Chapter 1 –They Have a Strawberry Flavor?! –

Addressing Patsu,

I am pleased to welcome you to join us for the State Alchemy exams. Know that this is not only a privilege but an honor as many apply for this rigorous position but few make it. Please arrive October 22nd at Central Station where a chauffeur will be waiting for you. Congratulations once more and we look forward to you serving your country.

King Bradley

I read the letter once more, then again before folding it in half and putting it under my arm. I was chosen to become a possible Dog of the Military. At first I didn't know what bothered me more, the fact that I was chosen or the fact that I wasn't the youngest to be selected. I've heard the stories about the Fullmetal Alchemist, the man of the people, the legendary prodigy of Resembool. Those, I thought, were just stories. Stories from wives and young children. How wrong I was. Some part of me wished I was the youngest, but you can't beat twelve years old and becoming a dog. I could only push my current age, sixteen. Some degree of me felt happy to join. I would be able to help those that needed it; I could make a difference in the world. I got up quickly, slightly swaying from the motion of the train, and opened a window. The cool fall air filled my train compartment. All in all, I had to stop and admire it. It was comfy, the walls made of oak and the seats made of metal framework with soft cushioning that made it look Victorian. I gazed out at the country side passed me. It was sunset now, and the fields glowed with an ethereal presence.

I sighed deeply as I took in the view that beheld me out of the window. Such a nice, peaceful scene despite the sound of the train. I rested my head on my arms on the window pane soaking up the beauty. Then, a knocking sound from behind me.

I swiftly stood and called out,

"Come in!"

A tender woman who looked in her forties opened the door and locked it into place carefully.

"A la carte, anything you want sweetie?" she said while waving her hand over the cart.

I perused the items that lay on the metal cart with a slight growl in my stomach.

"Um…I'll have the…lemon taffy, the lime soda, the double cheeseburger and…um, the Chocolate stuffed bread" I said while taking out my wallet.

The woman replied, "That will be 1450 sens".

I took out the money and handed it to her and took the items off the cart.

"Have a good day dearie!" she exclaimed and closed the door.

I set the food on the nearest mahogany table and opened the taffy and chewed two pieces. I admit, I love candy, well sweet things really. My favorite dessert: Chocolate stuffed bread. It was my favorite when my mother made it. It took me a long time to adjust to my parents deaths. My parents went missing when I was nine years old. They were found in the shed of my home two days later. Both my parents were prize winning alchemists who revolutionized the field of chemical and plasma alchemy. It took my six months to adjust but I finally did it. I moved on with resolve and invested all my time to further their research and pursue my own goals. I reached and pulled out a book and stuffed another taffy piece into my mouth followed my some soda. Reading was another outlet for me and if I was accepted, Central library would be the first place I hit. I finished my meal while looking at the scenery and reading. It was dark now, and the countryside held but few lights from homes. I yawned loudly and sat, putting my hat over my face to rest. Central, here I come.

What woke me from my momentary slumber was a bell followed by a man's raspy voice,

"Now arriving at Central station, now arriving at Central station. We hope you've had a nice trip with us and enjoy your stay in Central!"

I can try I muttered in my head. I stretched, yawned once more, and stood tall. I was 5"10, I thought it was normal for my age. I heard the Fullmetal was 6"5 and imagined how boisterous and grand he must look. I exited the cart and headed down the hallway moving past families and people and finally stopped at the exit of the train. A little boy behind me dropped his train when the train pumped, breaking it. He started crying and the father chimed,

"James, I told you to keep better care of your things," while trying to calm him down.

I turned around and drew a circle around the broken toy. But this wasn't an ordinary circle. This was an alchemic circle. I've been able to do alchemy for as long as I can remember. Normally, I'd just clap my hands together and fix it, but I heard from source to keep it under wraps. I didn't know why, it was common wasn't it to clap your hands and perform alchemy? I followed the advice though and put my hands on the circle. There was a flash of light and the train was better than new and sparkled. The little boy, James, picked it up and cried out,

"Thank you mister!"

The train was suddenly a murmur of whispers and talk of what I had just done.

"No problem kid. Now you make sure to listen to your father, okay?" I asked him.

He nodded his head enthusiastically and showed his train to his father.

"Now arriving, Central station, ladies and gentleman please watch your step as you exit the train, thank you!" the conductor said over the intercom.

The train stopped slowly with a bump, making me take a step to regain my balance. The doors opened with a Ping and I exited breathing in the nice crisp air. I started walking towards the street looking for my ride. I looked at the station's clock. It was 10:22 exactly. I thought it was kind of weird how it was 10:22 and I got here on the 22nd of October. A few more minutes passed, and I popped a taffy I had bought last minute on the train. Then, a black car drove to the street and a man of medium height emerged wearing a military uniform. He was a man who looked friendly but with authority that seemed to emanate from him. He walked briskly up to me and asked,

"Trigger? Patsu Trigger?"

I nodded my head quickly and he held out his hand which I shook.

"Private Ron Aldridge, pleasure to meet you. I will be escorting you to your hotel which has been arranged for you. Please, let me take your effects," he said while picking up my suitcase from the ground and my satchel. I still had my other satchel on my shoulder and proceeded to the car. He put them in the back seat which was quite spacious and held the door for me as I entered. We slowly drove off towards Central which twinkled with lights.

"So, are there any good dessert shops nearby?" I asked inquisitively.

"Oh the best! The one near your hotel, Café Mirage is one of the best around. They sell everything, even chocolate strawberry stuffed bread!" he retorted back. My heart skipped a beat. Did he say…chocolate strawberry stuffed bread?

"Wait, they have chocolate strawberry flavored stuffed bread?" I asked, my excitement hardly contained.

"Yes they do! And lemon and vanilla! You didn't know about all the flavors of stuffed bread?" he asked me directly. I had only heard of chocolate stuffed, not any other flavor.

"Yeah, guess so…" I said back to him while dreaming of how good it must've tasted. We drove past many stores and people that seemed happy. The lights, the bustle of Central, I think I am going to like it here I thought with a grin.