Title: Second Vane: Other Resources
Author: Kristen Sharpe
Date: November 13, 2016
Rating: K
Warnings: None
Genre/Continuity: Fantasy alternate universe.
Disclaimer: "Fullmetal Alchemist" belongs to Hiromu Arakawa, Square ENIX, Studio BONES and various other parties.


When King Bradley had mentioned "other resources", Hughes had expected knights or Royal Alchemists. He had not expected... this.

"Ah, Lord Hughes!" The king was waiting for him in a small conference chamber, standing in front of a man in an imposing, spiked suit of armor. "I'd like for you to meet the Elric brothers."

Brothers?

Bradley shifted, and Hughes finally saw the boy sitting at the table that dominated the room. Dressed in a long, red cloak, he looked no older than ten with bright blond hair and even more startling gold eyes to match.

The eyes were what gave him away. The face was young, but the eyes were somehow old.

Like Roy with his ancient eyes.

The unbidden comparison had Hughes quickly reassessing as he allowed a small frown to appear on his face. Looking from the armored man to the boy, he said, "One of them seems very young, Your Highness."

Bradley only smiled while the blond boy visibly bristled. "Young but incredibly skilled as alchemists."

Ah, that was why the boy reminded him of Roy. Alchemists, whether dragons or humans, were another breed entirely.

"Alchemists?"

"Yes, alchemists." The blond boy had apparently reached the limit of what must be very limited patience. He threw himself away from the table and clapped his hands together before slamming them against the stone floor in a burst of blue-white light. Then, he rose, drawing a crackling form with him. As the light faded, he wrapped his gloved right hand around the haft of a newly formed spear and shot Hughes a challenging look.

"Impressive," Hughes allowed. "But, when dealing with a dragon…" Even wounded and grounded, Roy was deadly in close quarters. Hughes knew that better than most.

But, the blond boy only offered a feral smile. "Wouldn't want to damage the castle. Give me an open field, and I'll show you what I can really do," he said.

That sounded ominous.

And, Bradley was still smiling.

"I've already seen one such demonstration, and it was most impressive," he said. He turned away from the Elrics to face Hughes fully. "Given young Edward's incredible skill, I've decided to grant him a position among the Royal Alchemists and assign him to you for the foreseeable future."

Judging by the blond boy – Edward's – suddenly pole-axed expression, that little detail hadn't been mentioned before. Behind Bradley's back, he shot the armored man – his brother? – a frantic look.

Interesting. Either the prospect of working with Hughes wasn't appealing or it was the appointment as a Royal Alchemist the kid didn't like. Well, then they were all stuck.

"Thank you, your Highness," said Hughes. "I'll use them well."

My, the kid had a really horrible glare.

"I have every faith in all of you," said Bradley. He clasped his hands behind his back. "Have me informed once you've devised a new plan of attack."

That said, he strode out the door without a backward glance.

Hughes looked back toward Edward. The boy's eyes were narrowed, his jaw clenched tight. Hughes had the sudden, sinking feeling that this was going to be an entirely different kind of trouble than he had expected.