Author's note: I obviously don't own any of this wonderful world. I do, however own anyone I have personally created. That's the beauty of imagination, isn't it? Questions and comments are welcome. Please enjoy.
The grandfather clock at the end of the hall began to chime and Alphonse Elric looked up from his book, startled. He'd gotten immersed in the fantastical story and had lost track of time. Glancing up at the clock on the wall of the room he shared with his brother, Edward, Al jumped to his feet.
"Four hours? I've been reading for four hours? Brother's going to be…"
He stopped, suddenly remembering the events that had transpired that morning.
"Al, I feel like pancakes."
Al stirred from his silent reverie and looked up at Ed, standing over him, dressed, hands on his hips. If he had been able to smile, he would have. "You don't look like pancakes, Brother."
Ed chuckled. "You know what I mean. C'mon, I'm gong out for breakfast this morning."
Standing, Al thought longingly about the book Ed had bought for him the day before. Ed saw his brother's hesitation and smiled.
"Go ahead, Al, I'll tackle the pancakes on my own,"
"Thanks, Brother." Al picked up his book and immediately flipped to the first page. Ed turned and grabbed his red coat before opening the door. Al looked up and called after him, "Come back here before you head to work!"
Ed's voice floated back from down the hall, "Don't worry, Al, I will."
All looked around the room. "Brother didn't come back." A twinge of worry tickled the back of his mind, but he brushed it away, picking up the phone.
"Lt. Hawkeye speaking."
"Lieutenant, may I speak to Edward?"
"I haven't seen Ed yet today. I don't think he's here, actually."
That twinge of worry turned into a tug. "Are you sure?"
Hawkeye's voice took on a reassuring tone. "I'm sure he's fine, Al. If anyone's seen him, the Colonel has. I'll let you talk to him."
"Thank you."
There was a short pause.
"Colonel Roy Mustang."
"Colonel, have you seen my brother?"
"Not today I haven't. I don't think he's come in yet." Mustang became very serious. "Why, is there a problem?"
"It's just…he promised to come back after pancakes and he's been gone for four hours." As Al let the fact slide out, the worry began to take on the ugly shape of panic.
"Pancakes?"
"Colonel…"
"I don't know what to tell you, Al. You know how Full Metal is. He probably decided to get a head start on that assignment I gave him yesterday and he neglected to let anyone know."
"That would be just like him." Panic sat quietly for a moment. "Wait, what assignment? Brother didn't tell me about a new assignment."
"Investigating rumors of human transmutation experimentation. Look, Alphonse, I'll send word to the guards to be on the lookout for Full Metal. If he's not heard from by sundown, I'll start a search."
Panic shrank back to worry, but began to pace the back of Al's mind. "Thanks, Colonel."
Al sighed as he hung up the phone and looked up at the clock again. Four hours and fifteen minutes. 'I could look for Brother myself,' the boy thought. 'But what if they hear from him and try to call me? The Colonel is probably right. Brother probably just forgot to come back and tell me where he was going.' Al picked up his book in an attempt to distract himself. "Brother, why are you always doing this to me?'
She could feel his hot breath on her cheek as he spoke. "My sources tell me they're sending the great Full Metal Alchemist to investigate us, my sweet, isn't that grand? Now I don't have to go through the trouble of capturing him." He laughed. "How thoughtful of that mighty military of ours. How could they have known how much I've always loved his eyes?" Running a rough finger down her bare arm, he kissed her cheek. "Don't worry, my sweet, we will be finished soon, I promise."