~~Chapter Seven~~

Training became even harder after I proved I could use that method. Dad pushed me harder than ever, practicing alchemy at all hours. Al pushed me to the limit physically, never taking no for an answer when it came to combat practice. Soon I was so used to surprise attacks, I swear I grew eyes in the back of my head.

Al would always randomly attack me, seeing how long it took me to shake him off. Soon I got so good that I would just automatically dodge him, sending him to land face first on the floor. He was happy, but unlike dad, he could hide it. He made sure I didn't know what his emotions were; he made sure that I thought he hated everything I did. I didn't mind, especially since I was progressing faster at combat than I was at Alchemy.

As the years wore on, I wondered why we were still at this. I wanted to know what drove me to do this. Envy hadn't showed his face since that night, and dad and Al never spoke a word of what happened. I knew that part of it was that I promised my father. Once I promised him something, I never stopped. Same went for momma. But at the age of 15, I would like to think more would make me continue than just my dad. I don't want to be a daddy's girl forever.

At the age of fifteen, I still didn't know if I was ready or not. Dad was getting better at keeping his emotions a secret as well, learning from Al. Although, recently, Al had been preoccupied.

Two years ago, May had given birth to a baby boy. Naturally, they named him Edward. My dad never stopped cooing over him, and neither did Al. Now at the age of two, he was just so adorable it was hard not to love him. May made a wonderful mother, always there when the child needed her, always there the second he cried. She never set him down, and I was surprised he knew what walking was. He was starting to speak, and his first words had been "Momma, dada." May had nearly cried, running for Al the instant he had said those words.

My training with Al had, consequently, eased up quite a bit. That was fine though, as I was almost a complete master at combat. Alchemy was also almost complete. However, I don't think dad wanted to wait any longer.

"Erika, you're ready. You're ready for the exam." Dad looked up at me from the
pile of books spread across both our laps. I stared back, my blue eyes filled with shock.

"Dad, I don't think so. I mean…" I trailed off, seeing his point. It had been three years; it was time for all of this to pay off.

"Erika," Dad placed his hand on my shoulder, shaking me gently. "You can do this. I have no doubts." He crushed me into a hug, his arms strong around me. I hugged back, a smile spreading across my face.

"Dad, I love you." I mumbled this into his neck, his thick braid muffling my words. He crushed me closer, a smile of his own forming.

"I love you too Erika."

Dad, I promise I'll kill this son of a bitch. I have no idea how, but with your help, I have a feeling everything is possible.

I promise to you, dad. Just for you.

"So… What is the exam like? What do I have to do?" I looked to my dad eagerly, a smile creeping onto my face. All dad did was shrug.

"My exam was over twenty years ago, along with a different President. I don't know what Mustang has up his sleeve these days." Somehow I got the feeling that President Mustang and my dad had a past. Too scared to ask, I just went along with it.

"Well, what did you have to do?" I inched closer, theatrically placing my elbow on his knee, supporting my jaw with my palm.

"I was the only one who requested a combat exam. They had an alchemy exam that was required, obviously, but that went sort of awry." His eyes glazed over with fond memories. I smiled up at him.

"Tell me about it?" He gave me a smile, ruffling my hair.

"Sorry kiddo, can't do that. But you'll be fine, just have faith in yourself." He reached across the floor, getting a stack of books. "Your mother will be happy to help you with you outfit."

"We have to have an outfit?" The inner girl came oozing out of me. My eyes sparkled childishly. Dad laughed.

"Yes, you do." With that, I took off down the hall for mom.