New series! Full Metal Alchemist -- one of my favorite animes. I've written up a few more chapters, but I'm still unsure on whether or not I've portrayed Ed's character correctly. So I probably won't be releasing those chapters until I'm absolutely sure they're perfect. Please do review, I know this chapter's really short--but it's an introductory kind of thing. The later ones will be much more lengthier. Oh, and I might want to add this - the OC is not going to be buddy-buddy with Ed in the upcoming chapters, for I think it would be unrealistic.

With that said, enjoy! Constructive criticism is appreciated.

Disclaimer: I obviously am not brilliant enough to make Full Metal Alchemist. How very disappointing.

EDIT: Name change, to Avery Estbury because Sayuri was only a temporary until I found a better one.

CHAPTER ONE - THE EXAM

"My dear Avery. Have you heard the rumors?" Hughes, with a cup of steaming hot coffee in his hand, inquired conversationally. "The boy genius? Full Metal Alchemist?" I merely yawned, my brain slowly processing what he was saying.

"There's always rumors about alchemist geniuses. There's hardly ever one that's not a fraud." My response was plain, and uncaring as I continued to walk at a steady place. I could feel my eyes become droopy, on the brink of sleep. Still, I was able to identify Hughes's glimpse of a smirk from the corner of my eye.

"But you see, dearest." A repulsed expression crossed my face briefly. "This kid is not just 'some fraud' like all the rest you claim to be. He's quite impressive. In fact, the General liked him so much, that he's letting the kid take the State Alchemist Qualification exam."

At this, my eyes snapped open. I nearly tripped over my own two feet.

"What?!" My voice became on edge, "What's this kid's name?"

Hughes took a long sip of his coffee, obviously enjoying my newly found interest. "Edward Elric. I believe you're the same age as him."

We both came to a stop in front of a wooden door. I scoffed, my hand lingering on the doorknob.

"If I hadn't known better, I would've thought this Elric kid was competition!" I twisted the knob, revealing a dark haired man in uniform, sitting behind his desk. "Sir, reporting to duty, sir!" Hughes merely took another sip of his coffee, draining the rest of it in one gulp. I grew annoyed by the amused smirk on his lips.

"About time you two got here." Roy Mustang rested his head on one hand, lazily staring at us. "I've got a little treat for you two today." With a gloved hand, he gestured towards the large stacks of paper and folders next to him. "State Alchemist Qualification exams. I expect them to be done by four o'clock. I'm not feeling the greatest today, so if it's late I'll make you two do it again." He was mainly staring at me. "Enjoy."

Indeed, I was staring at the most unpleasant person I had ever to meet.

"Why, thank you sir." The sarcasm in my voice was evident, "Truly sir. In my one years experience of becoming a State Alchemist, I have yet to feel this important." Reaching forward, I grudgingly grasped the folders into my arms. I could no longer see Roy's facial expression; but I was one hundred percent sure it was one of mixed amusement of how I was struggling to desperately see over the towers of paperwork.

"And just for that, Hughes will only assist you in one-third of the paperwork." A scowl crossed my face. "Goodbye, Estbury." Hughes quickly ushered me outside, barely in time before a long list of profanities started to escape my mouth.

--

"Hmm, this years applicants seem promising." Hughes commented, as he leaned back on his chair. There was no longer a coffee mug in his hand, but a large donut. I gave him a steely stare, before returning to scribble down various notes, and mark the questions.

"At least try to help me correct some of these tests." I snarled, before cramming several pages into it's rightful folder. Hughes merely shrugged.

"I'm quite comfortable where I am. In fact, I think I'll drop my dear Gracia a call, just to check on how the my baby girl is doing. My Elicia is adorable!" If possible, I became even more aggravated. My hands snatched yet another test, nearly crumpling the whole thing. Furious, I started to grade it, until something at the top right corner caught my attention. My hazel eyes immediately focused on the messy scribble.

Edward Elric.

Almost immediately, I became less uninterested as I analyzed his detailed answers. In a way, I was hoping he would fail miserably. But his answers were long, and perfect. There was no flaw, so far at least. I chewed on my lip thoughtfully, before turning through several pages.

Correct.

Correct.

Correct.

I flipped to the next page, where there were various questions that he had left blank. I raised an eyebrow curiously.

He didn't even finish the last question. It's the most important one.

"Hey honey! How's the my precious Elicia?--"

Some alchemist genius he is; he nearly failed the written test. There's nothing to worry about. No, no, I knew this 'alchemist genius' had more to him than that. With a sigh, I grudgingly stamped a 'PASSED' on it, before moving on to the next test. I blinked.

Alphonse Elric.

He has a brother as well? How interesting.

What could two young brothers want with the military?