formality."
Mustang tiredly rubbed his forehead. Edward was right. The rules were way too shallow considering convict's second chance of hearing. Usually convicts didn't even get a second chance. Any other day he would consider Edward lucky.
"Where is Alfons?" Edward asked, pulling himself up as well. "I don't want him involved in this shit. He'll probably try to do something stupid to save me." He sighed. "Colonel, please. Find him and talk him out of it." Golden eyes lifted, staring solemnly at him. "It's the last thing I'll ever ask of you."
Mustang stepped forward and gently laid a hand on Edward's cold cheek. "Yes, on one term. That you promise me not to give up yet. We've still got time." His resolute black eye pierced through gold. "I will make them arrange a new hearing and when the truth about Thule comes out, you'll be free."
Edward took a deep breath. "Okay," he whispered.
Alfons Heiderich barged right into Brigadier General Kiehle's office. The Brigadier had already seated himself by his desk, and looked puzzled up at the infuriated young man. His secretary stood by his side with a mug of tea, and looked equally baffled over his rude entrance.
"Alfons," he said in surprise. "Our appointment isn't until 3 pm."
"We'll have it now," Alfons said, stepping towards the desk.
The Brigadier General cleared his throat. "Well, all right, as you wish." He waved his secretary away, and she left the room. "What can I-?"
Alfons interrupted him, going straight to the point. "You have the power to save Edward, don't you?"
Kiehle's brows furrowed pensively. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."
"Edward's going to be executed!" Alfons elaborated fiercely. "Can you, or can't you change what has been decided by the Council?"
Kiehle lifted his hands carefully to try to calm Alfons down. "Alfons, please have a seat."
Alfons shook his head, having a hard time holding back his tears. Even if he didn't want to show that sort of weakness in front of this man. "Just answer my question. Please."
Kiehle gave him a long, searching look. "Considering the information that was brought up today about Edward's whereabouts during his two year absence, it really seems that he was associating with Thule Society."
"But what if he wasn't?" Alfons asked desperately. "What if I gave you some more input that you could pass on? You'd be honoured for it, I can guarantee."
The Brigadier General had obviously not expected to hear this and just looked perplexed for some seconds. Then he shook his head. "I'm sorry, Alfons. I don't have time for stories and excuses. I think Edward-"
"What if I signed the contract?" Alfons said. He had pressed himself to say it. He could almost not believe that he had actually said it. If his plan didn't work, he would still be stuck with Kiehle. But he guessed it was worth it. Any attempt to change the judgment would be worth it. As long as Edward would be saved...
The Brigadier General paused again. "Are you offering to sign the contract in order to have me save Edward from execution?"
Alfons took a deep breath. "Yes."
A smile formed in the Brigadier General's features, and then he chuckled, rubbing his forehead with his hand. "How about that…"
"I'll work for you," Alfons said. "I'll do anything. Just hear me out, and then you make them change their minds."
The Brigadier General sighed and leaned over his desk. "Okay, Alfons. Let me hear you out first, and then I'll decide."
Alfons didn't have anything to lose. He sat down on the chair he had used last night. He tried to calm down his voice, since he had to be believed now no matter what. If not, he might end up in a jail cell next to Edward...
"The military is being infiltrated by Thule Society and they want Edward and everyone else dead."
Kiehle scratched his scalp pensively as he listened.
"You have to believe me on this… Your own Sergeant, Thomas Peterson, he is from Thule Society."
"What?" Kiehle barked, suddenly on alert. It seemed that this was news to him, and Alfons was glad for that. He didn't want to imagine what would've happened if Kiehle was one of them too. But he guessed the Colonel was right about that. It didn't fit. "Tell me, was your Sergeant the one who proposed to have me and Edward under surveillance? He even offered to do it himself, didn't he?"
"Yes, he did," Kiehle admitted.
Alfons' heart slammed harder inside his chest. "They've wanted to keep an eye on us, and that's why they attacked Central again. They just missed the plane with a couple of yards."
Kiehle actually looked pale.
"You know why Edward stole Azure, don't you?" Alfons continued. "He wanted to save his brother! You know it, everyone should know that. But that wasn't even considered during the hearing. And his spokesman… was it Thomas Peterson who recommended Manfred Corbin as well?"
"Yes it was," Kiehle admitted slowly, his hands clutching his pencil tightly by then.
"Well, that explains why Corbin didn't make any effort to speak Edward's case," Alfons pointed out firmly. "He's from Thule Society too."
Kiehle dropped his pen and rose from his chair. His teeth gritted into a snarl, but it wasn't directed at Alfons. "How dare those people humiliate me like this? He will regret the day he was born!"
It was the first time Alfons had seen this man so visibly put off guard. He had nearly refused to believe that he was capable of that. Somehow he never seemed to be astonished in a conversation, not even a serious one.
"Thank you, Alfons," he said. "I'll make sure that Peterson is caught and questioned by the end of the day."
Alfons rose fast too, surprised that Kiehle actually believed him in the first place. "And Edward?"
Kiehle nodded. "I'll see what I can do. You're right, after all Alfons. He isn't as guilty as the Council wants him to be, that's clear." Then he smiled. "When you first are here with me…" He opened one of his drawers at his desk and pulled out a sheet of paper. He placed it on his desk in front of Alfons. "We have a deal, then."
Alfons looked down on the two year contract of allegiance to the Brigadier General. Then he nodded. "Yes, we have a deal." He picked up the pen and signed the paper fast, before he could change his mind.
"A good boy," Kiehle said, his smile never faltering. "No matter what reason you based your decision on, I'll make sure you won't regret it. You'll work here as my assistant and prepare the formalities before we start on the new project." He reached out his hand.
Alfons took it slowly, wondering what the hell he had agreed himself into. He lowered his head, feeling suddenly troubled but let it all pass. Edward was much more important. "Yes, sir."
"I'm delighted to have you into my special unit. You'll receive the rank as 1st Lieutenant during these twenty-four months of service," Kiehle informed.
"1st Lieutenant?" Alfons squeaked. It sounded high.
Kiehle nodded. "To be working this close to me you're bound to have a direct military associated rank. Although, you don't have to worry about the war we're up against. You're unqualified to be sent out on the field. You'll be fighting on the sidelines by helping to strengthen our defence."
That was at least good news… Alfons had no intention of being stuck in a trench like his father had been. On the other hand, he would be fighting side by side with Edward if this plan worked. Using his work to defend Amestris was the least thing that he could do for this world if it would just let him live.
"That was all," Kiehle said.
"Ich gehe jetzt," Alfons replied. Then he literally froze into a block of ice, and his voice hitched in his throat. What did he just say?
Kiehle eyed him questionably, wondering the same thing. "What was that, Alfons?"
Alfons didn't know. He knew he was saying that he was leaving now of course, but the words had come out as ... German. "Verzeihung, Herr!" he apologized fast, and he had just barely spoken the words before he realized that it was still German.
Oh no…
"Alfons, what language are you speaking?" Kiehle asked curiously.
Alfons shook his head fiercely. This was trouble. Come on, come on. Go away…
"Ich…" he started. "Ich bin…" Uh-oh. What was happening to him? He couldn't speak Amestrian... He had never needed the ability to speak Amestrian before and now he had no idea how he had spoken it in the first place. The only language he knew was German since he had never been very good at English but that wouldn't help him in this situation anyway.
The Brigadier General's eyes narrowed. "Alfons, are you feeling well?"
Alfons shook his head no. He couldn't say anything more. If he did, what would the Brigadier General think? What was he already thinking now?
Alfons backed up towards the door with an apologetic expression before he hastily rushed out of the office without waiting for the Brigadier General to stop him. He went quickly down the corridor, not meeting anyone's eyes and tried to calm himself down.
Just… stay calm! he told himself. It'll go away. It will. Won't it?
While he bothered himself by the fact that it was the first time he didn't welcome the thought of speaking German, he suddenly to his big surprise ran straight into Alphonse. The smaller boy looked startled at him. "Heiderich-san," he said fast. "I was wondering where you were so I went to look for you…"
"Wa—?" Alfons stuttered panicky.
"The Colonel is looking for you as well," Alphonse said. "He has spoken to Nii-san." He lowered his voice. "His spokesman is from Thule Society and the Colonel-" He stopped by his doppelganger's obvious troubled expression and his eyes narrowed. "What's the matter with you?"
Alfons curved down closer to him and whispered franticly. "Ich habe ein klein Problem."
Al stared at him for some seconds in disbelief. "Huh?"
Alfons pointed at his mouth, while making a new attempt to calm himself down and explained carefully. "Ich kann nicht mehr Amestrien sprechen."
Al gazed to both sides for a moment to see if anyone else had noticed, before he turned back and swallowed hard. "What…?" Then he shook his head and grabbed his doppelganger's arm. "Come on." He pulled the older boy down the hall and into a seemingly unoccupied office.
Alfons gazed nervously around inside the office, but luckily no one seemed to be there at the moment and Al closed the door quickly. "Come again?" he said in askance.
Alfons sighed. "Ich verstehe es nicht, aber ich kann nicht Amestrien sprechen! Dies ist wohl nicht möglich und vergib mir, Al. Du... verstehe mich nicht."
Al stared at him like he was from another planet. "I have no idea what's going on here, but is that language from the other world?"
Alfons nodded fast. "Leider."
"And you can't speak Amestrian anymore?"
Alfons frantically shook his head. "Leider nicht."
Al bit his lip, scratching the back of his head. "Oh."
Alfons rubbed his forehead. Please, just let this be over soon.
"Try," Al encouraged. "Say something easy, like… Hello, my name is Alfons."
"Hallo, mein Name ist Alfons," Alfons crooned, feeling totally ridiculous.
Al hesitated. "Eh... Let's go see Mustang," he suggested fast. "Maybe he'll know what to do."
"Hoffentlich…" Alfons muttered. "Das wird nicht ganz leicht sein."
"That language is beyond weird," Al muttered.
They snuck back out of the office and continued down the hall towards the elevator. The corridor was empty, but just as they rounded a corner, Al made an abrupt halt and pushed Alfons back the way they had come.
"Was ist los?" Alfons asked confused.
"Shh." Al lifted a finger towards his lips. "I just saw Thomas Peterson walking down the corridor. He had his back turned towards us. I think he just went into one of the offices."
Alfons didn't like the certain tone in Al's voice.
"I want to see what he's up to," Al said.
"Es wäre nicht sehr sinnvoll zu…" Alfons started hesitantly, not very fond of the idea.
"Come on," Al said, even if he could figure out by the way Alfons was speaking that he didn't approve of the little scheme.
Although, Alfons wondered if Kiehle had ordered Thomas Peterson arrested yet. Maybe he would get caught any moment. Besides, he was a little curious too. He nodded, and together they tiptoed silently down the empty corridor. It wasn't one of the main corridors where everyone had to walk through to get to the elevator. It simply consisted of offices mostly, Alfons supposed.
Al stopped by the door he thought Thomas Peterson had disappeared into. The door wasn't closed properly, and he could get a small glimpse of the person inside. He stood by a desk, holding a phone.
"You did a good job today. That little rat will have a hard time getting out of this one," he sniggered. Even if he held his voice quiet, the two of them were close enough to hear each word.
"Although, since he has me figured out I can't stay here much longer. Sooner or later someone will start getting suspicious. Pick me up outside of HQ."
Alfons frowned, sharing a look with Al. He was talking about Edward, and he was talking with Manfred Corbin. There was no other explanation.
I knew it… Alfons thought.
"What do you mean? What does she want him brought back there for?" Pause. "Ah, I guess I'll just have to bring him along then. Can't promise anything though."
Alfons' eyes narrowed where he pressed his back against the wall. Bring who along? He looked down at Al, who was peeking inside the door in front of him. Were they planning on bringing Al back there? If so, he couldn't let that happen no matter what.
He swallowed; he had heard enough thank you very much. He grabbed Al's shoulder, and the smaller boy turned questioningly at him. Alfons was about to tell him that they better should get going, but right then a sharp pain suddenly shot up his leg.
"Ngh!" Alfons whimpered and collapsed to his knees. The mark underneath his foot hurt again… His trouble with languages was obviously the Gate's doing after all.
Al had tried to support him by his arm as he went down but failed, and now he looked somewhat worried at him. Then he froze. They heard fast steps on the other side of the door, and then the door opened wide in front of them. There stood Thomas Peterson, looking a little baffled by the sight of them and Alfons guessed he couldn't blame him.
Alfons' neck started to sweat. Of course he must have heard him…
Without a word, Thomas Peterson grabbed them both by their shirts and dragged them inside the office. Al protested with a short struggle, but was tossed ruthlessly down onto the floor along with Alfons.
Alfons was still having trouble with coping with what was happening and with the sharp pain in his leg at the same time. But as he lay on his back on the floor, he realized to his horror that Thomas Peterson locked the door to the office and drew a gun, just as Al quickly got himself up on his feet in a defence position. Although, defending against a gun would be tricky.
Peterson pointed at them both with his gun, and the three of them were frozen for a couple of seconds.
"Eavesdropping isn't very nice," Peterson commented with a small smile.
Finally Alfons pulled himself together, and somehow he managed to avoid concentrating on the pain in his foot for now. Slowly, he rose to his feet next to Al, eyeing their enemy and the gun with dread.
"But what a delightful coincidence," Thomas Peterson continued cheerfully. "I was just ordered to kidnap you."
Alfons froze as Peterson concentrated on him. Him? Why did they want him?
"He's not going with you," Al snarled. "Besides, the military knows all about your false identity. You'll be caught any second."
"Oh really?" Peterson said. "At least, I get to finish you off first." He loaded his gun and pointed at Al, who stiffened.
"No, stop!" Alfons quickly stepped in front of the smaller boy, hiding him behind his back. Think fast. How the hell would they get out of this one?
"How touching," Peterson said. "But I don't need him, and too bad he knows too much. Step away. It will be over in a second."
"Someone will hear the gunshot and check it out immediately," Alfons quickly reasoned. "You won't even manage to reach the elevator." At least he had returned to the right language. He hadn't even noticed it until now.
Peterson eyed him sharply, seemingly not very impressed.
"I'll tie him up," Alfons said fast. "Then you'll leave him in here. He won't be found until you've gotten away."
Peterson sighed. "Then you'll come with me quietly?"
Alfons nodded. "Yes, I'll come with you. Just, don't harm anyone."
"Fine, fine," Peterson agreed. "I don't really prefer to pull the trigger at people. A comrade recently did that, towards himself. A pitiful way to die..."
Al's breath came out a little fast at that, and Alfons thought he could guess why.
Peterson's eyes narrowed. "Make it quick!"
Feeling slightly relieved, Alfons looked around the room to find something to tie Al up with. It was the only option he could decide on in the situation.
Al stood a little stiffly behind him, neither protesting nor agreeing to the idea. Alfons discovered a long and thin wire on the wall, leading power to a lamp in the ceiling. With a little effort he dragged the wire loose from the wall, and the room went dim as the lamp went out. Luckily they still had the light shining through the window. Without a word Alfons returned to Al's side and brought his arms behind his back.
Al suddenly became aware of what was happening and that Alfons was, in fact, serious. He tried to pull away from him, but Alfons held him back. "What are you doing?" he protested. "Heiderich-san, you can't—!"
"Stay still, Al," Alfons said while he whirled the wire around the smaller boy's wrists. He had hoped Al wouldn't put up a struggle, but Al was Edward's brother, after all.
"You can't just go with him!" Al exclaimed.
"A promise is a promise, kid. Or would you rather die?" Peterson threatened, pointing the gun unwaveringly at him.
Al stilled with wide eyes.
"I have to," Alfons said quietly, and he felt Al's arms become limp in his grip, allowing him to tie him up without putting up a fight.
"Make it tight enough," Peterson ordered.
Alfons nodded, carefully tightening the knot. "Sit down, Al," he ordered softly.
To his relief Al obediently let himself drop down on his knees without a word, and Alfons tied up the remaining end of the wire around his ankles. That way Al wouldn't be able to walk around. Al pulled at the restraints experimentally around his wrists. He turned his head, and for a short moment Alfons met his eyes. He was able to read a lot of mixed feelings in that one dark golden look. Most of all worry. What are you going to do next? Are you really planning to return to Thule Society with him?
The truth was, Alfons hadn't really thought that far ahead. What would happen if he went back? What did they want from him?
Peterson fetched something up from his pocket, and Alfons eyed him warily, until he saw that it was a handkerchief. He threw the piece of cloth down to Alfons. "Gag him."
Alfons picked up the handkerchief hoping that it was clean, and tied it around Al's head, effectively covering his mouth. Al breathed a little sharply through his nose but tilted his head in defeat. There was nothing he could do. Then Alfons stood up. "There," he said, addressing Peterson.
Peterson eyed him carefully, now pointing his gun only at Alfons since Al was seemingly defenceless in his current state. "This might do for a while," he mumbled. Then he stepped closer, quickly swinging his foot right towards Al's head.
The kick came hard and fast and there was no way he could've dodged it in time. Al was knocked right over on the floor with a muffled cry and landed heavily on his side, feeling something warm and moist running down from the side of his head. The floor got stained in red.
"Al!" Alfons exhaled, his heart suddenly leaped straight up and tried to suffocate him.
"Don't touch him," Peterson ordered as Alfons curved down to his knees beside the younger. "Time to go." He waved the gun as incentive for him to come.
Alfons gazed down at Al one last time before he rose slowly back up to his feet. Al's eyes were pointing at the floor, seeming to struggle with focus. Fortunately the wound on his head didn't appear to be fatal. He would probably be okay, more or less. Sooner or later he would either get himself free on his own, or someone would find him. He tried convincing himself that. Yes, he knew Al was stronger than he looked. Then he turned away, still feeling horrible for leaving him like this. But he had no other choice. He exited out the door, together with the enemy.
The sound of the door was so loud in his ears it made his head pound. Al was left on the floor. First he didn't move, even if he knew he was alone. His head was arching badly and his sight was blurred of the direct attack. He was still slightly shocked by Alfons' reckless way of handling that situation, but he guessed it had been the most effective way to save him.
Saved again...
He was starting to get annoyed by it. Why did he always mess things up, needing to be rescued time after time? And from Alfons Heiderich of all people. Upset, he bit down hard on the cloth in his mouth, like he would be able to chew it off. That was no use, of course. But either way, he couldn't just lie around here now! At least he couldn't keep grumbling about his own stupidity.
He was lying on his side, wriggling and stretching the wires around his wrists and feet in a fierce attempt to loosen them. He had no time to lose. If he didn't hurry up, Alfons would be taken away. He knew he couldn't let that happen to him. It was his fault. Alfons had just saved his life and the least he had to do was to return that favour, no matter how much the fact bothered him.
He struggled and twisted his wrists until he felt his arms started to tire. His fingertips felt cold. The blood circulation was almost entirely blocked from reaching his hands, which had probably turned white by now, and he couldn't get up since his ankles were tied to his wrists as well. He figured Alfons must have really been serious and had wanted to keep him occupied and away for several minutes, giving Peterson enough time to get away—otherwise he probably would have gotten suspicious. Although, Al wondered if Alfons had done this because he counted on someone else to save him before it was too late. Had he already told the Brigadier General about Peterson? Was that the reason why he had found him almost right outside the Brigadier General's office? He had at least been talking with his superior officer right after the trial, before they met in the corridor. What had Alfons rushed to talk to him about? Al wasn't sure what Alfons had been thinking, but he would get to the bottom of it!
After minutes of pulling and struggling against the wires, they were finally starting to get a little looser. Soon Al was able to pull one of his hands out of the little noose, and shoved the rest of the wire off of him. He pushed himself up to his feet as he removed the gag, and quickly made a run for it, his head just feeling a little dizzy from the harsh blow. He flew out the door and sprinted as fast as he could down a couple of corridors and a long, meandering staircase before he finally reached Colonel Roy Mustang's office.
Mustang looked up from some papers by his desk and stared perplexed at him. Hawkeye was right by his side, and looked relieved to see him, but at the same time startled of his appearance. Al stood struggling for his own breath for a couple seconds.
"Alphonse," Mustang barked. "Where have you been? Didn't I tell you to stay close to Hawkeye?" Then he frowned. "Is that blood?"
Al nodded fast. "I'm sorry! But Heiderich-san is in trouble, he's being taken away by Thomas Peterson right now!"
Mustang was on his feet quicker than lightning. "What?"
"Can I ask, why are you kidnapping me?" Alfons wondered curiously. They had already gotten out the main doors of the HQ unnoticed, and continued stepping side by side towards the main gates. This didn't look very promising. He had hoped the Brigadier General would take some sort of action in the near future about capturing this man, but it didn't seem so yet. And he couldn't pull himself loose and run because of the gun that was discreetly poking him at his side.
"You've seen the Gate, haven't you?" Peterson said.
"Yes," Alfons whispered.
"Eckart wants to be able to control it," he informed. "And she thinks by sacrificing someone from our world, she'll be able to."
Sacrifice? Control the Gate? To do what? Alfons' eyes amplified, stunned. Either way, they were going to kill him.
"Of course, she wouldn't sacrifice one of her own followers, so the only candidate left would be you," Peterson said reasonably.
"No one can control the Gate," Alfons opposed. "It's too-"
"Be quiet," Peterson interrupted, tightening the grip around his arm. "Outside the gates a car will be waiting for us. You'll get into it without any commotion, or I'll change my mind about Elric's kid brother."
Alfons took a couple of deep breaths. "Yes."
He hadn't even said it before several military cars suddenly drove into the grounds and barricaded the main gates. They both stopped abruptly, equally surprised (although Alfons was more relieved.)
Thomas Peterson tensed, frowning and cursing. He turned, and to his surprise several armed military soldiers had quickly lined up and were heading right towards him. He was cornered from two sides. The man stopped, realizing that he couldn't go further. The military unit stopped some metres away from him, keeping their weapons ready. Better late than never...
Alfons tried to gently tug his arm away, but Peterson clutched it hard. He hadn't given up yet.
"Sergeant Peterson," Brigadier General Kiehle stepped forward from the gathered military unit. "What ridiculous scheme are you plotting?"
Peterson turned half-heartedly at him, and then he quickly lifted the gun towards Alfons' head. "Stay back, or I'll blast the head off your dear subordinate."
Kiehle stiffened slightly.
"He won't do it," Alfons said out loud. "They need me." He almost regretted saying it afterwards, because there wasn't really any guarantee that Peterson wouldn't do it. But in some way, he had an odd feeling that Kiehle would be able to prevent it from happening. Then he was left in confusion because he relied on someone he usually would've considered an enemy. But still... they were on the same side after all.
"Shut up," Peterson barked.
"I know that you're from Thule Society, Peterson," Kiehle informed. "If you think I'll let you off easily for betraying my country, you'll have to think again."
Peterson snorted. "I was just leaving, Brigadier General. You won't see me again."
"Hand Heiderich over at once," Kiehle ordered with a snarl.
Alfons stood stiffly with glassy eyes, feeling like some sort of material package, his arms hanging laxly down his sides. If it hadn't been for him, they would probably have caught the culprit by now.
Then everything happened very fast. Someone snapped his fingers close by, and suddenly the hand Peterson was holding his gun with caught on fire. With a cry out in surprise, Peterson dropped his gun, his hand blackened from the burn. The fire had dissolved as fast as it had been lit. Immediately after, he was grabbed by the soldiers on guard, and someone snatched Alfons away from his grasp.
Confused, Alfons stared back at Peterson with wide eyes. He didn't know why, but he knew it must have been alchemy that had made his hand catch on fire. The man was now being forced down on the ground and arrested.
Alfons turned his head towards the man holding his arm, looking straight at Kiehle.
"Are you unhurt, Alfons?" he asked calmly.
Alfons nodded. "Yes, thank you." He gently pulled away, and his gaze went passed the man and saw the Colonel. He had his arm stretched out still, and an angry stare directed towards Thomas Peterson as he was led away towards a car.
"Mustang!" Alfons burst out and hurried towards him. "Al is—!"
"He's safe," Mustang interrupted, smiling quietly and finally lowered his arm. "He told me what happened."
Alfons let out a sigh. "I'm glad he's okay."
Mustang put a hand on his shoulder, and Alfons lifted his gaze up at him. "I need to speak with both of you," he said. "Please, come with me to my office."
Alfons nodded slowly. "Okay."
He followed after the Colonel back towards HQ, oblivious to a pair of grey steel eyes following them from behind.
"Brigadier General, sir," a MP said. "Thomas Peterson is secured and will be brought to the holding cell. The Fuhrer has announced that there will be a new hearing concerning Edward Elric starting tomorrow," he informed.
Kiehle nodded, his eyes still pointing in another direction. "Good."
He was glad to see with his own eyes that Alphonse looked as unhurt as Mustang had conveyed, other than the bandage he had received at the side of his head by Riza Hawkeye. Alfons had also been afraid that Al might have become angry with him, but by the look of it Al didn't seem angry.
"Heiderich-san!" he burst out and stood up fast as he saw him, apparently experiencing a gush of relief wash over him. Hawkeye stood beside him, looking equally relieved.
"It was a close call," Mustang said. "But I'm afraid we have other things to worry about."
"Sir," Hawkeye said. "Fuhrer Hakuro just called. He wanted me to tell you to call him back as soon as you returned."
Mustang nodded. "I thought so." He directed his eyes at the two boys. "I called the Fuhrer before Al came and he told me what happened. I explained the circumstances with Peterson and Manfred Corbin. Then I asked him to give Edward a new hearing considering the facts on Thule Society's infiltration of the military."
"Did he believe it?" Al asked hopefully.
"Yes. Actually, he told me he was already aware of this disturbing information because Brigadier General Kiehle had informed him just the minute before, and that he was currently working on the request. Since he called again now, he has probably arranged a new hearing for Edward."
Al sighed in relief. "That means, the judgement isn't set yet?"
Mustang nodded. "That's right. The only problem is, after all this mess the only one who will be able to speak his case according to the military's way of doing things, is his own commanding officer."
Alfons quickly avoided everyone's eyes, probably the only one in the room who considered that as good news. There won't be a problem... It'll be okay that way.
In contradiction Al wasn't at all pleased with the information. "The Brigadier General doesn't like my brother much. This might not be much better than before."
"I'll see what I can do," Mustang tiredly rubbed his forehead. "But most likely, Kiehle will be the one who takes the spokesman's place tomorrow."
"I don't like it," Al muttered.
Alfons chuckled nervously. "Kiehle wouldn't let Edward die. He is too addicted to power to let a mind like Edward's go to waste."
"Well," Mustang said. "If Edward goes free, nothing is stopping him from returning to be my subordinate again, so Kiehle won't be able to take any benefit from him."
Alfons lowered his gaze. "Ah." Either way, as long as Edward was saved he wouldn't really care if he could work close together with him the next two years or not.
Al stared curiously at him, seeming to have dwelled upon something for a while. "Since Kiehle knew about Thomas Peterson, that means you told him, right?"
Mustang narrowed his eyes at Alfons, and Alfons felt suddenly very uncomfortable and cornered. "I suppose."
Mustang sighed. "I would prefer you to not make such rash decisions, Alfons. You almost ruined our chances to give Edward a new hearing. This might sound cruel, but I know Carl R. Kiehle and you can't trust him to help Edward without having him want something in return."
Alfons wanted to feel angry but he didn't. Instead he looked away, seemingly ashamed of himself. "I'm sorry, sir. I figured he would be able to do something in his position."
In reality he wasn't really sorry. It had been a necessary decision. The guarantee that Edward would be let off his death sentence without Brigadier General Kiehle on his side was rather slim. Kiehle had more influence among the higher-ups than Colonel Mustang. That was the hard truth.
"He only tried to help my brother," Al said, and Alfons was almost surprised how the younger brother defended him.
"Yes, I understand that," Mustang said in a low voice, staring circumspectly at Alfons. "No harm done."
Al was oblivious to Mustang's tone, but Alfons wasn't. The Colonel seemed suspicious about it all.
"Why were you only speaking that foreign language before?" Al suddenly asked him. "I could barely understand anything."
Alfons took a deep breath as both Mustang and Hawkeye now stared puzzled at him from that and he decided to at least be honest about that one.
"What are you talking about?" Mustang asked.
"Something isn't quite right with me," Alfons admitted. "Suddenly I started speaking German, and I had forgotten how to speak this world's language."
Mustang scratched his head. "Is that so..."
"I'm not supposed to remember it because that language doesn't exist in this world," Alfons explained. "Still, somehow the Gate is messing with my head."
"The Gate?" Mustang repeated.
"I can't explain..." Alfons excused himself. Okay, he wasn't completely honest about it after all. He didn't want to show them his mark... Instead he tried to cover it up by explaining something else. "Edward probably told you this before; the Gate contains the balance of the world. He found out that unless we destroy it, something bad will happen."
Mustang eyed Alfons carefully for a moment. "Hawkeye, will you bring Alphonse home for today? I need a private word with Alfons."
"Yes, sir," she said.
First Al looked disappointed for being discharged this suddenly, but then he silently accepted it and smiled meekly at Alfons. "See you tomorrow."
Alfons nodded. "Yes."
Hawkeye and Al disappeared out the door, and Alfons was left alone with the Colonel. As soon as the wooden door had closed after them, Mustang turned to him and spoke. "You vanished quite quickly after the hearing today."
Alfons lifted his gaze warily at him. Mustang's look was back in its suspicious state. "I... I was in shock."
Mustang's eye narrowed. "Of course. And in such state, you might have been able to do something that wasn't very wise."
Alfons swallowed. He didn't know, did he?
Mustang stepped closer to him, almost threateningly. "What did you do?"
Alfons stepped back, a little taken aback. At least he didn't know but he clearly had high suspicions. "N-Nothing," Alfons stuttered.
Mustang snorted. "Don't give me that. And I thought I had taught you how to lie properly."
"I went towards the dorms," Alfons stated. "I was in shock."
Mustang didn't buy it. "No, you went right to the Brigadier General, didn't you? Why else would you be at the fifth floor after the hearing?"
Alfons took a deep breath and looked away, without replying this time. By now he missed Edward so much everything hurt. He would've have handled any situation akin to this one as a piece of cake. Edward liked cake. Alfons wanted to make him one when all of this was over just to watch him eat it.
"Don't keep any secrets from me, Alfons," Mustang warned. "I already know that you told him about his Sergeant being from Thule Society, but I have a feeling there is something more to it. I'll find out sooner or later anyway. Why did you meet him directly after the hearing?"
Alfons' blue eyes hardened. "It's none of your business," he answered sharply. "I told you, he might be able to help Edward."
"It is my business. Whatever you're doing, Edward asked me to stop you and I will," Mustang notified pointedly.
Alfons snorted with a scowl. Edward had probably figured out he would do something to help him, and he had told Mustang to stop him. Just wonderful. Here he did everything he could to bring an end to all this, and Edward tried to leave him out of it. He couldn't be left out of it! Edward was the most important person to him in both of the worlds, and he could hardly stand the thought of being separated from him any longer.
"It was nothing serious," Alfons said, his voice softening. "I appreciate your concern, Colonel. But really, I'll be okay as soon as Edward is."
Mustang was silent for a while. Then he said: "I will have you transferred back to me as soon as I can."
Alfons sighed. "You can't..." He realized Mustang was right. He would find out sooner or later anyway, so there wasn't really any point hiding the facts.
"Why can't I?" Mustang asked.
"Because I signed a two year contract," Alfons replied silently. "I'm bound to be working for him for all that time. So, don't bother."
Mustang stared at him in disbelief. "Why would you do a thing like that?"
"I thought you had it figured out already, Colonel," Alfons replied in a calm voice, a trace of challenge in it. "I did it to make him save Edward from being executed."
Mustang took a deep breath and tiredly closed his eye. "So that's how it is..."
Alfons didn't back down as he faced him again. "Promise me, don't tell Edward about this."
With a short chuckle, Mustang eyed him again. "Don't tell Edward? No, I will not because you're going to tell him about this yourself."
Alfons shook his head no. "He'll be furious... He'll probably do something stupid again. He can't find out, at least not yet."
The Colonel let out a long sigh, not liking this. "Fine, that's not my problem. Do whatever you want, Alfons but you should be careful. Like I said, the Brigadier General doesn't just give out his service for free."
Alfons looked down at the carpet. "I know that. I just wanted to..."
"Help Edward," Mustang finished. "I know. What stands now is waiting to see if your effort was worth it."
Alfons wondered the same thing. "I'm off," he said in a low voice. "See you at the hearing tomorrow, sir."
"Yes, good night," Mustang replied silently, watching solemnly after him as he left.
Worth it? No matter what happened Edward would be worth it, Alfons thought earnestly. After all, what lay behind him in the past and before him in the future were only simple matters compared to what was lying within him. He wanted Edward back, no matter what cost. If it didn't succeed he'd have to come up with something else. But for now, he would rely on the matters within.