I hope you all had a good Christmas or Hanukah.
I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist.
The silence was unbelievable. Vic would've suspected he had just gone deaf if not for the drowned out voices of children from the other room. Everyone with him, however, made no noise whatsoever. They simply stared at him as though he was a ghost, which struck Vic as rather ironic since, in a way, he literally was one.
Al was still irritated about the situation from a moment ago. He didn't think he should allow anyone to inquire in matters as personal as sex. It wasn't something you screamed at a person unless you've known him for life.
Winry and the others shared his opinion. The automail mechanic hasn't paid much attention to this Vic character until now that he has shown a frank side she took pleasure in. And with that new interest, came a sudden awareness that she wanted to figure out. "Why do you wear a hood all the time? Can't I see your face at least once?"
With this new topic thrown out, free for anyone's curiosity, Al couldn't help but forget his previous ordeal. Apparently, everyone else can relate. They too, were interested to finally see this man's face.
Much to their disappointment, Vic didn't hold back on his refusal. "No, you can't see my face."
"That's hardly fair," argued Winry. "Rose answered your question about them, it's only right if you returned the favor."
"Sorry, but I can't." Vic instinctively readied himself for the stampede of wrenches that was sure to come. It didn't. Al stopped it.
"It's okay, Winry," Al said. "If Vic doesn't want to reveal his face, it's not our place to force him.
Vic grinned at that. Trust Al to be so indulgent even when the other is being unjust.
"You call yourselves alchemists?" Winry taunted, "Whatever happened to equivalent exchange?" Winry wasn't seriously trying to provoke them. From all her experiences with the Elrics, she knew some things were better left untold. But her words still poked a sensitive spot in Vic and Al. They've respected equivalent exchange all their lives. They nearly died quite a few times to fulfill it. The two of them knew it was juvenile behavior to be concerned about it over a small issue like this, but, unfortunately, Winry's statement had been a good boost for Al's rare nosiness. He began to attentively consider what Vic had to hide. But he didn't want to just outright demand for Vic to take off his hood. Finally, Al came to a decision. He was going to earn his answer.
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The last two weeks of preparing for the State Alchemist Exam were up faster than Ed had expected. The Exam loomed over his mind as though teasing him, daring him. Ed is still being attacked by several emotions. The big one was guilt. It seems to be his new best friend now. Another one was excitement. And emotion number three was anxiety. Edward Elric, who, in the past, has passed the State Alchemist Exam before, is nervous about it now. He has little reason to be, considering his almost guaranteed chance of passing. But Al's proposal of his little game on Ed's birthday added a fair few risks.
Hopefully, it'll all be behind him soon. Ed hurried Al up the steps to the testing building for the written part of their Exam. Once through the door, Ed noticed several things. One, the place hasn't changed much except for a single detail. Two, the Exam inspectors were acting more curious than professional. And three, that 'detail' from One. A rather large plaque on the front wall of the room. Engraved into it were the words:
In honor of Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, youngest State Alchemist in history. He was granted his title through sheer hard work, loyalty, and devotion for the people. Many respect him for his kindness, courage, and selflessness. No doubt those striving for his purpose would be admired similarly.
The whole thing reminded Ed, strangely, of a gravestone. He liked all the fine comments about him, but the last line both troubled and enraged him. It was just one sentence but it hinted that all who became a State Alchemist like the Fullmetal one would be worshiped.
Ed hadn't minded the military recruiting Scar. All that did was removing an inhibitor in the income of talented alchemists. Scar wasn't supposed to be there in the first place. But this plate was using Ed as a catalyst for the investment of young, naïve, but skilled candidates for the Exam. Edward did not like to be used.
He glared up at the Führer and higher-ups on the platform at the front of the large room. He was especially mad at Mustang. How could he have let this happened? Ed had to bite his tongue to prevent himself from screaming. It wouldn't do for him to lose his temper at the moment.
In a few minutes, Al and Ed were directed to their sets, separated by several rows. In front of Ed were a pen and a test booklet. Simple enough. Several more minutes passed before the Exam began.
Truth has already begun scanning Ed's test paper from his place at the Gate. He knew the answer to the first question the instant he read it. So now, of course, he started to inform Ed on it.
Ed declined fiercely. Hell no! I'm not gonna cheat!
It's not cheating. You're just getting inside help, Truth insisted.
Truth, please.
Truth rolled his eyes. He should've known. In all the five years he spent with him, Ed has not once accepted a free answer to a question. Apparently, he wasn't used to easy ways out. It made him insecure. Truth shook his head at Ed's tension. The guy really needed to lighten up.
Ed wasted no time and threw himself into the test. He passed through question after question, unconscious of anything else. The first half of the test went by smoothly. The remaining time seemed to be following along well. Until Ed's pen snapped in half. The loud crack resounded around the huge room, bouncing off walls to reach every ear present. Each portion of his pen hung loosely in Ed's grasp as black ink spread across the paper, seeking into the sheet. An inspector rushed forward with a new pen and test; he was obviously flustered that the writing instrument had made such a mess. Ed, on the other hand, didn't even notice. Alchemic sparks flew over the parchment and around the two pieces of pen. The ink retreated away from the booklet and back into the pen as the broken tool reattached perfectly. The astounded witnesses could only watch as Ed continued with his Exam without any concern to the accident.
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Al caught up with Ed as soon as the tests were collected. "Vic! How did you fix that pen without a transmutation circle?"
Vic thought hard on it. He himself was trying to figure out how he had managed it. Circle or not, Vic still needed to clap. But this time, he didn't. Vic looked at his hand and pretended to be holding a pen. That's when he realized that his grip on a pen resulted in a circle formed by his forefinger and thumb. That must've been the path for the alchemical currents he created.
It dawned on Vic just how much dominance his current knowledge of alchemy held over his previous conception from years ago. Well he shouldn't be surprised. He had, after all, spent five years with Truth talking about nearly nothing else but alchemy. But now he had to explain it to Al. And that'll risk too much. The only way out Vic could think of, was lying. He didn't like keeping things from Al, but this couldn't be helped. "I dunno," he said.
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Roy Mustang was impatient to speak with Vic. The one person Roy knew to perform alchemy successfully without a circle was Edward Elric. Roy didn't know what it took to do that, but he felt sure it wasn't easy to learn this ability. This Vic must have a very rich knowledge of alchemy. Now Mustang wanted to see just how well Vic scored on his test.
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Ed's life was way too complicated for his liking. He couldn't make heads or tails of it. Edward tried recapping everything. He was revived, but he couldn't enjoy his new chance to his intent. He is with his friends and family, but they have no idea who the hell he is. He was capable of many things, but he hasn't got the slightest clue of what these things are. And then there's the State Alchemist Exam. To pass it is considered by many to be the greatest honor of all times. After the written Exam, he felt safe that he would pass it again, but he wouldn't get a moment to enjoy it as it seems that he's gonna have to kill himself right afterwards. And he had to do that without any warning to his loved ones. Without even a hint to them that he was there. They will never even know that their Ed came back and shared with them once more, the joys and drudgeries of what it means to be alive. And the worst of it is…Ed was doing all this on purpose. No matter how much he tried to pretend to himself that he had no choice, he knew what was true. He was the goddamned Fullmetal Alchemist after all; how was he supposed to deceive himself?
Ed sighed. Life is usually pleasant, but that doesn't mean it can't be such a bitch sometimes.
Then another dilemma revealed itself. Just when Ed thought he had summed up everything there is to be distressed at, another ugly mug of an issue popped up. And this one wasn't even completely his fault. It was Al's little game. Alphonse was the one who came up with it. The only mistake Ed made was accepting it. He recalled Al's suggestion and realized just how many alternative ways of peacefully rejecting it there were. Al's exact words flashbacked in Ed's head:
"If you beat me in our battle assessment, I will truthfully answer a question you ask about me. But if I beat you, you have to show me your face."
This idea had been fun at first, but now it was a hassle. There was a fifty-fifty chance that Al would win. And if he does, Ed would be doomed to their agreement. Al, however, didn't have to worry about losing. Ed already knows all there is to recognize about Al and wouldn't ask a question he already knew the answer to.
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Al regretted what he had suggested on his brother's birthday. There was a fair chance that Vic would beat him. And if he does, Al is compelled to grant Vic access to his most dear thoughts. Just when Al promised himself to separate Vic form his personal life, he went on to do this. And Vic didn't have to worry about losing. All he had to hide was his face. What was the worst that could happen if Al saw that?
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Truth's poor attempt at suppressing a grin shattered as he realized Al shared Ed's little worry. And, frankly, Truth was amused by this sudden phenomenon. As guilty as he may be for enjoying his friend's fear, Truth was still very excited to see what happens next. And he found it rather ironical that neither brother was aware of just how much their opponent had to lose. Both were determined to win, and Truth was well aware that the willpower of the Elric Brothers should never be underestimated. But not even the ultimate being knew exactly which one would pull through in the end.
If this chapter seemed short, it's just your imagination. XD …Sorry. I tried to work on it as much as I can, but I feel more obliged to spend time with my family since I'll only be with them for a few more days. Winter break is almost over and I'll have to return from California to Georgia. I consider that to be quite a ways away. If it sounds as though I'm making up excuses, I apologize again. I'm apologizing too much, aren't I? It seems as though I say sorry in every author note.
I have served you to my best potential, so it would be nice if you returned the favor. In case you haven't realized, the State Alchemist Exam is gonna be over soon. You can probably guess that both Ed and Al are going to pass. That's what I need you for. I can't think of a good State Alchemist name for Alphonse. So if you have any suggestions, please give it to me in a review. I'll have trouble updating until I find a good name. The best one I've got in my head so far is Armor Alchemist since he can move armor. I forgot how, but I know he can.