When Worlds Collide
Chapter 1: Rise and Shine
I watched the golden glow of the rising sun slowly awaken the world around me. The birds sang and the breeze swept around me. He closed his eyes and lie back in the cool, sweet-smelling grass. The natural feel of the world was one of the things he had missed most about home. I lay there, relishing the silence, before the soft footsteps of my younger brother broke the trance. I opened my eyes and grinned, looking up at Alphonse.
"Hey Al. Did you come out to watch the sunrise?" I smiled again. I could not help myself. Alphonse has had his original body now for six months. In my opinion, my exchange was not equivalent in the least. I may have lost my alchemy, but I gained so much more in return.
"Edward, why else would I come out here?" Alphonse gently lowered himself next to me and sat down with a sigh. Al may finally be flesh and blood, but four years took its toll on his body. He was filling out again, and a lot of his strength has returned.
"I am not sure if I should answer that. Are you getting any better at walking?" Al fiddled with the two canes he used to aid his mobility.
"I'm learning. It is painstakingly slow, but this pain is nothing compared to adjusting to automail." Al looked down at my left leg. I got my arm back, but my leg was still automail, and all its steel glory. I did not mind as much. It gave Winry something to focus on, and my leg did not break nearly as much as my arm. I was called the "Fullmetal Alchemist" for a reason. These days, I am simply Edward Elric.
"Hey, don't worry about me. I may not be an alchemist, but I will always be Fullmetal."
-Munich-
In another world on the other side of the gate, another Ed was starting his day as well.
"Ed! You are going to be late! It is nearly 7:30!" Edward Heidrich, that's me, ran down the stairs in a hurry. Today, my class is visiting a research lab and would later attend a lecture by physicists at the college. I've been interested in physics ever since I fist saw an airplane. Considered a prodigy, others say I have a bright future in the field of science. My younger brother Alfonse Heidrich followed close behind as the two of us rushed to make it to school before being late.
"Alfonse, aren't you excited about today?" Al is fifteen. At sixteen, I am a year older than he is, but we look so much alike, we are often mistaken as twins. We lived with our father, but he was traveling often, resulting in us being home alone often. I do not mind too much, except on days I overslept, like today.
"Of course I am! You know, people would take you more seriously if you were not always late." I laughed at Al's attempt to scold me. I am not always late, I just happen to be about 95% of the time.
"Look! The pipsqueak actually had the nerve to show up today! For someone considered a prodigy, you sure are stupid." I groaned at the annoying voice behind me. I turned and glared at the speaker.
"What do you want Will? I don't have time for this!" The older boy sneered. I really hated that guy.
"I just wanted to have a little fun. After the way you showed off in class, you deserve to be knocked down a few pegs." I balled my fists in anger. That guy is such a jerk! Everyday he picks on Al and me because we are smarter than he is. After transferring to the academy in Munich last year, I took his place as first in the class. He still holds a grudge.
"Shut up! I am getting sick and tired off your meaningless grudge against my brother and me!" Will looked a bit taken back by this, but shook it off and replaced it with a mask of arrogance.
"What would you even do about it? You never fight back! You're too weak, your father can't even stand you! Why do you think he leaves so much?" He smirked knowing that would affect me. After my mother died, I had to take care of Alfonse and myself since Dad was always traveling. I did have support from the local church, though, so it wasn't awful. I am just glad Al is doing better after being sick.
"Shut up you bastard! You have no idea what we have been through!" I turned to my brother, shocked at what he just did. Luckily, the bell rang, and we had to go inside for class.
"You got damn lucky you punks. But after school today, I'm going to beat the shit out of you." I shrug at his threat. There is no way he is going to do that. I am too smart for him. I turn to Al to discuss a different matter at hand.
"Alfonse Heiderich, what were you thinking? In your current condition, you may have been hurt! Just stay out of his way, I don't want you to end up in the hospital again. The doctor said you are still weak from the bad case of Tuberculosis you suffered a while ago. We have already lost Mom, I don't want to lose you as well." Al looked down at the ground ashamed.
"Sorry, I was not thinking about that. I just hate how that guy picks on you every day." I ruffle his short blond hair.
"Don't worry about it. Let's just thank God that we have each other."
-Amestris-
"Alright Al, what is so important that you had to have winery come get me? She threatened me with her wrench, saying I was not coming fast enough! I swear that woman will be the death of me one day." Alphonse laughed.
"Just follow me. I think you will find this is well worth it." He led me into the spare room he used to study alchemy, an unfamiliar array drawn on the floor.
"Does it have anything to do with the strange array on the floor? What are you planning this time?" Al looked at me with excitement gleaming in his eyes.
"I think I found a transmutation that allows someone to cross to a different dimension! Think of the fascinating discoveries we could make!" I closed my eyes and breathed slowly.
"Al, have you even tested it yet?" He bit his lip and looked away. "I thought so." I started to get a closer look.
"Edward! You are too close! You may accidentally trigger the array!" I glare at him.
"In case you have forgotten, I am unable to use alchemy." Al realized what he said and muttered an apology. I rolled my eyes and continued to study the array.
With the formula Alphonse used, his transmutation might actually work. I turned to tell Al my opinion, but a bright burst of light suddenly surrounded me. My eyes widened as the alchemic reaction took covered me.
"ALPHONSE!"
-Munich-
"In this lab, different chemicals are mixed to test what kind of reactions they have." I listened intently to the professor's words. This place is amazing! It was the center of scientific research, and I was here to see it!
"Scientists hypothesize that when the destruction and reconstruction of atoms in different elements can be used to create new elements." The whole concept was fascinating. I hung on every word. We gathered around for a demonstration. The scientist took two chemicals and mixed precise amounts of each. This resulted in a small spark. It was simply incredible!
"Now, this may seem harmless, but if too many chemicals mixed together, the resulting effect can be much more dangerous." He set the beaker down, and I went closer for a better look.
Before I could comprehend what was happening, the sharp blaring of the sirens warning of an air raid sounded. The firebombs falling upon the city shook the building like an earthquake. The chemical compounds fell on the floor, the beakers shattering. As the different chemicals mixed, the reaction was astounding, yet horrifying. Blinding light and electric charges filled my vision.
"ALFONSE!" I called out to my brother before the darkness suffocated me.
A/N: Hello everyone! I know I haven't updated my other stories in a while, but I was inspired to write this one! I would like to thank LiLiKun18 for helping me by sending me suggestions. Her story Alter is the inspiration behind this story, I suggest you read it, even though it is not finished. I think it is really awesome! I'm taking a risk in this story. It is using both the anime and the manga plots, so Edward hasn't ever been to England and he lost his Alchemy. Both Edwards are 16 years old, and both Als are 15. I am using both versions of Al's name, but Edward is going to stay the same. I don't like the alternate spelling (Eduard). Alter Ed will be Edward, while Ed Elric will be Ed. Sorry if it is confusing! I have a good idea of what is going to happen, I even made a timeline! Any questions or suggestions are welcome. Even if you don't like it, I welcome any criticism. I hope you enjoy!
Manga-neko signing out! :3