DISCLAIMER: I do not own FMA nor any of the characters I'm using in this story
SUMMARY: What if The Elric brother's parents died together. And Pinako refused to take them in. What if after trying to raise his brother by himself Edward made a deal. A deal that would ensure a happy healthy childhood for Al... but in return Edward is a slave. Dogs are treated better then Ed, but he doesn't care. He'de endure any amount of torture as long as he knew his brother was safe.
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Chapter 1: THE DEAL
"So we have a deal?"
Groaning Edward wearily got up, pulling on his ragged clothes he stretched and yawned. Even after all these years he wasn't use to his schedule. Finding his way easily around the dark room Edward climbed the cellar steps. Twisting the knob twice the locked clicked and he was let out, going over to the kitchen counter he picked up his list of things to do. Unable to make out what was on there he sighed and scratched his arm, his filthly body always itched whenever he was in the kitchen. It was so clean... and he was so filthly.
"Yes we have a deal"
Going back to his list of chores he headed towards the closet. He had been taught how to read well enough to understand his constantly-growing list of chores, but he had always been told he was too stupid to learn anything. At first he didn't believe it, but years pasted by and now he couldn't believe he had ever argued over the subject because it was true. Slaves were meant to remain ingorant while the Masters and Mistresses learned.
"There will be rules you know, and you have to obey ALL OF THEM"
Filling the bucket with soap and water he dipped the mop in and started on the floors, moving about expertly he let his mind wander to the past, trying to recall anything. The closest he got was the day the deal was made, he could remember everything that happened that day. Their parents had died a month ago and Edward, only 6 at the time, was trying to raise his brother Alphonse all by himself. But realizing this task would be impossible he went out on a search, as much as he hated it Edward would have to give Al up to some loving couple that Ed was sure would take good care of Al. Finally he found someone he thought would be suitable, and the two made a deal.
"First of all, you will wake up every morning before dawn"
Finishing the mopping he looked to see what was next, silently going up the stairs he entered the library and started reshelving books. He didn't day dream this time because he had to pay close attention to where he put the books. Working for over a hour Ed finally got the last book put away, going back down stairs he checked to see what his next chore was. He groaned when he saw what it was, polising every piece of silver. Grabbing a rag and some silver polish he started with the silverware.
"Next you will do any and all chores assigned to you without complaint"
Two hours passed before he had successfully finished the silverware. Giving his sore shoulders a quick rub he went into the living room to start polishing the silver that was in there. Taking the tea sets,trophies,medals,and other assorted silver things over to the couch he began polishing. He rubbed and rubbed until his fingers started bleeding, yet he still rubbed. Finally all the silver was finished, by now he had to get breakfast started so that it would be done and on the table by the time everyone came down for breakfast.
"The last rule is that you are never to speak to Al again"
Edward had always thought the last rule wouldn't be so bad, as long as he got to see his brother who cares if they talked. But, that wasn't the way things worked, if Al was anywhere around Edward had to disappear. Only when Al had gone could Edward emerge from wherever he had to hide. Infact Edward hadn't spoken a word since thirteen years, only two years after he became a slave.
"I understand, I will obey these rules"
"DAD!" Al yelled thumping down the stairs, he found his dad sitting at the table. "Breakfast is on the table Al, after you eat we can talk" Al sat down and piled food onto his plate. "Dad, Nina wants to go watch the Flame Alchemist renew his license over in Central for her birthday. I wanted to know if it was ok if I go with her" for a long while there was no answer. Al was just about to give up when his dad answered, "of course you can go son" Al smiled and jumped up. Hugging his dad he flooded his dad with enough "thank you"s to last a lifetime.
From a crack in the cellar door Ed listened to the conversation, the crack was never big enough to see anything but he could listen to any conversations easily. "He sounds so happy" Ed thought "I should be happy, I mean that's what I wanted right?... then why do I feel so sad" Ed closed his eyes "it's because your not out there with him, living a life and being happy with him." a voice in the back of his mind said, "well theres nothing I can do a deals a deal" Ed stood up as he heard the front door slam shut. "Back to work" he thought glumly as he opened the door and resumed his chores.
"THANK YOU DADDY ENY!" Nina cried and hugged Eny, Al had just told her the good news and she was so excited. "Your welcome Nina" Eny said with a small laugh. "We're leaving at twelve tomorrow" she told him, Eny nodded making a mental note to have Al ready by then. "And how old will you be?" he asked "fourteen" she answered. "I'm finally the same age as Al" she smiled, Al laughed "but remember my birthday is two months away. So we won't be the same age for long" Nina sighed "I know I know but It'll be nice while it lasts."
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Alright guys heres Chapter 1. I hope you liked it.. this is another one of those stories that was just random and off the top of my head. I don't know if I'm going to continue this or not. Do you think I should? I would love to know what you think of this story so far.