Edward Elric and his little brother, Alphonse, wandered down the busy street of Central. They had not been ordered to do anything, and had gotten no leads on the Philosopher's Stone.

" That colonel bastard, not letting us look for any leads." Muttered an obviously irritated Ed.

" But brother, I think this is a good chance to relax. You've been working hard lately." Said Al in an attempt to cheer his older brother up.

"Yeah, whatever." Grumbled Ed with his mood lightening slightly.

Not another word was spoken until Ed stopped in front of an alleyway. It gave off an eerie feeling, which sent shivers down his spine. But despite the awkward feeling, Ed still wanted to explore it. He was just about to when he heard a small meow coming from behind. He sighed and spun around to face the noise. " Al, put it back RIGHT NOW." He commanded. Al gave a slight jump of surprise and turned around to face Ed. He gave the best sad face a suit of armor could give.

" Brother, can't we keep this one? It looked so lonely just sitting there." Al asked hopefully.

" Al, you know we can't take care of it. It would probably live longer if you put it back." Ed said, pointing to the alleyway.

Al gloomily nodded, knowing his brother was right. He then walked slowly into the alleyway and

once he was sure that no one could see him, he opened his armor and pulled out a small kitten. He gently placed it on the ground, patting its head softly before he stood up. But just as he was about to leave, he spotted something in the corner of his eye. Curiously, he walked over to it, only to gasp in surprise when he discovered what it was. Someone had collapsed! He hastily scooped the stranger up, noticing that he had a small wound on his stomach. He quickly made his way out, stumbling over a discarded piece of furniture as he went.

" Brother!" Al called out as he bursted through the alley's entrance. " Look!"

Ed quickly turned around and gasped, for he wasn't ready for what he saw. A boy around the age of sixteen was being held by Al bridal-style! He had grayish-blackish hair and his canines seemed to be like that of a wolf's. He was unconscious, and did not seem to be waking up anytime soon. " Al, come on! We must get him to a doctor." said Ed loudly as he made his way to look for a doctor.


Ed and Al waited patiently as the doctor examined the mysterious boy. They had bumped into her on the streets. "Well, he seems to be doing okay. There were no fatal wounds, and if I'm correct, he'll be up and running in no time." She said as she turned to face them. " He's lucky you two found him. Who knows what could have happened if you hadn't."

They both let out sighs of relief. But who was this boy? Why was he in the alley in the first place? Ed pondered these thoughts for a moment before letting them slip his mind, for the doctor had left, leaving them alone with the stranger. He was about to get up to leave as well, when Al grabbed his sleeve.

" Big brother, I think we should stay. What would happen if he woke up?" He asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

Ed looked at his brother before he said okay and sat down next to him. Maybe when he woke up they could get some answers. But since it was getting late, Ed decided that a small nap wouldn't hurt and soon dozed off into dreamland.


Ed felt rays of sunlight beaming through the windows. He yawned and stretched as he opened his eyes.

" Good morning, brother. Did you have a nice rest?" Al sked cheerfully as he looked at his waking brother.

Ed nodded sleepily as he scanned the room for any changes. It didn't seem like the boy had woken up yet. He slowly got up and headed towards the house's small kitchen, realizing how hungry he was. He groggily opened the pantry and took out some cereal. Since he doesn't like milk, he ate it dry. After that, he went to go back to waiting with Al.

"When do think he'll wake?" Asked Ed.

His question was answered, as the boy began to stir. Seconds later, he sat up slowly while rubbing the back of his head. " Damn, what happened?" He asked groggily. " Where am I, anyway?"

The brothers hastily made their way to his bedside and introduced themselves. " I'm Ed, and this is Al. We found you unconscious in an alley." Said Ed. "Who are you?"

The boy took a moment before happily replying, " My name's Ryu. Nice to met you!"