Disclaimer:

Edward Elric: The following is a non-profit fanbase series. PJO, HoO and ToA are owned by Rick Riordan and Disney Hyperion. Please support the Official release.

Author: Even you?! God damn it, Nappa! Anyways, this story is dedicated to Winryofresembool on Tumblr. Thanks for making an amazing Caleo story AND being a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, keep up the good work. Some of the backstory is even inspired by her fanfiction, Things We Lost In The Fire. Do check it out if you are also a fan of Caleo.

Warning: Spoilers to Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. If you have not seen this anime yet, I really recommend you watch it. It's really good.

Summary:

Our story takes place after the events of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood. The Elric brothers are exploring other regions to understand other concepts and ideas about Alchemy, hoping to prevent another tragedy the boys once went through. Edward is now a husband to Winry (His childhood friend and first love) and a father to his two children. Meanwhile, our main character, Leo Valdez, is an engineer in the Amestris military and was summoned to the Fuhrer's office. That was the day his life made a big change. And maybe for good?

Story:

Alchemy: The Science of understanding, deconstructing and reconstructing matter. However, it is not an all-powerful art. It is impossible to create something out of nothing. If one wishes to obtain something, something of equal value must be given. This is the Law of Equivalent Exchange, the basis of all alchemy. In accordance with this law, there is a taboo among alchemists. Human Transmutation is strictly forbidden, for what could equal the value of a human soul?

[Insert Anime Opening: Again by Yui]

Part One: The Mechanic and the Flower Girl.

"Corporal Valdez! You are being summoned by the Fuhrer!"

Leo sighs heavily, he believes the meeting is going to be about his last "incident" at the engineering department. He made one simple mistake and his latest invention nearly blew up an entire street at Central. How was he supposed to know that a single miscalculation would result in destroying an entire block?

And I, the narrator, am still wondering how he became an engineer with that train of thought?

Leo Valdez, an Amestris citizen who joined the military to do some good for his country. Of course, he was still young when the whole coup d'état occurred at Central City. Afterwards, the military was reformed and is slowly returning power to the people of Amestris. Leo joined the military for several reasons, several mostly for financial values and personal career growth. But there was one reason above all else.

One that he never told anyone in his life.

As Leo walked toward the Fuhrer's office, a voice spoke out to him.

"Corporal Valdez."

Leo looks up and spotted Riza Mustang. The Fuhrer's assistant AND wife. He stands up straight and salutes.

"Ma'am!" Leo said.

"At ease, Corporal. I was just out looking for you since I'm going to the Fuhrer's office."

Leo followed.

"Is there a reason why he wishes to speak to me, ma'am?" he asked.

"It actually involves the incident at the Engineering Department."

Leo sulks. He was right.

"Figures, I'm probably going to be sent to the East or West for some hard labor."

"I doubt that's on the Fuhrer's mind," Madam Mustang replied.

Leo was confused but didn't ask as they arrived at the office.

As they both entered the office, there was a man with black hair and a small thin mustache on his lip.

Roy Mustang, The Flaming Alchemist.

Tales of Mustang were told all throughout the military personnel; including the deeds he did in the Ishvalan Civil War. Despite that, he went far and beyond for his country and to fix the damages his higher-ups have made in the past. He was even one of the people who led the Coup in Central and prevented a mass genocide to the country.

"Sir, Corporal Leonidas Valdez is here."

Mustang looked up from his paperwork and noticed Leo.

"Ah, thank you Lieutenant," he said and flinched at his mistake. "Sorry, force of habit. Still trying to get used to it."

"Of course, sir," Riza replied with a smile.

"Now, Corporal Leonidas Valdez. I assume you know why you are being summoned?" Mustang asked.

Leo saluted to the Fuhrer and answered, "Sir! You summoned me regarding the incident I made at Engineering, Sir!"

"That's right," Mustang replied. "I read the reports, Corporal. And despite your disastrous results, you created quite a fascinating idea involving automail."

"Sir! I accept any punishment given to- huh?" Leo just took in what Mustang just said.

"While the results were not what you were expecting. It really shows great promise for automail rehabilitation as well as using it for combat. What were you trying to achieve, Corporal?" Mustang asked.

Leo managed to collect himself and stand at attention to answer Mustang's answer.

"Sir! I was trying to create a suit of armor that can help a common soldier achieve superhuman abilities! Such as: Flight; superhuman strength and many more! Sir!"

"At ease, Corporal. You're not in trouble," Mustang reassured. "But the concept of a 'super suit' seems a bit far-fetched. Maybe dial it down for Automail Engineering and you can make a big change in that department, especially for disabled soldiers and wounded refugees. The concept of your work will be greatly essential for the rebuilding of Ishval civilization."

"Permission to speak freely, sir?" Leo asked.

"Granted."

"Sir, what's an automail?"

Mustang and Riza stood there, confusingly at Leo's question.

"Corporal, do you not know about Automail Engineering?" Riza asked.

"No ma'am."

Mustang laughs, "You're serious?! Have you ever seen Automail in your life?!"

"Uh, no sir. I have been living in Central my whole life, never leaving the city. Sir."

Mustang sighed, realizing what he must do.

"Well then, I know a great Automail engineer who can help you with that. I can transfer you to that area and have you learn about Automail. But before I do, I have to ask. Do you wish to learn about it? While your mechanical engineering is extraordinary, I think you can save more lives by learning Automail engineering."

Leo was about to hesitate about being transferred until he heard Mustang's advice.

You can save lives.

And so, Leo answered honestly.

"Fuhrer Mustang, when I was young, I lost my mother in a fire. I was saved because of a young State Alchemist, yet he couldn't save my mother. I don't blame him, it was my fault for not being able to save her. Since then, I vowed to save anyone and everyone I can. That's why I joined the military. Not for financial aid, not for gaining power and authority. But, to help people, prevent another life lost to this world. But, I'm only good at making stuff as a mechanic and I refuse to take a life, even if it's for my country. I know I swore an oath to, but I just can't do it. So if my skills can be put to saving more lives, I'll gladly take it! Sir!"

Roy's eyes widened when he saw the eyes of Leo Valdez. The determination to save people.

"Heh, just like him," He thought.

"Alright then, report to the Train Station by Noon. I will have an escort with my letter of orders to a State Alchemist that lives in Resembool. He will help you get accustomed to the area. You're dismissed."

Leo saluted and exited the office.

"He's a lot like him, isn't he," Riza said to Mustang.

He sighs, "That's what I'm afraid of. But something has been bothering me about him."

"Oh? What's that?" Riza asked.

"He never told us how that fire started."

"Ugh," Leo sighed, "I didn't think Resembool was this far!"

"Come now, young Leo Valdez. We shall be there momentarily."

The escort that spoke was none other than Major Alex Louis Armstrong himself. The cunning, dashing, incredibly strong alchemist with incredible valor and such respectable muscles that men STRIVE for. A spectacular mustache with sparkles that's been passed down the Armstrong line for generations! He is also a State Alchemist and was given the title, "Strong Arm" using the alchemy that has also been passed down the Armstrong line for generations. Truly, this man is one of the many embodiments of manliness. A pillar that ALL men should-

AHEM

Sorry about that, I got carried away. Anyways, Leo was looking out into the distance and can see the country-side. He remembers how his mother always talks about visiting this part of Amestris just to get away from all the noise in Central.

"Something the matter?" Armstrong asked.

"Nothing, Major. Just looking at the country-side, my mom always wanted to visit here for vacation. She'd love the view."

"I see, perhaps you can have her visit you sometimes. I'm sure she'd love that."

Leo gave a sad smile, "That won't be possible." He explained to Armstrong about how his mother died from a fire many years ago and that he has been an orphan for most of his life. Bullied for it and how he struggled to survive until he joined the military.

Then Armstrong took off his shirt.

"FORGIVE ME, YOUNG MAN! ALLOW ME TO HEAL YOUR BROKEN HEART WITH MY COMFORTING EMBRACE!"

Leo shivers and tries to calm the Major down.

"It's okay! Really! I've been managing just fine, I had a rough life sure; but I'd gotten used to it. I'm managing!"

Leo managed to convince Armstrong to settle down before he could give a manly grizzle hug from him.

"By the way, I never saw actual State Alchemists during these few months in service. What's it like, using Alchemy I mean?"

Armstrong explained to Leo about the fundamentals of Alchemy and how State Alchemists use it in combat. During the Ishval Civil War, State Alchemists got their hands dirty and killed many innocents to suppress the rebels. Afterwards, they were given the unofficial name of being the "dogs of the military".

"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that."

Armstrong nodded, "Indeed, it was something I can never forget. I couldn't even fulfill my duties there and was forced to be relieved. There was too much blood on my hands that I couldn't move forward."

"Until Mustang took control, right?"

"That's right, shortly after the incident at Central, Mustang dedicated himself to rebuilding Ishval to its proper self and reconnecting the Ishvalan natives to Amestris. It's been a slow progress, but it's moving forward."

"Is the State Alchemist we're going to meet fought in the war too?" Leo asked.

"No, Corporal. He became a State Alchemist later on. He started at the age of 12 and became the youngest State Alchemist in history."

"A 12 YEAR OLD STATE ALCHEMIST?!" Leo asked. "How did that happen?!"

"That's… something you'll have to ask him yourself… if he's willing to," Armstrong responded with a sad look. As if he knows something about this State Alchemist past.

Something too tragic and horrible for him to explain himself.

"What's his name?" Leo asked.

"The State Alchemist we're about to meet is none other than, The Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric.

The train finally arrived at their destination.

Resembool.

A small country-side town just south of Central City. It's quiet, peaceful and calm. Different to the vibing streets of Central.

Leo took a deep breath of the fresh air.

"A new opportunity has finally arrived!" Leo yelled. "Look out, world! Leo Valdez is gonna change the world once he masters the art of Automail Engineering!"

Leo yells as he exits the Station while Armstrong goes to get their luggages.

Didn't even seem to notice the small wagon that was in front of him.

He bumped into it and managed to bring a couple pots of flowers down and break them before falling down himself.

"You idiot! You broke my pots!" Says the sales woman.

Leo looked up and was about to tell her off, until he saw a good look at her.

Bright caramel-blonde hair, dark brown eyes and skin so glistening tanned from the sunlight and seems to be around his age. Leo was awed at her looks until she spoke.

"Do you have any idea how long it took for these flowers to grow?! Or the cost of replacing those pots you broke?!"

The girl's shouting snapped Leo back from his thoughts.

"Oh I'm so sorry" Leo replied sarcastically. "I'm sure the pots and flowers are WAY more important than my health and safety!"

As the two argue, Armstrong intervenes.

"Corporal! That's no way to treat a lady!" Armstrong bows to the flower lady. "I'm terrible about that Ms. Calypso. He's new and doesn't know much about the area."

Calypso huffed. "Just keep that mangy mutt out of my way! Are you here for the Elric's?"

Before Leo could react to her, Armstrong spoke first, "Indeed we are, Corporal here has been transferred here from Central and will be learning about Automail Engineer for his career."

"Ah, so you're here for Winry. She is the best Automail mechanic there is," Calypso says with a smile. She then looks at Leo and frowns, "You better mind your manner."

Leo scoffed, "Well, aren't you a ray of sunshine."

Calypso pointed her gardening trowel toward Leo's neck.

"You better pay for the damages you caused to my wagon!"

Armstrong tries to calm the situation.

"D-don't you worry, Ms. Calypso. I shall pay for damages."

"It's fine, Major," Leo interuppted. "I'll pay for the damages myself. Happy?"

Calypso lowered her trowel and scoffed, "Just be more careful next time. Otherwise I won't be as nice as today."

Leo snickered, "Sure, whatever you say Sunshine."

Calypso walks off with her wagon, fuming with anger.

"You should apologize to her later, Leo Valdez," Armstrong suggested.

"I could've gotten hurt because of her! Besides, I hate girls like her, beautiful with an attitude thinking they own everything. Who does she think she is? A rich princess?"

"An orphan," Armstrong answered.

"Huh?"

"Calypso is an orphan, Leo Valdez. No parents, no siblings, all alone. Because of that, she puts anyone and everyone at arm's length. For she fears losing another person dear to her."

Guilt flooded over Leo's heart.

"Damn, now I really have to apologize. But I still hate her attitude, she should've been a bit nicer," Leo grumbled.

The two soldiers kept walking down a path to reach their destination. By the end of the road was a big house, colored in lime green and stone foundation, along with a red mailbox and big wood sign saying: AUTOMAIL.

"I'm guessing that's our stop," Leo said.

As they reach the house, Armstrong knocks on the front door. Suddenly, they hear two childish voices coming. The door opened to reveal two small children, a boy and a girl. As the little boy opens the door with his little sister behind him, he looks up and recognizes Armstrong.

The two kids grinned and jumped forward to hug him.

"UNCLE ARMSTRONG!" The kids yelled.

Armstrong gracefully grabbed the kids and hugged them gently while screaming (and crying), "MY, YOU TWO HAVE GOTTEN SO MUCH TALLER! OH HOW DELIGHTFUL IT IS TO SEE YOU BOTH ONCE AGAIN!"

The kids laugh as Armstrong lifts them high into the air, making them think they were flying. Then, another voice spoke from inside the house.

"Major Armstrong! It's good to see you again."

A young woman with long blonde hair and dark blue eyes and light pale skin has emerged from the house, wearing a simple dress with an apron.

"When we got the call from Riza, I had to make something for the long trip you had to take."

"SUCH GENEROSITY WARMS THIS MAN'S HEART, MS. WINRY!" Armstrong yelled as he played along with the kids. While the three were playing, Winry looks at Leo, "You must be Leo Valdez. Riza told me about you."

Leo nodded.

"I just transferred here because I was told one of the best Automail Mechanics can teach me about Automail."

Winry smirked and gave a proudful remark, "One of the best, huh? I wouldn't say I'm THAT good but-"

"But you won't find anyone better than her!" Said another voice. It came from behind Winry. A man with golden blonde hair tied into a ponytail, golden yellow eyes, wearing a simple suit and a trench coat.

"Major Armstrong," The man spoke. "Don't tell me the colonel brought you!"

Armstrong put down the kids and answered, "It's Fuhrer now, Edward, my boy. You must show some respect to the title."

Edward scoffed, "I'll show respect to him whenever he gets rid of that mustache!"

Ed and the kids laugh until Winry hits a wrench at her husband.

"What the hell, Winry?!"

"Be quiet and be civil, Ed. They came all the way from Central and must be starving."

Ed pouted and invited the soldiers in.

As everyone was eating in the dining room, Ed asked about their reason for visiting. Armstrong handed him the letter from Roy.

It says:

Dear Fullmetal,

I am transferring this mechanic to Resembool. He is talented in the engineering department but has no knowledge of Automail. I would like for your wife to teach him everything she knows about Automail Engineering. I believe this young man may make excruciating changes that will benefit all of Amestris. As such, I am transferring him as your temporary bodyguard.

"Bodyguard?!" Ed yells. "I don't need another stinking babysitter!"

Winry groans, "Just keep reading it, Edward."

Ed grumbles and continues.

You may say something about not needing a bodyguard or babysitter. I certainly hope so, I only transfer him there to learn about Automail, not to be dragged along in your shenanigans.

Everyone except Edward giggled at the comment while Edward was about to blow a fume. Instead, he kept reading.

As such, do keep an eye on him. Despite his many talents, following orders is not one of them. The last incident with his invention nearly destroyed an entire block in Central.

Now it was Leo's turn to feel embarrassed.

But, despite his explosive results, he truly shows great potential for the future of Amestris. Just like I saw it on you, Edward.

Good luck, Fullmetal.

Signed, Fuhrer Roy Mustang.

P.S.

You still owe me 520 cens.

"OH COME ON! THAT WAS YEARS AGO! HE STILL REMEMBERS THAT?!" Ed yells as he slams the paper onto the table. He then grumbles, "That stinking, penny pinching, money groveling bastard."

As he grumbles, Winry spoke to Leo.

"So, you wish to learn about Automail?"

Leo nodded, "That's right, to be honest, I never seen Automail before. I've been living in Central my whole life."

"Well I hope you're ready. I learned so much about Automail thanks to my grandmother and my teacher, Atelier Garfiel. I hope you're prepared."

"That reminds me," Leo realized. "I never knew that the State Alchemist I'm supposed to meet was gonna be THE Fullmetal Alchemist! I heard so much about you, Mr. Elric!"

"Oh really?" Ed says.

"Yeah, though, from the stories I heard, I thought you'd be shorter."

And just like that.

Edward snapped.

"WHO'RE YOU CALLING A MINISIZE PINT SHRIMP?! I HAVE YOU KNOW I GREW TALLER THEN, SO DON'T CALL ME SHORT AGAIN! YOU GOT IT YOU LITTLE ELF?!"

BONK

Winry hits Edward again with her wrench.

"Sorry about that, Ed tends to get emotional whenever someone mentions his… height."

"Uh… S-sure," Leo says as he watches Winry force Ed to calm down.

Leo gotta admit, after hearing the many wild stories about Edward Elric back in Central, he never thought there'd be anyone that can tame such a man.

He wonders if he'll ever find a woman like that himself.

"Anyways, since you'll be staying here for a while, you're gonna need a place to rest. Unfortunately, we have no rooms at the moment, but I know someone you can stay with. She has rooms that she can spare at her flower shop."

"Oh dear," Armstrong said. "We just met her recently."

"Wait," Leo went pale when he realized. "You don't mean…

"You have GOT to be kidding me," says Calypso. Owner of the flower shop that was near Elric's home.

"I have to spare a room for this," Calypso says, gesturing toward Leo with a disgusted look. "boy?"

Everytime she spoke poorly about Leo, he started to get irritated and was about to yell at her. But, despite that, she's the only person in town with room for Leo to stay.

"Look, I'm sorry I offended you and broke some of your pots. I'll pay it all back, Sunshine. I promise."

Calypso looks at Leo with anger.

"Call me Sunshine again, and I'll make a flower bed with your dead body."

Leo has never been so scared yet attracted to a lady who can most likely kill him in his whole life.

"Please, Calypso?" Winry asked. "I understand how men can be. But he was given orders to learn about Automail from the Fuhrer himself. Please?"

Calypso thought about it and sighed.

"Fine, Leo Valdez can stay in my spare room. But," She points toward Leo. "You are to obey my house rules and avoid each other's life. Understood?"

Leo grumbled but nodded.

"Good, just know that I'm only doing this for Edward and Winry because of everything they've done for me. So you best behave."

"Sure, sure, I will."

Calypso huffs and shows Leo to his room.

Already, Leo is starting to think that coming here was a mistake.

And so, days have passed and Leo was learning a lot about Automail thanks to Winry. Though when he comes home to the flower shop, he tends to avoid Calypso's wrath as best as possible. Though it was hard since the shop was on the main floor and the rooms were on the second. He tries but only manages to make the situation worse every time he goes to the kitchen to grab a snack or use the bathroom.

He has watched himself from making Calypso even more mad.

Sometimes, he'd work on some side-projects in his room and would end up annoying her with the noises. The last time he worked on something, Calypso knocked on his door.

"Can you turn that ruckus down?! You're scaring the birds away."

"Oh we can't have that now, do we?" Leo said sarcastically. He notices the basket of food in her arms.

"What's that for? Giving food to your boyfriend?"

"I don't have one. This is for you, you've been in your room all day and haven't eaten anything."

"What?" Leo looked outside and realized it was already night time. "Already?"

Calypso nodded. Leo grabs the food basket and apologizes.

"Sorry about that, I'll keep it down. Next time."

Leo closed the door and ate a bit of the food in the basket.

He looked at his work table, where a bunch of cleaned gardening tools was laying on.

"I guess she's not THAT bad," Leo thought.

When he noticed that her gardening tools were getting rusty, he thought it'd be helpful to sharpen them up for her since she does a lot of gardening in the back.

During his stay, Leo learned a lot about Automail Engineering; though he still does not have any proper experience with them just yet. He does, however, observe Winry in work whenever she gets customers or just to maintain Edward's leg.

"How did you lose your leg, Mr. Elric?" Leo asked. "Was it from battle or by accident?"

Ed was reading a book when he asked, he closed his book and sigh.

"It wasn't in battle, Leo…" Ed replied. Leo noticed the look in his eyes when he answered.

The answer is something he's not ready to talk about.

"Oh, I see. Well, you don't have to tell me," Leo said, grinning. "I get it, it's something you don't like to talk about."

Edward nodded.

"Thank you Leo, I appreciate- OW!" he screams as Winry continues maintaining his legs. "I SAID WARN ME WHEN YOU'RE GONNA DO THAT, WINRY!"

"Yeah, yeah, you big baby. Just hold still, will you?"

Leo chuckles. Despite these two bickering, they show so much trust and love for each other. Leo would tend to ask the Elric family about their past.

Apparently, Edward and Winry were childhood friends and got married shortly around their 20's. Ed has a younger brother named Alphonse who's traveling in the East.

The Elric Brothers were traveling the world to understand more about Alchemy and hope to combine their discoveries together to find solutions that can save more lives.

"A long time ago, there was a girl who became an experiment from her father. Al and I couldn't save her. And we have lived with that guild since. That's why we're traveling, to prevent any more incidents like that. Though, the only reason why I'm back here in Resembool is because I had some… issues with my leg."

WHAM

Winry hits Ed with her wrench.

Again.

"ISSUES?! You wrecked my masterpiece! Wires were sticking out! Pieces were missing! Just what were you doing out there?!"

Once again, the two bickers once again.

But that's how they are.

As Leo enters the flower shop, he greets Calypso and starts heading upstairs until she stops him.

"Wait, Leo. Here."

She hands him his military uniform and some clean clothes.

"What? You cleaned my uniform? And what's with the clothes?"

"I… I figured you were gonna be busy learning about Automail so I figured I would make you some clothes. And your uniform was dirty so I had to clean it up."

"I see… So, you're really warming up to me, aren't you?" Leo smirked.

Although it was late, Leo couldn't see the blush on Calypso's face.

"I was only being nice since you fixed my gardening tools!"

"Oh that, it's just my way of saying sorry for being a jerk when we met."

"And the curtains on the front window?"

"It was crooked and bothered me."

"And my small fountain?"

"That was an easy fix, nothing I couldn't handle."

Calypso smirked.

"Oh yeah, you're really warming up to me, aren't you?"

Now it was Leo's turn to blush.

"W-whatever! I'm going to bed," Just as Leo was leaving with the new and clean clothes, he stopped and said, "Thank you… for everything, Sunshine. I really appreciate it."

"Of course, have a good night, Leo."

As Leo headed to his room, Calypso thought to herself, "Maybe he's not THAT bad. But I really hate his guts. And he better stops calling me Sunshine!"

And so, Leo's new life in the country-side with a beautiful flower girl begins as he learns about Automail Engineering and continues to achieve his dream. What's his dream you ask?

No one knows, only Leo himself.

Perhaps someday he'll tell us what his dream is.

Maybe he'll tell it to a certain flower girl?

[Insert Anime Ending: Uso by SID]

Next time:

Finally making progress on his learnings of Automail, Leo Valdez is almost ready to create his own. However, he must face his ultimate challenge yet. Will he be able to face his darkest secret? Or will he forever be held back because of it? Perhaps, the flower girl may help this mechanic face his greatest challenge yet. Will the two finally confront their biggest struggles, And perhaps find something they both truly yearn for?

Next time on Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood:

Part 2: Sins of the Past.

In order to leap toward a brighter tomorrow, we must confront our darkest yesterday. Only then, can we move forward.

A/N: Okay, so I decided to make this a 3-part story because as I wrote this, I knew I had to do a lot of explanations and some philosophical wisdom that I just HAVE to write. Also, some of the plot is largely inspired by Winryofresembool's fanfiction, Things we lost in the Fire. Do check it out if you are a Leo x Calypso fan, it's on Tumblr in her profile or at Archive of Our Own. It's really amazing and very interesting.

Also, I will be doing monthly updates on my Percy Jackson/Spiderman fanfiction, Estelle and the Mark of Arachnid: The Trident of Poseidon. I hope you get the chance to read it, it has been a project I wanted to do for a long time now.

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed the story. I will post part 2 next month. Until the next update.