Today was a perfectly normal day for the Elric brothers. Edward and Alphonse had just returned to East headquarters from another false lead on the philosopher's stone. Edward, the older brother at fourteen, was a young teenage boy with long blond hair tied in a braid and golden eyes, he was what you might call "vertically challenged"(just don't tell him I said that). Alphonse, the younger brother by a year, was what could only be described as a suit of walking, talking armor. Edward was annoyed, as usual, with the prospect of meeting with Colonel Roy Mustang for a report. Edward was the youngest person ever to become a State Alchemist, a dog of the military, at twelve years old. He was given the title of Fullmetal Alchemist for his automail right arm and left leg.
"Hello boys, back so soon?" Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye said as the two walked past her in the hall.
"Yeah, another fake, just like the last time."
"Well I'm sorry to hear that. The Colonel is waiting for you."
"I know, man I'm not in the mood for this." Ed ran his hand through his hair as Alphonse giggled.
"You're never in the mood for it, Brother."
"But still, I don't need Colonel Hothead to tell me how I failed and make fun of my height every time I come here" Edward opened the door to Colonel Mustang's office. He and Al stepped inside to find said Colonel leaning back in his chair, his eyes closed.
"Hey Colonel we're here, OK let's get this over wi- WAIT A SECCOND ARE YOU SLEEPING!?" In fact he was, at least until our friend here had his little outburst. Colonel Mustang awoke from his nap with a start.
"Damn it, Ed, could you be any louder?" He spluttered as he smoothed down his messy black hair. When Edward calmed down, he sat in a chair near the Colonel's desk. Al followed his lead and sat down across from his big brother. Edward and Colonel Mustang stared at each other for a while until Mustang broke the uncomfortable silence.
" So, since you two are back so soon I'm guessing that the stone was another fake."
"yeah, the guy was just spreading rumors for publicity, he wasn't even an alchemist."
"To be honest I'm glad you're back, Fullmetal. I've got a job for you." said Mustang, giving a file to Ed. Edward read the file with a bored expression.
"David Spiegelman, the Chain Mail Alchemist. What about him?"
"He's gone missing. He left last month for some time with his family and should have been back two weeks ago. I want you to go investigate." Edward groaned at the thought of another distraction from their goal. Alphonse, however, spoke up.
"Brother, you know we don't have anymore leads. We can't search for the stone without more information. Maybe we'll find something while we're looking for him." Ed sighed.
"Oh Al, you know I cant say know to you. All right Colonel, where do you want us to start?"
"Start by checking his home, make sure he's not just slacking off. He lives in Nerwith with his wife, She runs the inn. Here are your train tickets, you leave tomorrow." Colonel Mustang handed two tickets to Ed with a smirk on his face. Edward took the tickets and left without another word, gesturing for Al to followed. Alphonse waved goodbye and followed his brother out of the office, his armor clanking all the way.