Hi :) sorry this first chapter is rather uneventful and short, but I think if you get all the way to the bottom (and no cheating) you'll want to know what happens next ;) thanks, and don't forget to drop a review on your way out :D

The Ivory Alchemist

Prologue

Skye had never liked the warmth. It reminded her too much of her childhood. And her childhood wasn't something she liked to linger on. She just stared out the window as the green landscapes rolled by. She'd already been on the same train for nearly four hours.

Skye hadn't ever wanted to come back East, not after the war had ended. She may have been young, but she still remembered the war like it was yesterday. She hadn't returned here since the day she'd left almost ten years ago. But now, being transferred to Eastern Command by her superior meant she had no choice in the matter.

She shivered, though it must have been at least in the mid 80's, and absently opened her watch. It was nearly noon—her ride would end soon. Then, she would get off and face her demons.

Or rather one demon. And said demon had a name.

Roy Mustang.

(\*FMA*/)

Ed had never really liked the eastern Command Centre. Every visit brought with it another barrage of anger and insults from his favorite Colonel.

Al was already in Mustangs office, trying to work things out in their favor. Ed sat outside the door on the ground, one leg tucked against his chest and the other stretched out. He went over the story of the latest adventure in his head, trying to remember how exactly everything had played out. Being bumped on the head didn't help his matter at all.

So hard was he concentrating, that he didn't even realize someone was standing over him. He looked up only at the sound of a timid voice.

"Is this spot taken?"

Ed was startled by the girl. She was probably only a few years older than him, and wore a military uniform. The glimmer of silver chain hanging from her pocket no doubt labeled her as a State Alchemist, but Ed had never seen her before. Black bangs hid her eyes from view, and more of the volumous locks spilled down her shoulders. The rest was held back by a ponytail.

"Uh, no," He stuttered as she sat only a few inches away.

"Nice day, isn't it?" She asked, not seeming bothered by how close they were. Ed tried his best not be rude and shrink away. He didn't get this close to this people very often.

"Yeah. Really warm."

"Yeah…."

"Do I know you?" Ed spurted out without thinking. As he looked at her, he felt like he'd seen her somewhere.

She smiled. "Doubtful. This is my first back here in years."

"Were you here to talk to the colonel?"

"Ah, yes. I've been transferred here, and he'll be my new commanding officer."

"Where are you from?" E asked casually. This girl seemed nice enough. She certainly wasn't uptight and snotty like most of the other women who were transferred here from the West or Central.

"Western Command." She answered easily, then asked out of the blue. "Are you the Fullmetal Alchemist?"

Ed glanced behind himself, half expecting to see Al—who else would she think was the Fullmetal Alchemist?

"Um, yeah. How'd you know?"

"I've heard plenty about you and your little brother. I'm Skye, by the way."

"Nice to meet you." He replied, taking her offered hand and shaking it twice. "So I'm guessing you're an Alchemist too?" Ed tried to ignore the yelling he could hear through the walls.

"Have been for nearly a year and a half. Got my certification when I was eighteen." Skye absently twirled hair in between two fingers.

Ed had to do a little mental math. She was still pretty young to be a State Alchemist. Even though he was the youngest ever. "You're only nineteen?"

"Yup."

The door to Mustangs office cracked open and Hawkeye whispered to Ed, "Mustang wants to talk to you now."

"Hello, Riza," The girl said to Hawkeye with a wave, beaming at the lieutenant.

Hawkeye's eyes glazed over and she frowned, as if trying to remember when she had met her. "Hello," She replied simply.

"Come on. I'm pretty sure the Colonel bastard won't kill me if a girl is in the room." Ed grumbles, taking her by the hand and pulling her in the office right along with him.

Mustang wasn't happy. That much was obvious. He stood towering over his desk, papers strung across the room—Ed wasn't so sure that having a girl in the room would help his chances of survival.

"Fullmetal! What is the meaning this? I send you out on a simple reconnaissance, and you come back with half a million cens in collateral damages? All I ask of you is not to get into trouble, and yet you-," The young female alchemist is snickering beside Ed, not at all seeming intimidated by the dark haired officer

Roy cut off mid-rant to stare at her. And she stares right back with a big smile.

"Did you miss me, Daddy?"

So, anyone interested? If so, let me know and I'll make sure to update soon :) i give a cookie to anyone who reviews :D

love,

gilraenstar 3