Reluctantly, I'm daring to publish my old writings. I may or may not change the title later to something I find more suitable.
This will be a series of single-chapter stories; little perceptive windows into the characters of FMA. Because I am a romance-junkie, I will likely centralize the stories on prospective couples.
Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist belongs to Hiromu Arakawa.
I. Secret
The design of an alchemic transmutation circle was perhaps its most important part. Each drawing, each symbol, was representative of an element and a piece of nature. Each line and phrase was equally essential; the lines directed the flow of power, the phrases dictated the future of the transmutation.
The diagram of fire alchemy was fascinating, powerful.
And Professor Hawkeye knew this. He was a master of fire. He knew every detail, every significant aspect of fire alchemy. And all of his knowledge was compressed into a simple drawing. All of its information burned into his brain, drawn from his own research; he spent years and years exploring every aspect of the flame and its science, how to manipulate it, how enhance it, and how to control it.
Such a great secret could bring great destruction, and Professor Hawkeye knew this, too.
A master of flame alchemy would have in his hands the power of fire, the power to manipulate elements in the air and create benign sparks as well as menacing flames. This power was much too great for any simple man.
It was because Professor Hawkeye knew this that he decided to carve his teachings into skin. The secret of fire was burned into the sacred skin of his only daughter. It was a dermal documentation of the works of his mind. The power of destruction was carved on her back; she and only she held the possibility of creating the next Flame Alchemist.
And Riza Hawkeye knew this.
It was because Riza Hawkeye knew this that her choice was a man she trusted, a man with vision and determination; her father's apprentice. Because she recognized the power of her back and she believed she could place it in his, she exposed the secret of fire to this man, to help him ascend the steps of military autocracy and reach his dream. She had handed him every design, every figure, every symbol, every phrase that would give life to fire.