The Heir

Chapter 1

Edward Elric tossed and turned in his bed. When he dreamed, it was always of fire and of screaming. It was almost enough to make him not want to sleep, but that night he hadn't been able to hold his eyes open any longer. His friend Rose had tossed a blanket over him a little while ago, and it was now twisted around him. He whimpered softly. No one would believe that the prideful Ed would let himself be tormented by dreams like this, but they were something he couldn't stop. Finally, Ed's eyes opened wide. His chest was still heaving as he sat up. It had been six years since he'd lost his brother in that fire, but Ed couldn't shake the memory of that night. Instinctively, Ed looked down at his missing arm and leg. He'd lost just about everything that night. How could he not have nightmares?

Reaching out for the crutch leaning against the wall, Ed stood up and steadied himself. He hobbled across the room to the washstand. The cold water felt wonderful as he splashed it on his cheeks. It helped to reaffirm reality. More than anything, Ed wanted to crawl back into bed and go back to sleep, but he didn't want to chance having another nightmare. Besides, he had to be downstairs to help Rose in the kitchen in little under an hour. Why not get a head start?

The Rockbell Orphanage in Risembol had been Ed's home for years. He and Al had ended up there after their mother died, and he'd was brought back after the fire. Auntie Panako and her granddaughter, Winry were as close to family as Ed had left. True, everyone at the orphanage could be called that in a way, but Winry and Panako were something more. Winry, Al, and Ed had all played together when they were younger. Now, Ed and Winry were in charge the children, and helped out making sure everyone was fed and taken care of. Rose had been hired as cook about a year ago, and Ed spent a good bit of his time in the kitchen with her.

The sun was just beginning to show when Ed made his way to the barn. He milked the cows in the mornings, collected eggs, and fed the animals. It really was amazing how well he had adapted since his injury. He had learned to balance himself almost perfectly on his lone leg, and he was almost as proficient with his left hand as he had been with his right. If there was anyone to thank for that, it was Auntie Panako. The old woman had originally started giving him these chores as a way to make him more independent and stronger.

Life would not be easy for a crippled young man, but that did not give him an excuse to be useless. Ed sighed. Most boys were picked up from the orphanage for apprentice ship in some kind of trade by fifteen. At eighteen, it was clear that no one would ever try to teach "an invalid" a trade. Even as skilled as he was, most craftsman couldn't fathom a way Ed would be able to keep up to two handed, two legged competition. There had been a printer who had been interested. Ed was much smarter than most. Though he hadn't been formally educated, Ed picked up knowledge easily. Winry always teased him about being a genius. Genius or not, the printer had eventually decided that Ed's intelligence didn't outweigh his disability. The boy he chose in Ed's place was a dim kid of about thirteen. These days, Ed had very little hope...or want to leave the orphanage. He had learned to live a peaceful life here.

Rose was standing at the stove when Ed came in. "Good morning," she said cheerily.

"Good morning," Ed returned. He set a full basket of eggs on the counter, and leaned his crutch to the side. He began cracking the eggs into a large bowl. It was a matter of pride to him that he could crack eggs perfectly with one hand. He liked to boast that he got less shell in the bowl than Rose or Winry did.

"Did you sleep alright last night?" the girl asked as she checked the biscuits in the oven.

Ed shrugged. "Are you riding in to town with Winry today?"

"Yes. Is there something you need?"

"Nope. I was just wondering," Ed lied. In truth, it was just his way to shut Rose up. Rose sometimes tried too hard to take care of people. She just didn't know when to back off.

One by one, the children started to appear in the kitchen. The orphanage was small. Only eleven children lived there at the time, but that was nothing to lament. The older children helped the young ones into their seats, and began dishing out eggs and biscuits for each child. It was this kind of cooperation that made daily life easier. The bond between the children was sometimes the only real affection many of them got aside from Panako and the other adults.

A small girl giggled, and snatched Ed's crutch from it's spot. It was a game that many of the little ones liked to play. Ed would hop after them until they surrendered it in exchange for a kiss or hug. The girl, Nina made a funny face, and Ed laughed. "Hey, you get back here!"

"Nina, give it back," Panako said good naturedly. "You can torment Edward after breakfast."

Nina handed Ed back the crutch. "Can I still have a hug?"

"Of course." Ed leaned down and wrapped his arm around Nina. Nina was special to Ed. She was one of the more impish children at the orphanage, and didn't have an ounce of inhibition in her tiny body. If Ed had to be honest, Nina was his favorite.

Meals at the orphanage were always filled with chatter. Panako didn't hold to the belief that children should be silent. She let the kids enough leeway to act like children. Oh, but that didn't mean she didn't keep the kids in line. Laughter was welcome at the table, bad manners were not. Lateness was undeniably bad manners.

Panako counted off the children gathered at the table. "Where is Johnny?"

No one knew where the boy had gotten to, but they didn't have to wonder for long. Johnny came racing in through the back door. "Auntie! There's a fancy car out there!"

Panako stood, and looked out the window. "Stay here children, and eat your breakfast."

Curiosity beat hunger in Ed's book, and he followed Panako out. The car was indeed very fancy. It was undoubtedly worth more than everything in the orphanage. Ed didn't know much about cars. He'd only ridden in one once or twice in his whole life. The man that stepped out of the car instantly caught Ed's attention.

The man was tall, and held himself ramrod straight. His face was clean shaven, and his features were very sharp. He had straight dark hair, and determined blue eyes. The military uniform he wore only completed the image. Ed couldn't stop staring at the man. Not only was he very handsome, there was something about him. The stranger seemed to be eyeing Edward intensely, though it wasn't like he was staring at Ed in the way most people did. This man's gaze didn't drop the pinned sleeve and pant leg; his eyes never left Ed's face.

"Edward Elric?" he inquired.

"I am," Ed confirmed.

"I'm Panako, and I run this place. Just who are you and what is your business here?" Auntie chimed in sternly.

For the first time, the man looked at the old woman. "I am Colonel Roy Mustang, and I have business with the boy. Though I assume because of his age you are the one I should speak to."

"Of age?" Ed snapped. "I'm eighteen."

"Really? I would never have guessed with your size," Mustang scoffed.

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING A TEENY-TINY KID-SIZED MIDGET?" Ed raged.

"That isn't what he said, Edward." Panako turned to Mustang. "If you need me, I'll be inside."

"Thank you, ma'am," the colonel said with the slightest drop of his head.

"What do you want anyway?" Ed asked crossly. There was something about this guy that he didn't like.

"It took me sometime to find you. I've been searching for you and your brother for a little over a year. Only recently did I find Alphonse's death record, and that led me here," Mustang explained. "Would you be more comfortable sitting down?" he asked gesturing to the chairs on the front porch.

"I'm fine. Just get on with it."

If Ed's rudeness was getting to the military man, it didn't show. Mustang took a seat himself, and pulled a file from his briefcase. "Most of what I am going to tell you is somewhat sensitive, and I would thank you to keep it that way. Are you aware that your father was a military official?"

Ed shook his head, and looked away. "I don't know anything about him, and I don't care to."

"Too bad. I have some things to tell you about him. He and I worked together for a time after he left your mother, and I was given the task of taking care of things should anything happen to him."

"Something happened?" Ed asked trying to keep the worry he was feeling at bay. Why should he care if his old man was dead?

Roy nodded. "He died in the field. Hoenhiem left a tidy sum for each you and your brother, but that is all yours now. As are his home in Central and all of his belongings."

"I don't want anything from him," Ed said coldly.

"He seemed to think that you might say that. He also told me that you are incredibly intelligent, and that you had more sense than to turn down an opportunity to attend the National University in Central Don't be a fool, Edward."

Ed pushed at the blonde bangs falling in his eyes. He didn't want to look at Mustang. Everything about the man made him mad, but he really couldn't deny the fact that he had a point. If he took his inheritance, he could pay his way through the university, and maybe have a real career. Besides, he knew the orphanage could use that money to catch up on some bills. He would finally be able to do something big for the people who mean the most to him in this world.

"Fine," Ed replied moodily. "What kind of paper work do I have to sign?"

Mustang smirked. "It won't be that easy. Your father put quite a few stipulations into his will. First and foremost, you will be residing with either myself or Major Hughes and his family until you graduate from the school of your choosing."

"HA! Like I'd ever move in with you!" Ed scoffed. He hated his "dad's" rules already.

"So then Major Hughes it is," Mustang said emotionlessly. "Secondly, you have to swear that you will read your father's journal."

Ed looked away. "Anything else I should know about?"

Mustang nodded curtly. "You have until noon today to make your decision. If you are not on the train leaving for Central by then, everything will be donated to charity."

"You're joking!" Ed cried. "I have responsibilities here!"

"I'm sure Panako can survive without you. I'll see you at noon, Edward," Mustang said as he collected his hat and briefcase.

"HEY! WAIT!" Ed called, but Mustang slammed the car door, and drove off