A/N: *drops this at your doorstep* *runs away*

The Hawk's Son

Chapter 6

Recruitment

2 years later...

Roy Mustang frowned as he read the words that were written on the file in his hand. He had received new orders from one of the higher ups regarding the new State Alchemist Program. Apparently, he was to go and fetch a talented Alchemist. He didn't know who it would be or where they hailed from. He was just annoyed that he was the one who had been handed the job.

He had more important things to attend to. The bastards who were higher up were aware of that. There were plenty of other soldiers, other State Alchemists even, who could do the job.

Without even flipping to the next page to see who it was, he put the file down and rubbed his temples. He could feel a headache coming on. It would be bad if he got angry now.

Letting out a breath, he leaned back on his chair and stared at the door of his office. He might as well get this over with. The sooner they met up with the possible State Alchemist candidate, the sooner he would be back and the sooner he could finish the paperwork that was supposed to be due the week before.

He cleared his throat and called out, "Hawkeye, could you come in here for a moment?"

Not five seconds later, a knock was heard on his door and it opened. Lieutenant Riza Hawkeye entered his office with her usual stoic face, which immediately turned to a slight frown at the sight of piled up folders and papers on her commanding officer's desk.

Roy stuttered nervously. "I-I know, I know. I'll w-work on them. But first..."

He picked up the file he had been reading earlier to show it to Riza. "We have orders. Well, I have orders. You're coming along with me."

Riza said nothing but she raised her eyebrows at him.

"Apparently, I have to meet up with an alchemist that the higher ups have their eyes on. A possible candidate for the State Alchemist program." Roy told her, looking for any signs of displeasure on Riza's face.

He found none.

But he was sure that the lack of reaction didn't mean that she was looking forward to it either.

He sighed internally. Riza had never shown any outward emotion ever since what happened to their son. Edward's death had changed her and the war only finished her off. Sometimes Roy just wished she would take off her mask and let out what she was feeling, like that night years ago when she told him about Edward.

He supposed there were different ways people used to cope, this apparently, being Riza's. It didn't mean he approved of it, however. Sure, she had been known to be silent and efficient when it came to work but before everything, she only did that during office hours. When not on duty, she would shed her emotionless mask and transform into a completely different person. Now, however, her stoic face never came off. He had been trying to get her to talk or smile more but it was starting to feel like that feat would be impossible.

As much as Riza would like to say that she was moving on, her actions clearly said otherwise. She was more withdrawn. Hugely different from her initial shyness when he had been her father's apprentice. Back then, she didn't talk often but he could clearly see that she was happy and content. Now... now her silence made him uneasy. Aside from the usual scowls of displeasure at his unit's behavior, she rarely showed any other expression on her face.

He had to change that somehow. He would try as many times as he could. He had to get her out of her slump.

They had been through so much together. She had been his friend. She was one of his subordinates. Hell, she had become the mother of his child. It didn't matter that Edward was gone or that they didn't really feel romantically about each other. A person couldn't just walk away from all that.

Theirs was a bond that far surpassed camaraderie and friendship. It had been forged by their heartaches and trials, their suffering and loss, their rare moments of happiness and short laughter. They were bound since the very beginning.

He cared about her too much. He couldn't bear to lose her too. He had to protect her. Maybe that was why he had her accompany him everywhere. He wanted to keep an eye on her as she kept an eye on him.

That was why, when he flipped the pages and read the information regarding the Alchemist they were supposed to see, the expression on his face was one only Riza could read.

Riza tensed up just as Roy had. She didn't know why but she felt an unwanted shiver run down her spine.

"T-This must be some kind of sick joke..." Roy whispered as he ran a hand through his hair.

Riza moved closer. "Sir?"

Roy let go of the papers and slammed his hand on the desk. Riza jumped slightly.

"Sir, with all due respect-" Riza started to say but Roy cut her off.

"Resembool." he said as he turned to face her.

Riza's eyes widened. "W-What?"

"Resembool. We're being sent to Resembool. To talk to the alchemist, Edward Elric."

Riza's blood ran cold. She suddenly found herself agreeing with what Roy had said earlier. Really... What kind of sick joke was this?

"Do you think they know-?"

"No." Riza said forcefully, her heart starting to beat rapidly in her chest. "They couldn't... they shouldn't! It's impossible. I was careful."

"Then what? It's just a fucking coincidence that this gets sent to me?" Roy asked her, panicking.

Riza hoped it was a coincidence. She had made sure no one except Rebecca knew about Ed's birth. Nobody should have made that connection to Roy. Even she didn't know whose child she was carrying back then.

She could see the growing panic on her superior's face and she gathered herself quickly, for his sake. "Sir, please... you have to calm down."

Roy looked at her incredulously. "What? Calm down? Hawkeye, this is-"

"I understand but please, we need to-"

"Who the hell found out? I need to find the bastard who dug out information about me..."

"Sir, please, you're-"

"What if it's somebody from the inside? What if it's someone in my own unit-"

"Roy!" Riza hissed, unable to hold herself back any longer.

Roy stopped and stared at her in surprise. He hadn't heard her say his name for the past two years.

Riza placed her hands on her hips angrily. "Do you even hear yourself? Somebody from your own unit? Roy... Nobody knows!"

"Riza, you can't mean that. We can't be sure-"

"Yes, we aren't sure, but unless we have concrete proof that somebody's been digging around, this," she picked up the file on his desk and shoved it to Roy's face. "should not be worth losing our heads over. Roy, we shouldn't panic. Not yet. And so, I'll ask you again, did you hear yourself earlier? No? Your voice was getting louder and louder, Roy. Need I remind you that you have other subordinates as well? You're panicking right now about the fact that somebody out there might know about Ed? Raise your voice, Roy, and see how that might give you enough reason to panic."

Riza's voice was low the entire time but Roy could still feel his knees shake in terror. He had forgotten how scary she could be when she was angry.

He really had to thank his lucky stars that Riza was there as his adjutant. If she wasn't, he probably would have been court-martialed long ago.

Roy let out a long sigh and ran a hand through his hair. "Y-You're right. I'm sorry... I-It's just..."

Riza stepped back and exhaled. "I understand. I'm worried too. But we mustn't panic over the slightest things. Anything might give us away."

Roy nodded at her words. He was still pale but his cheeks were slowly starting to regain their normal color. "I know... I know. You're right. I'm sorry."

He eyed the file that Riza had in her hands. "Let's just get this over with."

"Agreed, sir." Riza replied, shifting their conversation to a professional one. She handed the papers to her superior officer and stood back. While she felt uneasy over the fact that there were too many coincidences in this assignment, she had to remember that her job right now was to protect Roy. The fact that the person they were recruiting resided in Resembool and was named Edward made her knees go weak. If this was fate playing a cruel trick on her...

Roy skimmed the file quickly, taking note of the important things, and then threw it on his table. For a moment, Riza was afraid he'd lose it again. Thankfully, Roy just gave another sigh and sat back on his chair.

"Get us tickets for tomorrow, Hawkeye. We only have to talk with the alchemist for now and assess him. If I don't think he has what it takes, we can just write that in his file and get it out of the way."

Riza nodded once. "Yes, sir. Will I arrange for transportation once we arrive in Resembool as well?"

Roy thought it over in his head. "Yes. I want to get this done quickly."

"Understood, sir." Riza gave him a salute and stepped out of his office.

Roy slumped back on his chair and glanced forlornly at the paperwork he would have to go through. He might as well get started on them now since Riza was sure to check if he had done any work before they would leave tomorrow.

The peaceful silence that greeted them in Resembool unnerved Roy. He had gotten used to the busy streets and roaring city life at East City that being in this quiet town at the edges of their eastern territory made him feel out of place.

They waited for the carriage that Riza had arranged for them at the station. He stood next to her as his eyes took in the scenic view in front of him. He had seen so much bloodshed and survived a war, he didn't think he was worthy of being in such a peaceful and quiet place.

As dark as the thought was, he was slightly comforted by the fact that Resembool wasn't completely untouched by the ugliness of the Ishvalan war. Darkness spread everywhere, even in a small and seemingly quiet town like this.

He glanced at Riza, who was scanning the road for any signs of the carriage, and a thought entered his head.

"Riza," he called. Her head turned instantly and a surprised expression greeted him before quickly being replaced by a frown.

"It's Lieutenant Hawkeye, sir." she corrected him, placing an emphasis on "sir".

Roy rolled his eyes. They weren't any other people in the small station except for them. Formalities be damned.

"Hawkeye, then." Roy said as he moved closer to where Riza was standing. He knew she wouldn't allow him to call her by her first name. Two years and they still weren't used to it. Riza always had to remind him.

Riza looked up to face him fully and she raised her eyebrows at him.

Roy made sure to lower his voice when he leLieaned in and said, "About Edward..."

Riza's eyes widened for a fraction of a second before composing herself. "The... the alchemist... sir?"

Roy shook his head. "Our son."

Riza's eyes dimmed and she quickly looked away from Roy. "What about him?"

Roy frowned at her reaction and sighed. He was right. As much as she claimed that she was moving on, her actions always said otherwise.

"I want to ask... if..."

Riza still wasn't looking at him but he could tell that she was both curious and dreading his oncoming question. Roy decided that there was no point beating around the bush, especially since he saw the distant figure of the horse carriage approaching them. Riza must have noticed too because her eyes flicked to its direction for a second before focusing once again on the scenery in front of her, still not looking at her superior officer.

"I want to see his grave... Please."

He saw the way Riza's shoulders tensed up. Roy gulped nervously as he waited for her answer.

Her voice was a whisper. "What about our task?"

"It can wait. I'll be quick."

"Sir-"

"Riza, please." Roy grabbed her arm and gave it a squeeze. The action finally caused Riza to look at him.

"Sir... I don't think it's a good idea to put off your meeting with the alchemist."

Roy shook his head. "I'll be quick I promise."

"Sir-"

"Please, Riza..." Roy whispered hoarsely. "I never got to see him. Never held him... Just once... please, just let me see him."

Riza gently pried off his hand from her arm and looked ahead, taking note of the fast approaching carriage. She raised her hand to signal the driver.

"Riza..." Roy pleaded.

Riza started to fix her coat and walked down the steps and onto the dirt road. Roy was quick to follow her, eyes still pleading.

Before the carriage reached them, Riza finally said, "We'll see. Let's focus on our main task first, sir. Anything else comes second."

Even if that 'anything else' was their own son

They boarded the carriage without any trouble. It wasn't exactly like the grander carriages back in the cities. It was really just a wagon that the locals used to transport milk cans and other things. Still, it better than walking to their destination.

The carriage ride was mostly silent but after the short polite conversation with the carriage driver, they found out that some of the information they had were wrong.

According to the file, Edward Elric was a man estimated to be in his early thirties, with great prowess at alchemy. It turned out that the alchemist they were interviewing was actually just an eleven year-old brat, who just happened to be a talented alchemist. Roy wasn't so sure about the oncoming interview. What would the military do with a small child? The best he could do was confirm that the alchemist was indeed just a boy, write that in his report and be on their merry way. He would not let the military get their hands on a child.

The carriage stopped a few meters away from a two-storey house that sat on top off a small hill. Roy took one look at it and took a deep breath to steady himself. Riza watched him from her seat across from him, not saying a word.

Roy gave her a nod to show that he was ready. "Let's go."

Riza gave him a curt nod as well and got up. Roy followed suit.

"Just knock or something. Those boys don't usually answer right away after the first few knocks." the driver said as he watched them get down from the carriage.

"Thank you." Riza said, handing him some money.

The man accepted it gratefully. "Much obliged. Listen, if you need a ride back to the station I'd be happy to wait."

"Are you sure it wouldn't be any trouble? We'd hate to-"

"Aw, no ma'am. It's no trouble at all. I'll wait. Got nothing to do anyway."

"Thank you. You're too kind. We'll try to be quick." Riza told him with a small smile.

Roy, meanwhile, had already walked up to the front door and started knocking. Like their driver had said, no response. He knocked again. And again. And again. And again. And again.

Nothing.

He was getting impatient by the minute and after practically banging on the door, he let out a loud sigh.

"Looks like nobody's home."

Riza said nothing and checked the doorknob. She gave it a twist and was surprised when it didn't resist and the door creaked open.

"Or… they didn't want to answer." She mumbled as her eyes took in the house's interior. It was immediately clear that nobody had bothered to clean. Everything was coated in dust.

"That's… odd… two boys living on their own… unsupervised… I've got a bad feeling about this." Roy said as he stepped inside.

Riza felt the same. Her stomach felt like it was twisted in knots ever since she opened the door. A house with two children shouldn't be this quiet. She followed her superior officer slowly inside as they quietly examined the house.

"I'll check upstairs, you check this floor. Yell for me if you find something." Roy said as he made his way to the stairs.

Riza watched him as he walked up the stairs and wondered if he felt what she was feeling too. She couldn't explain it but the house made her feel like ants were crawling all over her skin.

She went into the living room, quiet and cautious, in case somebody was waiting in a corner to attack her. Luckily, the living room was as empty as the entrance hall.

Her eyes scanned the dusty room and took note of some blankets and pillows on the couch and on the floor, as well as stacks of books and paper. She bent down and picked up one of the books and read the title. A tome about alchemy. Her father had a copy of this book. She looked at the books underneath it and confirmed her guess. Alchemy books. All of it.

She checked the scattered papers next. She understood some of it but there wasn't anything that she picked up on that might give her a clue on where the house's occupants could be. She made a mental note to tell Roy to go through the papers later if they still hadn't found the boys. She could have easily missed something that was important. She wasn't an expert on this particular field after all.

Riza carefully maneuvered her way around the mess on the floor and found herself in front of the fireplace. Her eyes travelled upwards, to the photos that decorated the mantel.

Like everything else, they were covered in dust.

She picked up one of the framed pictures and blew off the dust. A picture of a small boy with shoulder length blond hair greeted her. She didn't know why but there was something about him that she couldn't quite place. Her heart ached at the sight of his wide grin and triumphant pose.

A pose that very much reminded her of… Roy.

Riza's eyes widened and she quickly placed the photo back on the mantel. No. Stop it. He's not Ed. Your son is dead.

She left the living room quickly and went to the back of the house, near the kitchen. She needed to get away from those pictures. She could feel tears prickling at the corners of her eyes and she quickly tried to compose herself.

She had told herself that coming on this trip would be a mistake. This was obviously a huge mistake. She wanted nothing more than to go back to East City and be far away from this place as possible. This place was opening too many closed wounds.

Riza took a deep breath to calm herself but she was immediately alarmed at the smell that invaded her nostrils. Years of being in the military and having survived the Ishvalan War made her recognize it instantly.

Dried blood

She turned and scanned her surroundings. Nothing in the kitchen looked out of place. It was dusty and unused like everything else.

Then she spotted a door that was ajar at the back. She felt chills run down her spine at the droplets of blood that smeared the floor near the doorway.

"Sir? Sir! I found something."

The sound of Roy's hurried footsteps followed her call and he was next to her in no time.

"What is it? Where? What happened?" He asked quickly.

Riza quietly motioned to the open door and the blood and he understood. She let him go first to inspect the room.

While Roy peeked inside, she glanced at the living room again. She remembered the books and the papers. Maybe her superior officer would want a look at those.

Steadying herself, she walked towards him.

"Sir, I checked the-"

"What the hell were they doing here?" Roy's voice held barely-suppressed anger and it surprised Riza. "Where are they?!"

She looked inside the room and her heart stopped. The floor had been drawn on with chalk. They had drawn a transmutation circle, larger and far more complicated than what she had seen in her lifetime, but it was covered in blood. A lot of blood.

She looked at Roy, horror etched on her face. Roy was too angry to explain it to her and he stormed out of the house. She quickly followed after him, feeling both confused and slightly horrified at what they discovered.

She found Roy outside, conversing with the carriage driver, still angry.

"I wouldn't worry about it sir. If those boys aren't home, they're probably at the Rockbells." The driver said, apparently oblivious to Roy's anger.

Before Roy could retort, Riza said, "Take us there, please."

"Of course. Hop in."

Riza gave Roy a warning stare as they climbed up the glorified milk wagon. He was still angry but he wisely kept his mouth shut.

They arrived at the Rockbell residence fairly quickly and Roy immediately got out and walked up the front door. Riza gave an apologetic nod at their driver and hurried off after her commanding officer.

She arrived at his side just as the door opened and a small old woman greeted them. "Customers have to-"

She didn't get a chance to finish what she was saying as Roy pushed past her and scanned the room.

"Hey! What business does a soldier have here?!" the woman yelled angrily as Roy continued walking inside.

His behavior surprised Riza. She tried to apologize to the old woman but it appeared that she was just as angry as Roy was at this moment. She had no other choice but to follow him inside.

Roy's eyes landed on a boy in a wheelchair and what appeared to be a large suit of armor behind him. He stalked over to them and grabbed the boy by his collar.

"I just came from your house! What the in the world was all of that?! What did you make?!" he yelled angrily.

Riza winced at his voice. She wanted to pull him away but the suit of armor behind the wheelchair moved and placed its hand over Roy's arm.

And then it started apologizing.

Riza felt even more horrified when the sound that came from the armor was that of a small child.

A small, terrified child.

When Roy let the boy go and he stepped away, Riza finally saw him clearly. It was the boy from the photo. She put a hand over her mouth when she saw that he had lost his right arm and his left leg. His eyes looked lifeless.

She had seen those eyes on every soldier during the war.

Seeing those eyes on such a small child was too much. She turned around and walked outside to try and get some air. The same thought from before entered her mind again: Coming to Resembool was a mistake.

The old woman from before didn't even try to yell at her when she rushed by to get to the door. If anything, she was more than happy to see her leave her house. She was more focused on Roy who was staring intently at Edward Elric.

Riza closed her eyes and tried to gather herself. Having a panic attack now of all times was not going to help whatever it was that her superior officer was so angry about. She leaned back against the wall of the Rockbell residence and sighed.

Roy's decision seemed clear now. Neither of them would allow a child to be recruited in the military. She was certain that he would never let a child be ruined by the military, not after Ishval and certainly not after what happened to their son.

There was no other reason for them to linger. She took a deep breath to steady herself and she went back inside.

Roy was arguing with the old woman and neither of them looked like they were going to back down.

Riza quietly went to Roy's side and she caught his eye.

"Ah, Lieutenant. Do you mind waiting a little longer? I need to talk to Edward. In private, if you don't mind." He was addressing her at first but then the last part of his speech was clearly being directed at the old woman who was glaring daggers at them.

"No! Absolutely not! I won't have the military ruining more lives! Get out of my house!" she shouted at them.

Before Roy could retort, Edward slowly pushed his wheelchair towards them and said, "It's okay, Granny."

"B-But Ed! You can't—"

"I want to listen to what he has to say…" Edward whispered. He didn't look at them the whole time. He kept staring at his lap.

Roy tried to squash down his smirk when he looked at the old lady who was at a loss for words. She clenched her fists and glared at him again.

"Fine! On one condition. I get to be with him. He's underage. I'm his guardian."

Roy shrugged. A chance to talk to the boy in front of him was all he needed. He turned to address his subordinate.

"Lieutenant, you will remain here while I have a talk with young Edward. We'll depart immediately after."

The shock was immediate on Riza's face. How could he? Was he seriously recruiting an eleven-year old child into the military? After everything they had been through?

Roy didn't even try to look apologetic. He just turned his back on her and disappeared into a room with Edward Elric, the suit of armor, and the old woman.

Riza bit her lip as she stared at the closed door in front of her. Whatever reason Roy had for recruiting a child would not be enough to ever justify it.

The sound of cups and other silverware clinking together caught her attention and she found herself face to face with a young girl, probably around Edward's age, maybe older. She looked taller after all. Or maybe it was just because Edward had been sitting down in his wheelchair the entire time.

She offered her a cup of tea from the tray she was carrying. Her expression was guarded, maybe a bit terrified and a bit sad.

Riza's expression softened and she accepted the cup. "Thank you."

The girl didn't say anything. She moved a step back and sat down a few inches away from her. Riza stared at her. She looked as though she had something to say but was struggling. Riza decided to be patient and just cradled the cup of tea in her hands.

She didn't have to wait very long. The girl's voice was small and timid when she spoke. "Um… L-Lieutenant…"

Riza gave her a small smile. "Just call me Riza. Riza Hawkeye. Nice to meet you."

She extended a hand for the girl to shake but she didn't take it. She only looked away. Riza was a bit discouraged at that but she quickly shook it off when the girl started to speak again.

"Ms. Riza… have you ever shot somebody?"

It was Riza's time to look away from her. Memories from the war started flashing in her head against her will. "…I have."

"I don't like soldiers." The girl continued. "Because Mom and Dad were taken to a battlefield and killed there. And on top of that, you two are trying to take away Ed and Al too…"

"Whether they come or not is up to them." Riza told her. No matter what nonsense Roy was telling Edward on the other side of the door in front of them, she hoped he would not be swayed. The military was no place for children. "Yes… it's up to them."

Riza whispered that last part mostly to try and reassure herself that those boys wouldn't accept the military's offer. However it seemed to have caught the girl's attention.

"We're not forcing them. Whether they decide to move forward or stay stuck in place, it's those boys who have to make the decision."

The girl beside her was silent as she thought over her words. "Well… why did you become a soldier, Ms. Riza?"

And all at once her memories took her back to a time where everything was not as complicated and as painful as her life was in the present. She remembered when she first joined the military, signing up without having any other purpose than to serve. And then the military became her life, and then came Edward, her son, and then the war, and the answer to the girl's question just came down to one simple sentence.

"Because I have someone I want to protect."

Yes. She failed to protect her son. She would never allow the same to happen to Roy. She swore to watch over him. It was her promise to her son. At the very least, she could keep his father alive.

Riza could almost laugh at Roy's impeccable timing. As soon as the words left her lips, he emerged from the room and told her they were leaving.

The Elric brothers did not follow them outside. Riza secretly hoped that he refused Roy's offer. To Riza's surprise, the door opened behind them and the girl from before ran after her.

Riza smiled at her gently. "Well, I guess this is goodbye, young lady."

She slowly extended a hand out to her. "M-My name is Winry."

Riza's smile widened as she shook her hand. "I see… Winry. I hope we meet again."

She let go of Winry's hand and followed after her superior officer. He had already climbed into the back of the milk cart. Riza didn't try to meet his eye when she climbed in after him. She was a bit angry at him for actually recruiting a child.

"Driver, the train station please."

Riza's eyes widened. "What about what you said earlier?"

Roy sighed. "I hate to say it but you're right, Lieutenant. You're always right. Our duty comes first. Anything else comes second."

Riza didn't know what had happened in the room with the Elrics but Roy had come out like he had been recharged. Something big must have happened for him to change his mind about visiting their son's grave.

"I just realized something when I was talking to the Elrics." Roy said, as if he read her mind and decided to answer her unasked question. "We can't stay stuck in the same spot. We need to keep moving forward."

Riza was surprised that he thought of the same thing she did. Though obviously they both felt differently about it. She just kept her eyes on the road ahead of them.

Keep moving forward.

"Do you think he'll come?"

"He will."

"But his eyes looked so lifeless."

Roy just smirked.

"Really? They looked burning to me."

A year after their visit to Resembool, their office received a call from Edward Elric. Riza had thought he declined after not having heard from him in so long. Her heart sank at his confirmation to try out for the State Alchemist Exam.

Roy explained his side to her and while she admitted that he was right in giving those boys an opportunity, a chance to get their bodies back, she couldn't help but feel a bit reluctant. They were children. Joining the military at their age would cause them to grow up far too quickly.

But her opinion was not needed. They were their own person. She had no right to tell those boys what to do and what not to do.

For the umpteenth time, she just sighed. There was no point in thinking too much about it. She was even surprised at herself for thinking too much about it. It wasn't her place.

"Hey Lieutenant, the Colonel got these in the mail today. He wanted you to look over them."

Riza directed her attention to the person speaking to her. It turned out to be Second Lieutenant Breda.

Riza frowned at the papers that were handed to her. "He sends this to me now? I'm gonna be off duty in ten minutes. We're closing down for the night for heaven's sake."

Breda just shrugged. "Take it home with ya. I got a lot of work I gotta take home with me too."

Riza placed it on top of the pile of folders and envelopes she was taking home with her. It baffled everyone in their office that with the amount of work they were doing every day, they still managed to build up a backlog of unfinished paperwork. "Did the Colonel say what these were?"

"Uh… something about that Elric guy from Resembool. His papers or something."

"Oh…"

Riza had apparently been given the task of making sure Edward Elric's documents were in order for him to take the State Alchemist Exam. For a moment, she wondered why Roy wasn't the one looking over the documents but then she remembered that he was busy signing and making reports left and right. His pile of paperwork was much larger than the rest of his staff combined.

Fortunately, it wasn't her turn to lock up for the night. She gathered her things, left the office, stopped by a nearby bistro, bought takeout for dinner, and headed straight home. The workload she was bringing home was getting larger and larger these past few days. It left her with little time to have fun and socialize. Not that she cared much for it. It just felt nice to have a bit of free time for herself.

The second she arrived in her apartment, she deposited her work things on the coffee table and went to go get a hot shower. She needed to loosen up her muscles after spending the entire day hunched over a desk.

She changed quickly and, with a towel still around her neck for her wet hair, went straight to the living room where a pile of paperwork awaited her. Riza sat down on the sofa and picked up the envelope containing Edward Elric's documents. Going over those was far easier than reading through reports.

She carefully got the papers out and started checking each one. She flipped through the papers slowly, checking things off in her head as she went, until she stopped at a piece of paper that came after Edward's Birth Certificate.

Certificate of Adoption, the paper read. Riza's hands trembled as her eyes started skimming over the words on the paper.

This is to certify that… Edward… formally adopted by Trisha Elric and Van Hoenheim… entitled to all rights and privileges… on this day… July 6… 1903… signed by… director of the Resembool Orphanage

Riza brought a hand up to her mouth as she read the words again and again.

Edward was… adopted? He's not… related to the Elrics? And he was from the orphanage in Resembool…

"No…" Riza whispered hoarsely as she put the adoption certificate down and tried to find Edward's Birth Certificate. As she frantically went through all the papers that were in the envelope that contained Edward's documents, she found a square yellow paper that had been wedged between two papers from Edward's school. Everything on it was handwritten, save for the stamp on the bottom right that said "CLEAR"

[All known information not found. All previous documents were destroyed in the fire.]

Name: Edward Heinz* [Last name provided by the system. Birth mother did not provide a last name]

Birthday: February 3, 1899

Birth Mother: Unknown/Anonymous

Birth Father: Unknown/Anonymous

Medical Records: No information

Original Birth Certificate: No information

Notes (arranged by Sarah Yazmina, assistant Director): Arrived in the orphanage sometime in March or April, accepted by Mrs. Mikhail, Director of the Resembool Orphanage, put up for adoption at 4 weeks old, youngest child at the orphanage in year 1899

Riza couldn't believe it. This had to be some sort of trick.

And yet…

She stared intently at the signature above Mrs. Mikhail's printed name. There was no doubt in her mind that that was her signature. She had seen it beside hers on the papers she had signed when she had given up her son for adoption…

… at five weeks old…

… on March 15, 1899.

She had never provided Edward with a last name. She didn't want him linked back to her and to Roy. And yet… somehow… if all of this was true…

Hell, they even had the same birth date. This was much more than a coincidence.

Without pausing to think, she reached for her phone and dialed the number that Edward Elric had provided in his files.

Riza's mind raced with questions as the phone on the other end began to ring. It took around three rings before someone picked it up and she heard a greeting on the other end.

"Y-Yes, hello. This is Lieutenant Hawkeye." Riza clenched her fist tightly on her lap. Her stomach was so twisted into knots that she felt like throwing up.

"Ah, Lieutenant. This is Pinako Rockbell. I'm assuming this is about Edward's forms?" the voice on the other end said.

"Yes. I found an adoption certificate among the forms in the envelope."

"Ah, that. We just felt it would be safer if we send it too, what with most of Ed's information either being missing or destroyed."

Riza swallowed thickly. "I… I see. So Edward is… adopted? He's not related to the Elrics?"

"By blood, yes. But those boys are brothers, related in everything but blood. I see no reason why that would affect his application for the State Alchemist Exam."

"No, um… don't worry. I was just calling to confirm it with you. Y-You're right. A lot of information is missing."

"Oh we tried everything. Believe me, everything in that envelope is all that we could find about Ed. If you need someone to check the information with, you can ask me. I've been there for those boys their entire life."

"No, that won't be necessary Mrs. Rockbell. Thank you. These… these papers are enough. I'm sure you've checked them yourself before sending it to us." Riza eyed the dates on the forms.

Everything just matched so… perfectly.

"Yes, I did. Twice. There should be a yellow paper there somewhere. It's a handwritten account from a surviving staff of the orphanage before it blew up. And it's been checked and confirmed by the assistant director. You should have everything you need, Ms. Hawkeye."

"Yes... thank you, Mrs. Rockbell."

"Anything else?"

"…No. That will be all. Thank you. Goodbye."

Without even waiting for her to say goodbye, she hung up and stared at the yellow piece of paper in her hand.

This is… a dream, right?

She slowly placed the paper on her coffee table and she stared blankly at it.

This isn't real…

Her mind drifted back to Edward Elric, the small boy from Resembool.

Gold hair

Golden eyes

With a grin that reminded her too much of Roy

Riza felt a laugh bubble to the surface and she let it out. Tears started prickling at the corners of her eyes. She was shaking uncontrollably as she put her hands over her mouth.

"He's alive!"

A/N: Heyy! I feel like you guys have gotten tired of these apologies but let me say I'M SORRY I'M SORRY I'M SORRY all the same. I really am... Oh gosh I haven't updated any of my stuff in like... what... a year? two years? Gosh...

And just for something in the future: I'm following the Brotherhood storyline

Also, I know this isn't my best work. I don't know how to write anymore. But please review and tell me what you think. It would really mean a lot to me.