An hour passed before the strong boy lost the ability to go on: thirty minutes ago he'd lost the strength to fight back; twenty minutes ago he'd lost his voice from screaming; fifteen minutes ago he'd lost the light in keeping his eyes shut tight out of fear; five minutes ago he'd lost hope for someone to save him. Now, as he groaned in resignation, he thought he'd find some peace in unconsciousness before he died. He remembered his terrifying experience with Barry the Chopper and contemplated how much worse it was to endure this for so long at the hands of his own little brother. 'At least he wasn't in his real body when he finally punished me, that'd be too much.' Ed took what he thought was his final wheezing breath before the next punch, what the mangled boy thought would be the last hit he'd ever have to take, but it never came. After a moment he cracked open one eye, then the other. His captor stepped back then turned and left, leaving the doors open. Edward hesitated before allowing himself a sigh of relief and exhaustion. It was over. He was alive, only just. Clenching his teeth (and flinching due to his broken jaw) the Fullmetal Alchemist gradually got up on his knees. It would hurt like Hell, but he had to get some help. He knew his limits and he could make it with enough effort, but if he rested now, he'd never make it out of here. Without his useless arm Ed stumbled to his feet. He swayed dangerously but focused that motion forward and hobbled to the exit. Careening to the stairs, he knew it would be pure will power that would get him there. Finding a steady rhythm to his steps and breaths, Edward made it to the barracks hall, the journey getting there a blur of pain. He shuffled to the nearest door but collapsed on the way only to further jar his wounds. "H-help," he hoarsely cried before he heard human footsteps and smiled softly.
"Ed, what are you- what the hell?" Colonel Roy Mustang ran up to the boy.
"Mmm… Mustang? Just a scratch, the usual-" The blonde tried to joke but coughed on blood.
"Tell me who did this."
"I can't. Roy, I can't feel my… my arm." He turned to look at the juncture where his absent automail limb belonged. "... Oh."
The Colonel looked him up and down worriedly. "I'm on patrol alone, everyone else is asleep. The infirmary isn't far. Can you walk?"
"Do I have to?" The boy practically whined. Roy almost scolded him before he saw the bloodied soldier jerk and clench his eyes shut, obviously in a lot of pain.
"Ed, stay with me, okay? I'll get help."
The blonde growled, still riding out the wave of agony, reaching out and grabbing his sleeve as well as he could with crushed fingers. "N-no, please don't leave me," Ed blurted quickly and looked up in panic. He knew he was weak and powerless.
After a pause the Colonel nodded. "Get up."
With a faint determined nod he used his legs to gain enough leverage to stand. Falling to his knees immediately made the small alchemist cry out pitifully. "Pff, I can, I can do… it." Ed struggled to say. He rose to his feet again, managing to step back before his companion could attempt to assist him. "D-don't touch me."
Roy raised his hands in surrender. "You can't make it alone."
Edward rolled his eyes. "I made it this far, and all you could do is make it worse."
"Hey, I'm trying to help you, unless this is one of your stunts for attention. You still haven't told me what happened. Do you want my help or not?"
"I'm sorry, I'm… tryin' not to… pass out…" He fell into his commander and the man instantly wrapped his arms around him. The boy loosely gripped the dark blue uniform, welcoming the embrace that felt so protective and warm. Roy looked down at the shivering child and, without a second thought, carried him to the infirmary.