Sitting ramrod straight between the two Elric brothers I wondered if I tried hard enough if I would disappear. Edward had picked me up from the side of the road he had led me back to Alphonse who stood next to a man and women in what I deduced were military uniforms. He explained that I was a friend of theirs from Resembol and needed a little help getting around and finding a place to stay. The two officers exchanged a look and I got quite the glare from the woman, who I later learned was Lieutenant Ross. I decided the more invisible I made myself the better.
Alphonse, of course, was gracious and quickly offered to load my trunk into the back for me and continued on chatting, trying to lighten the mood. We were then piled into what I learned to be a car and headed off towards the first library.
The four went back and forth on happenings in Central, and I felt extremely out of place. Suddenly wished that I was back in Resembol sitting on the porch with Winry and Den. I groped for comfort and found Edwards hand who jumped and tensed up at the contact before slightly relaxing after realizing what had happened. While he loosely let my hand grasp his I noticed his shoulders never fell back into their previously relaxed state.
As we pulled to a stop I moved my hand away and sat still as everyone else clambered out. What was I doing here? I scowled at my helplessness, this was just plain silly. But what could I do? This city was a lot more than I had expected and I felt slightly jipped at the fact that Resembol had not prepared me for this.
Resembol, with its horse powered wagons, and friendly farming people; the small town with a small population that sheltered me in this strange world. I had not realized that Central would be so vast and so strange.
"You've got to be kidding me!" I looked out the open door to the brothers who stood in front of a decimated building. My stomach dropped as I realized that this was the library they were hoping to find information in. I listened as Ross told the story.
"The first branch burnt down just last night. Many eye witnesses peg seeing scar here last night when the fire started." The blonde bent down to pick up a smoldering book which then fell apart in his grasp. His shoulders shook and I strained to hear further.
"Our only decent lead is a pile of ashes." I shrunk back as his tone turned dark. This was not going to be a pleasant ride I decided, as they headed back to the car. I quickly down cast my gaze trying to pretend like I was not just eavesdropping.
The car shrunk under the weight of the people entering it and I chanced a glance up to Edward who only grimaced back at me. I turned my gaze back to the floor, again shrinking in on myself.
This is pathetic. I scolded myself. My mood kept falling further as I realized how desperate and needy I had become here. I was helpless. This day just kept getting worse.
We stopped at another military building and the four went inside. I kept my spot in the car and no one even mentioned the fact that I hadn't moved or said a word, so I figured it was a good idea. My presence was not needed.
Deciding on at least stretching my limbs which were becoming quite cramped in the car I got out and let out a sigh of pleasure as a few pops sounded in my shoulder and down my back, all over loosening my tense muscles.
Pacing the parking lot I thought through what my next plan of action was, only to realize I didn't have one. I scowled at the ground and kicked a loose rock, trying to ease my frustration. This was not going at all as planned.
"You ok?" I looked up surprised at the voice to find Al standing a short distance away. I cursed myself for not hearing him. How dull was I? He was a giant suit of armor! Stealth was definitely not his strong point.
"Yeah, I'm fine" I plastered on a smile which was quickly wiped off as he chuckled shaking his head.
"You're a terrible liar" I frowned at his words giving up the charade.
"That bad huh?" he nodded and I sighed, plopping down on one of ledges of the building. Al moved next to me.
"You know, it's ok to need a little help now and again." He started, zoning in right on my frustrations. "And central is a lot bigger than Resembol so I'm not surprised you're a little put out by it." This kid must be psychic. "So don't worry so much about it. You'll be on your feet in no time." I smiled up at the boy. Before I could thank him Edward burst from the doors racing to the car.
"Come on Al! Let's get going" Al hesitated before speaking.
"Brother, why don't we get a room first? We can drop our stuff off and let Hayden bunk down there. Then we can go back out." Ed seemed to mull it over.
"Well that will waste time," he began before thinking again and sighing. "But it's probably for the best. We'll drop her off then head to see Sheska." I was pushed to the car, slightly annoyed that I had not even been asked what I wanted to do, but decided that it was better than playing third wheel in the car.
The room was a small two bedroom dorm, with a ceiling fan, and table. Other than that it lay bare. I set my trunk next to the couch and plopped down quietly as Ed gave instructions.
"Alright Brosh, go get Hayden some food and then meet us at this address." He handed over a sheet of paper to the sandy haired man who quickly saluted and disappeared out the door. "Were headed off to look into our leads some more. There are phones down the hall and to the left, you should call Winry and let her know you're ok. And we'll be back later. Stay here, I don't want to have to go looking for you later ok?" I nodded mutely. Not trusting my mouth to say anything as Ed gave out instructions.
He took in my face and his eyes softened and a small smile tugged at his lips. "We'll be back later and I'll get you to the public library alright?" I smiled back at him and nodded. Feeling slightly better that some sort of plan was laid out for where I was to go from here. "Ross go start the car, I'll be down in a minute." She saluted before throwing a weary glance at me.
"I have a feeling she doesn't like me too much." I commented after the officer left, leaving me alone with the Blonde. Al had stayed at the car saying it was too much of a hassle to get in and out.
Ed merely shrugged and jotted down something before handing it to me. Looking down I saw a set of numbers in neat penmanship.
"This is Winry's number, please call her. But don't tell her about the library. She worries too much sometimes." I smiled as he spoke of our friend back home. She did worry too much.
"Thank you," he looked up in surprise "For helping me, now that I'm here I'm not sure exactly what I was planning to do" I admitted sheepishly, trying to hide the embarrassed blush that rose onto my cheeks.
"Well Al would never have let me live it down, and Winry would kill me if anything happened to you so don't worry about it." I nodded as he shrugged off handedly. His tone was turning brusque again and I decided to let him go, before it became too awkward for me.
"Well I'll see you later then." I offered which he jumped on and quickly moved towards the door.
"Ya, I was serious too, don't go wondering around ok? Central is a big town, and it would take forever to find you if you went and got yourself lost." I nodded and gave a quick good luck before the door closed, leaving me alone in the small room.