To get things straight, this is an AU of the original plot. Things still happen like in brotherhood, (Born in Resembool, everyone exists, The Promised Day, etc.) t's just a rewrite, kinda. Things are slow to begin with, I know, but it's just to set the scene. So there will be spoilers, and a lot of swearing in most chapters, but nothing too explicit. Oh, and there are no OC's, hooray.

Can You Live Without Money?

"The times are cold". Yeah so I've heard. Never mind the corrupt oppressive military, I'd like to see a shelter where I don't have to fear my throat getting cut in the middle of the night. Or at least an empty warehouse to sleep in, that isn't already being used for a drug dealing organization, and wont use me as an unknowing drug mule.

Not that I fear anything, by the way.

Still, I'd like to see a guy make his way out of this dump, somewhere high, where we can't reach. Become a businessman, wear them smart suits like he knows what the fuck's going on in the world. I'd like to see a girl make her way out of a debt, get off the streets and get a job where she don't need to rely on her body to get a month's pay. Become a politician, drive those shiny cars like she can really make a difference in this god forsaken shit-hole.

But that just don't happen. If you're homeless, then you're the scum of the earth. They don't care what skills you got, what intelligence you have. To them, you aint nothing.

So who can blame a guy for just going with it, he don't know nothin' else. He's been brought up on the streets, livin' like the animal he is. If he's quick, he's a pick-pocket. If he's cute, he's a beggar, or a whore. If he weak, he's a gang lackey. And if he's tough, he's a gang leader.

So, I bet you're wondering. What am I? Well me, I'm that type that don't belong in this hell. I'm intelligent, and I'm the type that slips through the holes, makes his way past the self pity and destruction, and I do something with what I was born with. I wouldn't know what to name it. The military call us 'thieves', but we go beyond that. And besides, the military call State Alchemists a service to the people, so what the fuck do they know?

Nah, we don't just steal. We take what you're good at, and we put it to use. We don't care who you are, what you've done, your age, your gender, your race, or your family. If you're in the slums, then you aint nothing, anyway. Why sort through shit and pretend like you're something better?

Of course, it all comes down to one thing, I suppose I'm even proving that walking into this bar. I put everyone to good use, but it all comes down to one thing. You can't get anywhere without it, and always end up here if you lose it. As I'm handing over these stolen jewels, and avoiding eye contact with the bartender, I'm knowing it all along. People kill, and people die, all for one thing. The thing I'm walking out of this place with in my pocket.

I'm Ed, by the way. But I pretend like I'm not, so don't freakin' say anything. Ed must have died a while ago, along with anyone who dares call me it. Whatever I was, in the slums I'm somethin' else. It strips you of you, and you live the way you have to, to survive.

I aint all bad, though. But when life hands you lemons, you give 'em back, and demand something better.

Family? You gotta be kiddin'. If they haven't died or left, then they don't exist. Besides, family don't mean nothin' either. I've seen some crazy shit, like this mother, abandoning her kid on the road, just for some food and a warm place to sleep. 'Cause some people think that's real funny, and when nobody aint looking, I show them what's funny, and they never laugh again.

Yeah, times are cold in these parts of Central. And you can't get nowhere, without money.

Tell me what you think, and if there are any mistakes that shouldn't actually be there. Review!