I don't own any of the images, nor do I own FMA/FMAB, I do however claim complete ownership of this story and any characters I create outside of the cannon FMA story. If you see this story anywhere else please tell me ASAP.

Sorry if it is a bit short, I just impulse wrote/edited it at 12-1am and I got awayyy to tired to do anymore XD. I hope to make the following chapter longer.

This Chapter Contains minor cursing.

Edward Elric forced his head through the window of the second story apartment, eyes weakly looking into the deep darkness of the sleeping city, a few dim lamp lights barely piercing through the black veil that had consumed the land.

Edward referred to this apartment as his home from time to time, but it was anything but a suitable living space.

In little over a month of his occupation the tarnished white paint had already peeled off the walls; exposing the naked brick beneath, and the celling constantly leaked puddles of water, casting a dank hue on both the room, and Edward's mind; not that he cared to acknowledge it. Thankfully the young ex-State Alchemist stayed very rarely, only stopping to rest occasionally. After all, he could research to his hearts content in the Arcanum, and food was readily available throughout the city of Glamis.

The wind tore at Edward's long, golden hair. No longer restrained by his plaits, it blew freely into his face but it did not faze him as his eyes continued to track through the darkness, seemingly lost in the moment of bliss provided by the void of nothingness. Blinking rapidly, Edward sighed, pulling his head back into the room.

"I wonder what Al is doing right now? Probably sleeping...Just like any other sane man." He chuckled slightly, face contorted in grimace.

"I miss you, Al..." He began to pace length of the room. "But I'm glad you're not here...Having you see me like this..." Edward sighed once again. "It would be more than I could bear."

"Besides, you have your own life to live, and we both chose these paths together; you go to the East, and I go to the West and we learn the three different alchemical powers." Biting his lip, he swallowed hard. "I thought it would be simple without my Alchemy..." He paused abruptly.

"Guess I'm still that arrogant little brat..." he whispered, tears beginning to scalded his fragile, golden eyes.

No! I don't have the right to cry! Not in a place like this!

It was too late...

Edward balled his fist; hot tears carving through his soft, pale cheeks. "Dammit!" he cried, slamming his fist into the wall.

A sodden chuck of plaster fell from the celling. "This country is plagued by death. Around every corner there is a new murder, a new terror act, or a rebel insurgence. All I can do is watch, watch as innocent women are violated and children are slaughtered on the streets like dogs! Without my alchemy I'm...usele..." He trailed off, wincing as he removed his fist from the dent it had created.

His shoulders slumped in dismay. "Why am I so..."

"...Helpless?" the shadows whispered, seemingly echoing his thoughts.

The hairs on the back of Edward's neck rose and his body tensed. Something feels wrong, very wrong. The light went out.

Edward spun round, hands poised to transmute. His eyes frantically searched the pitch darkness for any shape resembling that of a human. His efforts were in vain. Nothing but darkness returned his gaze.

Satisfied by this alone, he shook his head. "I'm definitely going crazy." Turning his head away from the darkness, he noticed his hands, still ready to transmute. "And here I was, all ready for a fight." An edge of sarcasm crawled into his voice.

"Well. If you want a fight, who am I to disappoint?" A feminine voice called from the shadows.

Hey! Hope you liked the first chapter of my new and improved re-booted FMAB story. After a couple of years, and after overcoming many personal and family issues, I think I'm finally ready to start writing once again! Although it will only be on a weekend basis as I have a very busy work schedule.

Anyways, if you liked this chapter, please vote for it, and as always, feedback is very much appreciated.

I hope to get you another chapter soon :)