Chapter 1
Before the War
It's been six years since that grim night. And both of my brothers are state alchemists, now. Solf Kimblee, The Red Lotus Alchemist and Zolf Kimblee, The Crimson Alchemist. I'm going to enter as a state alchemist too. But I'm not as good as my brothers, so I don't think I will pass. Zolf is being cocky with his title at the moment, he just got his yesterday. Solf got his a couple months ago and he is one of the most calm ones in the military. Most of the soldiers here are kind to me. Solf says it's because I'm prettier than other women, but he's my older brother he says that to keep my self-esteem up, and he is overly protective of me when some of the men are around me.
Now fourteen years old, I am sort of Solf's secretary and loving to meet new recruits. "Christine, the papers!" Oh, I forgot to get the papers. I am naturally clumsy compared to my brothers, I forget things way to easily and I trip over my own feet, yeah I would not be a good alchemist at all! "Christine the papers!" His order became more powerful and frightening!
"Yes, coming, sorry!"
"Christine. You've been becoming more and more in-tuned with a fantasy world. What's troubling you?" I couldn't help but to pout a little. He wouldn't understand. Solf is too kind to say that I'm clumsy. And it's not like he'd listen to Zolf! Zolf is almost like the boy who cried wolf, but he would be the kind to say that and all the rest of the soldiers would agree, I just know it! But I couldn't lie to him, I still trusted him either way!
"I've been thinking for the longest time that I'm way too clumsy to be a state alchemist. And don't say I'm not, don't be so worried for my self-esteem, I'm a soldier remember, do not treat me like a kid any more, please!" He seemed shocked to hear me tell him straight to his face, but he then showed his understanding expression. He finally listened to my words! I walked up him and gave him a big hug. Tears poured from my eyes.
"But I still believe you can be a great state-alchemist. You have the same blood as me and Zolf. It has been in our father's blood and grandfather's. We were meant to protect this country! Don't be worrying, when the time comes for the test, you will gain power over your body... You might not think so but I can be clumsy at times, too. So don't think you're singled out."
He always knew how to comfort me. He was exactly like dad. Dad would always know what to say at a bad time. These used to be times I would fall asleep but I am a soldier, we do not go to sleep on the job plus, "Hey, how's it going big bro, and baby sis!" Zolf exclaimed with as he gave me a noogie.
"Don't say that," I exclaimed, " I'm not a baby anymore Zolf! I am a soldier and god-dammit! You need to start treating me like it!"
"Yeah, yeah sorry! It's just that you will always be my little sis, right?" I couldn't help but to giggle and nod my head, I had to admit, he was right...for once. I should be happy that we are all still together. I gave him a big hug. The big lug had some nerve to still act like this. But I guess he does get bragging rights...for a week or so, after receiving his pocket watch.