Okay, everyone! I got the idea for this story after watching the last episode of the anime (*pouts*) and after having a lot of free time on my hands. I've sort of planned how I want the story to go, so I'll try to update regularly… even though I won't know how regular that will be with three different stories up at the same time. Well, please enjoy this!

Disclaimer: I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist or THE Fullmetal Alchemist and all that…

Chapter One: Changed

Everything was gone: the grassy fields that loped over each curve of the muddy ground, the feeling of home and all of its rural components. Even the Bakery that stood in the corner of the little shops at the bottom of the hill where they used to eat glazed pastries. Everything was replaced with tall, shiny buildings wrapped in large, glass windows. All that remained rural was the small yellow house on a tall, grassy hill. Phew!

A tall-ish man walked up the dirt road--that all too familiar dirt road. "Hopefully," he almost whispered, "They've waited for me here…" he pushed the golden blonde ponytail out of his face and picked up to a weary trot, swinging his arms as if he were running away. He finally caught sight of the front door. He let out a sigh, and raised his right arm to knock on the door. He paused.

"What the hell…?" he looked at the front door, noticing a faded feeling. He always felt a presence: happiness, a slight fear, and something still not yet decided. Or, maybe not yet accepted. Thoughts ran through his mind, them being so clouded and jumbled he was almost blinded. While he was lost in his own panic, the door opened, revealing a little old woman, around 70 years old. She looked up at the man in disbelief.

"Edward… Edward Alexander Elric!" she hit him hard on the knee with her wooden pipe, letting a drag of smoke escape her lips. He lifted his knee to his chest, hopping on his left leg, and muttered through clenched teeth, "Nice to see you, Grams…"

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Time never seemed to move so fast when Ed returned to the Rockbell residence. He'd walked through the door, holding his hurting knee, and hobbled to the counter, sitting on the freshly polished granite. He hadn't had time to realize that it was only Pinako and the dog, Den, who resided in this humble home. He hopped off the counter and walked straight into the living room, where Den followed him. The dog rested his jaw on Ed's thigh, whimpering.

"What's the matter, boy?" Ed petted the dog's soft head with his left hand, and Den closed his eyes, his tail wagging. Pinako joined the young man in the living room, and opened her mouth to speak.

"So, Ed, how old are you now?" it was an innocent question, and Ed smiled, but replied monotone, "I'm eighteen now. Almost old enough to drink…" he let out a quiet chuckle, and Pinako retorted, "I don't know where you were for the past 2 years, but the drinking age in Amestris is eighteen, Edward…" her as-a-matter-of-fact tone reminded him of his childhood friend. Suddenly, he shot his head up and looked around nervously.

"What is it, Edward?" Pinako seemed confused and slightly nervous. Nothing get's past this boy no matter how old he gets she furrowed her thin brow and took a breath of smoke. He looked back at the elderly woman and his golden eyes widened as he asked, "Where's Winry?"

Pinako dodged the bullet the best she could by jumping down from the couch and walking to the doorway of the foyer. "You should get some sleep. We'll start work in the morning."

Ed stood accusingly as the old woman crept down the hallway without making a sound. What could she possibly… he stared at his artificial arm his father made for him, and rested his left arm on the shoulder. "Right…" he sighed, not letting his temper get the better of him. He thanked whoever was watching over him that he'd learned to control his temper. He trudged down the hallway, and into his bedroom. It was always waiting for him, the bed's blankets turned down for easy warmth. He sighed, continuing to trudge to the bed, and he fell on top, fully clothed.

"Home has…changed," he mumbled before falling into a deep slumber.

Okay! How was that? I've decided to create a special "rule", if you will: I will not update until I get an "x" amount of reviews from 3 different authors. I will only remind you of the rule for the next two chapters, then I will only hint at it… please review, put on story alert, add to favorites, whatever you see fit! Flames will be put out by the milk Ed refuses to drink!

Next chapter: "Rebecka Marie"

(Ed: *scowls*)

Pinako: I'm not that old! I'm only 65 years old! Not 70!!!

AC: *gulps* hehehe