Disclaimer: For some unknown reason, I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist. Not matter how much I want to own Edward, I can't...HOWEVER! I do own Edward in my mind, so as long as he's my loyal slave in my mind, I shall be fine and in good spirits.

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-Flashback-

"How old did you say you were?" the man asked eyeing me closely.

"I'm ten." I answered clearly, coughing a bit.

"Hmmm...Why do you want to be and alchemist?" a woman asked folding her long fingers together.

"People underestimate me. I want to prove myself to my friends and family. Most of all, I want to find my mom." I looked them all in the eye, and then retracted my gaze to the ground, shuffling my feet.

"That will be it." the man stood up telling me to check in room C-562 to see if I made it by tomorrow.

(-FF-)

Mustang saluted me as he handed over my silver watch," Welcome Miss Blanche. Have you read your name yet?"

"The Pestilent Alchemist." I smirked pocketing the letter," Fits me perfectly. Did Hughes clue you in?"

"Heh, I suppose. I'm ready to see you work those powers you possess. I'm very excited." he shook me hand taking a seat in his chair.

"Thank you Mustang, sir." I bowed and began to leave.

"Where are you going Adele?" he asked folding his hands leaning foreword on his desk, but I sent him a cold glare," I mean- Adele! You're starting your first assignment today."

I took a seat as he handed me the file.

-End Flashback-

-Adele's POV-

I dangled the watch in front of my face," What was I thinking? Listening to Hughes and Mustang go on about how WONDERFUL this would be..."

The door opened and Hawkeye entered," Pestilent, Mustang wants you in his office pronto. You have a new assignment."

"Tell Mustang to give me a break. I have three other assignments to work on, plus an assessment." I barked placing the watch on my desk.

"Adele, just talk to him, please?" she pleaded.

"God, fine! But not cause you talked me into it."

Hawkeye smiled as I followed her to Mustang's office.

She opened the door letting me walk through closing it immediately behind me.

Mustang sat with two boys, well, a boy and a set of armor...

That talked...

"Ahh Adele! I have a new assign-"

"I heard, and I also have three others to work on and an assessment coming up. So you can take that new assignment and shove it up you ass." I sat on the corner of his desk.

"Yes, well. The assignment on the chimeras is canceled as of now. So toss it!" he flung some papers in the air.

"Okay, but I still have those other two assignments, Mustang." I argued.

"Now, I wonder why they call you the Pestilent Alchemist." Roy joked laughing slightly.

"I thought I changed that. Why couldn't they call me the Overworked Alchemist, or the Slave Alchemist?"

"Wait!" The armor guy interrupted," You are the pestilent Alchemist?"

"Uhh...yeah? And you are?" I asked tilting my head obviously freaked out.

"Pleasure to meet you, I mean, wow this is so awesome!"

His eyes glew with stars as he shook my hand and his metal suit clinked.

"Alphonse, release the woman's hand." Mustang ordered seeming annoyed.

My eyes, however, were planted on the blonde boy whose eyes were on me.

"So, you're The Pestilent Alchemist? Pleasure to meet you." he almost choked on laughter.

"What the hell are you laughing at?" I growled hands clenched at my sides.

"You're a girl." he smirked opening his eyes," I thought, from what I've heard about you, that you would be a huge strong man. Not a short scrawny girl."

"Do not underestimate the girl, Elric. She has beaten Armstrong for her last assessment test." Mustang chuckled.

"Anyways, I wouldn't be talking Fullmetal. I've heard something's about you too...shrimp." I smiled as he glared strongly at me and I continued talking," If you really don't believe how I got this name, then you'll be my next assessment test."

"Bring it on." he exclaimed, almost to exited. I turned around and rolled my eyes taking off my black trench coat. I now stood in grey short shorts and a white wife beater.

I felt Edward's eyes scan me as I took the assignment file from Mustang's desk.

"Roy, schedule Fullmetal and me for my assessment." I spun and stood over Ed," I'd watch out, probably pray now." And I walked out of the office," So long Fullmetal, Alphonse."

I ran up to my room opening the door eagerly to see Hughes in my chair.

"Uh...what are you doing in my office?" I asked curiously," I thought you were off today."

"I am, Gracia just wanted me to check on you since you haven't been coming home for the last few nights." he sipped some coffee," Mustang also wanted me to help with your assignment."

"Well, I've been working on my assignments and I need and I needed the library a lot. For the assignment, I don't even know what it is yet." I yawned, sitting on my couch and opening the folder," You have to be kidding...watch over the Elric brothers?"

"You are one of the strongest Alchemists, Adele. Don't underestimate yourself." Hughes said," I'm here to introduce you three."

"They're coming over here!" I shouted frantically.

"They should be here any minute, so yeah." he said watching the door.

"Not in my office!" I yelled trying to pile stuff up in front of the door barricading it.

Hughes laughed at my failed accomplishment," That won't keep them out, Adele. And plus! They are really nice kids."

"Yeah, Fullmetal seemed to love complimenting my height." I rolled my eyes taking a seat behind my desk facing the window,- Damn Mustang and his cruel ways!-

A knock came at the door and Hughes called them in.

The clunking of metal and a boot filled my ears as I rubbed my face, - Here we go…-

"Sir, Mustang sent us here for our assignment." Edward stated approaching my desk.

I had yet to turn around, anger boiling in my blood as veins popped out all over my face.

"Who...the...HELL...ARE YOU CALLING SIR!" I hissed spinning around quickly.

"Damnit all!" Ed spun facing Hughes," Don't tell me SHE'S the assignment!"

Hughes smiled as a sweat drop ran down his forehead, but he just gestured," Boys, I'd like you to meet Lieutenant Colonel Adele Blanche. She will be guiding you on your quest in search of the Philosophers Stone."

"We can find it on our own, sir." Ed protested.

"Nonsense! Adele will take good care of you boys!" Hughes said leaving the room quietly, but quickly.

"Good morning Fullmetal." I held out my hand standing up," I don't believe we got off to a good start."

Ed faltered but took my hand," Call me Ed."

I smiled warmly releasing my grip," I apologize for my attitude. I was in a grumpy mood from all the assignments."

"So, you're going to be traveling with us. Tell us about yourself." Al said looking fascinated.

"Well, I became a soldier when I was ten and began filling up the ranks when I was 12. When I turned 13, I became Mustang's subordinate and ranking lieutenant. I am fifteen and now, as you know, Lieutenant Colonel. I hope to move up after this assignment." I finished and both of them had stars for eyes. I coughed and they snapped out of it.

"You became an alchemist when you were ten!" Al asked face close to mine.

"Uh...yeah I did." I bit my lip sinking into my chair.

"What did you do to get at this rank at this age?" Ed asked leaning foreword.

"I'd rather not talk about it." I looked down at the watch that lay on my desk.

"Oh...I'm sorry." Ed got the hint but cheered up," What about your name? How does that relate to your powers?"

"Ed, do you know what Pestilent means?" I asked looking him in the eye.

He got a sweatdrop and rubbed the back of his head," I'm not that bright."

I smiled," Pestilent means pernicious which means having the quality of destroying or injuring. Destructive, deadly, and noxious."

"Wow." Al sank into his seat," You must be powerful."

"Ed shall discover my power when we verse for my assessment." I smirked rubbing my hands together," Although, I've never been able to unleash my full power before..."

Ed lost the color in his face and somewhat faltered," Can we call that off please?"

"I'm afraid not Edward. Besides, you're doing this for a good cause." I pointed to myself.

"Can we see some of your skills now?" Al asked still very hyper," Just to get a taste."

"Sure," I stood up walking to the door grabbing my black trench coat," Follow me."

We walked down to Armstrong's room. I knocked on the huge steel door and it creaked open," Hello?"

Armstrong towered out of the doorway shirtless as usual.

"Oh! Adele, come for a sparing match again have you?" he asked shirt popping back on instantly.

"Yes. I'm here to show the Elrics' my power." I stated smiling broad," Now let's be going."

"Yes ma'am." He said, leading us to the oversized gym.

We both stood on opposite sides of the gym," Ready!"

"Bring it!" I yelled taking off my trench, now in a black tank top and spandex shorts with track shoes," Give me all you got!"

I rubbed my white gloves together when he came running at me, full speed.

I clapped my hands catching his foot that flew at my head and twisted it sending him flying feet away from me.

"You got me there, but you won't again!"

Armstrong's laugh echoed through the arena and his fist flew into my stomach as I spiraled into the air, landing casually back on my feet, crouching. I gathered my self and pointed at him once again.

He was sent back into the gym wall and he fell limply to the ground as I approached his form," Do you give up?"

His throaty laughter yet again filled the gym.

"HA! Not a chance!" he shouted like a child as he slowly stood up.

I backed up a few and flipped backwards ducking his sifted attacks.

Suddenly predator turned into prey as I flipped high over his head landing a spinning kick to his jaw.

Armstrong fell to the ground and wiped blood from his lip," I give. You got me there."

He regained himself and bowed," Watch yourself next time. You have grace, but you can't always land on your feet, Adele."

I smiled warmly," Always fun to spar with you."

He went back to his office as I approached Ed and Al, looking dumbfounded.

"You just beat Armstrong!" Ed yelled eyes huge," I can't even lift him up."

"He wasn't beat up. He just had work to do and had to leave. We weren't even close to being finished. And second, don't doubt yourself Ed. If you believe you have a better chance at proving yourself."

"Such words of wisdom!" Al spun around and I made a 'does-he-always-do-that' face.

"I'll see you two tomorrow. Goodnight boys." I waved gathering my coat walking back to my office.

-Edward's POV-

"Such energy, from such a small lady." A voice said from behind.

"Oh, hi Colonel." I greeted," Yea, she's really strong."

"You haven't seen anything Ed. She told Alexander to push himself once. But she fought with less effort than last time. The question is: was she pushing herself?" he looked at the petite from walking into the building disappearing around the corner," She's a piece of work alright. Gorgeous, young, wise, and most importantly, she wears mini skirts to work!"

Al and I fell to the ground, sweat drops running down our foreheads," Uh, she's only 15 sir."

"I know." he gathered himself and regained his 'Tall and Mysterious' act," you two would make a great pair, and you could use some help Ed. Adele will do only good for you."

"Mustang, Sir, why did Adele join the state army?" Al asked and I perked up.

"I'm not the one to answer that. If she wants to tell you, she will." With that Mustang left us outside. They sky grew dark in front of our eyes and the moon stood out.

"Let's turn in Al." I began walking inside the huge building, not planning to go to sleep.

-Adele's POV-

I sighed leaning back in my chair, feet propped up on my desk.

I looked at a picture of my mother which I grasped tightly," I'll find you mom. I promise." There was a knock at my door and I hid the picture coughing," Come in."

Ed stood in the doorway in a white tank top and black pants.

"Hello, Ed." I smiled," What brings you here in my office at," I checked my watch," 12:42 A.M.?"

"I wanted to talk to you." he answered taking a seat in the chair he sat in earlier.

"About?" I asked urging him on.

"Everyone has a reason to join the arm." He paused," Why did you join?"

"Ed..."I held my head in my hands putting on a sleepy face," It's getting late. You should get some rest for my assessment."

"Just tell me!" he said stubbornly.

"Now listen here, Elric, I don't want to talk about it." I raised my voice.

"I joined because Al and myself. I made a promise to him that I would get his body back. What a better way than alchemy." Ed stated," Everyone has a reason."

"I heard about your incident, but mine isn't anything like yours." I responded.

"Why? Why did you join?" he asked once again.

I picked up my moms picture from my drawer, and I handed it to him," That's my mom. The only picture I have. She would always be there for me. No matter what. One day. Before my birthday, she told me she was going to give me a huge surprise."

I paused, getting dry mouthed," I went to sleep in her arms as she told me my favorite story. We were in the basement and I didn't know why. She gave me that quilt she made me that's on the couch over there. I was so excited for the morning to come. I remember everything we did that day."

"What happened?"

"I woke up alone in my room, tucked in nicely. My mom wasn't there...the whole town in flames...my dog was torn to pieces...my neighbors littered the ground...they killed them. Blood was everywhere; the front door wide open...burns...scathes, holes, flames…"

Tears fell quickly down my face as I croaked," Hell of a damn surprise, huh?"

Ed looked away," Sorry...I didn't know."

"Of course you didn't. I never told anyone." I sniffed wiping my falling tears.

"Still, I'm sorry-"

"Don't be. I don't need the State's damn sympathy, or yours." I snapped. He seemed taken aback," No, sorry, I'm just..."

"No...Its okay." he spoke softly," I know how it is, not to have the one you love the most wake you up every morning. Not to have someone to be there to comfort you."

"Ed, I do have someone to-"

"I bet your mom's out there looking for you, just like you are." Ed smiled reassuringly.

I shot a smile at him and he returned it.

"Al and I will always be there if you need someone to talk to. I promise you that." Ed patted my back and I pulled away.

"You need to get your rest for tomorrow. And remember, don't hold back on me." I smiled tears stopping, but face still wet." Goodnight Ed."

"Goodnight Adele." He got up and left, closing the door, however it opened again and there was Mustang.

I stood up quickly saluting him." Colonel Mustang. I was working on my assignments."

He didn't say anything and I slumped back into my chair," You heard didn't you."

"Yes, I did. It wasn't the full story though. You didn't describe it was bad as it was originally." he said leaning on the wall," So that was the first time you told someone other than me and Hughes?"

"Yea...I feel better to...it's strange." I sighed wiping at my eyes.

"I'll be taking those assignments now." he stated reaching for them.

"They're not done. I have yet to finish-"

"I'm taking them off your hands, Pestilent. Besides I heard Hughes' assistant is a miracle worker."

"Thank you sir, a lot." I bowed in my seat.

"Just promise you won't put anyone in the hospital." Mustang flashed me a warning look and I laughed.

"Don't worry. I won't be THAT destructive." Without saying anything he turned and left. I stayed at my desk until I was sure everyone was turned in.

My watch read 2:29 A.M.

"Perfect." I sighed walking into my closet pulling out a robe and flip-flops. I quietly whistled and a huge dog with a metal foreleg trotted in. It's back reached my waist," Ah...there you are Noella."

I pet the golden brown dog on her head as it panted soundly.

"Shh...Be quiet." I shut out the lights and walking into the hallway.

We twisted down stairs and corridors and offices until we got to the huge library.

I sat in front of the alchemy shelf digging through books on transmutation circles and descriptions.

"Ah...Noella. I found it." I lifted up the book on Earth Transmutations. I skipped a few pages taking in everything I read, most of it I already knew though, so I ended up ditching the book. I sat up and in the process, knocked over the pile of books making a loud thumping noise and a muffled scream.

"Someone's in here!" I heard the officers tell each other.

"Damnit!" I slapped my forehead, and walked out into the clearing and two shots were fired skimming my hair," WHO SHOT THAT!"

"Oh! Blanche!" The officer ran up to me," I didn't know ma'am!"

"No shit..."I mumbled rolling my eyes," Get back to work and don't screw up again okay?"

"Yes madam." he was drenched in sweat and I wrinkled my nose in disgust.

As Noella and I walked back to the room I tucked a page from the book I read in my pocket.