Heart of a SIN - FMA Envy Fanfic [Edited]

18 - Broken Façade

Arisa pov:

I stood on East City's train station platform with my bag on the ground next to me. I had been helped with my luggage by an attendant thanks to having a first class ticket but there was no one to help me carry it now. My posture was hunched slightly and a hand was on my aching stomach as I watched the people in the station busy with their bustling. A moment later, I glanced at my bag with a deep frown.

"Ugh, this is so embarrassing. I can't even carry my luggage that's barely five kilograms. How am I supposed to get to the headquarters like this?" I muttered to myself.

Envy had left just a few minutes before the train had reached the station. I could have asked him to transform into a civilian and help me but I figured that it might stir suspicion, all the more because I was in a first class compartment. It was specially booked by the Colonel and he had checked the details of every single passenger in the train so that there would be no trouble for me on the way. If some unknown person turned up to help me, I'm sure the military would get suspicious.

The journey was rather restful, with me sleeping on Envy's lap. It was comfortable and I would have still been sleeping if Envy hadn't woken me up when we reached the East City station. I felt better than what I had been when I left Dublith but it still wasn't enough to get be back to the headquarters, let alone my room.

"Why couldn't Greed have bruised my arm or shoulder instead of my gut? I could have at least walked then," I muttered to myself.

"Miss Arisa," I heard a familiar voice only to spot Lt. Archer standing a few feet from me.

"Lt. Archer?" I mused and he smiled calmly in return.

"Actually, its lieutenant colonel now," he corrected and I acknowledged his words with a slow nod.

"Oh, um, congratulations. But what are you doing here in East City? Did you get transferred?"

His smile turned to one of amuse at my question. He picked up my bag and put it over his shoulder before answering my question. "I came here on an errand. I volunteered to escort you back to the headquarters because I was free, and because General Hakuro wanted me to check up on you and see if you've been able to get your memories back."

It took quite some strength to not openly react to his last sentence. That general was pretty interested in finding out about my lost memories. Suppressing a sigh, I merely smiled at Lt. Col. Archer.

"I see. Well, thank you for volunteering to help me out. On that not, I hope you have a car – I can barely walk because of what the homunculus did to me."

"I am aware of that. I have arranged a car. Shall we head out then?" he answered with a chuckle, seeming only further amused. It made me want to punch him in the face.

I didn't punch him in the face though and maintained my smile and nodded. At that he turned and walked towards the entrance of the train station. He walked slowly though, being considerate of my painful limping. He helped me into the back seat of the car and got in on the other side. The soldier in the driver's seat started the engine and accelerated on Lt. Col. Archer's command.

"Col. Mustang asked me to take you to the doctor before going to your apartment, and that you can meet with him when you feel better enough. But how do you feel?"

With a shrug, I answered, "I've been better. I think going to a doctor is a good idea considering how bad my bruise is."

He hummed with a nod then added, "General Haruko wants you to submit a copy of your report on the homunculus to him too. As such, I will be staying here in East City for the next two days until you're done writing your report. He also wants to know if you remember anything about your past."