Hello! AiroctivElnyn here, with a new story! What happens when your average American girl goes through withdrawal after beating The Last of Us, then discovers One Piece and Black Butler? She writes a Medieval FMA AU! (Like that makes any sense.) Anyhow, enjoy, my friends!

Important! Please Read: This fanfiction is an AU based off of FMA. It is considered wise in the author's eyes to refer to a map of Amestris, so as to understand the story better. If you type in "fma map of amestris" in google, it is literally the first picture under images that I am referencing. (You can zoom in to see the names of smaller places, such as Awbeziz.)

Disclaimer: I do not own FMA or anything related to it.

Claimer: I do own the picture for this story - it was drawn by my dad!

And without further ado... here's the chapter!

Kingdom of Amestris, Village of Risembool, Winter of 1406

The sky was dark. Wisps of charcoal black and fiery red ashes mixed with snowflakes fluttered through the air, and the smell of smoke and blood lingered, leaving a metallic taste in one's mouth. Cries of sorrow and loss could be heard clearly, each sob of despair carried upon the icy wind and away from the destroyed village as if the earth itself wanted to be rid of them as soon as possible.

'Twas in the midst of this rubble that young Edward Elric stood, clutching the hand of his little brother Alphonse almost too tightly. Golden eyes were wide and still, unblinking from shock, the only movement being his golden locks swaying gently in the chilling wind. A sniffle came from close to the ground; Edward glanced to see his baby brother was crying and trembling. He gulped,

"W-what's wrong?" he asked. Ed knew the question was absurd, for there was plenty wrong, but perhaps asking would maintain some level of normalcy. The younger brother sniffled and whimpered.

"I-I'm cold and I want mama," he replied simply.

Edward gasped quietly at this, his gaze shifting to one of the large wooden beams that had fallen from the roof of their once burning home, charred and still fresh with rising smoke. Under that burnt beam an arm could be seen, its feminine hand clutched halfway in a desperate yet failed attempt to cling to life. Fresh blood still pooled below.

"M-mama's not here," he explained shakily. "S-s-she left, as soon as the Horsemen left."

"But-but... will she come back to us? Last time mama left she was back on the morrow - will she be back on the morrow, brother?" little Al asked. He looked up at his big brother and gasped, shocked to see tears streaming down his face. Hurriedly the little tyke stood on the tips of his toes, reaching up with a small hand to wipe them away. Ed looked at him, surprised,

"What are you doing?"

"You're crying, brother; mama says we should stop somebody's tears if they come out."

At this Edward burst into more tears, sobs even, kneeling down and pulling Alphonse close to him. He didn't dare let go for fear he should lose his little brother as well. Poor little Al stood there, confused and scared.

"B-brother...?" he squeaked out, uncertainty laced in his voice.

"A-Al," Ed stammered, "W-we have to go now."

Alphonse pulled away and looked up, eyes wide and teary.

"B-but what about mama?" he asked. "She won't know where we've gone. Won't she be worried about us?"

"Alphonse... mama, s-she's not coming back."

Al was childishly defiant to this concept and shook his head,

"No, mama always promised she'd-,"

"Alphonse," Edward interrupted sternly, using a tone he rarely did, "Mama's not coming back."

Little Al's eyes widened in shock,

"N-never?"

"N-no, Al... never. Now we have to go, okay? Just hold my hand and everything will be alright. I promise."

On that one winter day, in the Kingdom of Amestris, in the village of Risembool, two little boys could be seen trudging, hand in hand, through the snow and icy wind and away from the wreckage of a destroyed village. One would pity these two boys at first glance, sorrowful of their surely awful fate, but those pitying people would soon find themselves wrong - for as cold as the winter was, there was a blazing-hot fire raging in the golden eyes of the eldest brother - one of determination, hope, and an unwillingness to give up that would last a lifetime. That fire would soon spread to the younger brother as well - and eventually, a story of two brothers would become written into history.

Chapter the First: The City of the South

Wherever you are, whatever you did - it's a page in your book but it isn't the end.

-Sidewalk Prophets, Prodigal

Kingdom of Amestris, Village of Awbeziz, Autumn of 1411

The warm and homely tavern called The White-Hot Ring was very quiet during the day; when the townsmen of Awbeziz returned from their daily toils in the iron mines, that is when the humble place became one of great liveliness. The candlelit tavern was filled with hearty music, played live on the lutes and flutes. Beer, wine, and the occasional glass of Drachman vodka were served by the keg, by the pint. The men would laugh and joke and talk and bet and play chess (for someone was lucky enough to own a set), their liquor sloshing around as they carelessly tapped their glasses together or put an arm around the one sitting next to them, hoping to acquire backup in some drunken argument. Only the worst of the drunkards were escorted home; thankfully those men did not have families.

This cool autumn night was no different than any other night - albeit favorable for the men, who enjoyed their evening antics, it was not the same for a pair of young brothers, who had arrived in hopes of getting a room. They stood there in surprise as they observed quietly the loud festivities, Edward's grip on Al's hand growing tighter. It was only when they had to dodge a flying beer glass (a thick, heavy one at that) that the older brother's eye twitched, and he stomped up to the apparent owner of the tavern with Alphonse in tow.

"Excuse me!" he said loudly, having to shout over the men. Even with extra volume he wasn't heard however, not even after yelling five times, and finally with a face flushed with anger he yelled one last time,

"Excuse me!"

This time the owner looked down at them, his hand pausing its task of polishing one of those horrid beer mugs with a rag. He furrowed his bushy grey eyebrows, his wrinkled face portraying confusion, and tilted his head to the side.

"Eh?" began he, "You should scram, kid - I highly doubt a little five-year-old like you could hold a shot of our weakest stuff, so you best get going then."

Alphonse covered his mouth in fear while Edward shifted his jaw angrily.

"I'M NOT FIVE OR LITTLE, I'M TWELVE YEARS OLD AND I AM TALLER THAN MOST MY AGE!" he yelled quite loudly. The owner raised an eyebrow, his gaze shifting inquiringly to the younger brother. Alphonse just shrugged in response.

"Okay, then...," the man said slowly. "What can I do ye for? Just so you know I'm not about to sell off some of the hard stuff to a couple of kids, so if that was your intentions you best be outta here."

Edward folded his arms and scoffed, "As if. We just want a room for the night."

At this the man clicked his tongue in realization, reaching a hand over to a wall of keys behind him. He fingered the keys for a while before snatching one and held the brass object out to Edward,

"Here you are; up the stairs and the third room on the right. The price is 500 cenz a night, if you can 'fford it."

Ed nodded once, grabbing the key and tossing the money onto the counter. Without another word he tugged Al through the crowded room laced with the scent of liquor and up the creaky wooden stairs.

"Finally!" exclaimed Edward as he shut the door to their room, observing as Alphonse jumped onto the bed. "I'm exhausted."

"It's too loud here," Al stated, peering over the edge of the bed to look down at the floor, a scowl evident on his face. The noisy alcoholics could still be heard below. Ed sighed and folded his arms,

"Well there's nothing you or I can do about it, so just try to get some sleep."

"We probably would have been better off staying in Dublith, brother, but you insisted on continuing the journey."

"Hey! There was still a quarter of the day left when we arrived there, possibly even more; I honestly thought we could at least make it half the way. There's no need to be so cross."

"Sorry, brother."

"That's alright, we're just tired is all."

There was silence as Edward removed his shiny sword with a gold and red sheath, half tossing it onto the table in the corner with a thud. Then he reached into the old leather rucksack they carried all of their belongings in and pulled out an old map, made of paper as soft as linen. Gently unfolding it and placing it on the table, next to the sword and under a candle, he observed it.

They were in Awebeziz now - not quite halfway between Dublith and their destination, the City of the South, but farther along than if they had just stayed in Dublith. The blond gave a heavy sigh and turned to face his brother,

"Hey Al, do you think-,"

He paused, for his little brother - despite the noise below them - had fallen into slumber, curled up on the bed with a peaceful look on his face. At this Ed could not suppress a smile.

It was sometimes hard, very hard, to remember that Al was still just a child - eight years old and four years younger than him. When their family was reduced to the size of three so many years ago, it was Edward who had to step up and become what was not there, who had to grow up far too fast. But that was okay, for as sad and scary and hard as having no father around was, he wasn't sure that he'd be who he was today without that sudden change - and that could've meant a whole lot of trouble for him and Al in the future. Thankfully they were doing okay... for now.

Edward's happy smile turned into a soft, sad one - he still wished that their family was still complete, that things were the way they were so long ago, but he also learnt to somewhat accept the way things were now. He was grateful that he still had Alphonse, at least. That boy quickly became one of the most important things in his life after he was born, and this fact only became even more so after the death of their mother.

With a small sigh, Ed crawled onto the bed next to his brother and fell asleep.

"Aye, lads, what can I do you for this fine morn'?" the owner of the White-Hot Ring asked as the brothers approached him the next morning. The tavern was as silent as a graveyard - and surprisingly clean, no trace of the festivities the night before. "I got fresh milk, only minutes old."

There was a pause, as Edward's eye twitched, before he replied,

"No thank you. I don't drink that shi-,"

"Brother doesn't like milk," Alphonse intercepted, casting a glare towards his brother. "We will take water, though."

"If ye insist," the man said, pulling out two glasses. He began to fill them from a pitcher, "So what brings a coupl'a young'uns to Awbeziz? There's not much here, I admit; 'sides the mines, we don't have what other places do."

"We're passing through, that's all," Ed answered, watching as the glasses of water were slid across the counter towards the brothers. "Do you have any mutton?"

"Sorry, lads, fresh out - those men like to eat just as much as drink. How about some porridge instead? It's not very expensive, either."

Edward nodded, and the man set to work. Whistling while he did so, he asked,

"You're making your way to the City of the South then, I see?"

"Yes, actually. We hear it's got... good food."

The man paused for a moment, looking suspiciously at the brothers. "Good food? No need to lie, lads; I know yer fleeing from the Horsemen, most likely."

"How would you know?" Ed asked, his tone slightly offended.

The man slid two bowls of porridge, both steaming with heat, towards the brothers. He sighed,

"It's obvious - everyone knows that they've been pushing westward more and more. There's been talk of people fleeing left and right all over the lands, and some people think it'd be best to make their way to the City of the South. Way they see it, that place is mostly outta their way, as they seem to be sticking to the northern parts of the land."

Edward frowned, dipping a silver spoon into the porridge.

"You're right, you know," he said. "People are heading south. But they're idiots. That's not going to be good enough."

"Oh?" the man said inquiringly, raising an eyebrow.

"What brother is saying is that the Horsemen will find all of us, no matter where we go. Fleeing is futile," Al explained.

"So then are you two idiots? Yer heading to the exact same place, are you not?"

"Nay. We're not idiots, for our business in the City of the South has nothing to do with the Horsemen. Now, how much for this tasteless crap?" Ed asked around a mouthful of food.

"5,000 cenz."

Alphonse's eyes grew wide while Edward spit out the porridge in his mouth.

"Damn people with their damn prices, overcharging for their shitty food. I'll teach them to be scandalous crooks!"

"Calm down, brother!" said Al. The brothers were walking down a dirt road - the only road - in Awbeziz, which just so happened to be the road connecting Central City to Dublith and the City of the South. Edward kicked up dust with the toe of his all-but-worn boot and shoved his hands deep into the pockets of his long, red cloak.

"Yeah, yeah. But now you have to go without breakfast!" said he.

Alphonse gave a soft smile. "Brother... I'll be fine - I promise."

Ed sighed. "I know... but I'm your elder brother. It is my duty as such to take care of you."

"And you have, trust me! For now, however, we must focus on making it to the City of the South. How far a walk is it from here again?"

"Three days, at least."

Both brothers sighed heavily, their shoulders slumped in dread as they kept walking.

"'Tis going to be a long day," Al whimpered. Ed huffed,

"Indeed, little brother."

"But," Alphonse said thoughtfully, gazing up at the sky wistfully, "I should like to think that I would be willing to walk a thousand days upon the hardiest of lands... if it means unlocking the power of Alchemy."

"Shh! Do you want to be heard, or worse?! You know Alchemy is forbidden in the kingdom!" hissed Ed. He then quoted, with venom laced in his voice, "'Alchemy is a power given to man, a power in which he is incapable of controlling wisely - as such, it is forbidden and considered heresy to learn, teach, use or speak of the art and it's qualities,' remember?! You don't wish to go to jail, do you?"

"Nay, I think not. Sorry, brother," Al said shamefully. Ed folded his arms, huffing, when suddenly the brothers heard a noise behind them. Glancing back, Ed's eyes widened with hope. He thrust his arms into the air,

"Hallo! 'Ey!" he cried.

They watched as the horse slowed down to a stop, the man driving the wagon looking at the boys curiously.

"Aye, seeking a ride to the next city, are you?" he asked, brown eyes shining kindly. His light blonde hair blew in the wind, and he appeared quite friendly and sound. Ed shrugged,

"We seek a lift to the City of the South."

"Well hop on then, should you want to cut your travel time down a good deal!" the man exclaimed with a smile. The brothers smiled back and Ed climbed up first, helping Al up. They sat down next to each other on one of the many pumpkins in the cart, side by side. The man whipped the reigns of his horse gently, continuing the journey, and said,

"I am a farmer, and I'm fixing to sell my lot of pumpkins in the City of the South. What are you two boys heading to the City of the South for?"

Alphonse patted the pumpkin he was sitting on with a fond smile,

"That's pleasant. I'm Alphonse, and this is my elder brother Edward. We're going to the City of the South to meet up with our grandmother. She hasn't seen us in two years, and seeing how she's five and seventy, we wanted to meet with her before it's too late," he lied.

"Oh, I see," said the farmer as he chewed thoughtfully on the piece of wheat in his mouth. "I'm glad your business is that of pleasure; there's been so much talk in Awbeziz about the Horsemen heading west that I'm beginning to get discouraged. It's not often anymore you see people who aren't running."

"To say we're not somewhat afraid of the Horsemen is a lie... but if they want to expand their territory then they shall. There is no reason to fear what you cannot control," Al responded. The farmer hummed in agreement.

"Those are wise words for such a small child," he said with a smile, missing the irritated look that grew on Al's face and Ed's smirk. The man then whipped the reigns again, "Well, rest up; the ride from here shall be a ways."

The ride in the wagon, compared to the three-day-long walk, only took a day. In that time, the farmer and Edward made friendly chat, while Alphonse napped. Dawn was upon the kingdom now, the sun still rising when the trio arrived at the City of the South.

The City of the South, being near the southern border of Amestris, was quite warm in climate - desert-like, even. Adorned with merchants and salesmen of the sort, the only time the streets were quiet was at nighttime.

As soon as they entered through the gates Edward hopped off the wagon, Alphonse following suit. The farmer, slightly taken aback, stopped the wagon and asked,

"Oh? And where are you off to now?"

Edward reached into his pocket and pulled out a handful of cenz. He held the coins out,

"I hope this compensates. We're grateful to have been able to avoid walking the whole way."

The man blinked his dark brown eyes once, then twice, and then laughed heartily.

"The lift is free; I should like to think that I wouldn't charge kids for a simple ride. Well then, good day to you!"

The brothers smiled back and watched as the cart drove away. Then, Ed took Al's hand and they began to weave their way through the noisy crowd. The merchants had just set up their stands for the day, and so the city was bustling with people everywhere.

"We need to find the library here," said Ed in a hushed tone as they walked under the bright blue morning sky. "That is where the book will be."

"Are you sure, brother?" Alphonse whispered doubtfully, trying not to be heard. "If Alchemy is so forbidden, wouldn't they make certain that there wouldn't be a book on it where everyone can read it?"

"Not this one," Ed said. "It's in the back."

"Oh, I see... but we're not supposed to go in the back, brother."

Ed sighed heavily. Sometimes Al was too naive for his own good.

"That's why we go there tonight, late tonight. But first we must find the library. A book on Alchemy - the forbidden - is within our grasp. We're getting it one way or another."

"There! I see it!" Edward exclaimed joyfully, tugging Alphonse along as he broke into a run. "That lady was right; it really is almost exactly in the center of the city."

"I think it would be a good idea to explore the inside of the library," Al said.

A quick nod of long, blond hair was all Alphonse received as he was dragged hastily into the library. The younger Elric inwardly sighed; he should have been more aware of the increasing excitement in his brother. It wasn't that he forgot Edward's passionate love for books - what kind of brother would he be if he did? - but he hadn't quite realized just how excited he was to visit this library. The only thing he didn't know now was why.

"Brother, are you-,"

Al cut his sentence short however, his eyes growing wide as he gasped - now he knew the reason for excitement.

"Look at the size of the library!" he exclaimed. Edward nodded vigorously, his grin growing wider, as Alphonse gaped at the massive library.

'Twas a sight to behold, the younger Elric deduced. The library - a vibrant, glowing, white building - stood massively tall. Al couldn't tell if it was made of marble or not - he wanted to say yes, but wasn't sure. At the entrance of the library - two large, extravagantly carved doors of cherry-red wood, accented with ornaments of severely polished, golden birch - there were seven massive columns of marble all lined up in a row.

There was a miniature courtyard in the front as well - trimmed hedges with little red and purple flowers methodically directed one to the doors, while a fountain in the middle served as an enhancement to the place and also as means of gathering money. (Alphonse knew all too well of the new trend - throwing loose change into a fountain to make a wish - that had started to spread. If only those foolish people knew how quickly that spare change could add up!)

But alas, as gorgeous a display the library beheld, Alphonse Elric was not happy - the exact opposite, really. He bit his lip, roughly pulling his hand out of Ed's grasp, and folded his arms.

"Are you daft, brother?!" he exclaimed. Edward's smile fell, and the elder brother scowled.

"No, I'm not!" replied he. "You're the daft one, unable to be happy about such a library!"

"It may as well be the biggest library in all of Amestris!"

"Nay," Ed denied, "It's the second biggest."

"Brother, what's gotten into you?! This is stark madness!" Al cried angrily. He then whispered, "I don't think we can manage to break into the second biggest library in all the land! This would require much less effort if it was a small, shabby library!"

Edward sighed heavily, placing a hand on his brother's head. Alphonse looked up at him curiously. The elder Elric chuckled,

"Alphonse, you still have plenty to learn. The only libraries you'll find books on you-know-what are the ones with the highest security! Do you not think that the King's Chevaliers have swiftly searched and cleared all the poorer libraries of those kinds of things?"

Al blinked, then sighed in defeat. "I... I suppose you're right...,"

"I'm always right, aren't I?"

"Nay, brother. Now, when and how are we going to do this?"

"Well, first we must check the inside out and map it. Plus we must make sure that there will not be any guards nearby, or find a way to sneak past or distract them if they are, and we also must make sure we're certain that we know where that book is, but if all that works out...,"

Suddenly Ed's eyes twinkled with excitement and anticipation, and a smirk Al had only seen once in a great while appeared on his face. He folded his arms confidently,

"We go in tonight."

So, how was it? You can let me know in a review, if you want (hint hint). Also, I couldn't find the value of cenz, so 100 cenz equals 1 US dollar in this story!

I hope you enjoyed it! See you next chapter!

-AiroctivElnyn