Chapter 2: Train to Nowhere

Disclaimer: I do not own the Fullmetal Alchemist.

I pulled all city names in this FF from the map on the FMA:B Wiki, by the way. It was fun plotting out the story on the map.

Edward kicked a stone on the ground as they approached the barracks. He looked up at the sky and sighed, the first raindrops beginning to fall. Alphonse gave Edward a sidelong glance, his heavy metal body clanking as they walked. However, both brothers remained quiet as they made their way into the barracks. Just as they entered, the rain began to pick up. They made their way to their room. Edward entered first, and Alphonse followed, closing the door behind him.

Edward stood with his back to Alphonse. Once the door was closed, Edward turned to Alphonse. "Mustang wants to go on a mission with me to the north. He wants to go find out if some rebel group is associating with Drachma. I mean, the group itself is still just a rumor, even if there is evidence of people crossing the border! I've no idea why they want both of us to go together on this mission. Why not Mustang and some of his other people?"

"Drachma? Isn't that dangerous?"

Alphonse shifted uneasily, and Edward gave him a look and scoffed.

"Dangerous? We've both seen enough, and Teacher survived up there. We could do it too. Anyway, I have to pack for cold weather and take on the cover name Henry of all things!"

Alphonse snickered, moving further into the room, "Henry?"

"Yeah, yeah. Go ahead and laugh. I have to go to the station alone too. We don't want anyone seeing us off for the sake of our cover." Edward sat on the bed and turned his head, not making eye contact with Alphonse, a slight grimace on his face. "It's stupid that you're not allowed to come."

"Oh…, I'm sorry, brother…"

Edward just waved his hand, "Mustang said that he would get Hawkeye to take you to the library for books so you can continue researching if you want. We'll be gone about a month. If we don't find anything in that time, they want to send another group to avoid suspicion since our cover only has us there for supplies and training. I have to be Mustang's alchemy apprentice."

"What?" Alphonse laughed, "You? Mustang's apprentice?"

Edward gave Alphonse a baleful glare, "They want to give us an excuse to use basic alchemy if we need to while still not breaking cover."

"Well, it sounds like everything is all planned out, Brother, so just listen to Mustang, okay? He does know what he's doing. You haven't been on a reconnaissance mission before."

Edward grunted and scowled.

Edward spent the rest of the night preparing. However, most of the time Edward packed the small backpack Hawkeye gave him, he spent ranting and complaining about the upcoming mission, especially about Alphonse being left behind and Mustang's necessary presence.

In the morning, Al roused Edward and sent him off with another warning not to argue too much with Mustang and listen to him. Edward merely grunted and then made his way to the train station, where he found Mustang sitting sleepily on one of the benches and yawning.

Before Edward could say anything, Mustang noticed him and called out cheekily, "Good Morning, Henry, glad you made it with time to spare."

Edward merely sat down sulkily with a huff.

Mustang smirked. "Now, that's no way to address your Master, Henry. We're supposed to get along since you're my apprentice."

Edward heard the warning in Mustang's voice as he subtly gave instructions about how to act while attempting to keep their cover. Edward, however, just continued to glare.

"I'm tired. I didn't sleep well." Edward slouched down and crossed his arms.

The excuse was the best Edward could come up with. Before Mustang could chastise him, the train whistle blew, and they were distracted by the now approaching train. They watched as it pulled into the station, dark smoke billowing from the smokestack.

Mustang stood with a smile, "Time to go, Henry."

Once on the train, Edward sat by the window, pretending to be intensely interested in everything going on outside. On the other hand, Mustang watched Edward for a moment before sitting back and pulling out the morning paper, which he had stuffed in a side pocket of his backpack. Then, pretending to read, he calmed down and reminded himself of Hughes's advice.

"I don't know the kids yet, but I can tell you to be patient and to keep calm. He'll try to rattle you. He is a teenager, after all, for goodness sake. What do you expect? And from what you just told me, you don't get along in general. Not to mention that he's been on his own for so long. How did that happen?

"Anyway, remember, even if he doesn't admit it, he's probably nervous and also probably a bit cocky, but weren't we also that way when we were his age? This is his first recon mission, and he doesn't have his brother with him. He'll need to learn to hold his cover, and he'll have his good days and bad days. He's still a kid, and he'll act like it."

Mustang groaned. "But he's a soldier now, and he should act like one. He's been taking care of himself, and it's been nearly a year. He should be able to act with some maturity."

Hughes huffed, "And… he's a soldier because you recruited him. He does have responsibilities as a soldier, and even if he did have to grow up quickly, and no matter what he's seen, he's still very young for a soldier. You're going to have to treat him like one, and probably like an adult, but at the same time, you'll need to remember he's still a kid."

Mustang leaned back in his chair. "A kid who's seen hell. He's not as naïve as other kids his age."

Mustang could practically see Hughes shaking his head as he spoke. "Even so… he shouldn't have had to see that at his age. An adult in the same situation has a different perspective on such things. He's grown up too fast, but he still needs supportive adults."

Mustang glanced at Edward as he came back to the present. Edward was still looking out the window, pretending that Mustang did not exist and inwardly hoping to finish the mission as soon as possible so he could return to his brother and begin searching for the Philosopher's Stone once more.

Mustang shook his head. This kid is going to be the death of me…

The train continued to move forward along the tracks, and so, the hours rolled by as they made their way north, intentionally ignoring the other for sanity's sake.

The train's breaks squealed with a high-pitched ringing due to the cold as the train came to a stop in Aszamen. Earlier, in North City, they had switched trains and began their trek to the small city east of the northern capital. From this point forward, Mustang and Edward would move by car or foot to avoid suspicion and to facilitate their reconnaissance of the area for the supposed rebel group.

A thin layer of snow on the ground belayed the oncoming winter to the northern territories of Amestris. As they disembarked, Edward looked around, surprised at the layer of white.

"It's October! Why the hell is there snow on the ground in October?"

White puffs of breath lingered in the air, and Mustang smiled.

"We're up north, Fu... Henry. This is not back east, and they are expecting a cold winter this year."

Edward glared at Mustang. "Yes, Mr. Whitmore…" Edward's sarcasm made Mustang's eye twitch.

"You should treat your Master with respect, apprentice Henry."

Edward just harrumphed and walked faster. Mustang followed but soon smirked, "Do you know where the hotel is, Henry? I don't recall telling you where we would be staying."

Edward froze and, turning around, gaped at Mustang, "Wha'?"

"We're staying in the Rail-House Inn tonight." Mustang pointed to the building he was standing in front of, and which Edward had just passed.

"Well, why didn't you say something sooner?"

Mustang smirked, "come on. I need to get my apprentice out of the cold now, don't I?"

Edward seethed as Mustang chuckled at Edward's expense.

I'm going to kill the bastard before the first night is over!

Back on the train platform, Tucker stepped off the very same train the two alchemists had vacated minutes before. Tucker had an informant to find, but that could wait until the next day. The observer had returned like he promised and directed Tucker to the small city of Azamen to find a supplier for raw materials. First, Tucker needed to check into the Rail-House Inn, just one building down the main street from the station. As he made his way, he saw the tail end of a dark coat entering the building and fresh tracks in the snow leading away from the small station.

Someone else must have been on the train and is staying here. I'll have to be careful that I'm not recognized, just in case.

Paranoia began to eat at Tucker. The observer was keen that no one recognize Tucker. No one could know the plan. Otherwise, he would be in contempt of his calling as an Alchemist. Alchemist, be thou for the people. He was straying from the path.

But it's only a little bit and only for now! In the long run, the greatness, the good that will come of my research will far outweigh this decision. And I won't take anyone by force. That's why I'm here!

Peering into one of the Rail-House Inn's front windows, Tucker saw the backs of a dark-haired man and blond-haired boy talking to the receptionist, who laughed at something they said. He did not recognize them from behind. From his perspective, the man and boy left the reception desk and made their way toward a hall leading back into the building. Only once they were almost out of sight did Tucker move to enter the building.

"Good evening!"

The receptionist's cheerful voice filled the room, making the already comfortably warm space feel even more welcoming. Although the Inn was called the Rail-House Inn, they received very few customers from the train, and most stayed because they needed a place for the night before continuing on their journeys. Very few stayed in the town, and today the owner was thrilled as they had reservations for three.

"Good evening, I have a reservation for a Mr. Herring, a single room, please."

"Very well! Would you like a second-floor room or a ground floor room? We still have both available!"

Tucker thought for a moment, "A ground floor room would suffice."

As the receptionist turned to open the locked draw and retrieve a key, Tucker leaned against the counter, "the pair who came in before me, did they also just arrive by train?"

The receptionist turned back, the key dangling from her fingers, her smile sympathetic.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I cannot talk about the other customers for their privacy."

Tucker feigned a look of chagrin and apologized, "Thank you, I hope you have a good night."

The receptionist gave a slight bow, "You too, sir. Sleep well, and if you need anything, please ring for assistance."

Mustang was smirking as they walked toward their room, Edward trailing behind Mustang sleepily.

That receptionist was pretty-faced, and Edward played his part as the apprentice well, Mustang mused.

When they entered the building, Edward had stayed close to Mustang's side. When Mustang introduced himself, asking for the room reserved for them, Edward greeted the receptionist cordially and with the sincerity of a normal young man, rather than the brash and cocky greetings he usually gave. Even though Edward disliked the Colonel, he still wanted to prove he could do well, so Mustang would not be able to criticize him.

Surprisingly, when the receptionist made the mistake of asking if Edward was Mustang's son, both remained calm, even if Edward almost flew into a tirade of shouts. Mustang then informed her that Edward was his apprentice, and they were here on business, to which Edward only nodded emphatically. The receptionist, handing over the key, had laughed at their awkward expressions and bade them good-night as they made their way toward the hall to their room.

Now, Mustang and Edward stood in front of the door with a brass number nine nailed onto it. The number matched the number etched into the key. Mustang, with the key in hand, was ready to unlock the door.

"Hurry up already," Edward groused from behind him.

"Just give me a minute Henry," Mustang placed an extra emphasis on Edward's cover name, and Edward glared at him.

Mustang turned the lock, and soon both were inside. Edward immediately rushed to the bed by the window and unceremoniously flopped down on top of it, dropping his backpack by the foot of the bed as he went.

"This one's mine!"

Mustang closed the door behind them and just shook his head. As he turned, facing the room, he directed his attention at Edward, "by the way, good job out there."

Edward, who was now lying on his back, turned his head to look at Mustang, "What?"

"You did a good job holding your temper when the receptionist thought you were my son," Mustang grimaced, and so did Edward.

"Ugh! Don't even remind me!"

Edward accentuated his words by throwing a pillow at Mustang's head, which Mustang caught.

"I'm scarred for life!" Edward wailed, rolling on the bed, "how could she make that mistake! We look nothing alike, and who would want you for a father. You're a power-hungry manipulative basted only out for his next promotion!"

Mustang smirked, "and you're a brat."

Edward shot up to a kneeling position, pointing an accusatory finger at Mustang. "Who you calling so small they have to use a microscope to see them?!"

Edward went to grab his second pillow, but Mustang's smirk just widened, "if you throw that thing at me, I won't give it back."

Edward's arm stopped mid-motion, just as it began its forward arch to throw the second pillow. He gave Mustang a curious glare, "you're not going to keep the first one… are you?"

Mustang's smirk just widened even more, but Hawkeye's and Hughes's words flitted through his mind. Words of wisdom so that he could make it back from the mission not just alive and with their covers intact, but sane.

You can't provoke him, sir. You have to be the adult.

I am an adult…

Yes, but on this mission, you have to remember this is Edward's first time on a reconnaissance mission. If you rib or tease him… because you do… it will make it more difficult for him to hold his cover. Use the cover as a means to guide your interaction and act like a serious Master. Treat him like a serious apprentice, even when he tries to provoke you.

And then Mase, "He's still a kid, and he'll act like it."

Sighing, Mustang shook his head, "I'll give it back."

Edward's eyes widened, lowering the pillow still in his hand. It was evident that he did not expect that response.

Edward's eyes then narrowed, "What's the rub?"

Mustang's face betrayed slight shock, "nothing! What do you take me for? Edward, we're Master and Apprentice here. Behind closed doors, it's sort of okay to use our real names, but for all intensive purposes, we should maintain the ruse even when alone. We need to be professional about this."

"We're supposed to be professional back at Eastern Command too." Edward gave Mustang a sideways look, confused skepticism marring his face.

Moving toward the second bed, Mustang tossed Edward his pillow and as he placed his bag on the floor.

"Yes, but right now, we're on a mission, so professionalism is even more important. We cannot afford to slip-up and give away our cover. It's easier to slip if you don't maintain the cover, even behind closed doors. You're still relatively new to the military, so you're still relatively unknown. However, you are gaining a name for yourself, not just as the youngest state alchemist but also as a hero to the people. People know me, as well. This is why it's so important that we do not make any mistakes with our names, Henry."

Edward flopped down once more and shifted onto his back, all the while rolling his eyes and grumbling, "Yeah, sure, fine. You told me all of this already."

"I only repeat it because it is important, and this is your first time on a mission like this. Everyone needs reminders from time to time, especially when they first start out, and even if they've been on many missions."

"Fine."

Edward rolled onto his side, his back facing Mustang, and Mustang let the subject drop. Later, Mustang ordered dinner and watched in fascination as Edward devoured more food than someone his size ever should be able to eat. Conversation was sparse, and after dinner, there nothing left to do but sleep and wait for the next day to come.

The next morning was bright and warm, although not unseasonably so. However, the snow from the previous day melted to reveal the dying grass underneath. Mustang stretched as he stood by the window. Edward's muffled snores sounding behind him. Mustang's face softened a little. Edward was sprawled on the bed, his hand resting on his stomach and exposing it by pushing up his shirt ever so slightly.

He almost looks like a kid when he's asleep.

Mustang frowned.

If I didn't have an idea as to what he's seen and the hell he's lived through, it might be cute. He almost seems like a typical teenager like this, but he's not.

Mustang faced the window once more, then pinched the bridge of his nose.

I hope he finds the stone soon. The sooner, the better.

Two rooms down the hall, Tucker was rousing himself from sleep. His plan was to meet with his informant today and begin working out the details of selecting and transferring materials. By mid-week, Tucker hoped he would have what he needed and be on his way back to East City.

Then, I will finally be able to make my speaking chimera, and I will gain my State Alchemist license. I will be known as one of the most prominent bio-alchemists for creating chimeras.

The light in Tucker's eyes was bright but not at all steady.

Mustang eventually woke the still sleeping Edward. After many complaints from Edward about being tired and finally breakfast at the Inn's dining room, Mustang and Edward left and began their trek to the shopping district. There, they would gather 'supplies' so that Mr. Whitmore could teach Henry some practical's about alchemy.

Their first day passed with little incident, and Mustang and Edward came to know many of the shop keepers. Mustang was able to establish a rapport he hoped would help engender a friendly relationship with the town's people so he could gather gossip.

On their second day in town, one shop stood out. The shop was tucked nicely in the middle of town and, at first glance, looked just like its façade portrayed. It was a nick-knack shop, full of odds and ends, but also sold many useful things for around the home. People would sell the owner old or broken items, which he would fix and polish, and then sell for a profit. After visiting the shop, Mustang was sure there was more to the shop than met the eye.

Before visiting the shop, the towns' people discovered that Mr. Whitmore and Henry were alchemists when a cart lost its wheel, and Mustang helped fix it. A few requests came for them once the people made their discovery. Mustang skillfully, to Edward's surprise, completed most of the requests. The others, Mustang, had Edward complete.

Much to Edward's surprise, Mustang was not overbearing in his instruction. For Mustang's own feats, his instructions looked more like explanations to the rest of the town, which he claimed also served as lessons for his young pupil. Mustang did the same for Edward's tasks, and Edward saw the approving nods of many of the men and women. Mustang had directed his womanizing charms toward establishing the trust of the town.

When Mustang and Edward did enter the knick-knack shop, no one was in sight. Mustang had been listening for gossip and eavesdropping since they began their investigation the previous day. As Mustang continued to move further into the shop, he could hear the shopkeeper on the phone and, so he slipped toward the back to listen in. Meanwhile, Edward began looking over the trinkets around the shop, picking them up and inspecting them. The things in the shop ranged from toys to household items to work gear. There was even a plow in one corner. Edward willfully ignored Mustang and continued to browse.

At the back, Mustang caught the tail end of the conservation from the back room.

"…not to be seen. You'll expose us if you are. I have to go. Some customers just came in."

Mustang moved away from the back door and quickly moved toward the store's front, pretending to observe some items. Edward watched out of the corner of his eye.

The shopkeeper came to the front, "Good afternoon, I'm sorry I was not here to greet you earlier. I had an important call to make."

Mustang nodded to the shop keeper, but Edward ignored them as he continued to move about the shop. It was then that a young couple entered the shop.

The shopkeeper greeted them by name, "Good afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Manning."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Greets!" Mr. Manning then saw Mustang and Edward.

"Oh! Mr. Whitmore! Henry!" Mr. Manning turned his attention back to the shopkeeper, "Mr. Greets, these two are alchemists." He gestured to Mustang and Edward. "Maybe they can help you fix up some of your projects so you can get them to the front of the store!"

The shopkeeper looked to Mustang and Henry, "I couldn't…"

Mustang merely smiled. "It's no worry, my young apprentice would like the practice fixings a few small things," Mustang jumped at the opportunity to see the back of the store. His mind was already trying to discern all potential meanings to the end of the conversation he heard earlier.

"He's already had this particular lesson and needs some practice. It will be good for him!"

Edward refrained from glaring and followed the shopkeeper, who showed him to the back room. Toys that still needed to be fixed were lying on a workbench. Mustang followed them into the room and found an oddly placed door suspicious. The closet jutted into the room but only took up approximately a half-square meter. It was very small for a closet, and the various tools hanging from pegs on the walls and many shelves housing other products made the closet seem unnecessary to Mustang.

I wonder what that is for? Mustang mused but quickly diverted his attention so as to avoid suspicion.

On the workbench, Edward drew the proper circle on the top of the workbench and activated the array. The toys came together, pristine and new. Mr. and Mrs. Manning, who had also followed them, craning their necks to look over Mustang's shoulder, looked on in awe and began to congratulate the young alchemist.

Edward sighed. If only they knew… then they'd really hate us. Well, hopefully, they won't recognize us, but none of this alchemy is even close to what we do as State Alchemists. They probably can't tell, but still, it feels a bit wrong.

For two days, Tucker met with his informant, who also turned out to be a supplier, and whose front business was a nick-knack shop. All transactions were to take place in the shop under the guise that Mr. Herring was asking for a custom piece.

Tucker found out that the shopkeeper was a supplier of any good for individuals and groups who wanted to fly under the radar. The merchandise ranged from food supplies to weapons and government-controlled substances to trafficked people. The town was perfect due to its location. The blissfully unaware townspeople did not know what truly lurked below their streets in a small series of tunnels leading to the forest in the north.

On the first day, Tucker met with the supplier, and they confirmed that the supplier could, in fact, provide him with the necessary resources. The supplier needed to contact his network and confirm when they would deliver the resources that Tucker requested. It was only by chance Tucker did not cross paths with Mustang and Edward on the first day.

On the second day, Tucker met the supplier in the early afternoon as arranged. Unbeknownst to them at the time, there was a commotion just outside the shopping district, where Mustang had just fixed the cart.

"Good Afternoon, Mr. Herring. How are you today? I was able to confirm with my network that your supplies can be ready tomorrow morning for your observation."

Tucker's eyes light up, "Yes, thank you!" He was not expecting to be able to obtain the product so soon.

"Can you come early tomorrow, right before the store opens?"

"Yes, what time?"

The supplier tilted his head slightly, thinking. "Six in the morning will be good. Come to the back door of the shop."

"I can be here then." Tucker nodded.

Tucker left the shop again, and a young couple entered after him. The supplier covered a grimace. However, he had made arrangements with his network the day prior, after Tucker's visit. However, now that Tucker himself had confirmed he could come in the morning, the supplier needed to confirm the time with his accomplice, who was bringing the merchandise through the tunnels to his shop's basement. They had to be very careful when moving merchandise, especially if they wanted to be sure the town stayed unaware. This also meant that merchandise could not remain in the basement for long. Otherwise, they risked someone finding it. They would keep the merchandise there for only a short period of time, and his men would remove the merchandise, preparing it for transport after Tucker came to confirm the order.

Once the shop was empty, the supplier slipped into the back to make the call to his men. This, however, was the beginning of the suppliers undoing, as Mustang and Edward entered the shop just as the supplier was finishing his call, and it was the tail end of that call, which Mustang overheard, and which aroused his first suspicions.

Later that evening, Tucker, who had returned to the Inn after his meeting with the supplier, decided to eat at one of the local restaurants. It was as Tucker was entering the Inn's main foyer to leave for dinner, he saw them for the first time in full view, rather than from behind, like the day he arrived. Although Tucker had heard the rumors of the two alchemists being in town, he had yet to see them.

As Mustang and Edward entered through the Inn's doors, Tucker jerked to a halt and quickly stepped backward, and then hurried back to his room. Just as he closed the door, Mustang and Edward entered the hallway and began to make their way back to their room.

Tucker waited. Once Tucker was sure the hallway was clear, he opened his door ever so slightly, and Tucker heard the telltale click of a door shutting. Tucker stepped out of his room, looking down the hall with trepidation toward Mustang and Edward's room.

That was the Flame and Fullmetal alchemists! Why are they here? The two alchemists in town are them?! What if they… No, they couldn't know.

Tucker's eyes narrowed.

I'll have to be more careful.

After returning to their hotel room, Edward turned on Mustang, "How does revealing we're alchemists help our mission? We were barely able to do anything this afternoon! I thought we were supposed to keep that a secret unless absolutely necessary. The town seems relatively normal to me, and I don't like deceiving them."

"We're undercover, Edward. We were going to be deceiving them from the start since we have fake names."

"I just don't like doing the alchemy and pretending we're not… you know. Now that we're doing alchemy, it just seems like we're taking it too far."

"'Alchemist, be thou for the people.' The way I see it, we get… or, more specifically, I have the opportunity to live up to this truer aspect of being an alchemist with the name Mr. Whitmore."

Edward observed Mustang more closely and could see the satisfaction on his face. In fact, Mustang was feeling much better about today than he had felt in a long time, especially concerning his use of alchemy.

"Well, whatever," Edward grumbled.

"Anyway, while you were fixing the few trinkets for the nick-knack shop owner, I was able to look around a bit. As you said, the town seems relatively innocuous. However, the nick-knack shop owner seems suspicious. I heard him say something interesting on the phone just after we entered, and if the rebel group does exist and has any connection farther into Amestris, then they could be moving through his shop.

"I'm already of the opinion that the rebel group probably exists, especially considering the idle gossip in town."

"You used using alchemy to get the people gossiping and to talk to you!"

Edward was shocked, and Mustang only shook his head.

"Yes, Edward. Back to what I was saying, the rebels could easily use this town to move supplies. The knick-knack shop would be a good cover. Although this is a larger town, it's still slightly out of the way and in-between cities with more traffic. It's big enough to hide in but not big enough to have a large military presence. It's also slightly farther north than other cities along this part of the rail and closer to less populated areas north-east of North City and south of Briggs. It's also far enough into Amestris to make it strategic, unlike some of the other towns and cities closer to the borders. We'll need to check out the shop more carefully tomorrow."

"Originally, we were here for supplies for the rest of our mission and to help solidify our cover. We needed people to see us somewhere before we head farther north-east, where the rumors of the rebel group are coming from, but it seems we might have stumbled upon something else."

Edward cocked his head to one side, "so what are we going to do?"

"You're going to go buy a few things from the shop while I have a look around back. You'll need to keep the owner busy for about an hour. Our story is that you're buying some things to practice your transmutations and that we'll be heading north into the woods for some survival training this weekend. Then we'll be hiking to Egmuridcu, a city north and slightly east of here. We'll be passing by Fisk, but not stopping."

"So, we'll be in town for three more days?"

"Two and a half of sorts. We'll leave early Friday. We'll be in town tomorrow and Thursday all day. Our official story will give us one day in town and one day to prepare all the necessary supplies before we leave. So, tomorrow, I need to determine if the nick-knack shop owner is involved in any way, and I need evidence. Everything I have is guesswork at this point. If we really need to, we can hang out in the woods nearby and keep an eye on any nightly encounters that might occur. If the rebels do move product through this town or use it to obtain resources, there should be some evidence nearby."

"Won't the town's people get suspicious?"

"Not if they don't suspect a rebel group is working around town."

"That's dumb. Towns' people in places like this get suspicious of outsiders."

"We just proved ourselves to be innocuous and traveling alchemists. Alchemists travel Amestris and stop by towns or go off on survival training all the time."

"You mean you actually did survival training?"

Mustang gave Edward an incredulous glare, "yes, as a matter of fact, I did. Even if most of my training was at my master's home, there was a bit of survival training. An alchemist needs to be of a strong mind, body, and soul."

"You mean as an initiation to your alchemy training? Were you were deserted on an uninhabited island with only a knife and the clothes on your back by your teacher?"

"What? No, what kind of idiotic nonsense are you spouting? Yes, I had survival training, but we did have some equipment, and I was taught what to do if I found myself in a situation without that equipment. Although, I had a substitute of sorts as my teacher was not able to oversee that part of my training due to his health."

Edward just smirked and rolled over on his bed, "Well, good for you and your amazing survival training. Goodnight, Mr. Whitmore."

Mustang cringed at Edward's overly sarcastic tone but chose to ignore the little alchemist and turn in for the night himself.

Disclaimer #2: I have nothing against the name Henry. I have a cousin named Henry. Ed just doesn't like the cover name, and Al finds it funny.

Constructive criticism is always welcome!