Hey guys! Welcome to this new story! It's my first FMA chapterfic (even though I have like four oneshots finished that I need to post) and I hope you all enjoy it!

Here's some basic background info before we get started: this story is Brotherhood/mangaverse compliant. It doesn't align with any canon episodes, but timeline wise, would take place at the beginning of season 2, probably soon after the Lab 5 debacle.

With that in mind, i hope you all enjoy this story!

Ch 1

The train was packed, tired yet excited voices passing along longing words of home. This wasn't unusual for this rail; the line that ran from Central to Resembool had two types of conversation, depending on the direction of travel. Heading northwest, it was about business. But heading southeast, it was about going home. People just didn't take this rail if they didn't live in Resembool.

This was the first thing Roy Mustang observed during the several hour journey. The second was that despite several passengers apparently recognizing the two boys across from him, not one said a word to them. For a town described as one of Amestris' friendliest, this behavior confused Roy immensely.

The colonel frowned at the pair seated in front of him. Edward, swallowed by his obnoxious red coat, was leaning against the window, chin in his hand and eyes focused on the countryside passing by. Alphonse, in his hulking suit of armor, was almost creepily still, the light from his glowing eyes currently snuffed out. Roy would never have expected this kind of behavior from them when he gave them a mission in their hometown.

A recent string of fires in the rural settlement had garnered suspicion, and who better to send to investigate than the Flame Alchemist himself? Roy wasn't typically involved in field work, but with his expertise in combustion, he didn't mind getting out of a few days of desk work. And, in his infinite generosity, he ordered the Fullmetal Alchemist to accompany him, and get a chance to visit home. So when the Elrics showed up in such a foul mood, Roy couldn't for the life of him figure out why.

Edward was irritable by nature, in a way that always seemed to target Roy's pet peeves, but his irritability usually manifested itself in his words. He'd never encountered a silently irritable Ed… And as for Alphonse, the boy had never been anything but polite to the military, and yet here he was, just as quiet and brooding as his brother.

Then there were the other passengers. Roy knew recognition when he saw it, and at least half of the commuters recognized the kids. Yet, no one gave so much as a greeting to them, and every once in a while, Roy would catch the women sending sympathetic glances their way. What was going on?

With a hiss, the train came to a stop. Passengers gathered bags, continuing their conversations as they stepped out into the station. Alphonse's glowing eyes returned, shifting toward Edward, but the fifteen year old made no move to get up. Roy waited a moment, annoyed at his subordinate's lack of interest, before speaking.

"Fullmetal. Get your stuff and get moving."

The boy did, still not making a sound. He didn't even send a glare in Roy's direction. He just pulled his suitcase out from under the seat and left the train. Now Roy was really angry; he did not want to deal with Edward's mood and lack of respect.

Roy trudged onto the platform after Ed, hearing the clanking signaling Alphonse followed. "Hey! Fullmetal!" The colonel called after the retreating red form. "I don't know where I'm going in this town! You better get back here!" Edward didn't stop, earning a frustrated growl from his superior.

"Just let him go," Alphonse's voice spoke out. It sounded bitter and not at all like the sweet fourteen year old Roy was used to. "I'll show you the way."

Al began walking, and Roy followed. The suit of armor had no physical emotions, but Roy could feel the burning tension radiating off him like a fever. "What's the matter with you two?" He asked before he could stop himself.

Al made a small noise like he'd been caught doing something he wasn't supposed to, but he said nothing. Roy waited, but it was clear the kid wasn't going to answer, and unlike with Edward, he couldn't order Alphonse to talk.

Roy pulled out his notebook, checking the itinerary. "Well, I suppose I should get our rooms checked in at the inn. You're sure you wouldn't rather stay at home while we're here?" He asked.

"Positive," Alphonse replied curtly.

"Alright." Roy ignored the boy's tone. "Where are we headed?"

"Not far. The inn is in the town proper, which is all around here."

Roy nodded, following as Al continued to walk. It was definitely strange, being in a town where most of the population didn't live in the settlement itself, but rather around it. He glanced up from his notes, finding he could no longer see Edward ahead of them; the kid really had run off. He sighed.

The inn was a modest two story building, with white painted brick and a chimney curling out smoke. If not for the small sign out front, Roy would have thought it was just someone's residence. The woman inside was older, with kind eyes under a weary, life-worn face.

"You must be Colonel Roy Mustang," she said upon his entrance. "Welcome to Resembool. You can call me Eve." She flipped through a few papers. "Two rooms, correct?"

"Uh, that's right," Roy answered, unsettled by how much she knew.

"We don't get many visitors. I always know when one's coming," Eve said, seemingly noticing his apprehension. "Here's your key. Ed came through a few minutes ago and got his, but he's already gone."

Edward already came and left? What was that boy's issue today?

"Did Fu- Edward say where he was going?" Roy asked.

"No, but if I had to guess, you could find him either at the cemetery or Pinako's."

Roy mumbled a thanks, stuffing his key in his pocket.

"Up the stairs, second door on the left," Eve said. Roy turned to leave, only for her to speak again. "Colonel, sir?" He turned back. "How are those boys doing up in Central?" The question was meek, as if she were nervous to ask it.

"They're doing well, I can assure you," Roy replied, unsure of how much townsfolk knew of the Elrics' situation.

"That's good," she said quietly. "We're always so worried about them. Especially with how little news we get out here." She sighed. "Well, I hope you can get to the bottom of our arson problem. Have a nice stay."

Roy nodded, heading up to his room and feeling entirely unsettled. He put his bags down, then went to fetch Alphonse and settle in for the night.

Whatever was going on with those two boys, he would get to the bottom of it. It all started tomorrow.

And there's our start! What could possibly be ailing our favorite brothers? If you read the description, then you already know, and this question is stupid. But nonetheless, sorry for the rather expositiony opening. It will get more intense pretty soon, I promise!

See you all next chapter!