Same Mistake

Al: Human transmutation. The ultimate sin that any alchemist can make. Emotions tend to candy coat the idea, making it seem justifiable. But in reality, it leads to a terrifying new perspective.

Chapter 1: Fire

Edward and Alphonse walked out of the Central City State Alchemist HQ, with Al encumbered with boxes of documents taller than him.

"Al! I got you out of that armor so you could at LEAST walk a little faster!" Edward yelled, as he was only carrying two boxes himself.

"Oh, I see that losing all your limbs hasn't changed you one bit! I don't see you carrying anything else but your love-letters to Mustang!" Al teased with an innocently honest voice.

"SHUT UP!" Edward yelled as he turned a deep shade of red.

"Ha-ha! The FullMetal Alchemist has a crush on the Fla-mmpf!" Edward flew into his younger brother, clamping his mouth shut with his steel arms.

"I TOLD YOU TO SHUT UP!" Screamed Edward, not caring that many State Alchemists turned their attention to the two brothers sprawled out on the staircase to the main building. He added in a whisper, "dammit, al! nobody knows about us, you weren't supposed to know! Do you know how his running as Fuhrer would plummet if anyone found out?" There was a note of worry and urgency in his voice.

"I know brother…I'm sorry. But…in his office?" Al shuddered as he remembered the day when he walked into the General's office, only to find his own brother sprawled over the Flame Alchemist, both of them intertwined in each others arms and, to Al's horror, tongues.

"Sh-shut up…" He once again turned a deep brick red.

"It was unexpected… He was promoted that day so-" Ed was the one this time to have his mouth clamed shut by his brother.

"I don't wanna know the details!" Al was still not over his big brother the FullMetal Alchemist, having a crush on the Flame Alchemist.

"OWW! Du madels ne bite mly toulnge!" Said Edward muffled as he massaged his jaw.

"Do you want me to make feel better, FullMetal?" said a soft, yet deep voice from behind the two.

"AHH! Er, I mean…hello 2nd General…" Edward looked down at his feet as he greeted him.

"Hello General Mustang. I hope you're well." Al said rather stiffly, and standing up to salute.

"No need for that, Alphonse. I told you, treat me as an equal; I don't want you to have to be so rigid around me." Roy said in an airy tone, as if he was addressing how splendid the weather was.

"Yes sir. Umm…I mean yes…" Alphonse looked away as he said this. He still went stiff whenever the General walked into a room plus his head always filled with an odd buzzing sound whenever he was around him. Al started to pick up the spilled documents that had fallen in their little scuffle.

"Edward, what is all this?" Mustang asked with his deep, caressing voice. "If it's all just paperwork…" Mustang reached into his pocket and slipped on his trademark glove over his hand. "I can just make it all disappear like that." He raised his arm and snapped his fingers, sending a flash of fire into the air, almost like a firework that dazzled the older Elric brother.

"Umm, don't worry about it sir…" Ed said this to his feet. "This is some research about the Gate for Elysia Hughes. Even though she's only 10, she's been interested in alchemy and told us that she wants to take the exam in a week…" Edward looked off into the distance, preoccupied by her choice.

"Don't worry about it, FullMetal. If it's her choice to follow in her father's footsteps and join the State, we have to let he try. And anyways", he added with a smirk, "If she passes, she'll break your record as the youngest State Alchemist to pass the exam." Mustang had some sarcasm in his voice; provoking him was one of his favorite hobbies, and Edward knew it.

"Hahaha. Very funny, SIR. Anyways, I'm heading over to their house right now, she seemed pretty interested, so I'm giving her some of my research and theories about the Gate." Edward was now looking into the Flame's eyes with confidence, hoping that he would drive them there.

"Oh, if you're going, I'll get Havoc to drive you there. He can spare some time." Roy seemed oblivious to Ed's gaze.

"Oh…ok then…I guess I'll see you later then." Edward sighed and went to help his brother pick up their mess, while Mustang called an order for Havoc to drive them over.