A/N: This is my first fanfiction, so the quality is pretty bad. I'm sure I'll get better. If you guys like it, or have some criticism, leave a review. This story starts off at the beginning of FMA, but instead of staying behind on Resembool, Ed joins the military.
Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.
Chapter One: Military Leave
It was late afternoon when a car pulled up to the automail shop in the small town of Resembool. Out of the driver side stepped a taller women, with blonde hair done up in a bun of sorts. She walked to the back door on the passenger side and opened the door. A man with raven black hair stepped out, eyeing the sign in front of the shop. It read 'Rockbell Automail'. The man and woman wore blue uniforms, signifying that they were part of the Amestris military. They walked up to the door, and the man let himself in.
"Well, that explains a few things.
A human transmutation.
I've never seen such a furious reaction before.
Pardon me." As the man said that, three of the four people in the main room look at him with shocked faces.
"A State Alchemist?" This came from what seemed to be a suit of armor with the voice of a small boy.
"What are you doing here? I have no time to entertain dogs. Can't you see these boys are hurt?" This came from a quite old lady, who stood what seemed a quarter of the man's height.
"Take it easy, ma'am. I caught wind of a disturbance in the house next door, and decided to check it out. I'm almost glad that I did, now. Are these the boys who attempted human transmutation?" The man asked looking at the suit of armor and a small boy sitting in a wheelchair in front of him. At the last two words, the armor flinched. The boy in the wheelchair kept his head down, eyes pointed at his knees.
"Get out of my house you military dog! They have suffered their punishment already." The little old lady seemed furious, and showed clear hatred of the military.
"I am aware of that fact ma'am. Though I have questions for the boys nonetheless. I would appreciate some cooperation." The raven haired man wow a serious face.
"I will answer his questions Pinako." The armor jumped as the child in front of him spoke in a quiet voice.
"Edward, you really don't need to," the old lady replied.
"Yes I do," the boy looked up suddenly, his eyes a brilliant good color. I flame burned in those eyes, the flame of determination. After a silent moment, the old lady named Pinako brought Edward and the military man into the kitchen. She gave the man a nasty look before leaving.
"My name is Colonel Roy Mustang. I am a State Alchemist for the Amestris military. How old are you?"
"I'm 12," the boy said, still quiet. The Colonel started in amazement. The boy seemed young at first sight, but that young was unexpected.
"To be so young and to be able to attend human transmutation, it's unheard of. That shows that you have talent. I'll get to my point. I wanted to offer you a place in the military," Mustang said in an even voice.
"And why would I do that, Colonel?" The boys voice was still quiet, but held a snarky tone.
"Well, for starters, I could keep you from being arrested for doing human transmutation. Secondly, we have an abundance of resources at our disposal. As part of the military, you would have those resources at your fingers," the Colonel watched Edward, waiting for a response. After a moment, the boy spoke.
"If a say no, you'll arrest me. But if a say yes, you'll take me away from my family." Edward looked up into Mustang's eyes, clearly angered.
"If you say no, I'll leave here today and tell no one what you did. But I can't guarantee that the military won't snoop around a bit. And if you say yes, then you will go with us. Your brother would have to stay here, unfortunately, but he'd be safe from the prying eyes of the military," the Colonel's voice was still even, showing no signs of anger or even pity towards the child.
"When do you leave?" Edward looked back down at his knees. He was seriously contemplating joining the military. He weighed the choices he had.
"Tonight. Our train leaves at ten." The Colonel struggled to keep the excitement of of his voice. Was the kid really going to join him?
"I need automail," Edward's voice was less quiet than before, and it sounded pensive.
"There are many mechanics in Central, and the military would pay for it." Mustang leaned forward into his elbows, watching Edward.
"Let's go," the child said, at a normal volume. As he said this, he looked up showing Mustang his golden eyes.
The Colonel stood, and guided Edward's wheelchair back into main room. He then went over to the woman that arrived with him and started whispering with her. We took this opportunity to beat the news to the suit of armor in a separate room. After what seemed like an hour, the kid was able to tell everyone where he was going. The military woman pushed Edward's wheelchair out of the automail shop. As he left, Ed turned to see the crying face of his childhood friend Winry, and the angry face of old lady Pinako. He also saw the expressionless face of the armor that was his brother. He waved bye to his family, but it was not returned. The woman lifted Ed into the back seat of the car that she arrived in. The Colonel sat next to him and the woman got into the driver's seat. The car started moving, and Edward watched as his hometown faded from sight.
That concludes chapter one. Thanks for reading.