Chapter 1: The beginning of it All

Prologue

Edward was close to reaching consciousness, trying to peel open his eyes but failing to do so as they were so heavy, Edward though he would never be able to open them as they felt like weights were on them and stitched close to help. With patience and determination he had finally opened his eyes

Edward had woke up on a cold and hard surface, goosebumps loitering on his skin with confusion boggling his now awakening mind.

Groggily he tried to turn his head but he soon found himself unable to perform such a simple task, He found that he had failed to realize that his head was bound to the hard surface that he found himself so familiar with now.

Trying to move his eyes to the best of his ability he tried to get an idea of his surroundings. He was in a lightly dimmed room and noticed that not only was his head restrained his ankles and his wrists were also bound to the surface making his mobility confined to small movements of his hands and his feet.

Trying to better his surroundings he had also noticed that he was spared trousers as his only source of warmth and dignity, he was not wearing any other article of clothing which made him shiver.

What is this? What's going on? How did I get here? What was he doing prior to waking up here? How did he get to this place? Why would someone want to hold him hostage in the first place? He was keeping his military status on the down low, he was not in central from the last time he can remember. Had he been with Al? Was he with anyone?

Edward tried to remember to the best of his ability, but seems like whatever happened to him in the first place gave him short term memory loss.

Was he injected with a drug if he is having some memory loss? Is it affecting any other part of his body? His vision? Was normal for Edward as usual, his hearing? Seemed fine as it was quite quiet in the place he had found himself in. Drugs can have some effects on memory if administered any type of route

Somebody must had used a sedative of some kind in order to knock him out. But how? Orally would have taken to slow and he would be sure he would know if somebody was trying to give him intravenous meds without his will. He would have kicked them in the face. Topically? IM injection of subcutaneously? Most probable, but what type of drug would have taken effect drastically. Most likely a high dose of something.

But what kind of method? Something that would have taken place without knowing someone was targeting him in the first place. A dart? Most likely even if he could have felt it when it was place, it must have been thrown from a place he was not expecting to be ambushed at. His reaction time would have not been as effective with the element of surprise mixed with drugs as it would have taken effect immediately.

Damn. Got to be more careful in the future.

Edward tried to budge is restraints but seems like they were fastened with diligence and even his auto mail arm and leg would not budge the restraints. Seems like his abductor is well educated in his scope of work. He was at a disadvantage, unable to use his alchemy as he can't clap and he had no materials in order to make an array.

Unless…

Edward started to dig his left fingernails into his palm in effort to draw any blood but his fingers were coated in a hard surface making him unable to do so.

"Well fuck" he said to no one in particular.

The light turned on brighter, the sudden change making Edwards eyes to constrict and make him see black spots to try to adjust to the new level of light.

Edward heard footsteps around his head unable to see who came to him

"Hello and good evening Edward Elric, Better known as the Full metal Alchemist, Subject number nine".

Prologue END

Edward was assigned to go to a neighbouring town related to central undercover to investigate the sudden disappearance to civilians and reported alchemists that were not involved with the military.

Edward sat in Colonel Roy Mustang's office on the couch slouching, irritated and rolling his eyes in annoyance to Roy.

"And why tell me, am I the best candidate for this mission? And I demand not to hear any bull shit out of your mouth Mustang. If they know an alchemist such as myself suddenly goes into a town where people, alchemists are disappearing wouldn't they turn me into a target?!" Ed said in a slightly raised voice

"Like why not send someone that is not known by the people? Wouldn't you think that would give you a better chance? Are you stupid? Do you have enough oxygen going to your brain or something? Brain bleed?"

"My brain is quite fine Full metal, but thanks for the ever so concern. And because Full metal, I want you to on this mission. I think you are the best option and well frankly because Alphonse is known to be you because of the armor and now we have your status covered. Plus this town doesn't really associate with the military as they are pretty independent as a town, so chances that they'll find out who you are quite slim" Roy replied in a defensive tone making Edward rethink the mission.

"I am also sorry to announce that Alphonse does not have authority to go with you on this mission as it would pull attention to yourself and your cover. To make things safer because we don't know who the actual culprit is you'll also be going in minor disguise, nothing to major, just to make sure that no one can pick you out of a crowd if they actually know who you are. This way you will have a slight disadvantage if you find and go after the culprit. You will have you Alchemy, Martial Arts and the element of surprise, plus you're a pretty small kid I'm sure the town wouldn't be suspicious of a kid passing through".

Edward turned red and stepped up to the colonel a fist at his throat.

"Do you think... that... Once in your god forsaken life not make a fucking remark on my height?" Edward said through his teeth and stepped back.

"Wow Edward, I am surprised that you didn't throw one of your childish tantrums, are you trying to become more adult like or control your temper?" Roy said in a degrading tone.

"Shut it. Al said I get angry to often and I should learn to control it. So. Here I am. Trying to control it. But in my defense people are always trying to get a reaction out of me".

"It's... quite fun to do. I am not going to lie. Back to the actual subject at hand…"

"Right" Ed paused, "How convenient is it that this is taking place while Al and I are in the middle of a breakthrough of research on how to bring his body back without the use of a philosopher's stone. I just basically saw his body in the gate while trying to get out of gluttony's stomach."

"I know you're disappointed that you will have to step away from you research for an unspecified amount of time but this is important. And frankly I believe that it is more important than your research. You have been researching nonstop for weeks and you have not found anything to make any further progress with it. I know you have made a promise to your brother to get your bodies back but this is important, people are disappearing, and while you don't have your bodies, you still have your lives and time to get your research done, we don't know if these people are dead, have hours until they're dead or if they are alive".

"I hate that you have a point you bastard. Ok I guess I'm in and I think it's safer for Al not to come and to remain here while I'm gone, just don't tell him that, I'll never hear the end of it. Where am I going and when. How many people have actually gone missing? Do we have any information on why they would go missing in the first place? And do we think that they had a reason for kidnapping civilians and alchemists? Or perhaps they just made a random selection?"

Roy sighed and pinched the middle of his brow's indicating that a headache was about to occur.

"Four persons have been reported missing thought it may be more, two females and two males, one pair consisting of 1 male and female were alchemists while the other pair were not. We have no information on why these people have been missing, but there's limited evidence that this could be related to another case that is quite similar to the ratio of who has been taken but it is only a theory".

"I'm listening" Edward pushed for Mustang to continue.

"Wait a minute! Is it possible that they are two couples that are going somewhere? I mean it is two females and two males, an even amount of people, I mean aren't there possibilities that they made two couples? I mean young people are always going places right? Not that I um, actually know what people do when they are in a relationship. It's not like I've been in one before. Because of circumstances of course".

"They also have a different variable than gender. Age, one set of people were elder while the other two were young adults".

"Ok then, Parent's and their children?

"Ed." Roy said sternly

"Right of course, I guess we should still look for these people."

"We already researched the fact that they could be family but rest assured they aren't"

"Well sorry for interrupting"

"So let me guess the ratio was one female and one male that were young and the other two people were old?" Ed questioned.

"Correct, continuing on what I was explaining before, it had some similarities of another case that occurred a few years prior. People reported that they were missing family pets, Dogs to be precise and the common variable was the same as the missing people, two males and two females, one set older than the other and we found both sets of dogs dead, as if they were experimented on".

Edward felt disgusted, no one regardless of pet or human deserved to be experimented on.

"Like what kind of experiments are we talking about? And are we sure that it's related to the present? With humans?"

"Like I said, it's just a theory with that had the same types of variables. I just connected them"

"So it's just what you are speculating on isn't it? And you want me to go investigate to see if there's any more similarities than you going to do it? Hmm?"

Roy Smirked.

"Seems like you caught me, however I am not able to do this as I am busy with other… projects but in my perfect judgement I thought you would work on this case as I am able to actually trust your judgement no matter how stupid it can be".

"Can't say I am flattered, colonel bastard, seems like you just want me to do your work for you, but again like again like you said, my research isn't getting anywhere, which is unfortunate. Maybe a change of pace and scenery will open my mind to other possibilities".

The door suddenly opened and lieutenant Hawkeye was standing in the door way.

"Yes Hawkeye, what is it?"

"We just got report that four more people have been reported missing". Hawkeye professionally said.

"Shit, okay who has been kidnapped in terms of age, gender?" Roy had asked.

"Two female and two males, 1 set of male and female is old the other set young".

"And is there any significant differences that you can mention?" Edward asked.

"Yes, while the first four that disappeared were that the younger set were alchemists and the older set were civilians and now with these four people its vice versa".

"So the older set that were abducted this time were alchemists?" Edward stated to confirm with Hawkeye.

Hawkeye gave Edward a small nod.

Edward brought his hand to his chin as if he was taking a moment to think.

"Damn, that's suspicious as hell. What's the reasoning?" Edward whispered to himself.

"There is definitely a pattern occurring here" Edward had told the other two.

"Yes, we better get you prepared and set off to start investigating". Roy had agreed.

"Yeah I agree, but you haven't told me what type of experiments were happening with the dogs?"

"We actually never ended up finding out why such experiments ever occurred, we never got the purpose, but it seems that it may be likely that it is occurring again based on who has been reported missing". Roy told with his brows furrowed.

"Okay, let's get me a train and I will go back to our dorms and pack".

"Affirmative".

Edward was back in his dorm room attempting to pack with Alphonse.

"What do you mean I can't come with you? You'll basically be putting yourself in trouble. Are you stupid Brother?"

"Sorry Al, not my idea, it's that colonel bastard idea, plus I have to agree with him, I don't want you to be in a predicament where I can't help you and I just want you to be safe, especially in what happening right now".

"Do you really think I wouldn't be able to protect myself if I were to find myself in something like that? I've been in situations, where I've protected myself mind you, and without you to boot and I was fine!"

"You don't think I know that?! Damn this is why I didn't want you to know in the first place. I'm sorry Al, but this is something I need to do by myself. I love you Al but these are military orders, plus I feel like this could be an eye opener for both of us. Maybe it will help with our research since we are always together, we will most likely think of something and then we can apply it after we discuss. I won't even be gone that long. Like 2-3 days top!"

"Okay brother, I see where you are coming from, I hope you have a good trip and find what you are looking for, but make sure it doesn't get in the way of why you're going in the first place. The mission, the missing people".

"You have no reason to be worried, when have I ever let my own personal interests become in the way of a mission I've been assigned to?"

Edward has said looking smug, crossing his arms and feeling contempt. Alphonse just stilled and stared at his brother breaking out into laughter.

"What?!" Edward said startled.

"Are you seriously saying that Ed? You always let your personal interests be first!"
"No I don't! Sometimes they just happen to… be… more… important than the actual task at hand..."

Alphonse hummed in confirmation

"So you're basically telling me that I'm right?"

"Nope! Not true! Never" Ed teased Al.

"But in all seriousness, I really hope you're able to find some information about the missing people so it can bring their families to peace, I also hope that they're alive and well. Nobody deserves to be taken away".

"I know, I hope I'm able to find something to help, hell I hope I can find them and beat the fucker who did this in the first place".

"You will make you that you will be safe though right? I wouldn't know what I would do without you'.

"I'll be fine, you'll be fine, and you would be fine even if something did happen to me".

"I don't even want to think about that right now. Let's get you packed up and ready, the train is going to depart in about an hour".

Edward turned to look at the clock hung up on the wall, and his eyes widened with surprise.

"Fuck! I better hustle my fucking ass!"

Getting to the train station was hell, like always. Streets are always piled up with people and they don't even have the decency to move when you're in a hurry.

Alphonse was behind Ed, voice louder than the crowd

"Well maybe if you just packed faster than wait twenty minutes to decide on what research materials to bring than focus on actually packing. You're going to help the people and then our research can come secondly."

"I know! I know! I don't need you or mustang nagging on me for being late, plus who knows I may have some free time".

The Elric brothers saw Mustang walking through the busy crowd at the station holding a small brief.

He finally approached the two brothers.

"Ah, finally, you're here. Only took you 10 more minutes later than the train's boarding time, I think that has to be a new record". Roy had teased lightly.

"Ah shut up fucker, I'm here aren't I?" Edward had questioned back.

"I suppose so, but really you better get onto the train sooner than later, ah first a word though, Alphonse can you give us a minute?" Mustang had asked the younger brother.

"Ah yes of course, go ahead" Alphonse replied while moving a considerable distance.

"What's in the bag?" Ed had asked

Mustang had handed it over to Edward to grab

"It's your disguise"

"Couldn't give it to me earlier couldn't you?"

"I was busy filling out a permit for you to go on this "Mission"."

"They don't know do they? You're just sending me under your speculation".

"Ding Ding Ding!"

"Greaaaatt" Ed replied sarcastically.

"You didn't tell him the full details of why I'm sending you right? I know you're close but this is technically classified information between you and me. Central just thinks that you're going based on speculation of prolonging your research, if they knew the real reason this wouldn't be happening".

"Why because would think it's too dangerous to even look for the people or are they tired of the bullshit coming out of your mouth". Ed snickered

"You're not wrong, put on the disguise as soon as you go inside the train. Now go say goodbye to your brother, and good luck Full Metal". Roy had left without giving Edward any second thoughts or explanation.

Edward was left dumbfounded with his mouth hanging open.

Did that bastard admit that he was actually right? And he couldn't celebrate? Geez Mustang definitely won't hear the end of it when he comes back".

Alphonse returned to his brother when Mustang had made his leave.

"Close your mouth before you catch flies. What's wrong?" Al asked curiously.

"Nothing! Just Mustang actually admitted I was right at pointing something out at him".

"Now that's a first!"

"I'd better start going Al, the train is about to leave any minute and I don't really feel like running after it again."

"You're right, I better let you make your way".

Alphonse had scooped up his brother in a tight hug

"Can't…. breathe!"

Al let Ed down.

"Sorry brother, I'm just going to miss you!"

"I'm going to miss you too Al but it's only a couple days I'll be back before you know it!" Ed had said positively.

"I sure hope so! Good luck brother!"

"Bye Al!"

And with that and farewells Edward finally made his way onto the train.

Too be continued…

Author Note:

Not sure if many will read this but thanks for reading! Hopefully I'll be updating frequently because always setting up the story and setting can be boring for me and especially for the readers! I promise it will pick up soon

Phantomthiefwriter 3