This is my first FMA fanfic so don't be surprised if it sucks anyway. I'm mor of an artist than a writer. So enjoy my attempt at a fanfic.

Ps. I don't own Full Metal Alchemist or any of the characters from it. But I do own Eliza, and the other added characters.

Okay so I went through what I've written so far and figured it could use some touching up. I've re-posted the chapters with a few changes. But not too many. It's still the same story though.

Anyway, on with the story

A new flame to worry about

"Well brother, what do you think?"

"It's way too risky. Going by an untested theory isn't the best way to go. So let's see what we can dig up back at the library."

"Good idea. At least then we might have some better options."

Returning to Central once again, after another long detour in finding the Philosopher's Stone. The Elric brothers debate over the next step on their journey. Just outside of HQ, a large crowd gathered in the street, caught their attention, and out of curiousity, they went to see what the fuss was about. The sudden burst of flames startled them, and lot's of shouting followed.

"Geeze what happened? The Colonel decide to show off to the puplic now, or what?"

"It's not the Colonel Ed, look."

"Huh?"

When the smoke cleared, everyone stood staring in disbelief. A young girl with silvery blue hair, who looked about the age of thirteen, stood with her hands on her hips, and an unimpressed look on her face. Three men were lying on the ground in front of her, twitching from the burns they had received.

"Hah! That otta teach you guys not to try and steal from me! Or haven't I made my point clear enough for you?"

"No, no! Leave us alone!", one of the men yelled, "Stay away from us you crazy little witch!

"HEY! I'm not a witch! And who are you calling little!", she began to raise her hands, pointing them at the three men.

All three of them scrambled to their feet, and took off running. The girl stared after them grinning, then she picked up her belongings, and turned to walk away. The crowd had parted, leaving Ed and Al to ponder over the whole event.

"Brother, she used alchemy for that, didn't she? But I didn't see a transmutation circle."

"Yeah. Makes me curious."

Ed stood with his arms folded, thinking to himself about what they had just seen. Of course, it was no surprise to see other alchemists around. The odd thing was to have no circles. Few people were capable of it, and it made chill's run down Ed's back just to think of it.

"Brother, we should really be getting back. The Colonel's expecting our report."

"Huh? Oh right, come on Al."

The two headed out. While waiting, Edward was dreading every moment to come. He would have to listen to the Colonel's constant sarcasm, and complaining. Cracking short jokes at every chance he got. Something that got rather annoying , very quickly. Even though Ed had grown, he was still considered under average height for his age. Al sat quietly waiting for his brother to finish his report. As usual, Ed sat impatiently, waiting for the Colonel's response.

"(sigh) Fullmetal, what am I going to do with you?"

"What do you mean by that?", Ed was looking annoyed already.

"It doesn't seem to matter where you go, you always cause a fuss. Not to mention the destruction."

"Hey! I was only following the information we had to go on! And it turned out to be another wild goose chase anyway!"

"There's no need to get defensive. Just next time try to cause a little less damage."

Ed only huffed at the Colonel' words. He stood up ready to leave. Mustang was silent, but just as Ed was turning to walk away, he spoke.

"Some words of advice Fullmetal. There's been recent reports of another serial killer on the loose. They not only target state alchemists, but civilians as well.", Edward turned to face him, "I suggest you lay low for a while, untill we can clear this up."

"And if I decide not to?"

"I can still have you court martialed you know. I suggest you take my advice for now.", a smirk came across his face.

"Why you! mmm... fine."

Ed left the Colonel's office, plotting in his head on how to get back at Mustang. He met up with Al, and the two headed off for some well deserved rest.

----Meanwhile----

"Zander You Jerk! What did you do her!"

"Nothing!"

"You Liar! Zowy's got bruises all over her! What the heck did you do!"

"Big sister, it's not his fault. I was playing and fell down a hill. Please don't yell at him.", she said looking up at the older girl.

Ruffling her blue bangs, Sarah gave a deep sigh. She had just got back from shopping, only to find her little sister beat up. Her brother Zander had been looking after her while she was gone, so naturally she jumped to conclusions. Thing's had been tough the past few years for the three siblings. With their parent's travelling from place to place, Sarah was in charge as the eldest.

"I thought you were supposed to watch her Zander?", she raised an eyebrow towards him.

"I was. I warned her about the hill, but she tripped. It was just an accident."

"Right. What would happen if mom saw her like that huh? She'd probably kill me."

"I'd explain it all to her. You know that." , he looked at his sister, hoping she would just calm down.

Sarah only shook her head. Their family wasn't exactly a close knit one. With their parents constantly gone, she was left to pick up the peices. This was her reason for taking up alchemy. To protect her family. Ever since she could rememeber, Sarah had been the one to defend them. At a young age, she began to study alchemy, and chose to deal with the element of fire. She carried the things she had bought into the house, setting them on the kitchen table. She then turned to her younger sister and smiled.

"Come on Zowy. Let's get you cleaned up."

"Okay.", the little girl smiled back, running after her to the bathroom.

Zander watched them. He couldn't help feeling guilty about his little sister. It wasn't his fault, but he still beat himself mentally for it. Shaking himself out of his thoughts, The young teen went to his own room, where he sat for a long while.

--Back at Central HQ--

Alphonse was waiting patiently for his brother to return. His thoughts trailed off on different things. Like how their mission had been a dead end once again, and remembering of all the other times before. "Poor Ed. I wonder how much longer we'll have to keep serching?". His thought's were interrupted by the door suddenly flying open, to reveil a rather annoyed Edward. Flopping himself down on the bed across from Al, he let out a sigh and fell backwards on to the blankets, and explained to Al their situation.

"I really don't know how much longer I can take this.", Ed spoke while starring at the ceiling, "The Colonel still thinks we're just a couple of kids."

"Well, at least we can take a bit of a break now. And besides, it wasn't all bad. We ended up helping a few people along the way."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

"Brother?"

"Yeah?"

"What about that girl we saw today?"

"The one that didn't use a transmutation cirlce?"

"Yeah."

"What about her?"

"What if we tried asking her? Maybe she knows something."

"(sigh), We can't just go asking every alchemist who seems a little different Al. Not all of them are interested in the stone."

"Yeah, but still. It couldn't hurt to ask."

"I suppose.", he stretched, and a yawn escaped from his mouth, "Well I'm beat. See ya in the morning Al."

Ed swung his feet onto the bed and rolled over on his side. It wasn't long before he was fast asleep. Al watched his brother, and wondered what their next move would be. He knew very well that Ed couldn't sit still for long.

--Somewhere on the outskirts of the city--

The city streets were bustling with the usual night life, as a hooded figure stood silent under a lamp post. The only thoughts on her mind, correcting a mistake before its too late. Walking slowly in the direction of Central HQ, hoping to find the information she was looking for.

"Damn. Where are you Allan?", she looked towards the sky, as the dim light from the city, faded the view of the stars.

As she continued towards the military structure, clouds slowly rolled in over the city, and the slight roar of thunder could be heard. The young girl kept walking, tilting her head downwards as the rain began to fall. The few poeple around her scurried off to find shelter. She simply kept walking, as a small grin came across her face.

"Guess I better find a place to stay. It figures.", she spoke softly to herself, as she headed off into the dark haze.

--The next morning--

"Ed! Come on get up!", the giant suit of armor was shaking a still sleeping Edward, to wake him.

Ed only shoved him away and continued to sleep. Al was getting a bit frustated. Lieutenant Hawkeye had told him the Colonel was looking for them. Which was reason enough for Ed to get up. Even if he hated it.

"Brother pease. The Colonel wants to talk to us about something.", trying once more to shake Ed out of slumber.

The only response Ed gave, was a moan, and turned over on his side. Al sighed, scratching his head, trying to think of another way to wake his brother up. As Al was about ready to yell at the sleeping lump in front of him, he heard a faint purring sound. Looking down at his brother, Al saw the furry cause of the noise. Curled up right next to Edward's head, was an orange kitten with brown stripes. Al panicked. Ed hadn't seen the cat yet, and most likely he wouldn't be too happy about it.

"Meow."

"Shhh! Get down from there little guy, you'll wake brother."

Al tried to shoo the cat away from Edward, but to no avail. The little orange furball was content in staying where it was, and kept purring. Becoming slightly nervous Al bent down to pick up the kitten as gently as possible, until it stretched then rubbed itself against the back of Ed's head, frizzing his hair slightly. Al gasped and reached for the kitten, but it was too late. From what sounds to be a soft rumbling of some sort, and the soft caressing that came from Ed's neck as weariness finally left him, Ed finally opened his eyes. Turning over just a bit, Ed came face to face with the cute little orange furball that woke him.

"Meow.", the cat seemed almost happy that he was awake.

"Al, why is there a cat beside my head?", a slightly annoyed tone was detected, as he glared at his younger brother.

"Well you see... I found him by the entrace last night, and it was raining. Brother, I couldn't leave him out there.", Al pleaded.

Ed sat up, and the kitten crawled onto his lap. Nuzzling agains't him, the cat let out another faint "meow", as if telling Ed to let him stay. Edward sighed, and scratched behind the cat's ear. The little orage ball of fluff purred loudly, enjoying the attention.

"We can't keep him Al. Pet's aren't allowed in the dorms, remember?", he said, while still scratching behind the kitten's ear, "And besides, how would we take care of him? We don't have the time."

"But brother, he doesn't have a home."

"Al..."

"Can't we at least keep him until we find him a place to live?", Al begged.

"(sigh), All right, you win. But only untill we find him a good home.", Ed replied, as he stood up with the kitten in his arms.

"Thanks brother.", Al was smiling, unseen because of the armour.

Ed handed the cat to his brother and yawned. He stretched, and walked over to the chair where he had thrown his coat earlier the night before. Then he turned again to face his brother.

"So Al, what was it you were saying? About the Colonel wanting to see us?"

"So you did hear me. You could have said something!", Al scolded.

"Yeah well," ,Ed laughed, "I didn't really wanna get up. So what does he want now?"

"I'm not really sure. Lieutenant Hawkeye said to see him in his office as soon as possible."

"Hmm. Well I guess standing around isn't going to tell us. Let's get moving Al."

Ed headed out the door, throwing his coat on as he walked. Al put out a box for the kitten, setting the furry, little, orange ball inside. He followed his brother out the door, shutting it behind him as he waved to the cat.

Just outside Roy's office, the boys waited. Ed tapped his fingers impatiently on the arm of his chair, while Al sat quietly.

"Dammit. He said as soon as possible, and here we are waiting once again! He's got a lot of nerve jerkin us around like that!"

"I'm sure the Colonel has his reasons. Just be patient brother.", Al replied calmly, to his brother's annoyed statement.

"Right. All of them I'm sure are selfish and conceted ones.", snapped Ed.

Alphonse was about to protest to his brother's words, when Lieutenant Hawkeye stepped out of Roy's office. She turned to face the brother's, her face stern as always.

"Edward, Alphonse. The colonel will speak with you now.", she said.

"Great, it about time.", came the sarcastic response from Ed.

The boys followed her inside and took a seat. Hawkeye proceeded to stand next to the colonel's desk, where Roy Mustang sat. The same smug grin on his face, and fingers folded under his chin. Looking up to see Edwards unamused expression, Mustang stood up from his desk.

"Well Fullmetal. Glad to see you decided to join us on time this morning."

"Right, whatever. What's the summons for this time?", Ed snapped.

"It's about the mysterious serial killer. There's been several persons spotted in the vicinity that are believed to be suspects in the case."

"And?", Ed tapped his foot impatiently.

"I want you and Al to get as much information on them as possible, and report back to me when finished."

"You sure it's not just Scar stirring up more trouble colonel?", Ed replied.

"No. Scar's still with the Ishballens. We would have identified him much sooner if it were him."

Ed looked at his brother. Al didn't say anything.

"(sigh), So in other words, you want us to stop our search, and stick our noses in somthing thats probably not worth our time. Am I right?", Edward glared at Mustang.

"It's hardly not worth the time. This has become quite a serious matter. I'm not asking you to hunt them down. I only want you to gather info on them.", Roy stepped out from behind his desk.

With that said, the boys got up, and started towards the door. But before they could leave, Roy added another peice of advice.

"Just watch your back out there Fullmetal. You're in danger as well as the civilian alchemists out there."

"We'll be fine colonel. Ed and I will watch eachother's backs.", Al answered for both of them.

Without another word, the two were gone. Roy stood starring out his window, with Riza bside him. She glanced at him for a moment before she spoke.

"Do you think it was a wise decision to send them sir?

"If anyone can did up the information, it's those two. I wouldn't worry too much about them Lieutenant."