A/N: Hello all. This is a new story based on a dream I had a while back. I hope you guys like it, and as I'm sure you've read thus far on all fanfics, reviews are appreciated.

Summary: Edward Elric lives in a new Amestris. Alchemy is a relatively new science, and thus still in the process of being studied. The outcomes are limitless, until the Fuhrer discovers that one can combine animal DNA with a human's and get a whole new breed of soldier. The only issue? Edward Elric, State Alchemist, Lt. Colonel Aviator for the Amestrian Air Force. With the war on the boarders starting to reach a standing tension, the last thing Amestris needs is a new breed of soldiers going in and terrorizing the other countries into submission.

Chapter Length: 2,081 words (Excluding authors note and summaries.)

Chapter 1

Dawn of Yesterday

Edward Elric was too good of a Samaritan for his own good. It had never, up to this point, been a major problem. In fact, he quite enjoyed taking care of his elderly neighbors; mostly in performing small tasks that could be completely quickly using a new science called Alchemy. Once the word had spread, he had quickly risen to be a prodigy, discovering his own abilities in sketching the circles. It pleased the nearby residents to have one so talented in their grace.

It also pleased them to know that he was a trained aviator for the Amestrian Air Force. He had fought in the war, done his time, and paid his dues. He even had the badges and scars to show for it. In fact, he had an entire arm and leg to show for it. But that didn't entitle him to much help from the government. So while he enjoyed doing his little side jobs, he still had to report for duty to the base in Central every five to six weeks; depending on when they needed him.

So it was of little shock to him when on May 3rd, his neighbor, Mr. Tucker, came knocking on his door asking him to take care of his cat and her new litter of kittens. Shou Tucker was a thick older man with graying blonde hair. He had a daughter, Nina, who was a few years younger than Edward was himself. Or at least, she would have been if she had lived past six. The man still thought of her as a living being though. And if it helped him cope with being the last of his blood line, then who was Edward to convince him otherwise?

"Good morning Edward," The older man's voice husked shakily as he leaned against the open door way. Edward, being a good neighbor, stepped aside offering the elderly man entrance into his home. Nicotine stained fingers trembled as glassy eyes darted about the interior taking in a sight he had seen more than he could mentally account for. "I have a favor to ask of you." He croaked as he found comfort on the young blonde's couch.

Edward turned to his visitor patiently, and offered the trembling man a cup of coffee. It would calm the tremors and give the man something to occupy his hands with. He hadn't expected any less of the man when he heard the knocking on his door. His neighbors typically left him alone unless they were in need, which Edward didn't particularly mind; an Alchemist for the people after all.

"I expected as much," He sighed softly into the steam that cupped his face ever so warmly. "Where are you going this time Mr. Tucker?" Edward had often looked after the man's cat. A mangy longhaired thing that was often found licking itself bald because of stress. He had yet managed to find a way to make the damned thing quit cleaning itself bald. He was sure, however, if he called his brother, that he would be full of knowledge on how to stop it. Alas, the cat was not his and he found no need to instill so much effort into its wellbeing. He never was a cat person, finding he enjoyed a dog's company more often than not.

"Just a week on the coast. I've got some other studies to tend to out there. I figured you wouldn't mind watching over the cat for me? I would have asked Nina, but she swears up and down that the cat doesn't like her." Shou sighed heavily taking a sip of the delectable coffee that Edward had so happily created for him. Or at least, he imagined the boy was happy when making him coffee. He was quite fond of the blonde head of hair sitting across from him and often found himself fantasizing what it would be like to take the young alchemist in as an apprentice. It certainly would be nice for him to find someone to share his wealth of knowledge with. However, he knew he had to be discreet in what he explained to the outside world. Some of his content was quite illegal under the current Fuhrer.

"I'm sure it's all exaggeration," Edward smiled numbly at the fidgety ex-alchemist. It hadn't gone unnoticed by him that Shou Tucker had been eliminated from the Military under special reasoning. But he had faith that the man was probably too old to be performing much alchemy these days. "I'm sure I could handle feeding Tilly again. Her food is in the same place correct?"

Shou smiled at the alchemist and nodded. He was grateful to live next door to him, and that he could depend so easily on the other man. He would have to get him a souvenir from his latest trip. Probably even something for his brother as well, that was if he could ever actually return to the small white house. Perhaps, when he could return he would get Ed on his side. Explain why his research that he had so carefully hidden amongst his basement extra's was really so important to the world at hand.

"Everything is the same as it has always been." He purred heavily at the blonde. He watched as the young man tensed and found it oddly pleasing to watch. It was in the way the shoulders set them self a bit tighter, and he raised his head slightly as if daring the alchemist to try something. But he didn't want Edward to think lowly of him, so he did his best to cover it with a congested cough. If anything, it would at least add more cover to his story of having to go to the coast.

"Then my answer is the same as it has always been." Edward sighed leaning back in the leather armchair that had often held his weight. "I simply request that you enjoy your trip." He didn't have to ask about the rules. He knew them all by heart and had stood to abide by every single one, for he would want the same allotted respect if the time ever came for him to ask Shou to watch his house.

The elder man smiled in what he assumed was a warm fashion and nodded leaning further back in his chair. It was always hard to start a simple conversation with the man sitting across from him. It wasn't as if they had a lot in common. In fact, the only thing that they actually had in common was their scientific practice. To Tucker, it was a simple enough problem to solve. He would have to create a bond between the two of them that could broaden by alchemy. After all, who wouldn't want his input on the science? He was hailed a scientific prodigy when he first started out for the Military as well.

"Wonderful." The man nodded his head in appreciation before setting his cup down on the small table that stood in the center of the small but welcoming living room. "Have you ever thought of studying further in Alchemy?"

Edward hated to get into deep conversations with the peppered haired man before him. They never ended on a pleasant note, so he never understood why the man would continuously try to bring up some type chatter. In fact, Edward would rather sit in an awkward silence with the man than listen to him blabber on facetiously about matters that were taking place within the government.

"I already do," He still replied politely. No need to be rude to a man who was just as lonely as he was, if not more. He didn't know if Mr. Tucker had any other family, and he at least had Al and Winry he could call. "It's not been anything major though, just enough to keep up my abilities. I'd hate to get called back into action and be a bit rusty." He knew he probably wouldn't, but it was a good enough excuse it seemed.

Tucker nodded as if he understood the young man's plight, and debated if he should try to overstay his welcome or if he should positively leave. There were repercussions to be had for both. On the first hand, he was an impulsive old man, and should something come up that he got excited about…well things may not end on a happy note. However, if he left before he was asked, then the chances of him being allowed back into the Elric residence were at least there. That was under the suggestion that he didn't do something stupid if he were to overstay his welcome. The young blonde had yet to kick him out, and he was beginning to doubt he would unless he was to do something really askew.

"Ah, well fantastic. Perhaps we could share notes together at some point upon my return." Tucker sighed cordially as he stood on aching bones. Arthritis had set in quite heavily the year before, but he managed his pain well. It was the sympathy he was after. The less Edward had to suspect him of treachery the better. He would like to be described by all neighbors as a simple, kindly old man that had garnered a relationship with a wealth of knowledge in a young man. That way if anything were to go wrong, well he could simply pin it on the fact that he wasn't even really able to get down the stairs to his basement. Of course, it wasn't as if he was willing to give up all of his secrets as of yet. "Walk me out will you? The stairs were hard enough to get up the first time."

Edward did well about hiding the twinge of annoyance that could have easily told the older man just what he thought of him. He hated how clingy and touchy the older man became whenever he was around Edward, especially when he watched him interact with the other occupants of the neighborhood through thick curtains. He was the only one in the local area that Tucker made a habit of visiting. It was a tad unnerving to realize just how anti-social he was with everyone else.

But still, manners were for want.

"Of course," Edward nodded and offered his arm to with the man clung with gnarled fingers. "Do you need help getting to your door?" He hadn't meant for it to come out in an antagonistic way. But when the man's grip tightened on his arm, he knew that was exactly how he had taken it. "It wasn't meant as an insult." Edward sighed as he helped the ex-alchemist stumble down the front steps.

"My steps aren't quite as high or narrow. I shall be fine." Tucker chipped pursing his lips as his feet finally met the ground below. "You should water your lawn more often. It looks a bit dry." He suggested before making his way over to his own lawn.

Edward watched as the man fiddled with his house key before slipping into the door. Yes, Ed thought bitterly, a bit odd that the man locks his door only to come a few yards from his home. It was an odd behavior, especially for the community that Edward resided in. Yet, he put the information away as a weary old man who had his own reasons for his own actions. It was possible; after all, that Shou Tucker had seen and done far more than Edward had in his own time on the battlefield. Loud noises still sent his stomach retching in knots.

Thus, it was with little surprise, that the blonde found himself jumping at the shrill ring of the telephone from the kitchen. Figuring it to be his brother, who was due to call at any time, he rushed into the kitchen and picked up the machine before it could disconnect.

"Hey Al," Edward sighed into the receiver. When he didn't get an instant reply, and instead heard that of a heavy steady breathing, he bristled. Weird calls like this weren't exactly uncommon, but they still sent shivers up his spine, as if someone was watching his reaction. And, like every other time the mysterious caller dialed him up, he simply slammed the receiver down. Eventually he would have to change his number, after alerting Al of course. His brother knew everything about him, and Edward intended to keep it that way.