"How do you like this week's guns?"

I elicited them out from the buckle around my pants and slid them across the table, pulling my shirt down more to conceal my weapon hiders once again. "I like last week's better. It was lighter, so it was quicker and easier to use."

"Yes, well the firepower is definitely not as strong."

"It's ok. I have a bit of firepower on my own with this bracelet of mine. Mom."

The General glanced up from her gun collection as she placed the two I returned back to its rightful place. She quickly turned back towards me, her dark brown eyes blazing angrily. "Did the Fuhrer already teach you about flame alchemy?" She was straining herself to keep the composure in her usually cold voice.

"No, he didn't. I asked to though. Actually that's what I really came here to talk about." I sat down, leaning on my arm propped against the table. The General glanced at me before returning to her guns, counting each number and calling them by their name. The sound of slow paws against the floorboards turned my attention to the door. Black Hayate, old from the years, slowly lumbered in with a wagging tale. He lumbered his way over to me and plopped down onto my feet, falling asleep. "Father's quite insistent on keeping his promise to you," I began, "But I don't think I can wait any longer."

"The Fuhrer agrees to keep this dangerous alchemy from you until you're ready, Elsa."

"I am ready. I've already learned the basics of alchemy. I don't have this bracelet for nothing." I raised my only jewelry, a charm dangling from the gray chain. My fingers felt the shape, recognizing the basic transmutation circle. "So you're going to be leave me two years just using basic alchemy and not inheriting the Flame Alchemist's ability."

The General sighed, bringing two more pistols over. "I want you to try these two at the shooting range this week. This one's just a slight bit heavier but I think you'll find the force of it to be-"

"Mom. I'm here to talk about alchemy, not guns"

The General sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Elsa...the Fuhrer and I both know about the devastating effects of flame alchemy. Both he and I are not proud of the capabilities it has, such as incinerating hundreds of people in one snap."

I looked down on the table, still fingering my charm. The image of Father reappeared in my mind the day he explained about Ishval rebellion. The way his face was in his hands, his eyes thoughtful and blazed with sorrow, his voice quiet and regretful. "Fire isn't only destruction," I whispered quietly.

"Excuse me?"

"Fire isn't only destruction. I know what Father did. And I know that fire can be destruction. But it isn't just that. Fire gives life. It works with water in the same way. We, as people, would not be anywhere near we are now without the discovery of fire. Fire is the sun that gives us life. Learning flame alchemy will not make me into a destroyer. It could, but it won't only make me into that. It'll make me into a savior of its own as well. I want to learn flame alchemy to protect, not to fight."

"Sometimes there's no difference."

"Well I'LL make sure to make a difference. Please, Mom, let him teach me!"

Silence permeated the room. Quietly she stood up from her seat, sliding the two guns over to me after filling them with bullets. "Try these two out yourself at the shooting range later. You should hurry back before the Fuhrer worries."

Frustrated, I stuffed the two weapons into their place on my belt and pulled my jacket over. "Thank you," I mumbled angrily and stormed out of her house. I seethed the whole way back. I could feel energy of anger just rolling from my body. I understood. I understood why my parents are so hesitant on teaching me, but what would they expect me to do if I learn them now? Explode my whole school building because everyone was annoying me? (though that wasn't a good example in my mind at the moment. I don't even go to school seeing how Father personally teaches me and has tutors from his subordinates to take his place when it's busy). Not to mention, Amestris is at peace. It's at peace with many countries. It's at peace with its own people thanks to the work of Father and his ever so loyal team. If I were to learn flame alchemy now, I wouldn't even have to use it!

Wait...I feel like I'm only arguing against myself now.

It took a few minutes before I realized that there were footsteps behind me, approaching closer and closer. Casually, I slowed down as I reached my hand into one of the guns. The footsteps behind me seemed to step closer. A breath on my neck, I turned around while sliding back, pointing the gun at the stranger.

"Whoa there! Rule of thumb, I don't fight women."

I blinked, my eyes attempting to adjust in the dark. The mysterious stranger stepped into the streetlight, grinning a devil's smile, teeth and all. His long black hair was tied up in a ponytail, his red eyes fired up with interest. He made his way to the light post, leaning casually, his arms crossed. His black cloak billowed out behind him as the wind blew. "And...who are you?" I suspiciously inspected him some more, not lowering the gun.

"Look, girl, if you wanted my number you could've just asked without the gun."

"HELL NO!"

He snickered, his devil smile widening. "Ah you're the princess of this country, aren't you?"

I tightened my grip around the gun.

"Relax. I wasn't following you or stalking you. In fact, you were walking so damn slow I got so annoyed I wanted to pass you. Time is scarce, girl, and I want ALL the time I can get. But...PRINCESS of Amestris eh?" He made his way slowly to me, bending his face down to stare me in the eyes. My finger almost squeezed the trigger right then and there, but he stopped me, gripping my hand with the gun tightly. "And I don't mind the thought of getting a princess for myself either. What do you say, girl?"

This fucking boy. I bent my arm, pinning one of his down and slammed my left elbow into his neck and kneed his stomach. I quickly stepped back to watch his groaning writhing body. "Fuck off!" I screamed, dashing away. I needed to tell Father about this boy. I grinned, thinking about it.

Can't wait to see him blast this imbecile into smitherins.