Title: Soldier Dog

Warning: Character death

Note: Al has his body back.

-X-

2 weeks ago.

"Quit jerking me around, Mustang," Edward growled as he leaned over the General's desk.

"Not until you learn your place, Fullmetal," Roy stood and leaned forward. "You are a dog. Same as the rest of us. When you're told to jump, you do not hesitate, you do not ask how high; you just fucking jump."

"Dam-"

"Do not interrupt me!" Roy's voice thundered through the office. "And when the Fuhrer takes off your leash and points your nose in the direction of the enemy, you do not bark or whine; you attack without pause. Am I clear, Major Elric?"

"Yes, General," Ed's voice was a harsh whisper. "Perfectly clear."

"Fantastic. Now, carry on."

Edward saluted and turned on his heel.

1 week ago.

"Sir," Hawkeye stormed into Mustang's tent with a quick salute, "I couldn't stop him."

Before Mustang could ask what she was talking about, Alphonse ran in behind her, three MPs hanging off various limbs.

"Where is he?" Al demanded, finally getting free of the worthless guards. "Where's my brother, Mustang?"

Mustang closed his eyes and slowly turned back to the maps he had been studying.

"Don't you dare fucking ignore me," Al snarled as he grabbed the General by the lapels of his uniform. "I don't care about rank, General; I'm not one of your dogs."

"The Fullmetal Alchemist and his squad were sent into the northeastern region this morning," Mustang growled back as he pushed the boy away from him. "They're not expected back until tonight."

"General!" it was Havoc who came running in next. "It's Fullmetal, sir, he's back."

"Ed!" Al began to rush out but was stopped by Havoc. "What the big idea?"

"Al," Havoc hesitated, "I don't-"

"What happened?" Al suddenly felt the electric shivering chills climb up and down his spine as his heart settled in his stomach.

Today.

It was raining. Of course it was raining.

A shriek from one of the large black stallions as the other pawed the ground and chomped at his bit.

With the crack of the whip and a flash of lightning, the funeral procession started and an entire country wept.

-X-