Fullmetal Alchemist

EUROPA WAR II

Chapter 1

STORY OF AN ALCHEMIST

Opening Theme: Asu e No Kizuna (Valkyria Chronicles)

My name is Vine, Corporal, Gallian Militia. I was born 27 years ago in the Gallian capital of Randgriz to Kazuna and Ichika Raymond. Raymond of course was an assumed name since as you know, Darcsens have lost their last names since times long past. The reason for the cover up was that my father was a close personal friend and advisor to Archduke Randgriz and his wife. Afraid that his Darcsen heritage would be considered a taint on the Randgriz family's pure Valkyrian heritage, my father suggested the cover up to prevent such a thing from happening. As a result, contrary to the image most people have had of me over the five years since I left Ishval, I led a surprisingly peaceful childhood for a Darcsen youth. For any youth, actually. To someone who didn't know me, I probably seemed like a regular, happy, Gallian child, but I had a secret that few knew. At the age of 8, I began to learn the Amestrian art of Alchemy, and as a result, my life would be changed forever…

Vine: Age 11

"Alright, I've got cotton for stuffing and soft wool for the outside. I hope this works," young Vine declared as he finished drawing his transmutation circle and placed a pile of fabric in the center. Walking back to the outside of the circle, he placed his hands flat on the circles outer line and took a deep breath. "Here goes nothing," he declared as a pulse of energy washed over the circle and into the material. The materials all merged together and began to change shape, forming into a small stuffed horse. "Yes, it worked!" he said proudly.

"What're you doing out here son?" Vine's father called from the house's doorway. Vine stood up and looked over to his father who was standing just outside.

"Just makin' some toys for the baby. I need some alchemy practice and the tyke needs things to play with. I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone," Vine replied holding up the sword.

"Well, you've certainly gained some talent these last few years," his father declared, "but I'm afraid I'll have to cut your training short. We need to head to castle Randgriz, now."

"Huh? Has something happened?" Vine asked.

"Actually, a couple of somethings," his father replied, "both your mother and Archduchess Randgriz have begun to give birth. Your new younger sibling and the new prince or princess of Gallia are going to be born on the same day."

"Huh? Wait, are you serious?" Vine asked, "Mom's having her baby? And so is Mrs. Randgriz? Whoa! That's incredible!" he shouted excitedly.

"Yes, it's very exciting, now get the lead out and move it kid, if that baby comes and we're not there, you're mother will kill us."

"Uhhhhh… yes sir," Vine replied fearfully as he followed his father.

….

Castle Randgriz was only a short ways away, but even so, we only just made it in time. That day, my mother gave birth to my first little sister, Karen. Less than half an hour later, the first princess of Gallia was born, Cordelia Gi Randgriz.

….

Vine stood near a small crib, watching over his new baby sister, completely unaware that someone else stood in the doorway, watching him.

"Vine," a man's voice called causing Vine to turn to the entrance to the new child's room. Standing in the doorway, was Archduke Randgriz.

"Uhhhh hi?" Vine replied awkwardly. This was the first time he'd ever spoken with Archduke Randgriz alone, even though his father had been friends with the ruler since before Vine was born. The young boy was uncertain of how to respond when speaking to royalty. "Uhh, my father is in with my mother right now if you're looking for him."

"That's alright, Vine. Your father is not the one I'm looking for right now. You are," the Archduke replied as he walked into the room.

"Uhhh… me?" Vine replied as the man sat down. Vine was surprised by how old the man seemed, despite being no older then Vine's father. That fact served to make this situation even stranger to the young boy. "Why?"

"Because the request I'm about to make, is one I can only make of you, Vine," the archduke replied, "it is the most important thing this old man can ask." Vine wasn't sure what was making him more nervous. The word important, or the fact that the ruler of Gallia would be asking such an important favor of an 11 year old boy.

"Uhh, okay, I guess," Vine replied, still a little nervous, "what do you want me to do?" The old man waited for what seemed like an eternity to young Vine before he stood up and walked to Karen's crib side.

"You have a new member of your family, Vine. Tell me, do you intend to be strong enough so you can protect her from those who might seek to harm her?" the Archduke suddenly asked.

"Huh?" Vine replied, confused by the question.

"You never know who might seek to cause your little sister harm, Vine. Are you prepared to protect her from any who do?" the Archduke asked.

"Of… of course I am. I won't let anything happen to my little sister," Vine replied.

"And how will you protect her when the time comes?" the Archduke asked.

"I'll… I'll use alchemy. I'll learn how to do more than just make toys for kids. I'll learn to fight, and one day I'll become a State Alchemist. When that happens, I'll be so strong no one will be able to hurt my sister. I'm going to become the strongest alchemist in all of Gallia," Vine revealed.

"Is that right? You sound as though you've been considering this for quite some time," the Archduke replied.

"Yeah, I've been thinking about ever since I found out I was getting a little brother or sister. If I'm going to be the eldest, then I've gotta be able to look after the younger ones. Dad always says that that's my job as the first born child."

"Your father is an intelligent man, and he's correct, Vine. It is your duty to protect those who are younger then you, and I can see in your eyes that you have the strength and determination to make that happen. This is why I'm asking you this most important question. I'm asking you… if you will care for my most valuable possession as you will your sister," the Archduke revealed, looking down at Vine with a serious look in his eyes.

"Your… most valuable possession?" Vine asked.

"Will you do this for me Vine? You are the only one I trust, more then any of my advisors, military leaders, or politicians, I need you to do this for me," Archduke Randgriz replied in an almost pleading tone. Vine knew then that he couldn't refuse.

"Sir… I… I swear… I swear on my Darcsen pride that I'll do it. Whatever you want me to protect, I'll protect it as fiercely as I will Karen. I promise," Vine declared firmly.

"You've been blessed with a resolve and determination of a level that far surpasses your short life time. That unshakable resolve is something you'll need that if Gallia is to have a future. The precious possession, the one that I'm entrusting to you to guard with your life… is my new daughter, Cordelia."

….

I couldn't believe my ears when Archduke Randgriz asked me if I'd be a guardian for his daughter Cordelia. I was 11 at the time, still a child myself, but even so, I agreed. As they were growing up, Karen and Cordelia were all but inseparable. So much so, that it was almost like having twin little sisters. I grew to love them both as such. As the years went by, I continued to hone my alchemical abilities and my physical capabilities until I could easily defeat anyone in Randgriz in a fight. I had heard rumors about a civil war raging in the mother country of Amestris, but it hadn't affected Gallia much, so I rarely paid attention to it, until one day, Amestris made an appeal to the Archduke to send Gallian volunteers to aid in the war effort. Eager to do whatever I could to stop the bloodshed, I signed up and prepared to depart… to an obscure corner of Amestris called Ishval.

….

Vine: Age 21

"Son, are you sure about this?" Vine's father asked, "this is not your war to fight." Vine's family had gathered at the train station where the Gallian volunteers had gathered to board trains to Amestris. Vine sighed. He was dressed in an official Gallian military uniform and was growing anxious.

"Maybe not, father, but that doesn't change the fact that I can do something about it. I can't just stand around doing nothing while innocent people are slaughtered. It's not right," Vine replied.

"I understand that son, but… don't forget that your race is not unfamiliar with the situation the Ishvalans are in. Can you, a Darcsen, go to war against them with a clear conscience?"

"Calm down Dad," Vine replied, "I know what the situation is. I'll be alright. I know what I've gotta do."

"Alright then, since I can't talk you out of it, then I guess there's nothing left, but to give you my blessing, my son," his father replied.

"When're you going to come home, Brother?" Karen cried as she wrapped her arms around her brother's waist. Vine knelt down and hugged his little sister.

"I'll be home before you know it," he declared, "you be good and take care of Mom and Dad while I'm gone, alright?" Karen nodded her head then squealed with laughter as her brother lifted her into the air. "That's my girl."

"Attention everyone, can I have your attention please," a loud voice called over the station radio. A man stood on a stage in the center of the military crowd, talking into a microphone. "The Randgriz royal family has come to bid you all good luck as you travel to represent Gallia in Amestris. The archduke himself would like to have a few words before you depart, so if you'd please give your attention," the man declared. Vine sighed as he put his sister down and stood up.

"Something wrong son?" his father asked.

"Who was that guy who made that announcement, Dad?" Vine replied.

"Huh? Oh, that's Maurits von Borg. He's the head of the Borg family and one of the Archdukes most trusted advisors," his father replied.

"Maurits von Borg," Vine repeated the name as though it were a vile swear word. He turned away from his father and stood silent for a moment. "If Archduke Randgriz is as smart a man as you believe him to be, he'd best be careful about that man."

"What do you mean, Son? The Borg family is one of the most respected and noble families in Gallia. They've had strong connections with the royal family for generations," his father replied.

"That's what worries me," Vine declared simply.

"Vine!" a young voice called, causing Vine to turn his attention back to where the Randgriz's were. Cordelia stood on the stage waving at Vine and Karen. Karen sighed as though she was embarrassed, but Vine just smiled and waved back. Cordelia's father smiled and whispered something to his daughter who stepped down off the stage and ran over to her friends.

"Cordelia, what are you doing?" Karen asked, "aren't you supposed to be up there with your daddy?"

"Daddy told me I could come and say good-bye," Cordelia replied sadly as she looked up at Vine, "are you really leaving, Vine?"

"Just for a little while, squirt. I'll be back before ya know it," Vine replied as he ruffled the girl's hair and smiled reassuringly.

"You'd better," Cordelia ordered, "will you still play with me when you come back?"

"Of course, don't worry about a thing. I'll be back before ya know it. I'll come see you the next time I'm in Randgriz, alright?"

"Alright, but remember, you promised, and that's not the only thing you promised," Cordelia declared.

"And I'll make good on that promise as well, but only after I become a certified State Alchemist," Vine replied giving her a thumbs up, "now, I need to get going. My train is leaving soon."

"Be careful Brother," Karen pleaded.

"Vine, make sure that no matter what happens, you must never forget who you are and who you represent. Make your country and your family proud," his father ordered.

"Got it, piece of cake," Vine replied.

"Don't forget your promise!" Cordelia shouted as Vine turned and began to walk away.

"I won't forget, I'll see you soon," Vine replied as he waved back at his family and friend.

….

I guess that breaking promises has always been a specialty of mine… even five years ago.

Ending Theme: Heart of Sword (Rurouni Kenshin)