Author's Note: I wasn't too happy with the way Brotherhood ended. Blame this on those damn pictures.

Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist belongs to Hiromu Arakawa. I'm not her. I'll get over it.

Prologue

Dear General Mustang,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. It was a lovely surprise to receive your package. Thank you very much for the teddy bear you sent for Sara's birthday. She absolutely loves it. In fact, not only does she sleep with it every night, she won't be parted from it during the day either. She takes it with her everywhere she goes. For some reason she has decided to name it 'Broccoli', even though it isn't even a little bit green. Apparently three year olds have a special kind of logic all their own.

The rest of the family is fine. Granny is very happy to have us back in Resembool. The move from Rush Valley went smoothly, despite Maes' reluctance to leave his Uncle Domenic behind. Our little boy starts Kindergarten this September. That's just six months away, can you believe it? It seems like only yesterday he was a tiny baby in my arms. He's still quite small for his age – takes after his Uncle Edward that way, though I'd never dare say that to brother – but he keeps up with the older kids in town with no trouble. Like Ed and I back when we were young children, Maes is quite advanced intellectually, and I think the older children appreciate his inventive and devious nature. Since we've moved home there have been quite a few elaborate pranks played on our neighbours, aggravating but nevertheless completely harmless, and suspicious eyes have been on Maes as the instigator. I'm quite certain his accusers are correct in their assumptions, though we haven't been able to catch him or any of the other suspects in the act as yet.

Winry and I will most definitely be in Central for the inaugural ceremony next month, and look forward to seeing you and the rest of our old friends. Thank you for offering the use of your beautiful townhouse, but we have already made arrangements to stay with Gracia. Dinner on the 12th sounds like a great idea though. It will be wonderful to get together and reminisce with you and our Central friends and comrades, and to share what's been happening in all our busy lives. I'm sure it goes without saying, but we are so incredibly pleased that you have finally achieved your goal, and are eager to celebrate the no doubt historic inauguration of the greatest Führer in Amestrian history. I suppose this also means that my brother will soon have to pay back the 520 cens he owes you.

Speaking of Edward, I'm reluctant to ask as I know you are really busy, but I wonder if you could do me a favour. It's been quite some time since I've heard from my brother, and as much as I hate to admit it, I have no idea where he might be, and haven't for almost a year. I hope that he shows up at your inauguration, but knowing his disdain for all things political, I suspect that he may not even be aware that Amestris is about to come under new management. If you have heard from him, or know where he is, would you let me know? And if you happen to see him, could you tell him that I miss him? I would really appreciate it.

Well, that's all the news I have for now. I am enclosing a few pictures that I hope you will share with all our Central friends. The one of Maes and Sara on the tire swing is my current favourite. I'm sure you'll note Maes' striking resemblance to Edward with his tongue stuck out so disrespectfully. Please give everyone our love, and Winry, the kids, and Granny Pinako send their fond greetings your way as well.

Yours truly,

Alphonse Elric.