Hello readers. I've recently started writing again, and I thought it was time to update this story, which has been collecting dust in the corner of my room. Back to The East takes place right after the end of the series. I hate how the real story continues, so I decided to change the ending. I'd tell more, but it will be explained as you read. So… I hope you enjoy. Reviews would be wonderful. Muchos gracias.

Disclaimer: I do not own FMA, or any of its characters.

Back To The East

Chapter One: The Promotion

The polished black boots echoed dominantly in the quiet building, no trace of a limp found in the persistent click of his heels. For the first time in almost a year, he was back at Central Headquarters. The ten months he had spent in recuperation with his faithful Lieutenant Hawkeye had been long and hard, but had paid off. He was still slightly self-conscious about his eye—and the fact that there was no patch present.

A long, ragged sight escaped him as he caught sight of the familiar office coming up. The man's handsome features shifted slightly, tightening into the emotionless stare that he used whenever meeting a higher-up.

Footsteps slowed, and a gloved hand rose to grasp the handle. Turning it, muscles tensed as he leaned forward, pressing inward. Easily, it opened, and as he stepped in, he was greeted with the sight of familiar faces. Before they could say hello, a small white and black dog tackled him.

When finally Hayate was satisfied with licking Roy, the man straightened, and found each of his staff members on their feet, and in full salute. The emotionless look dissipated, and lips parted to speak. Then, however, Havoc spoke up.

"Chief, the Generals want to speak with you."

In all truth, the man couldn't believe what he was hearing. He'd actually zoned out for a few moments. It was only now that he dropped back in on the conversation.

"…and after we found out what Fuhrer Bradley was and once we spoke with the government council, we've agreed that you'll be promoted to General for serving your country yet again. It was quite a shock to find out, but the evidence is clearly there. Your promotion will be in eight days from today, and it will be held at the Eastern Headquarters. Be sure to pack your bags. Dismissed."

With a sharp, but numbed salute, the man turned on his heel, and slid out of the room. Thoughts seem to whirl a mile a minute as his feet unconsciously lead him back towards his staff's office. He hadn't expected something like this at all. It was his first day back, and already…

He was surprised to find himself in the staff's office so soon. The faces staring at him drew him to reality, and he suddenly realized they expected an explanation. Broad chest rose as dark eyes slid to each member, lingering slightly on the woman in the corner. He smiled slightly when he closed the door before he spoke up, voice low and gruff.

"I've just been told I'm being promoted to General. They're having the ceremony at Eastern Headquarters. You can come if you want to."

And that was that.

It was quite simple to understand, really. After Mustang's agreed promotion, the other Generals decided to look into the stacks of unfiled paperwork of the higher-ranked enlisted soldiers. Then, they spent the next day calling officers and asking for evaluations. In fact, Roy himself was drawn into the rush.

Now that the threat of Bradley was gone, it meant that Roy no longer had to abide by his lazy alibi, and could finally get back to work. Still, that didn't mean he enjoyed it any more than he ever had. Even so, he was determined to get it done and over with. So, he spent the rest of the day isolated from the others in the neighboring office, writing hastily on each and every form, in attempt to get it done.

At long last, and to his surprise that it was only a little after lunch, he had finished. He took the forms himself to the turn-in desk, and retreated back to his staff's office. By the end of the day, he, along with every other officer or enlisted soldier in Central Headquarters, received a train ticket and a notice of approval for their absence.

His staff was surprised to find their own tickets, and perhaps it was with silent admiration that they realized Brigadier General Mustang had thrown in a good word to the higher-ups about them. And, with his consent, they were all being promoted exactly one rank. Even so, perhaps the thing that made his day was when all five of them signed the dotted line, and agreed to go one step further with him on his journey to the top.

Despite his being the Flame Alchemist, and even his dislike towards wet rain, it did nothing to help his hard-headedness about the weather. The pitter-patter of rain echoed, hitting the cobblestone streets near the train station as he strode forward. He had to admit that taking a shower the morning they left sounded appealing, but now… He sighed.

Damp bangs brushed his eyes as he lightly hurled his bag into the luggage car. The cold, December breeze made him tense beneath the military jacket and uniform. He hated the cold, especially when he was wet. Drawing the black coat closer to him, he turned from the men that were loading luggage onto the train.

Heels clicked lightly as he made his way towards the car number. There were thirteen cars, and the number of soldiers coming, he knew, was two hundred and forty exactly. Each car had ten compartments, five on either side, and with his calculations, he was sure that he would be sharing his with someone else. That was, of course, considering that the thirteenth car was for luggage and supplies only.

His thoughts had picked up so rapidly that he hadn't realized he was already in his designated car, moving down the isle to the correct compartment. Footsteps slowed, and a gloved hand slid from the thick coat to the door, pulling it open. He was, however, met with a familiar face.

His first response was confusion. It was against regulations for two soldiers of the opposite sex to room together in the barracks, but despite that, she was here… Didn't they know it was a whole day's ride, and that they might end up sleeping in the same compartment if the train was delayed? Were they really willing to take that chance? No… Maybe it was a mistake, and he'd read his ticket wrong.

"There are an odd number of female soldiers in our battalion, sir. Compartments ran short, and to keep brigades separated, they keep them in groups. I believe they thought that you were the one who would be able to handle sharing a compartment with a female for the evening, sir…"

Obsidian locked onto amber, and he was silent for a few moments as he gazed at her, before he gave a huff. That was right. There were an odd number of females in their battalion. Quietly, he stepped in, and slid the door shut. Collapsing onto the seat opposite Hawkeye, his gaze moved straight to the window. The others better have made it in time… The main conductor called out a five minute warning. It seemed to bring others to reality, and many of the younger soldiers that had been loitering outside the train began bustling towards it.

"How was your morning, sir?"

His gaze flickered back to her for a moment, before returning to the window, his eyes narrowing softly.

"Cold and wet. If I'd have known—" He was cut off by their door opening, and as he turned, found the other four members of his staff peaking in. Their sudden greetings were answered by Hawkeye's calm façade, but somewhere, somehow…he could see the irritation. Roy said nothing. Then, finally, they left.

A sigh escaped her, following the silence.

"They're just excited about the promotion, sir."

He said nothing. Then, hesitantly, he shifted. Words were quiet, but they could still be heard.

"So am I."

With a sharp whistle, the gears groaned and began to turn, and a soft lurch announced the start of a long ride back to The East.

And there you have it. Chapter one is complete. Again, reviews would be great. I apologize for any misspells or typos. It's been a while, you know. The next chapter will come this time next week, for sure. Lots of love, people. Until next time.