Chapter 8- Tests
"You gave Ed his alchemy back." Mustang stated, face blank. "Yes." "You have a talent for alchemy and didn't tell me." Again, stated with a blank face. "Yes." "One question. Why?" I meet the Furur's gaze head on, "Please specify which instance, sir." Mustang blew out a puff of air in exasperation, "I don't know, either. Preferably both." I gave a nod as if that response told me all the secrets in the world. "I gave Edward back his alchemy because he's my brother, and also because he's totally useless without it. I didn't tell you that I have alchemy because you wouldn't have let me give Ed his alchemy back. You, being the total and utter bastard that you are, would have held it over his head for a while and insisted Alphonce into the army while he couldn't do anything to stop you." Mustang let his head fall onto his desk with a resounding 'thunk', "Just get out." I stood and made my way to the door. "Oh, one more thing," I stopped and turned back to Mustang, waiting for his next words, "I expect you to be taking the next State Alchemist Exam, all of you." I smiled, the slow smile that sends shivers up one's spine, "Of course sir, I wouldn't dare miss it."
Three days later I stood at attention with my brothers in front of a row of judges. "The practical portion of this year's State Alchemist Exam will now begin! Transmute using the objects around you, impress us." I stepped forward, eyes closed, blocking out the scrambling of feet, the scrapping of chalk, and the buzz of transmutation. I stopped in the exact center of the arena. I clapped my hands once, the echoing ring stealing the judges' attentions from the other hopefuls. I felt my brothers move to my sides, flanking me. They each clapped once, the tell of a circle-less transmutation, and, as one, we placed our hands on the ground in front of us.
"That. Was. Fucking. Awesome!" Ed yelled, punching the air in excitement. Al nodded in agreement. "It looked cool, but other than that it was useless. Flashy, but totally useless." I commented, standing back to admire our handy work.
"I can not believe you three!" Mustang growled, "You made a freaking statute declaring me a bastard, right in the middle of the courtyard!" "It's not like we've kept our opinions of you quiet, we've been yelling about you being a bastard for years now." I commented idly, examining my fingernails. "That's not my point, you three disrespected me, quite publicly, and I already agreed to instate all of you as State Alchemists if you passed the written exam. It makes me look like a doormat!" Mustang whined. "No… it makes you look like you can look past your ego for talented alchemists," I drawled. "Not to mention that instating us after that little stunt proves us wrong in the eyes of the public…" Ed trailed off, remembering my explanation of exactly how we would get away with is unscathed. Mustang let out a groan when he saw Al nodding along enthusiastically, "One of you planned this. Not Edward, he's not smart enough," "HEY!" "or Al, he's too soft hearted." Al shrugged at the observation, deming it true enough. "Irma! Why?!" Mustang continued in a whiny tone. "Because I hate you," I stated bluntly, "now can we get back on track? We, as in all three of us, have just passed the State Alchemist Exam. That means we get titles." Mustang blinked, realizing that he, in fact, hadn't given them their codenames yet. "Yes, right. Ahem, Edward Elric, you are reinstated as the Fullmetal Alchemist. Alphonse Elric, you are now known as the Armored Alchemist. And Irma Elric, from now on, you shall be known as…"
Second to last chapter! Yay! Just a warning, I won't be posting chapter 9 until I have the first chapter of the sequel ready to go up right after. Thanks for all the support, though I would have liked some more Reviews... Oh well! Love you guys and hope you all enjoy the story.
