Author's Note: Yayy, an update... after like... a month XD Ok, I totally blame school... and lazyness... and writers block . you get the point :P Anyways, I think (hope) the next chapters will be easier to write, because I know what I'm writing this time around. And MOST IMPORTANTLY... sorry to everyone who's been waiting for an update. Enjoy ^^

IronClaw Alchemist -12- Battle Plan

T minus 48 hours to exam

I eyed the small unopened box from Dai's bed and shifted uncomfortably. I had gotten over my anxiety for the exam earlier this morning, but the skirt Mustang had given me was becoming a nuisance in my mind. I couldn't spend too much time to mull it over though- I had to come up with some sort of demonstration for the exam. Leave it to Ed to forget to tell me.

"So... Anyone have an idea?"

I looked around the room at the three thoughtful faces- well, two plus Al's masked expression.

"You could always make a huge iron statue, that would be cool," Al suggested.

I turned to Al excitedly, but Ed butted in- ready to shoot it down.

"Anyone can do that... You need something that will get their attention."

I felt my lips fall into a frown. I thought it was rather impressive.

"I know!" The younger Elric slammed his fist into his hand and turned towards me once more. "For Ed's assessment last year, he decided to fight Colonel Mustang. Maybe we could convince the Colonel to let you do the same for yours."

Before letting my excitement get the best of me, I turned my attention to Ed, half expecting him to tell me it wouldn't work, or I'm not good enough. Luckily, I was wrong.

"It's so crazy, it just might work."

Now my grin was full blown. "Al, you're the best!"

I immediately glomped him, making his metal body tense nervously. "Heh, heh, thanks."

I carefully moved off Al and sat beside him to allow him to feel comfortable. Though, it was Ed that seemed kind of off. I wasn't sure if it was just me, but his face looked pretty distant as he watched Al and I. I wasn't going to comment on it though. That would probably just start a dumb argument or something.

"Okay, so who's going to ask him?" Dai inquired, bringing Ed out of his thoughts.

After a quick glance at me, Ed shrugged and leaned back on the couch. "You are. You and Mustang are drinking buddies anyways."

"Alright. So Nii-san, you can-" I stopped abruptly, allowing a scowl to form on my lips. "You drink?"

"Not that often," he defended.

He raised his hands in his defence, but Ed cut it. "Only if you count three times a week 'not often'."

"Well, maybe for someone so short it's worse," Dai argued, but his defence wavered as I sent him an annoyed look.

I know I was in no position to be ordering my twenty-one year old brother around, but I cared for him and didn't want him to get into anything stupid. Every single experience I've had with alcohol had always been negative, so I did have a reason to be so protective. It wasn't me drinking of course- I was underage- but the scientists at the lab and of course my father would drink constantly. You could only imagine all the stupid things alcohol made them do.

"You know exactly what I'm thinking, don't you?" I asked, hoping the message would get across wordlessly.

"Yes, yes, nothing stupid," he assured with a sigh. "In case you haven't noticed, I'm the older sibling."

I shrugged and lay back onto the bed. Of course I knew he was the older sibling- he was the level headed one.

"Well, I'll go have a word with Mustang," Dai declared. "I'll be back in a bit."

I watched silently as he headed out the door, though the doorknob quickly consumed my attention. Sure I was laying on my back and everything was upside down, but it was basically the same.

"Hey Ed, what are doorknobs made of?"

He tilted his head slightly, but it didn't take long for him to realize what I was thinking.

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was made of iron." His answer seemed hesitant though. "I wouldn't-"

He stopped short as I rolled off the bed and made my way to the door. He knew I wasn't listening.

"Al, you like cats, right?" I asked, slipping on one of my gloves- I now kept them in my pockets at all times.

"Huh? I mean, yes... But why are you asking...?"

I shrugged and placed my hand on the doorknob. I knew exactly why, but where's the fun if I ruin the surprise?

I heard Ed sigh from behind me, but it only made me smirk. Lately, I've been finding it amusing to annoy him. I decided it would be better if I held off for now though, and continued with the door knob. I quickly transmuted it into a palm sized cat and kept it out of view from the brothers.

After around the second month of training, my alchemy skills had been pretty much primed along with my fighting ability, but that wasn't of any concern at the moment.

With a grin, I spun around and showed the younger Elric my creation- he seemed impressed.

"That's so cool Riku!"

"It'd be cooler if it could move," I commented thoughtfully.

"It can."

I looked over at Ed and quirked an eyebrow.

"If you repeat the alchemic process continually, it gives the appearance that the object is moving." He sounded like some sort of professor, but I held back my witty comment for another time. "It takes a lot more concentration though."

To me, his final comment sounded like a challenge, and I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to show him I was capable. So that's what I was going to do. I took in a deep breath and released it slowly to clear my mind. This time, the alchemist lights didn't emit all at once, but formed into sparks as I worked through the multiple transmutations. The iron itself wasn't as appealing though. For a good three minutes, the iron cat looked more like a mud monster kids would make on a rainy day.

I bit my lip and pushed myself harder, concentrating harder on the details of the cat. By the time I was done, the cat had all four legs, two ears, and I was even able to add a few whiskers. Pretty damn good in my opinion.

"Not bad," Ed praised as he leaned towards my hand.

At my command, the cat swiped an iron paw at his nose, forcing him to retreat in surprise. Al and I laughed at him as he glared daggers at the cat- then at me.

"Hey guys, I'm bac-"Dai trailed off as he cautiously pushed the door open. "What happened to the doorknob?"

"This!"

With a newfound excitement, I raised the cat in front of him- though, I lost my concentration for and had to act fast before it turned back into mush.

"That's the door knob?" Dai asked.

My lips pulled into a frown as he scrunched his nose.

"You don't like it?" The cat stopped moving as I talked.

"No, no, it's cool, but you're going to have to put it back." Dai's answer was followed by a sigh when my frown didn't waver. "You might as well put it back or Mustang's going to have to come over here to replace it."

I felt my lip twitch subconsciously from hearing the colonel's name and immediately darted to the door.

"Sorry little guy, but I really can't stand him."

With one last pout, I brought the cat back to the hole in the door and transmuted into back into the door knob.

"So what did Mustang say?" Ed questioned.

I spun around to see Dai's answer, but he didn't show any sign of positive emotions.

"Well, he brought it up with the Fuehrer and he said it would be 'rather interesting'. "Dai sighed at my grin, but continued none the less. "He also mentioned that Ed's due for an assessment."

I heard Ed groan from behind me, then Dai brought my attention back-this time he was talking to Ed.

"He also suggested that you join Riku's demonstration. A little two-on-two."

Not a bad idea. If Ed joined, then there would be less attention on me. Plus the additional help if needed.

"Who did he chose to spar with us?" Ed seemed interested, so it was a good sign for me.

"Colonel Mustang and Major Armstrong. I kind of feel sorry for you too..."

My brows furrowed sceptically. Was he implying that Mustang was a challenge? I couldn't see it. Mustang only seemed to be able to annoy people in the office, I doubted his fighting skills were that amazing. That's when my thoughts traveled back to the time when Mustang had helped me escape the lab... At the time, I knew he wasn't trying to hit me with his alchemy, but it was still pretty hard to dodge his attacks.

"Riku, keep in mind that they were both in the Ishbalan Civil War and are both highly trained in combat."

Ed must have seen my initial smirk, but it died at his words. What was I thinking? I couldn't speak for the Major, but in order to reach the rank of Colonel, Mustang has to be a remarkable soldier. Now I was worried.

"Just realized this isn't going to be a walk in the park?" Dai asked, a bit of cynicism in his tone.

I squired under his gaze- I was screwed. Before, I would have told them 'wait and find out what happens', but now I was thinking something along the lines of practicing for the next 39 hours. Yay.

"Would you like us to introduce you to him, Riku?" Al asked.

I glanced at him momentarily. "Would it help my situation?"

"It'll probably make it worse."

I turned to glare at Ed as he gave me a smug look, then headed towards the door with Al following- it was in my nature.

When we got into the hall, Al took the lead and started walking through the rather barren area.

"So, what does the major look like?" I had to admit, I was a little curious.

"Well, he's tall... And muscular," Al explained. His voice seemed unsure how to continue.

"Hair?"

"Major Armstrong is bald," he added. "Oh! And he has a moustache."

I tried to put all the pieces together, but it turned out rather... Odd. I'd just have to wait.

"Ah, there he is."

As we turned a corner, Al stopped and pointed down the hall. My eyes immediately started searching for a man with all those traits, but when I found him, I felt my jaw drop.

"That's who I have to fight?"

Al nodded and chuckled sheepishly. "I did tell you it wouldn't be easy..."

"Well that was an understatement..."

Not only was the major easily as tall as Al, but his muscles were clearly bulging from his military uniform. I gave Al a sceptical look. Did he actually think I stood a chance against this man?

"Riku Mikuri!"

I practically jumped out of my skin at the booming voice behind me. When I caught my breath, the major was prancing towards me, then suddenly threw off his uniform shirt and struck a heroic pose in front of me. I swear I saw pink sparkles hovering around him.

"I've heard your whole story! Your pure love that made you bravely escape that lab with your brother! I'm honoured to spar with you!"

I could feel something rise from my throat. I wasn't sure if it was anger towards Mustang for telling him my story or if it was my lunch.

"Thanks..." I could tell my voice didn't sound too confident- I wasn't sure what to say to a giant man that just posed half naked in front of me. "Could you put your shirt back on though...?"

He flexed once more before another of his soldiers picked up the major's uniform.

"You'll have to get used to this," the blond soldier whispered to me.

My lips pulled into a smirk- I liked this guy already.

"Lieutenant Bloch!" I was never going to get used to that voice... Or his tendencies. "How dare you speak about your superior in this manner!"

The Lieutenant winced and turned to Major Armstrong with a salute. "Sorry sir!"

As Bloch lowered his hand, Armstrong switched his pose and flexed once more. "Allow me to demonstrate the sheer strength that has been passed down for generations."

Lieutenant Bloch gave me a pained expression and mouthed the word run. I was happy to oblige.

"So the Fuehrer expects me to fight the major?"

Al chuckled at my concern and I heard his metal body shift as he shrugged.

"If you strategize and prevent yourself from getting hit, you can beat anyone."

I raised an eyebrow in his direction. "That was pretty deep."

"S-sorry! I didn't mean to." At this point, he was waving his arms around, but it didn't portray the reassurance he was aiming for.

"I didn't say it was a bad thing."

I passed by him as he stopped at the door and patted his back. He didn't know it, but Al's words helped settle me and there was no doubt in my mind that it would help later on.

Footnote: Ok... not much to put here... uhm, I had 1 or 2 pics that I was going to post on deviantart... we'll have to see how lazy I am later . Oh! If anyone has any questions, comments, concerns, tips, advice ect ect :P please let me know, because I'm looking for ways to make this story better, so throw whatever you've got at me.