[Audio]

[hands4healing]

[Winry doesn't sound like herself, if you know her. She sounds...angry.]

My name is Winry Rockbell. I have been infected with the Flare. My healing power isn't working against it. I need to get to the quarantined area.

[There's a crashing sound. Like a wrench cracking against a piece of metal.]

If you're not immune, don't come near me.

[private to Edward Elric]

You'd better take care of Zoey for me.

Comments

[firstborncopper]

Nay. The disease is carried in the air, so if you cover your face below your eyes, you should not have to worry about spreading it while we're out. I would rather you not be bound at all, if that is possible.

[hands4healing]

[Practical. Winry can appreciate that, or could, before the Flare hit. Now she studies the scarf in her hands for a few seconds, thinking how easy it might be to be turned into a weapon. In the end, she wraps it around her face as Maedhros suggested.]

Don't let anyone do anything stupid.

[...]

Even me.

[Was that permission to Maedhros to kill her if it came to it? Maybe.]

[firstborncopper]

I will not. I am going to carry you. Are you ready?

[hands4healing]

[Winry nods, not trusting her voice. She hates leaving Zoey behind, but it's safer for her dog. She hopes its safer for Maedhros, too.]

Where are you taking me?

[firstborncopper]

[He lifts her gently but securely.]

There is a house toward the edge of town. I can seal the doors and windows so there will be no risk of you harming anyone. I will make sure you have everything you need until you are well again.

[hands4healing]

[Winry doesn't move. She's a little stiff in Maedhros's arms.]

I'm hungry.

[Not quite plaintive. More of a low growl.]

[firstborncopper]

Then I will bring you something once I seal it.

[He sings quietly as he walks. She won't understand the words, they're not in any language of this world or her own. It urges her to calm, whispers of peace and hope.]

[hands4healing]

[The singing does something to her, allowing her stiffness to melt somewhat. Winry can't remember the last time someone carried her in their arms. Perhaps her father, when she was tiny.]

Thank you for taking care of me, Maedhros.

[She's still hungry. The rage is still within her, only vaguely contained. And she looks terrible.]

[firstborncopper]

[He smiles down at her.]

It is only what you did for me last month.

[hands4healing]

[Last month. She was still hopeful.]

The traps are still set up. Should get Ed to take them down with Mr. Kimblee in jail.

[Kimblee. Rage surges in her at the reminder he'd hurt Ed. Again.]

[firstborncopper]

Then I will take the same way I came in.

[He simply hums until they reach the sidewalk.]

Kimblee, he is the one who set those bombs, right?

[hands4healing]

[She growls.]

He's in jail now. I told him I was coming for him.

[Winry squirms in Maedhros's arms, but more for affect than actually attempting to get away.]

[firstborncopper]

Well, I think that will have to wait until you are well again. Then, perhaps, we will go together.

[hands4healing]

[That startles her and Winry rolls her head to look up at him.]

He's hurt Ed three times now. I told him I'd...

[That her friends, that Ed's friends would take notice, and come after him.]

[firstborncopper]

[A hard look crosses his face when she mentions that Kimblee came after Ed repeatedly.]

No wonder he set those traps. But Kimblee is in prison now and will not trouble any soon. Best not to risk any prison guards without need, I think.

[hands4healing]

[A chuffing laugh.]

Ed set the traps to keep me safe. Mr. Kimblee...he likes me or something. I don't understand why. He comes to me...

[firstborncopper]

It sounds as though he has a strange way of showing that.

[He shakes his head.]

The man cannot bother you now.

[hands4healing]

He does his best work by threats.

[That isn't admiration, just a statement of facts.]

[firstborncopper]

Aiya, one of those people. They are most troublesome. But I think maybe we should find something better to occupy your mind.

[hands4healing]

[Yes, people who've hurt Ed probably aren't what she needs to be thinking about at the moment.]

Riza said she'd take care of Zoey. I'm glad she's going to have someone to look after her.

[firstborncopper]

That is good. Perhaps she will send you pictures or video of your dog.

[hands4healing]

Maybe.

[Winry isn't sure how long she's supposed to remain coherent.]