The story is set before the Promised Day.

Look, this story will be rated M. There isn't much of anything in this chapter, but there will be. Thank you.

Written from Edward's point of view.

-x-

Groaning, I felt my automail leg give out. I could feel each bolt and screw unhinging themselves from the metal before the whole leg broke into mere pieces. Falling to the ground, I let out a slight scream as my nerves were ripped from the automail.

Having both my automail ripped off from my body had not only caused excruciating pain, but it made me getting to the Rockbell house even more difficult. I stopped moving for a second as the blood continued flowing from my body – I had deep gashes all over my body.

The rain came hard onto my back, and I could feel every cold drop on my body. I knew nobody could see me; the rain hid everything in a cloak of darkness. I had to do by this myself.

"Goddammit," I whispered to myself, resting my head on the ground. The contact with the cold, muddy ground sent slight relief through my body, but I couldn't give up now. I started dragging myself forward with my one arm. After all, the Rockbell house wasn't that far away; the falling rain just made it hard to see.

There had been a battle.

That bastard Mustang had decided to send each of us to a mission. I don't think it could even be called a mission. Al and I were to make sure of the defence and military tactics of two small towns. We had gone our separate ways for protection. I knew he was safe, though – the town he had been sent to had not been attacked. Only mine had been. Much to my distaste, the town had been dangerously near to Risembool, but at least I could make my way there now.

All the soldiers had died. Right before killing our attackers, my arm had been torn off and broken into pieces. My leg had been severed badly. Then and there, I knew it wouldn't hold on for too long. Instead of worrying about the pain the disconnection of nerves of my arm had caused, my mind had immediately thought of the blonde girl who was going to be hurt and disappointed, not to mention angry.

I grunted, but I knew the Rockbell house was close. There was the large rock we used to climb as kids. There was the abandoned field that was ideal for tag. And in front of me there was a road that split in two – one route leading to the Rockbell house, the other to the former Elric house.

I drew in a deep breath, and clutched a mound of dirt before me. I pulled with the little strength I had left, managing to drag myself slightly forward. Slowly, I continued doing so, and after what felt like eternity, the Rockbell house was in sight. I could see the light of that one window to the room the Rockbell women held their automail shop – it was always open, the light was always on.

"Winry," I whispered to myself.

I knew my left palm was now cut open because of the rocks and dirt I had been dragging myself forwards with. However, I kept going. Reach forward, grab, pull forward. Again. And again. And, yes, again. Again until I was right at the Rockbell porch.

I could feel how my head hurt, and how dizzy I was. My blood loss hadn't stopped, but I wasn't losing as much blood as I was before. I was within moments of passing out, but I couldn't allow myself to do so. I was too close now. I used the last of the strength in my arms, pulling my body up the five stairs. The door was right in front of me.

God, please let one of them hear me.

I made a fist with my hand, and pounded on the door as hard as I could. I could hear no answer. I looked up at the small string that hung beside the knob. It was the string that was connected to the small bell, which was to be ringed only in emergencies. This was how the Rockbell women could wake up to work in their shop.

I tried to grab for the thin piece of string, but I couldn't reach it. I rested my head against the door while I scrambled to stand with my one leg. Slowly, while pushing my weight against the door, I managed to stand whilst being supported by the door. I grabbed the string, satisfied by the loud ringing. I winced when it started; it didn't do anything to help my headache.

I heard faint footsteps behind the door.

Thank God, I thought as I let myself collapse onto the porch and fall into the darkness.

-x-

For those who are wondering – I started this story before Crippled, and forgot about it. So no, I didn't just start two stories with an Elric just going to the Rockbell house injured. It was just a coincidence.

I am still continuing Crippled.

Review, please.