Disclaimer: I don't own FullMetal Alchemist.

This is slightly AU because, while it happens instead of the actual series, it is still the same characters (mostly) in the same world. The plot will soon become more apparent.

The only couples that I have thus far stuck my heart on are EdxWin, Royai, and AlxOC. I'm open to most any suggestion as long as the couples are male/female.

Okay, now I shall begin. This is the night of the transmutation's failure. I have changed the ages, so Ed is 15 and Al is 14.

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Do you ever feel like breaking down?
Do you ever feel out of place?
Like somehow you just don't belong,
And no one understands you.

Do you ever wanna run away?
Do you lock yourself in your room?
With the radio on turned up so loud,
That no one hears you screaming.

-Simple Plan, "Welcome to my Life."
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Screams flew wildly through the shattered silence of the night. They were of pain, sorrow, and confusion. Two boys, altering their destiny and the courses of many lives in a single night. Questions flew in the air like dark messangers of tragedy.

Why?

How?

WHY?

A scream shattered the silence.

"AL!"

…

…

…

The next day, at the Rockbell's, all questions are answered. A failed transmutation that was forbidden in the first place. Edward has lost his left leg and use of his right shoulder, taken in the transmutation. His right arm was limp at his side. Al had no left arm, also stolen from him. However, that was not all Alphonse had lost. That night was all a blur to him, he could not remember some things that had happened leading up to the transmutation or what had occurred during it. Edward looked heart broken, but they stayed up late at night to talk. They didn't know what to do now, and needed an answer.

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"I want what's ours back."

"I agree. But how do we get it, Brother?"

"There's only one way we can do it Al…we have to learn more about alchemy. Once we do that…you'll have your memory back as well as your arm."

"And you'll get everything back."

"Exactly Al; exactly."

Alphonse thought of this conversation as he went to fetch the mail. He wasn't sure how they would learn much, as they had only so much knowledge themselves. Not to mention Al couldn't remember many things he was sure he used to know.

He opened the mailbox and grabbed the pieces of mail one at a time. Most of it was stuff addressed to Auntie Pinako, one or two pieces to Winry, and a pamphlet. The writing caught his eyes immediately. He had to show this to Ed! He ran inside as best he could and dropped the rest of the mail on the table. "Brother!" Making it up the stairs, he ran to his and Ed's room. "Brother!"

Edward looked up from his book. "Yeah…what is it?"

Alphonse read from the pamphlet. "The School of Alchemic Science and Exploration, or SASE, cordially invites all alchemists to apply for the new year. Our school has only the best standards for rates that are affordable…" Al kept reading into the details, but Ed was focused on the big picture, as usual.

"C'mon!" He interrupted his younger brother and grabbed his crutch. The two went down the stairs and found Pinako and Winry talking in the living room. "Auntie, there's money in the closet at home. I want you to take it as payment for automail. We're going to school."

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This is my first chapter. The others will be far more interesting and a bit easier to follow, but I'm assuming most of you don't need me to go step-by step through the the Elric's journey's beginning. Please review! And thanks to Izumi's Apprentice for reminding me how Ed lost his arm and that she is all powerful. Anyone who likes FFX and is a fan of LuluxWakka ought to read her story. Go now! Read and review!