A/N: okay! another chapter. it took a little longer than expected, but i finally got everyone who wanted to participate! i thank Sweetnevermore, ukyouchrono, ukyouchrono's cousin, Bar-ohki, and Akita Fallow. I greatly appreciate it. u will be included in future chapters i will assure u of this! anyways, moving on. yes, this chapter is very very long (25 pgs to be exact.. I'm sorry!) becuz of the descriptive alchemy creations so i hope you alchemists like how i detailed everything that u told me. plz R&R to tell me how i did.
Disclaimer: I don't own FMA. I heart Havoc!
Chapter 7: The 2nd Trial; Investigation
"HOLY SHRIMP! IT'S HUMONGOUS!" Lizzie exclaimed as she saw many military officers and regular people watching.
"Y-yeah it sure is... big." Lys responded with a gulp. "Why shrimp?" Lys then asked. Lizzie just shrugged. "I dunno, I felt like saying shrimp?" Lizzie answered, and then turned to see some alchemists in a cluster, all talking about their skills and such.
"Well look who decided to show!" a voice called. Lizzie and Lys turned to see Ren coming over with her brother. The four nodded, and quietly Lizzie spoke up.
"Um, about yesterday... Thanks." Lizzie said with a mumble. Ren smirked.
"Couldn't even save your own skin back there. What kind of alchemist are you? You really should keep track of your skills and how far you can take them." Ren recommended.
"Hey! I just thanked you! Don't make me regret it!" Lizzie roared angrily. Ren laughed, and Lizzie didn't seem to get the joke.
"Though I will admit, you might have a chance with my dad passing you. If you do what you did yesterday, I'm sure you'll get in." Ren said, and then turned to Lys. "Both of you. Now then, good luck. I'll be watching on the sidelines along with Elicia, Miss Hughes, and Sarah. Don't let us down." Ren said with a wave. As she left, Leo just stared with a grin on his face.
"Good luck Lizzie. You too Lys. My father will be amazed at your skills." he said and ran off to follow his sister. Lizzie blushed, and then turned to the other 20 alchemists. With a gulp, she dragged her sister with her. When the two siblings came over, the others just stared for a moment, but then continued to talk on. No one seemed to even acknowledge the Elric siblings. Was that maybe because they were the talk of the military all along?
"Well I guess it's just you and me Lys." Lizzie said with a smile. Lys nodded, but then noticed a woman walk over to them. She seemed to be a bright woman of the age of 26, acting more like an older sister figure instead of an adult.
"Hey!" she called with a wave and a bright smile on her face. The woman had about shoulder length going a little bit lower blonde hair, and sparkling clear blue eyes. She wore crescent shaped moon glasses, and seemed to be carrying a pack of cards and a gun at her side. The two siblings watched the blonde come over with a smile on her face. "You two are the Elric twins, right?" she asked.
"I wouldn't say...twins..." Lizzie said with a sweatdrop.
"More like siblings." Lys corrected with a smile.
"Ah, I see. Well, my name is Lunaros Skyeyes. It's a pleasure to meet you two. I'd be embarrassed if I wouldn't make it and you would to be honest." Lunaros said with a grin.
"I see. Well, I'm Lizzie, and this is my sister Lys." Lizzie introduced them. The two shook hands, and got to know eachother more. Soon, another alchemist decided to join.
"The Elrics, right?" the girl asked. She seemed to be about the same age as Ren. The two girls nodded, and introduced themselves once again. The girl had blondish brown hair and nice aqua colored eyes. With a simple nod, she turned to Lizzie.
"Um, can I help you?" Lizzie said with a laugh.
"The name's Akita. Akita Fallow. Good luck in the exams." Akita introduced with a smile. Lizzie felt a warm grin cross her face. It was fun, getting to know alchemists like them. Suddenly, Lizzie felt Lys nudge her slightly.
"Hey Sis, is it just me or do you have a clone?" Lys teased. Looking, Lizzie saw a girl that looked just like her, only about two years older. There was a big difference though... This girl had dark brunette colored hair and black eyes. She wore a red hoodie and a black T-shirt on, and wore ripped jeans. She was walking over to them. They watched as the girl looked up to them. Lys was about 5'3" at that time... the girl seemed to be 5'1".
"The Elric sisters, right? Elizabeth and Alyssa, correct?" the girl asked. Lizzie and Lys nodded.
"It's Lizzie. And yeah." Lizzie introduced.
"I'm Lys." Lys said with a grin. The girl nodded, and then looked at the ground.
"I uh... I've really admired your old man... and um, he was a pretty cool alchemist...from what I heard.." she said, mumbling a little. "I uh, I'm very honored to meet you..." the girl said. Lizzie watched the girl's eyes... They were looking at Lys, but not at her. What? Grudge at first sight? She wasn't the one posing as her dad, or her for that matter... look wise and all it was kind of... creepy? All of a sudden, Lys latch hugged onto the girl with a loving smile while Lizzie sweatdropped and the girl seemed pretty pissed...
"Oh it's so... so amazing to hear that! I'm so flattered really! Let's be friends!" Lys said happily. The girl seemed traumatized for a moment, but groaned slightly.
"Um...could you let go of me please?" she asked calmly, though shoving Lys away from her.
"Sorry! Sorry!" Lys apologized. The girl nodded with a short sigh and a small smile.
"So what's your name?" Lizzie asked.
"I'm Hannah Miles." the girl introduced. Lizzie nodded silently and then looked at Hannah.
"So um, why don't you like being um...hugged?" Lizzie asked questioningly.
"Let's just say that I'm... claustrophobic.." Hannah answered with a low mumble. Lizzie didn't believe that Hannah was truly being sincere, but let it go...for now. With a shrug, Lizzie smiled and decided to chat a little bit more with the other alchemists. Finally Fuhrer Mustang had begun his speech to welcome the alchemists there.
"Welcome all alchemists! I am glad to congratulate you on getting this far! Now then, let the exams begin! The first person is; Ariza Sway!" Mustang called, getting straight to the point. Everyone found out when they were going, and sat waiting in line. Lizzie was 18, Lys was 16, Akita 15, Hannah was 13, and Lunaros was 11.
As Lizzie decided to look around her, she saw that the person who was apparently the last "act" of this whole "show", wore a simple black coat covering most of their whole body including their face and legs. All she knew was that this person had silver colored hair... Glancing over, Lizzie noticed that yes, it was a girl who was fiddling with a stuffed animal. She seemed to be 17 though... Chuckling softly, she watched curiously. All of a sudden, the stuffed animal turned to her!
"What are you laughing about?" the stuffed animal asked. Lizzie's eyes bulged for a moment, and then saw that the stuffed animal was a cat puppet.
"I-I-I wasn't laughing at you if that's what you meant!" Lizzie said immediately. The cat at first moved its whiskers, and then shrugged.
"Well, whatever. So, who are you?" the stuffed animal asked. The girl didn't seem to be moving at all.. did she have the power of telekinesis or something? Lizzie couldn't even tell if her lips were moving.
"I'm Elizabeth Rockbell." Lizzie said, stretching her arm. The cat stretched out its paw, and shook.
"I am Alyssa Isabelle Hopkins. But, you may call me Isabelle, or just plain Is." the cat said.
"I see. Well, Is, you may call me Lizzie." Lizzie said with a warm smile. The cat just simply stared, and then turned to watch the alchemists. Okay, dead conversation, but Lizzie decided to continue anyway. Before she could say something though the cat turned again.
"If you want to talk, then talk. What is it?" the cat asked. The voice coming from the cat was a she, so yes...
"Well um...do you think, maybe you could just, talk to me face to face?" Lizzie asked, facing the girl, trying to look her in the eyes. The girl moved up once, the part of her black coat showing Lizzie her mouth and nose and eyes... They were a violet color, and they seemed to be filled with sorrow... The cat talked again, and Lizzie kept her eyes on the girl, realizing... her mouth wasn't moving...
"Sorry. I'm not talking... not, that way, that is.." the cat tried to explain the best she could. Lizzie was speechless. Should she continue to talk to this person? Lizzie's thoughts were interrupted when...
Next up! Lunaros Skeyes!" Mustang called. Lizzie watched intently, as did Is. Lunaros entered the "stage", bowing slightly in nervousness. She reached in her pocket to grab her stuff... but...
"Uh-oh.." Lunaros muttered under her breath.
"Something wrong?" Mustang asked.
"N-no!" Lunaros called as she dug through all of her pockets. Finally she found what she was looking for.
"A deck of cards?" Mustang asked under his breath. This one certainly would be interesting. Lunaros brought out about five cards now, throwing them each about two feet away from eachother in a circle. Five mini transmutation circles activated, and about many dozens of flowers surrounded the whole area. The middle was still blank, and the flowers kept growing until they made a mini garden, but also had some tree stumps placed where the cards had activated. Now, it was time for the real show to happen.
"I'm not finished yet!" Lunaros shouted, taking her guns out. Aiming, she shot about five bullets that sank into the tree stumps. There was a short pause, turning into a long silence.. Everyone murmured in the crowd, wondering what would happen next. All of a sudden, a low rumble came from Mother Earth, and everyone watched intently. From each stump an eruption of ice water splashed up, and from the middle a statue came! It was a statue of a falcon, a pretty big falcon actually... the water around it. It became like a mini garden with a fountain and water surrounding it all. Mustang smiled.
"Very talented alchemist. I see high hopes for you." Mustang commented. Lunaros nodded, bowed again, collected her things and went back to her seat. Lizzie was very impressed by Lunaros's performance, and couldn't help but glance at Is who seemed to be looking at her too.
"She was good, wasn't she?" the cat said. Lizzie nodded. "It's okay.. You can tell me, if I scare you." the cat said. Lizzie blinked.
"I would never say you're scary. In fact, I think that it's kind of... amazing you can do this. I wish I had such talent." Lizzie complimented. It seemed Is had been a little amazed at Lizzie's answer for a moment, the cat seemed to fall off her hand, but then regained herself.
"You don't find me... scary? You find me... amazing?" the cat asked. Lizzie nodded with a smile.
"Yes. And I can't wait to see your alchemy performance. I bet it will be splendid. Let's both make it to State Alchemists." Lizzie said with a smile, holding out her hand again. This time, Is reached out her arm, the coat's arm falling away revealing Is's bracelet. It was a large bracelet, having 8 blue gems around all of it. One of them was embedded with a transmutation circle. The moment the two shook hands, for a brief moment Is seemed to be in pain, closing her eyes painfully.
"Is?! Are you all right? I'm sorry did I do something wrong I'm sorry!" Lizzie exclaimed, Is clutching onto her wrist tightly for a moment. When the pain subsided from Is's mind, she looked at Lizzie with her violet eyes sparkling somewhat. The cat twitched once, but then looked at Lizzie.
"I am... fine." was all the reply Lizzie had gotten. Without another word, the two turned again.
"Next up... Hannah Miles!" Mustang said, and Hannah immediately entered on the stage with a grin on her face. She smiled at the audience for a moment, and then gathered her materials. She had about three piles of rock, some steel, water, ice, and mud. Tracing her circle carefully, she gave a short glare to Lizzie. Watching, she slapped her hands on the ground. Suddenly, the things being formed appeared to be statues of...people.. It was of, no doubt, Edward and Alphonse Elric! It was very original, but everything was detailed. Ed had his suitcase in hand, his red jacket glimmering a gold color. Ed was a golden statue while Alphonse was a silver... The armored teen had his red eyes still staring out into the audience, but that kind gesture. Ed had those burning fierceness in his eyes, and Hannah just turned to Mustang and bowed.
"Well well, those statues bring back many memories for me. Well done." Mustang said, a glint appearing in his eyes. As Hannah nodded and took her seat, she stared at Lizzie for a moment, sticking her tongue out. Okay, why did she have a grudge against Lizzie? 'Did I do something wrong?' Lizzie thought to herself.
"I wouldn't be confused. I'm sure the girl is just a little jealous. Yes, it seems she really envies you to be the daughter of Edward. She practically is his number one fan." the cat said. Lizzie looked, and then nodded, watching again as another of her friends was called.
"Akita Fallow! You're up!" Mustang called. Lizzie saw that Lys had to push Akita to go up there. Once she was in the arena, she took a deep, calm, breath before starting. As she took a deep breath again, Akita looked around at the elements before her. Smiling, she gathered her ingredients. She gathered a bucket of water, bark from a tree, charcoal from a small pile of black pieces, dirt, and finally some grass and ice. Placing them all in the center, she created her circle.
"All right. Let's do this." Akita said with a grin and placed her hands on the ground. The circle glowed, and the magic began. The elements rose from their spot, the bucket flying as the water turned to a spiral wave as it collided with almost everything. What was being formed in front of their very eyes was a 20 foot tall statue of!
Akita smiled as she watched her creation form. At the base, two firm bare feet were being made and then nice chocolate colored legs were made. Next, the outfit the statue was apparently wearing was a green, form-fitting dress. The statue had a nice and slim body shape. The left arm half being made, holding a light blue colored orb glowing brightly as it was held close to its stomach...
Moving up to the statue's chest, it was determined the statue was of a girl but wait, what was this? Behind the girls' back two wings began to form as they spread out to show their beauty. They were a color of ocean blue with black sideline colors. Moving up more to the shoulder length, the other arm was being made as the left was completed. The right shoulder was apparently touching something, but what? It seemed a small robin was made, perched on her shoulder with a happy, curious look on its face.
Finally, the head was made, and you could tell what the final outcome of this statue was. Straight, long black hair with bright green eyes, a smile on her face saying how she was "Nature Girl". Adding the finishing touches, the water that had been swirling finally became a strip as it connected from below her left shoulder to her right hip. In total, the statue was 20 feet tall! Akita sneered as she rose from her spot, not quite tired, still having sweat run down her face slightly.
"Phew! That took forever! I'd say, my fairy statue represents both nature and magic, don't you?" Akita said innocently. Lizzie chuckled at Akita's smartass tone. Mustang nodded with awe.
"It certainly is a site to see. Well done. You are a splendid alchemist." Mustang complimented. Akita blushed, and then went back to her seat. As the competition continued, it was time for Lys to shine. "Well well. Alyssa Elric! I can't wait to see your performance." Mustang said with a proud smile, actually sitting straight in his seat. Lys nodded nervously, and then turned to her sister with a grin.
"You can do it." Lizzie mouthed, and Lys nodded. She started to gather all of her materials for the creation she was to make. The first thing Lys did was collect about four buckets of water and placed them on seperate transmutation circles. Next, she got four more buckets and mixed soil in them and made it into mud, spraying it on the circle. After, she gathered soil she could as she sprinkled it all over the four places. Finally, she gathered bark and placed it to the four places. The fifth, was yet to be activated. Among the four transmutation circles, all four of them were connected with a single line so they would all be activated at once. As Lys finally took a breather, she placed her hands on the ground and the circle began to work its amazing talent... Soon, all components were made. There was a body, two claw like hands, a stand, and of course legs. The last circle would be activated much later.
"She is your sister?" the cat asked.
"Yes." Lizzie said with admiration, watching her sister perform her alchemy. Lys smiled, and then turned to the last circle. Activating it, the head was formed, showing the military's symbol; the lion. Finally, she connected all of the circles to one very large circle. Closing her eyes, Lys spread her arms out in front of her. There was a short silence, when all of a sudden all of the circles glowed and a tremendous wind blew, creating a tornado of blue with lightning streaks being thrown. The wind made Lys's hair blow upward, making her absolutely stunning. All of the pieces flew up high into the tornado's air, flying at lightning speed as they began to look like they were automatically glueing (sp?) themselves together.
A low murmur went through the crowd, and Lizzie could pick out, "Whoa, so that's one of the Elric children! I can't wait to see the other.." "That girl's got raw talent..." "It's amazing what the heir of Elric can do.." Lizzie smirked as she continued to watch her sister and her alchemy reach its final stage. As the body, arms, and legs and base were made, the final touch was the head and the great added features, giving it a ferocious look at showing how the military was one thing not to mess with. In total, the statue was 15 ft tall! Everyone watched in amazement as Lys walked off, turning when Fuhrer was talking to her.
"Well done. I cannot wait to see your sister perform as you have. Both of you are probably skilled alchemists." he said with a smile. Lys nodded with a grin. As Lizzie watched her sister walk off, she saw another girl take the stage. Turning to her right, she saw the chair next to her was empty.. Wow! Her turn would be next?! The time flew by with these alchemists... She didn't even acknowledge the girl that was next to her at the right...
"Ah, Miss Rose...uh."
"Just Rose." the girl responded. She wore a black mini skirt, purple tank top, purple belt, and black boots. She had black hair that went to her shoulders, and green eyes that shimmered like emeralds. As there was a short silence, the girl took out her bow and arrows. They were pure silver with black as the tip and feathers.. "Ready, Steady..." the girl said to herself, concentrating as she aimed up high. The tip of the arrow began to light up, the circle on the feather being activated. "GO!" the girl shouted, releasing the arrow at top high speed.
Rose didn't take her time with using her alchemy. The arrow shot up in the air, picking up speed and suddenly glowing. Stopping in midair, Rose sent another one up high that collided with the first. There was a huge bang in the sky, and suddenly it was raining black rose, blue violet, and purple petals. Rose shot about three more into the air as the petals danced with eachother as they fell so slowly and beautifully. Another huge collision was made as all five of them combined, the petals forming a mix of blue, purple, and black circular shape. Soon, the full moon could be seen in amazing petal form..
"Wow.. She's.."
"Amazing." the cat said, finishing Lizzie's sentence. Lizzie nodded with a gulp. As Rose started to walk away, she snapped her fingers and the full moon exploded and floated down onto the ground, creating the basic alchemy circle, ending her act. As Lizzie watched Rose walk back to her seat, she waited until the girl sat right down next to her. Before going up, Lizzie turned to Rose.
"Your act was so...beatiful. I wish I were as great as you." Lizzie said with a grin, and walked to the stage before Rose could say anything to her. As Lizzie was at the center of the field, she turned to Lys, to Mustang, to Leo and the rest of the gang, and finally the crowd.
"Well well. Miss, Elizabeth Rockbell Elric." Mustang said with a smirk. Lizzie couldn't help but put on a grin. She could hear the crowd start to become excited. Taking a deep breath, Lizzie stared at the ground for a moment, and then readied herself for the materials. 'Well... it's your time to shine Lizzie. Don't let yourself down... Don't let.. don't let Edward down.' Lizzie thought to herself, and began getting her materials.
The whole crowds watched as Lizzie first got some water from the small stream nearby and placed it in a bucket. Next she gathered some rocks, putting them in a pile. Grabbing some dirt she let it go on to the stones. When the mud was finally done, she layed it down around the rocks and dirt in a circle. Then she sprinkled a little bit of water she had left around the whole area. After that, Lizzie clapped her hands and transmuted two swords for herself. Grabbing them, she turned to them with a grin.
"Um, I'm almost ready." Lizzie said, and ran off to where the trees were. Everyone watched as Lizzie cut down two trees twice her size with just a slice of her swords. They fell with a THUD, and Lizzie dragged them back, placing them each so they created an 'X' shape. Finally, she turned to everyone. Gulping, she bowed nervously and then turned to her circle, examining her work so far. 'Okay.. I have everything. Now, let's do this!' Lizzie thought and her eyes burned with such confidence.
She clapped her hands, and without placing them on the ground she placed them in front of her, the items began to swirl like a vortex and glow. Mustang actually rose from his feet, watching this statue come alive right before his very eyes. He couldn't believe this! Was this kid even human? 'Amazing. She truly is Elric's daughter.' Mustang thought as he watched this mighty creation being formed. At first, the dragon's base was formed, its body slithering into a spring form, its tail like a big fan with gold and red colors sprouting to life. From there, the body kept going until the first two sets of arms were made.
The claws held two orbs both blue, its strong muscular features and scales glimmering as the orbs glowed their mysterious ice blue color. Up and up the statue went until the other two claws were made, this time holding two red orbs, strong muscular features and scales shimmering as the orbs glowed their blazing golden color.
Finally, after about two more feet up the head was created, mouth open to show its vicious teeth, eyes that were blazing with integrity, whiskers to show it's intelligence and wisdom. To add the finishing touch, a shimmering glow went from the figure's neck all the way down to the tail. There it stood, this time 28 feet tall! The dragon in all of its glory. Everyone looked up, speechless. Even the Fuhrer was aghast. Lizzie smiled.
"I'm not done." Lizzie said with a grin, and then clapped her hands again when she took her father's pocketwatch in her hand, transforming herself into a glittering silver sparkling girl. Eyes open, they were a white color as she stared into the dragons eyes. Moving her arms up, the dragon slowly began to move as it rose to the sky, and let out a loud roar. The eyes glowed a fierce red color... As Lizzie brought her hands down, the dragon rested its head against the near ground, finally returning to its deep slumber. The silver retreated from Lizzie's body, all returning to the pocketwatch which glimmered for a moment. Lizzie smiled, and finally bowed, returning to her seat.
"Elicia.. did you..."
"Yeah... That kid has both Edward and Alphonse's skills of alchemy.. I remember mother told me once of Al's potential when he was only Lys's age..." Elicia answered Ren with a small grin on her face as she turned to Gracia who nodded. Everyone was silent, and finally Mustang coughed to signal everyone to hear.
"Finally, the last competitor. Alyssa Isabelle Hopkins!" Mustang called, and Lizzie watched as Is passed by without a word. She came out to the stage, looking at almost everyone, starting to look like she was gaining stage fright. She seemed to be whispering something to the cat, but then got numb after hearing murmurs going through the crowd. Lizzie could somehow feel Is's tension rise, and rose from her seat. She stared at Is, and Is stared back.
"C'mon Is! I thought we both said we'd get to be State Alchemists! TOGETHER! Show these numbskulls what true alchemists can do!!!" Lizzie shouted, and Is blinked in disbelief. She seemed to blush for a moment, but then silently nodded with the cat puppet raising a paw in thanks. Lizzie sat back down with a grin, and then looked at Rose sitting next to her. "Um... no offense.. Just raising her spirit.. ya know?" Lizzie said and Rose just shrugged with a grin.
Is stared out onto the playing field, and realized that all the elements she would need was water, and ice... Raising her free hand, the sleeve fell, showing her bracelet. Suddenly, there was a bright light, and the middle jewel glimmered rays of light as all of a sudden, both water and ice were sprayed upon the floor as if an invisible force had moved them both... The transmutation circle on Is's hand glowed brightly, and she placed it on the ground. Suddenly, ice needles, thorns, and spikes rose as a huge tower about 22 ft rose above, sending chills down some people's spines...
"Well well." Mustang said with a chuckle. Is made one motion to Mustang, saying she was not yet finished. Closing her eyes, her alchemy jewel lit up once more, and the circle appeared to be engraved on her own palm as it glowed. Walking foward, she placed her hand on the tower and suddenly, it broke apart and suddenly a whirlwind of snow, sleet, hail, rain, and ice danced around her and the whole entire playing field. It was both beautiful, and at the same time fierce. A raging storm dancing as suddenly the sky darkened. Everyone looked up to see lights twinkling and dancing for them, the aurora borealis was right before their eyes! Everyone oo-ed and awed at the sight, but suddenly the storm picked up a little more. Is just stood here, her jewel still glowing, eyes staring at the cold ground...
Suddenly, flames spewed from the arena, having the storm cease. Is looked up to see Mustang, his fingers in his position right after snapping them. He stared at Is for a moment, who only stared back with her mysterious violet colored eyes, searching for an answer from him.
"Well done. Now then, all alchemists! When I call your name, please stand! After that, come with me to my office where I will give you your state name!" Mustang called as Is took a seat. Lizzie looked at the girl who just stared at the ground.
"That was amazing Is. I can't believe it.. It was just, so beautiful." Lizzie exclaimed. For once it seemed, Is smiled.
"Thank you." Is said, and then turned. As Lizzie did too, she saw him read a list.
"Now, I will say. This time, only about 7! Wow, 7 of you passed.. I've seen raw talent this year, and I am very pleased. As I call your name, come up here and stand in line! Now then! Our first alchemist is: Hannah Miles!" Mustang called. Hannah seemed thrilled as she rushed up, turning to the audience. "Miss Rose!" Mustang shouted. Rose smiled, walking up calmly and casually as she too turned to the crowd. "Akita Fallow! Lunaros Skyeyes!" Mustang said one after another. The two girls rushed up side by side with grins on their faces. "Alyssa Isabelle Hopkins! Alyssa Elric!" he called. Alyssa stood as well as Is, both staring at Lizzie for a moment before coming up.
There was a short pause before Mustang continued. He looked at the other 13 alchemists sitting there, some looking like they would have a heart attack if they were chosen or not. Lizzie stared into Mustang's eyes, and he stared into hers with a grin on his face. "And finally, without further waiting! The final alchemist is!" he started, clearing his throat. 'Get on with it already..' Lizzie thought to herself, feeling a bead of sweat run down her face. She gulped, clutching a fist. "Miss Elizabeth Rockbell Elric!" he called. Lizzie opened her eyes, and then ran up next to her sister who had a grin on her face. The crowd suddenly uproared into a fit as the alchemists were chosen, standing and clapping as cheers could be heard.
"Thank you all for this wonderful experience! Next year I bet we will be able to see even more amazing alchemists!" Mustang shouted to the crowd. He then turned to the alchemists chosen among the rest. "Now then, all of you come to my office right now. So we can get all of you certified, and also give you your very first mission." he said with a grin. They all nodded quietly, and then uproared themselves. Akita and Lunaros hugged eachother while Hannah and Lys conversed together with giggles. Rose and Is seemed to be by themselves, a few feet apart from eachother. Lizzie decided to walk over to them.
"Congratulations you two!" Lizzie said with a grin, taking both Rose and Is hand in hand. Is turned her head a little bit, while Rose grinned too.
"Yes, you as well Elric! Congratulations to you! I didn't get to introduce myself properly. I'm Rose." Rose said with a happy smile. Is smiled to herself. The cat looked happy as well.
"Yes. Congratulations, Elizabeth." the cat congratulated. Lizzie nodded with a grin, and took both of them and led them to Mustang's office. With a warm feeling, Lizzie actually couldn't wait to find out her State name! As of course, all the other alchemists that passed.
F-U-H-R-E-R-S--O-F-F-I-C-E
Both Lys and Lizzie waited outside the Fuhrer's office. They had been waiting for about seven hours straight with all the other passing alchemists waiting. How long did it take to give out a name for them? Sarah waited with them too, swinging her legs as she sat on Lizzie's lap.
"I can't wait to see your names you guys." Sarah said happily. The two girls smiled as they chatted with Sarah. It sure made the time fly by. As the Elrics finally were summoned, (their friends were still waiting in line) They walked inside to see the Fuhrer, staring out the window.
"Well well. I congratulate you two, you did splendidly. And now it is time to give your names." the Fuhrer said, giving both of them some papers. Both sisters took them in their hands, and skimmed over the papers.
"Wow! Sis, check out my name!" Lys said, practically shoving her certification of an alchemist in Lizzie's face.
"Let's see what we've got... Hm. Alyssa Elric; AKA- Psywave Alchemist. Hm, that fits you considering your performance today. Great job Lys." Lizzie said with a grin, ruffling Lys's hair. Lys smiled, and then grabbed Lizzie's paper. "H-hey! Lys!" Lizzie practically whined.
"Lessee... Elizabeth (Rockbell) Elric; AKA- Silversteel Alchemist. Hey, that sounds kinda like Fullmetal Alchemist huh Sis?" Lys said with a grin. Lizzie stared at the paper for a moment, wondering why the Fuhrer would choose that kind of name for her.
"Silversteel? C'mon Fuhrer, is that the best you got?" Lizzie asked, throwing the paper onto his desk. The Fuhrer turned, a smile on his face.
"You're under my jurisdiction now Major. The name is going to stick whether you like it or not. Hey, it was either that or Goldendragon Alchemist. But with your added performance with your state...well, with your father's state watch, that is what I chose. Catchy, isn't it? Oh and, call me Colonel Roy Mustang." Mustang said as he looked at both of them.
"Yessir Colonel Mustang sir!" Lys salluted. Lizzie sweatdropped.
"You're takin' this way to seriously, Lys." Lizzie said as she gave her sister a playful nudge. The three smiled, and then heard a small knock on the door. Mustang walked over and saw Sarah bounce in, rushing up to Lizzie and Lys.
"Heyy! Lyssy! Ane-sama! How'd you do?" Sarah asked playfully and the two smiled.
"You can call me the Psywave alchemist!" Lys said proudly, and then Sarah turned to Lizzie.
"Silversteel Alchemist." Lizzie said with a grin and laughed as Sarah gave Lizzie a hug. Mustang smiled at the bond these girls shared, but decided since they had passed, it was time to get to the matter at hand. He coughed slightly, having all three of the girls look at him. He simply motioned his eyes to Sarah and then back. Lizzie was the only one that got the message.
"H-Hey Lys, why don't you take Sarah outside and give a call to Auntie Rose? Tell her the good news and stuff. I need to find out some info about you-know-who." Lizzie said and Lys agreed, taking Sarah outside. Once the doors closed, Lizzie turned to Mustang. "Well? What's up chief?" Lizzie asked as she sat down. Mutang turned to the window again, as if looking out somewhere.
"I've heard you've been staying at the Tucker Mansion. Tell me Silversteel, has anything, strange happened over there?" Mustang asked, not turning. Lizzie didn't know whether to answer truthfully or ask why.
"That depends. Define strange." Lizzie countered and Mustang actually laughed.
"Anything suspicious? Anything you've seen that needs reporting? I've been hearing from neighbors by that house that sometimes during the night a lone chimera's cry can be heard howling through the night at that house." Mustang replied. Lizzie found it hard to swallow, mouth becoming dry.
"Sir... Only once have I seen, something strange." Lizzie said, finding the words harder and harder to say. If she told Mustang of Nina's current attempts, what would happen to Sarah? To Nina? To the Creation?
"Do tell. I'm all ears." Mustang said.
"Well... only one evening did I see, the basement and where Miss Nina was... The thing is, she's trying to bring back Shou Tucker. And every time she fails, she turns into her chimera state, still trying.. I don't know, but I just.. have this feeling that tonight somehow she will succeed, whether it be without sacrifice or with sacrifice. What do you want me to do about it sir?" Lizzie asked.
"Investigate further. If need be, we will send in military personel to help aid you. We cannot allow Nina to do this." Mustang said sternly. Lizzie nodded, and then her eyes turned to the window. It was raining...
Full-----Metal-----Alchemist
As Lizzie, Lys, and Sarah exited the room, they decided to wait for their friends as they were summoned one by one. When they all got their state names, it was then they would share. For they bet everyone wanted to know their state names. The time flew by, and finally as the Elrics friends came out one by one, they had all exclaimed (except for Is) what their names were.
"I can't believe I actually made it. Heh! Check it out, the name's SuprisingStriker Alchemist!" Lunaros said with a grin.
"Oh yeah? I felt like mine was completely better. I'm now known as the ShadowSpirit Alchemist!" Akita added with a laugh. The two Elrics nodded with a grin.
"Call me the Midnight Alchemist." Rose said with a semi grin. Lizzie nodded with a laugh, and then it was Hannah's turn to tell them of her name. Hannah muttered it silently.
"Come again?" Lizzie asked.
"...Out Alchemist.." Hannah muttered again. There was a short silence.
"Hey Colonel! Mind tellin' us what Hannah's state name is?!" Lizzie called. Mustang walked out, staring at Hannah who stared daggers at him. Mustang laughed.
"Hannah Miles, also known as the GoldSprout alchemist." Mustang smirked.
"GoldSprout?..." Lizzie asked, puzzled.
"It was either that or Bean Alchemist." Mustang said proudly. Lizzie was trying so hard not to laugh.
"What?! WHO'RE YOU CALLIN' A BEAN?! A BEAN!?" Hannah roared in disbelief.
"It seems we also had a twin sister for Fullmetal's oldest now, did we?" Mustang said with a sly smile.
"Nice name. I woulda liked Bean Alchemist better." Lizzie teased with a cackle. Hannah turned to Lizzie with a deadly glare.
"I really HATE you." Hannah angrily said.
"And you love my damn old geezer huh?" Lizzie countered. The two seemed ready to get into another fight.
"C-c'mon you two! I think the name isn't bad at all!! Really!! And I mean, I think everyone would like that name! I mean... they'd think you to be our father's kid!" Lys tried to cover. Hannah turned to Lys.
"R-Really?" Hannah said, eyes sparkling just a little. Lizzie burst out laughing.
"You easily fell for that one!" she said.
"SHUT UP!" Hannah roared angrily, flustering pink.
"YOU SHUT UP YOU POSER! POSING AS EDWARD! POSING AS THE GREAT FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST! WELL LET ME TELL YOU, DO YOU SEE AN EDWARD ELRIC?! WELL?! DO YOU?! CUZ I DON'T! WHY THE HELL IS HE SUCH AN IDOL FOR EVERYONE HUH?!" Lizzie roared angrily. She was tired of having a conversation about her father. It seemed that from this point on Mustang was gone. Hannah seemed to be horrified of Lizzie's cruel words, and gave her a slap. (due to size Hannah had to stand on her tippy toes to reach)
"How can you say such a thing?! Such a cruel, horrible thing about your own father!" Hannah roared. It seemed the room grew silent. Hannah felt such rage bubbling she was about to give a punch to Lizzie. Lizzie caught her hand though, and then realized something was..different about it. Hannah threw her other hand for a punch and Lizzie caught that too.. Both felt, kind of.. metallic?
"What the?" Lizzie wondered, rolling up Hannah's sleeves. Her eyes grew widened for a moment. Hannah had two automail arms...
"FYI, it's automail you dobe. And really, what kind of daughter are you?! Mocking your dad, calling him names?! He deserves your respect too!" Hannah said angrily, pushing her sleeves down quickly. Regaining herself, Lizzie's firey golden eyes stared into Hannah's coal colored ones.
"I can say whatever I wanna say about him! He's my dad, and I can curse about him all I want to! It's none of your business how I feel about him! You hardly know where he is!" Lizzie cried.
"And you do?!" Hannah shouted back. Lizzie grew silent, and pushed Hannah aside for a moment, staring at her once.
"That's why I'm searching for him. To beat the snot outta him for what he's done. And don't even think about asking me, because you're not getting an answer from me." Lizzie said low, her tone calm and collected now. The room grew silent again, a few minutes rolled on by before the alchemists realized that one more alchemists name was yet to be said. All eyes fell on Is. Well, from Is to the cat doll. Lizzie had explained earlier something about Is.. The cat moved its head, and then smiled.
"Just call me the SnowFrostSeer Alchemist." the cat said with a meow. The girls slowly grinned, and Lizzie stood up stretching when she put Sarah down. It was like the little uproar never happened.
"Great job you guys. I'm so happy for ya. So, have you got your assignments?" Lizzie asked curiously.
"Lunaros, Hannah, and I are going to the Youswell coal mines on the eastern border. We're gonna get some coal there and investigate. There have been sightings of some strange coal, colors of purple and glowing green. Weird I know, huh? We both leave tommorow." Akita replied. Everyone turned to the cat.
"To some town to the north called Winstown. There have been weird sightings of strange shadowy creatures spotted, and also a townsperson has disappeared..." the cat explained.
"Yeah. I'm coming with her." Rose said with a grin, holding tightly onto her bow.
"Sounds dangerous. Will you be all right, Is? Rose?" Lizzie asked. There was a short pause.
"Don't worry about me. I will be fine." the cat said monotonously, finally walking off. Rose looked as Is walked off.
"Yeah, I'll be okay too. Hopefully we'll both look out for eachother ya know?" Rose said with a grin, finally leaving as she followed Is out. After both Rose and Is were gone, there was a short pause.
"Is is an interesting character now isn't she?" Akita observed.
"Very, mysterious." Lunaros added.
"C'mon you guys that's not very nice.." Lizzie said with a short grin. She felt sorry for Is, and she felt a strong connection somehow with the girl, more than any of the others. There was another pause...
"So Lizzie, what was your state name? You never told us!" Akita said playfully giving Lizzie a slap.
"I'm SilverSteel." Lizzie said.
"Psywave!" Lys exclaimed. The four girls laughed.
"So where are you guys headed?" Lunaros asked.
"To Lior after this." the two sisters replied. Sarah seemed to frown slightly.
"Lior? Wow. I heard it had become a bustling burst of energy kinda town. Good luck with whatever you have to do there." Akita said. The five girls nodded with a laugh, and soon it was time for all of them to go. Akita, Hannah, and Lunaros had to pack for their trip tommorow, and both Lizzie and Lys needed to get Sarah home and pack their own things for their trip to Lior...
S-T-R-E-E-T-S--O-F-C-E-N-T-R-A-L
As Lizzie, Lys, and Sarah walked down the street, the rain began to pick up to a stronger storm. Lizzie decided to give Sarah a hood to protect herself from the cold, and then looked at Lys with a smile.
"Did you make the call?" Lizzie asked curiously. Lys nodded silently. "Something wrong? Did something bad happen?" Lizzie asked. No answer. "Look Lys, if it was what I said back there then I'm sorry... But please, if something bad happened tell me. Did something bad happen?" Lizzie asked again. This time, Lys nodded, having Lizzie stopped dead in her tracks. Sarah turned to see what was wrong. "What's wrong? What happened? Did something bad happen to mom? To Auntie?" Lizzie asked. Lys didn't answer. "Lys.. dammit tell me right now what's wrong. Lys!" Lizzie practically shouted. Lys burst into tears.
"I..I called and.. and Auntie Rose said that she.. she hasn't heard from mom since she left for... for some,.. some place I don't know where but... Since we heard about the rebellion now... Auntie Rose said that.. that Mom was headed for the direction where the war was taking place and.. With no contact what if.. What if mom's hurt or dead?!" Lys blurted, tears ran down her face. Lizzie's eyes grew wide for a moment, and then regained herself as she gave her sister a light slap.
"Pull yourself together, Lys. You know as well as I do that Mom would never get injured! She's too.. She just can't all right? We can't let that enter our minds okay? Mom's fine, I bet she just hasn't been able to reach a phone or something yet. Now c'mon, the rain's picking up and I don't wanna risk Sarah's health out here by having her catch cold. Let's go." Lizzie said sternly, trying to act brave on the outside for Lys; but on the inside she was just as worried as Lys was.
T-U-C-K-E-R--M-A-N-S-I-O-N
As the three girls entered the mansion, only the creeking sound of the door could be heard. The whole house was silent.
"Mommy? We're home! Where are you?!" Sarah shouted, and then realized that Alex was no where to be found too. Lizzie had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. If Alex was no where to be found, would Sarah be next? Did Nina already try and use Alex as a sacrifice to bring back Shou? She was afraid.. she was afraid to check the basement. Suddenly, the phone rang.
"I'll get it." Lizzie said immediately and rushed to the phone. She picked it up and saw that it was Mustang calling. "Mustang sir?" Lizzie said.
"Ah, Elizabeth. Status report." he said on the other line.
"Nina's nowhere to be found sir. And the dog is missing..." Lizzie said softly, hoping that Lys and Sarah couldn't hear her.
"I see. Have you checked the basement yet?" Mustang asked.
"ALEX!" a scream shot through like an echo in this huge house, and Lizzie immediately turned abruptly. Mustang heard the scream too, and practically shouted into the phone.
"Elizabeth! I'll send over troops as soon as I can. Under my order go check that out!" and soon the beeping noise from the phone happened. Lizzie immediately dropped the phone and ran to where the noise came from.
"Lys?! Sarah? Where are you!" Lizzie called, running through the halls and rooms of the house. The final place she came to was the basement, the door was open a crack. She gulped, and rushed downstairs calling out their names. "Lys! SARAH! ANSWER DAMNIT!" she cursed, and then heard another scream, this time calling for her.
"LIZ!!" Lys cried, and Lizzie saw that there had been a crack made in the basement, leading to the sewers. Lizzie followed the trail of what looked like... blood. Oh God, had Nina really tried to sacrifice Alex?... As Lizzie turned the corner, she saw a white lump, fur soaked with red in the sewer's small stream. She also saw two figures looming over the poor creature. A transmutation circle was around the dog. 'Oh no.. It's already happening..' Lizzie thought to herself as she rushed over.
"Are you guys all right?" Lizzie asked, seeing the horrified looks on her sisters faces.
"Alex... he's... he's not moving and... and... what happened to him.. Alex!!" Sarah cried, shaking Alex so he would wake. Lizzie bent down, and rubbed Sarah's back affectionately. Sarah looked at Lizzie, and then hugged her tightly. "Why is this happening Ane-sama?! Why?! Why why why why whyyyy!!" she sobbed. Lizzie only hugged Sarah tighter.
"I don't know.. but we're not safe here... We need to go, NOW." Lizzie replied picking Sarah up and holding her in her arms. Lizzie looked at Lys, and the sisters nodded as they ran to where the entrance was. As they rounded the corner, what stopped them made their hearts almost skip a beat. There was Nina, and with her were two huge Chimeras, heads of lions and bodies of reptiles.
"Where do you think you're running off to, with my sacrifice?" Nina asked, her cheerful look replaced with one with cold, lifeless eyes and a crazed smile on her face. The only thing the sisters could do, was stare in horror at the face that once was so innocent, now replaced with deadly guilt and betrayel. Could this really be the end? Of all three of them?
E-N-D--O-F--C-H-A-P-T-E-R--7
Me: okay, nina is gonna be ooc.. trust me. next chapter she's gonna be reaaallly ooc... but that's only because.. well, u'll see... but if u don't like the oocness of nina then i'm sorry!!!! really i am i never imagined i'd make nina a minor enemy character... so i apologize if u don't like it...
Lizzie: hey ur authoress of this story. u can do whatever u want with it.
Me: thanks liz!
Lizzie: whatever. -smiles-
Me: well anyways, that was a long chapter hehe. thanks again participants for ur profiles! i hope u liked how i made your alchemy transmutations went, and if u don't feel free to tell me how u would have wanted it to be done and i will fix this chapter. anyways, next time: Chapter 8: The Sacrifice, The End. To Lior.
