DISCLAIMER I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist. This is purely a fanfiction.

This fanfiction picks up approximately 5 years after the events of the Fullmetal Alchemist 2003 anime and the movie Fullmetal Alchemist: Conqueror of Shamballa.

The setting of this fanfiction stands thus: Eldest, Florida USA. October 27, 1928; 1922 in the Elric's world. Edward Elric is 23 (the 2003 anime makes his B-day Feb. 3), and Alphonse Elric is technically 22 but physically only 19. Due to a lack of specific information, I guesstimate that Noah is roughly 24-25 years old. The time difference between the Elric's home world and our world is 6 years; so while it's 2013 in our world, it's 2007 in the Elric's world. In our world, Ed was technically born February 3, 1905, but was born in the year 1899 in his world.

Chapter 1: House Guests

It's a pleasant late-autumn day in Eldest, Florida as Edward and Alphonse Elric along with Noah wander to the top of the seaside cliff just north of the beach. They find a nice shady spot to sit and rest under a big willow tree sitting on the edge of the cliff. Ed lies back against the north side of the trunk. Al lies on the ground on the west side of the tree, with his hands behind his head and feet pointed away from the tree. Noah sits with her back resting against the south side of the tree, looking out at the ocean.

After a few minutes, Ed sighs, wiping his left hand across his face and says, "I can't believe we've wasted all this time for another dead end," Al and Noah turn their heads in Ed's direction, "I'm beginning to think this is a wild goose chase."

Al says, "Don't say that, brother. We've gotten this far haven't we? I mean, we knew it wasn't going to be easy to track down all those bombs, and we've got more than enough time to search. Maybe the reason it seems we're not getting anywhere is because we're working too hard, and we just need a break to clear our heads."

Noah chimes in, "Yes, a chance to relax and recharge will refresh our minds and give us a clearer perspective. It'll allow us to find the correct path more easily and more quickly."

Al sits up turning towards Ed and adds, "Exactly. It'll be good for us. What do you say, brother?"

Ed looks back at Al thinking. After a little bit, he sighs relaxing to his former position and says, "You're both probably right. Sure, why not?"

"Alright!" responds Al lying down again, but in a spread eagle position.

Noah giggles at Al then asks, "So where are we going to stay?"

A female voice replies out of nowhere, "You can stay at my place if you like."

Ed and Al quickly get up at the sound, standing tensed and defensive and look along the cliff line and into the trees for the voice's origin. At the same time Noah sits up straight, tensed and alarmed with a hand to her chest and the other supporting her, also looking around. Ed and Al share a confused glance when they can see no one while Noah keeps searching around from her sitting position.

The female voice speaks again, "Up here."

All of them look up into the tree while Noah also stands, moving closer to Ed and Al, for a better view. They see a tall young woman with golden blond hair parted on the left in a French braid to the nape of the neck with a large side swept bang on the right and a small side bang on the left; bright blue eyes, and fair skin wearing a natural colored lipstick. She's wearing a violet v-necked blouse over a white camisole, and a black knee-length pleated skirt with wedge heels. The young woman watches them smiling as she begins to climb down.

Ed exclaims, "Who the hell are you, and what the hell are you doing way up here?"

The young woman hops down from the lowest branch no longer smiling, and as she straightens up replies, "Wow, rude much are we? To start with, I was here first; and, secondly, I have every right to enjoy the scenery on my own property thank you very much."

All of them are shocked by this statement, and Al immediately responds, "Wait, you mean you live here?"

The young woman continues to glare at Ed for a few seconds, and then turns to Al with a smile spreading across her face again to reply, "I visit, and I can easily have you arrested for trespassing if I so choose."

She turns back toward Ed glaring again as she speaks the last part. Al and Noah turn to stare at Ed, as well. Ed notices everyone looking his way and realizes his error.

Chagrined and embarrassed, Ed apologizes, "I'm sorry."

The young woman's eyes soften a little, and she tilts her head to the left, scrutinizing Ed. After a second her face becomes friendly and she smiles again.

Straightening her head up again, she replies, "I am Elle Demetri," and bowing her head toward Ed she continues, "and I accept your apology." Giggling, Elle leans back against the tree and crosses her arms across her chest before continuing, "Well, since I've answered your questions, I believe it's my turn now. First, what are all of your names; and second, would you all like to be guests of my household?"

Gesturing to himself Al replies, "Well, I'm Alphonse Elric, and," gesturing to Noah, "this is Noah," who nods.

Ed speaks before Al can introduce him, "I'm Edward Elric, and I'm sure all of us will appreciate being guests in your home. Thank you."

Elle replies coyly, "So you do have manners after all." She giggles as Ed blushes, then continues normally moving away from the tree, "Come. I'll get you settled in."

Elle starts walking north along the cliff line and the others follow.

Noah says, "We'll need to get our things from the inn, and settle our bill."

Elle responds, "Not a problem. We can take Victoria; I need to go into town anyway."

The others share a confused glance, and then Ed asks, "Victoria?"

Elle clarifies, "Victoria is the automobile kept at this estate, and one of you Elric's will have to drive her."

Even more confused, Ed asks, "Why?"

Elle explains, "Because, for some odd reason Victoria doesn't like females driving her. She gives females nothing but issues when one is behind the wheel. Victoria simply prefers males."

Noah says, "You talk about this automobile as if it's a living person."

Elle responds, "That's because she is. I know it's strange, but I guarantee that if you were to drive Victoria, Noah, you would understand how I can talk like that. A driver doesn't pick the automobile; the automobile picks the driver."

Ed rebuts Elle's last statement, saying, "An automobile is just a machine, not a living person. It can't pick and choose who drives it."

Elle sighs and says, "You must be the skeptical scientific type. Actually, I can give you a plausible explanation, and I'll make it simple. First, all living creatures give off energy. Fire gives off energy, and therefore, so does a combustible engine. Agreed?"

Skeptical as to where the explanation is going, Ed answers slowly, "Yeah."

Elle continues, "Well, think of those two energies as gears in a clock. When they're in sync, the clock will work perfectly without any issues but if those energies don't sync properly, then the clock will give you nothing but problems." Elle looks back at Ed, "Is that a good enough explanation?

Ed thinks over her explanation for a few seconds, and then says, "I admit I can see the sense in it, but that still doesn't explain how you can talk about an automobile as a living being."

Elle patiently responds, "Fire is considered alive though just not sentient, and that's simply because it can consume oxygen, and can use that oxygen to grow and thrive just like any other living being. Most automobiles use a combustible engine. Combustion equals fire; therefore, an automobile is alive. In a sense, at least."

Realizing he can't deny the logic, Ed concedes, "Huh. Never thought of it that way. I'm impressed by how knowledgeable you are scientifically."

Offended, Elle stops and crosses her arms as she turns to glare at Ed then haughtily responds, "What, did you think that because I'm a Lady that I can't be well-rounded academically?"

Flustered by the sudden mood shift, Ed tries to explain, "Ah, no. I didn't mean it like that. I just meant that we haven't come across many women that bother to learn. I'm impressed that you-"

Ed stops as Elle starts laughing, leaving all of them bewildered.

Regaining some composure, Elle says, "Sorry, I-" giggling, "I couldn't resist-" giggle, "messing with you. I don't get out much, so I don't socialize very often beyond the help." Laughing again, "You should've seen your face-" calming down again, "priceless." Sighs away the giggles, "I truly am sorry. It has been a while since I've had other people to talk to, and I'm probably not as tactful as society calls for." rolls her eyes. "Forgive me."

Ed, "Sure, no problem. After all, I can relate."

Noah, "Wait, you said you don't get much socialization beyond the help. Does that mean you live alone?"

Elle answers, "Yes."

Noah, "What about the rest of your family?"

Elle, "Well, my grandparents are foreign on both sides. They live in Europe, and I don't get to visit them very often. My father's main estate is in England, and my mom...well, she's been gone for a long time now. So it's just me." Elle's face falls as she speaks of her mom.

Ed and Al share an understanding look.

Noah replies, "Oh, I'm so sorry."

Elle, "Yes. Every day something happens that I wish I could tell her about." She sighs, and with a smile says, "At this rate, we won't get your things before sunset." Giggling, Elle continues onward.

The others follow her.

…

20 minutes later, they arrive at a large estate with an oriental style garden and Americanized oriental style beach house mansion. Ed, Al, and Noah all stop and stare with gaping mouths at the sight.

Elle giggles at their awed expressions and says, "Welcome to the Demetri East Coast Vacation Estate."

Hit with a sudden realization, Ed asks, "East Coast Vacation Estate? You mean there's more than one Vacation Estate?"

Elle replies, "My father owns 4 Estates in America. This one, one in California, one in New York, and one in Wisconsin. This estate and the estate in California are vacation estates. The New York estate is the one my father uses most when he's here on business, and the Wisconsin estate is the one I call home. The vacation estates are rarely used, not to mention, very large; so, my father rents them out to people. Some, the higher class citizens, tend to rent out the entire estate; while others just rent the guest rooms. I expect this estate will have renters soon with winter coming and all."

Ed, Al, and Noah all stare at Elle incredulously and Elle just laughs.

Elle then says, "You all look so surprised."

Ed replies, "Well, it just seems a little excessive."

Elle laughs again, and then says, "You think this is excessive; and yet, you don't even know the half of it." She starts laughing again.

Astonished, Noah responds, "Wait, you mean you have more estates, but you said-"

Elle clarifies, "That my father owns 4 estates in America. He also owns 1 estate in England, 1 in France, 1 in Transylvania, and 1 in Italy. Then, there are the 2 in Japan; 1 in the Kyoto region, and 1 in the Okinawa region."

Al and Noah are stunned speechless, but Ed exclaims, "Seriously?!"

Elle responds calmly, "Absolutely. Now, are we going to get your things or not?"

The reminder snaps them all out of it, and Ed replies, "Oh, yeah, right. Sorry. It's just...I knew the wealthy lived lavishly, but" shakes his head, "Damn!" The others nod in agreement, still somewhat awed.

Elle giggles and says, "It's understandable. Anyway...We really should be going to get your things."

Elle begins making her way to the garage just off the side of the beach house mansion, and the others follow.

Then Noah chimes in, "I can't believe you're just letting us stay here for free," and looking a little uncomfortable adds, "not to mention a gypsy."

Elle stops at the comment and turns to face Noah with an understanding smile on her face. She says, "My family has always considered the Roma to be welcome and trusted guests." her smile becomes warmer as she says, "Actually, I'm quite excited to have you as a guest. It's been a while since I've had the pleasure of enjoying any company, let alone the company of one of the Roma. You have no idea just how ecstatic I am at having you all as my guests."

Noah responds, astonished, "Really?"

Smiling brightly, Elle replies, "Absolutely. Now let's hurry and get your things. The sooner we get your stuff, the sooner I can get you settled in, and the sooner we can eat; which means the sooner we can chat."

Elle continues to the garage with the others following, and Noah says, "Thank you."

Elle responds, "You're welcome," and looking over her shoulder at Noah, adds, "as always." Then she giggles, and Al and Noah join in.

As they enter the garage, a young man with brown hair and hazel eyes speaks to Elle, "Lady Elle, a telegram came for you from your friend Scarlett." he hands her the telegram.

Elle gasps excitedly as she takes the telegram, "Oh, this must be her reply to my question. Thank you, Joe." Gesturing to Ed, Al, and Noah, in turn, she says, "This is Edward Elric, his brother Alphonse Elric, and Noah a Roma. Edward, Al, Noah; this is Joseph Stone, my Chevalier. Joe, I will be back. I'm heading into town with them to allow them to gather their things and settle their bill at the inn. I have invited them to be my guests."

Raising an eyebrow, Joe responds, "Indeed? Will they be joining us when we leave for Wisconsin, as well?"

Elle answers, "If they wish."

Surprised, Ed asks, "When are you leaving for Wisconsin?"

Elle, "The evening of the 29th. You're all more than welcome to join us if you like. You can decide later, though. Right now, we need to get your things. We'll need the keys to Victoria, Joe."

Joe, "Of course. I'll be right back with them, Lady Elle."

Joe walks to a key holder on the wall nearby, grabs a set of keys, and returns handing the keys to Elle as he asks, "Shall I have 3 guest rooms prepared for your guests?"

"Um" a thoughtful look crosses Elle's face as she considers, then she turns to Ed and asks, "What do you think?"

Surprised that she's asking his opinion, Ed replies, "Uh..Well.." he looks to Al and Noah, but they just shrug, "I don't know. Whatever works for you, I guess."

Elle nods and then turns to Joe and answers, "3 it is."

"As you wish, Lady Elle." Joe takes his leave.

Elle tosses Ed the keys and says, "Let's go."

…

"Are you sure you're alright with paying our bill for us? I mean it's very generous of you, but we could've taken care of it," said Ed as they walked out of the garage toward the mansion with their things.

Elle responds, "Absolutely, and from what I heard you all talking about out on the cliff, sounds like you'll have a long journey ahead of you. I don't like war any more than you do so I want to help you out, and I've decided to do so by allowing you to save what money you have since it's not likely any of you would accept a generous donation."

The others look shocked, but Ed raises an eyebrow and asks in a meaningful tone, "Generous donation?"

"Just a few thousand or so," Elle responds evasively.

Al and Noah gawk at her reply, but Ed persists, "Or so?"

"You wouldn't accept it anyway, so there's no point for you to keep pressing," Elle replies, still evasive.

Ed responds, "You're probably right, but I still want to know."

Elle sighs in defeat as they reach the Oriental-style front door, and turns to eye Ed shrewdly as she answers, "I would have given you 10k."

"Holy shit! Are you some sort of philanthropist or something?!" Ed exclaims as the others exclaim, "Seriously?!"

Elle laughs at their reactions and replies, "You could say that."

Then the front door slides open from the center to reveal Joe, who says, "The rooms are ready. Shall I carry your things?"

Ed recovers first, "No, we can handle it. We don't have much."

"Very well. Dinner shall be ready in an hour. Do you wish to show them to their rooms, Lady Elle?"

"Yes, Joe. Thank you."

"Your welcome, Lady Elle. I shall take my leave then."

Joe leaves through an Oriental-style door to the left of a flight of stairs in the center of the entrance room, and Elle gestures for the others to follow her as she says, "Come on. I'll show you to each of your rooms."

Elle leads the way, the interior of the mansion being a perfect mesh of American and Oriental fashion, up the flight of stairs in the center of the entry. At the top of the stairs is a small landing ending in another Oriental style door that slides open from the center onto a balcony, which wraps around the interior mini garden plaza in the shape of an octagon and extends up from the first level. Both levels are connected by a staircase on the left and right side of the octagon allowing easy access to both floors and even extending to the roof. There's a set of doors, identical to the doors they came through, located directly opposite of them. The 2 sides of the octagon coming from the left of the side they came out of have 2 sets of doors while the farthest side off to the left has only 1 set of doors. The closest side on the right has only 1 set of doors while the farther sides have 2 sets of doors. The closest door on the left is one of the only 2 American-style doors in the building, the other 1 located farthest away on the right. Both American style doors have a small silver plate on them. Every other door is Oriental style. The garden plaza has a large pond in the center with a medium stone gazebo at its center, and four square stepping stone paths branching off to connect the gazebo to the shore. The gazebo has a wrought iron table big enough for 4 and 4 cushioned matching wrought iron chairs. The rest of the space not taken up with small walkways is covered with an assortment of flowers and vine plants climbing up the balcony with a few bird baths, feeders, and houses of varying sizes. The gazebo also has an assortment of potted plants hanging from the roofing around the outside of it, along with a couple of hummingbird feeders.

Ed, Al, and Noah stand gawking at the mini-garden-plaza after Al exclaims in awe, "Wow, this is amazing!"

Elle chuckles and replies, "Thank you. I designed this whole place after the Oriental building style of Japan and China; but I gave it an American touch, especially in the bathrooms and kitchen. I was going for a feeling of tranquility and relaxation since this is meant to be a vacation home, after all."

Ed still gawking at the setup, "I'd say you hit the mark. This place is.."

At a loss for words, Ed breaks off but it's plain what he was trying to express, and Al and Noah nod their agreement.

After a short laugh Elle says, "Yeah, I usually do. Come, you can enjoy the tranquility better after you've all settled in."

With that, Elle continues to the left. The first door they pass is the American style door, and the silver plate at eye level reads, 'Restroom.' The next 3 sets of doors are plain Oriental style. Elle stops at the last 1, and opening the doors from their center, says, "Noah, this will be your room for the duration of your stay here," pointing to the next door to the left adds, "That is my room." The door to Elle's room is of Oriental style with a design of violet orchids.

Elle gestures for Noah to enter her room, then turns to Ed and Al and says, "You 2, follow me."

Noah shares a glance with Ed and Al, then gasps as she walks into her room. Ed and Al follow Elle as she continues past the doors to her room, the doors identical to the doors they entered through, and the other American style door labeled 'Restroom.'

Elle stops at another set of plain Oriental style doors, turns to the Elric's, and says, "So...Who wants this room?"

Ed and Al look at each other surprised, but before Al can get out more than an, "Um" Ed says, "You take it Al."

Al, "Are you sure?"

With a sly smile, Ed answers, "Yeah, this way you'll be closer to Noah."

Ed elbows Al as he mentions Noah, and Al starts sputtering incoherently as his entire face turns bright red.

Elle hides a giggle behind her hand before she opens the doors from the center, and says, "Al, why don't you get settled in while I show your brother to his room, and before things get out of hand? Edward, come with me."

Elle gently nudges Al into his room as she grabs Ed's left wrist and begins dragging him to the next set of plain Oriental style doors. When they reach the doors, Elle breaks out laughing as she opens the doors from the center; then, as she shows Ed into his room she asks, "Are you always so mean to your brother?" and giggles.

As he walks into the room, Ed answers, "No. It's just that..it's so obvious that they like each other. I'm just trying to..give them a little nudge."

Elle chuckles before saying, "Yeah, I could tell they fancied each other even during the little time I've known them, and I know you mean well, but you might be going about the nudging the wrong way."

Ed is taking in the room with impressed eyes as he replies, "You're probably right, but I don't know what else to do without potentially ruining everything." He sighs.

Elle smiles knowingly and says, "I can sort of relate, but instead I'm trying to dissuade my friend from the person she currently fancies." sighs, "He doesn't deserve her. Anyway, dinner will be done in about 45 minutes or so. Meet me outside of my room once you've settled in and cleaned up for dinner, and if we've got time, I'll give all of you a short tour of the house. Okay?"

Ed, "Sure thing, and thanks again for your generous hospitality."

Elle chuckles and replies, "Not a problem. I'm going to go check on the others. Please, make yourself at home."

Ed glances around his room as he says, "Considering the size and splendor of this place, that's not very likely."

Elle giggles and says, "Understandable." Then she closes the doors, leaving Ed, to check on Al and Noah.

…

They still have a little time on their hands after the tour, and they all feel it'd be nice to relax and wait in the garden plaza. When they hop to the gazebo, however, the guests see that the wrought iron table has been set with 4 dinner place settings. The table has also been set with refreshments and appetizers.

All of them are surprised and Ed says, "I don't remember all this being here before entering the study."

Elle, "It wasn't. The help is very efficient almost to the point that they're not even here."

Al, "Wow. That's impressive."

As she gestures for the others to take a seat, Elle says, "Yes. My father only excepts the best."

Ed noticed that every time Elle mentioned her father, her jaw and eyes would take on a hard set; and although he didn't want to pry he couldn't help asking, "Have a bad relationship with your father?"

Everyone looks surprised by the question, especially Elle, so Ed explains, "I'm sorry. I just couldn't help noticing that your eyes and jaw harden slightly every time you mention him."

Elle looks completely shocked by Ed's explanation, and Al and Noah are looking at Ed like he's a different person. He's about to apologize for prying when Elle collects herself enough to raise her hand and stop Ed before he starts.

Elle, "It's alright. I'm just surprised at how shockingly perceptive you are." She takes a sip of lemonade before continuing, "My relationship with my father is very...complicated and difficult to explain. Honestly speaking, to say that our relationship is bad would be a gross understatement." Elle finishes with a grim smile.

Understanding, Ed says, "I can relate, but I was able to reconcile with dad before he died." Ed and Al share an emotionally loaded glance before they both look down at their plates.

Noah places a comforting hand on Al's shoulder, and Al smiles back at her. Elle smiles a little at Al and Noah before turning back to Ed, "I'm sorry for your loss, both of you, but I'm happy that your relationship could end well. Maybe a little envious, too." Elle gives Ed a sad smile.

Ed returns the smile and replies, "Thanks."

Al and Noah are watching the exchange between Elle and Ed shrewdly, and share a knowingly loaded glance and smile.

Clearing his throat to announce his presence, Joe interrupts, "Dinner is served," and places a large platter in the center of the table. Then, he removes the cover to reveal a large helping of fried rice mixed with steamed vegetables and fried shrimp. Joe also lays down 2 medium sized bowls of fresh fruit and utensils to serve themselves with.

While the others gawk at the meal before them, Elle turns to Joe and says, "Excellent choice, Joe, as usual. What should we expect for dessert?"

Joe bows and answers, "Thank you, Lady Elle. I decided on a simple assortment of fresh ice cream and toppings. I thought it would appeal more to everyone's tastes."

Smiling appreciatively, Elle says, "You always choose well, Joe. I'm still working in a good word for you to Scarlett, I can't think of anyone that would suit her better."

Elle winks at Joe and he blushes slightly saying, "Thank you, Lady Elle. Your confidence in me is as unwavering as always. I will go and get the croissants, now."

Elle exclaims, "Oh, my favorite. Yes, do go and get them, please."

Joe, "Of course, Lady Elle." He bows again and takes his leave to retrieve the croissants.

Elle turns back to the others and notices that they're all gawking at the meal. She laughs and says, "Please, feel free to dig in and enjoy." and she begins to fill up her plate.

The others snap out of their stupor and begin to help themselves, as well.

After filling up his plate, Ed says, "This is an amazing spread."

Al and Noah murmur their agreement as they all take a bite and exclaim in delight as they taste the main course.

Noah swallows and exclaims, "This tastes amazing." Ed and Al murmur, "Mhm." since their mouths are still full.

Having just finished her bite, Elle smiles and responds, "I'm glad you like it. This dish is my favorite."

Ed swallows and says, "I can see why. It's delicious."

Joe comes back with the croissants, and Elle practically lunges for them stuffing 1 into her mouth whole.

Al laughs and says, "Wow. You really do like croissants."

Elle nods enthusiastically as Joe says, "Yes. Lady Elle eats croissants with great gusto, completely disregarding decorum."

Elle swallows the croissant blushing, and with a quick smirk at Joe, begins licking the flavor from her fingers. The others laugh and resume eating as Joe takes his leave again to prepare dessert. The main course was too delicious to afford much talk, but since ice cream causes headaches if eaten too quickly it provided the perfect opportunity to chat at leisure. The serving size of the dessert course is considerably small than the main course, which is good since the main course had been quite filling while still leaving enough room for dessert. After filling his bowl with strawberry ice cream, Ed notices that Elle had piled her bowl high with chocolate ice cream when everyone else had taken smaller helpings.

Surprised, Ed blurts out, "Damn, I've never seen any girl or woman eat so much who wasn't pregnant. Is this normal for you?"

Shocked, Al and Noah exclaim together, "Ed! Edward!"

Elle, however, laughs unperturbed and answers, "Yes it is, actually."

Al and Noah stare at Elle in astonishment, while Ed laughs and says, "You've got one hell of an appetite. I'm amazed, no one's ever managed to out eat me before."

Elle responds, "I'm not surprised, but enough about me. Where are you all from? After all, it's obvious to anyone that you're foreigners."

To be continued…

That's Chapter 1. Feel free to tell me what you think so far. I want to know what I'm doing wrong so I can fix it, and what I'm doing right so I don't stop doing it. It would also be helpful to be made aware of any spelling, grammatical, or misused word errors that you come across since I don't have an editor. I will be sure to credit you for your assistance.

Please, and Thank You.