The dog barked as it heard the soldiers walked up to the Rockbell's home. Pinako opened the door, but had to step aside as the military man barged inside.
"Hey! What is this? You have no reason to come barging in here!" Her protest were ignored as Mustang found the two boys in the corner of the room. Alphonse was sitting in a wheelchair that was facing Edward, but his head was turned to face Mustang. Edward, on the other hand, was staring at the floor and ignoring him. Mustang walked over to Alphonse and picked him up by his shirt. Edward looked up at them.
"We went to your house, we saw the floor, what was that? What did you do?" he scolded the young child. Alphonse started tearing up.
"We're sorry. We didn't mean it, we're sorry. We're sorry, we're sorry" he repeated, bursting into tears, while Edward went back to staring at the floor.
"This is a surprise to say the least. I heard reports that there was a brilliant alchemist living in this town, so I came the check them out. But the last thing I expected to find was a boy skilled enough to attempt human transmutation, or advanced enough to bond a soul to a suit of armour. I'd say he's more than qualified to become a state alchemist. Should he choose to accept the position, he'll be required to serve the military in times of national emergency, and in return he'll receive privileges and access to otherwise restricted resource materials. In time they may be able to find a way to get their bodies back, or even more."
"Right after he came stumbling to my door, half dead and covered in blood, I went over to my house to see for myself what had happened. What was there, whatever that thing was, it wasn't human. Alchemy created that abomination, it nearly killed them, and you want to throw those boys headlong into it? Would you really have them go through that kind of hell again?" Pinako scolded him. Mustang considered this then turned to Alphonse.
"Well? I'm not forcing you, I'm merely offering you the possibility. Will you sit in that chair and cry, or will you stand up and seize the chance the military can give you?" Alphonse looked up and him with wide eyes. "If you believe the possibility exists for getting your bodies back, you should seek it out, keep moving whatever it takes, even if the way ahead lies through a river of mud." Alphonse gave him a hopeful look as Mustang got up and walked out the door.
"You sure you won't regret this?" Pinako asked. Alphonse shook his head.
"No, I've decided to become a state alchemist and get our bodies back. And to do that I need working limbs. How long will the rehabilitation take?"
"I'd say about three years more or less."
"We'll get our bodies back soon, brother" Alphonse smiled at Edward.
So quick note: this is following the brotherhood anime, and it will follow the pov of ed and al throughout the anime, in order of the episodes in it, with the exception of this chapter and the previous ones, which was for exposition reasons. thanks for taking the time to read his, and especially to those who favourited, followed, and reviewed!