An Alchemist's Envy

Chapter 10: Truth Within the Truth

I kept my eyes closed as I latched the necklace around my neck. It sat on my chest, just above the neckline of my shirt. Even though the attack had passed, my head was still pounding, so I sat on the bench a little longer.

I held my bag in my lap as I slouched on the bench. I probably looked really weird, but I didn't care. That bitch from the train was still irritating me. I swear, the next time I see her...

"Extra, extra! Read all about it!"

A small boy's scream had my eyes open and staring, curious about what I should 'read all about'.

"Famous Elric brothers hospitalized after attacked by State Alchemist killer! Only known survivors! Killer still on the lose!"

"What?!" I squeaked, throwing my bag strap over my chest and bolted for the hospital. The boys voice echoed behind me as I ran faster.

'Someone is killing alchemists?! And attacked the boys?! Oh god... Please no...!'

I nearly tripped as I flung the front door to the hospital open. I ran to the reception desk completely out of breath.

"Where... Are... The Elric brothers?!"

"Are you family or friend?" The nurse asked.

"Does that really matter?! Are they okay?!"

"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to calm down," I held my tongue and waited for her to continue, "They were just released into the custody of Colonel Mustang. I believe they went back to the East Headquarters--"

"Thank you!" I called, running off again out the doors.

'If they were released already, hopefully they're alright...'

I made my way up to Roy's office, with an escort, and was greeted by second lieutenant Havoc. He was standing right outside the door to the office.

"Yo, Lindsey! Haven't seen you in awhile. Ed told us you took the wrong trai--"

"Are they okay?!" I yelled as the escort left is in the hallway.

"Easy, they're fine. A little bruised, but they'll live." He pointed his thumb to the door, "You can go on in."

I nodded and opened the door, fearing the worst...

"Hello?" I called gently.

"Lindsey! Nice to see you again." Roy called from his desk.

My eyes scanned the room and found the brothers.

Edward was sitting ontop of a desk, wearing a blanket over his shoulders. Alphonse was on the floor, a sheet tied around the whole right side of his body.

Right arm and leg.

Gone.

"Lindsey," Edward called, "Glad you made it back."

The blanket on his shoulders shifted when he turned to look at me. It fell slightly on the right.

All that talk about putting away my emotions from before?

Yep, out the window.

"Y-your arm..." I stuttered, shifting my gaze over to Alphonse, "And your b-body... I heard that you were attacked..."

"Well, ya see..." Alphonse spoke softly, looking up at his older brother.

"They were attacked by a man named Scar." Roy spoke up, "He's killed a total of ten alchemists. He's also one of the last surviving Ishvalans..." He set his elbows on the desk and folded his hands infront of his face.