Chapter three: Bloodless alchemist

Coniniaue and Edward walked quietly to the central library. "Coniniaue…" Edward began. "What exactly did you do to become a state alchemist?"

"Uh… Yeah. I transmuted a dog and a cat together then separated them without using a circle."

Edward blinked. "That means you saw the true knowledge…"

"Yeah. What did you do?"

"I saved two guys from death without a circle when I was 12." Edward explained. "I heard you became a state alchemist when you were 14?"

"Yeah. So?"

"And what earned you the name 'Bloodless alchemist?'" He asked, curious.

"None of your business."

"Okie dokie then."

Coniniaue tapped her foot on the ground. "Don't we need police tools? Like, to see fingerprints and stuff?"

"No. We can talk to the library personnel and find out anything suspicious." Edward explained. "Didn't you know that?"

"I'm usually the one stealing, sorry."

Edward walked over and talked to the librarian, then returned to Coniniaue. "The librarian said that there is a footprint around back, in the file room. Come on."

Coniniaue followed Edward to the back rooms. "The colonel told you not to read any files on the Philosopher's stone." Coniniaue said. "Why are you researching it?"

"You don't think I got the name 'Fullmetal' for no reason." He pulled back his jacket, showing her his metal arm.

Coniniaue showed no expression. "Is that all? An automail arm? I have better reasons!"

"Oh really, well, I'd like to hear them." Edward replied, scowling.

"T… Too bad!" She stammered. "Maybe some other time, but not here…"

Edward grabbed her arm and dragged her off into a supply closet. He closed the door and stared at her, crossing his arms. "Okay, what? I told you…"

Coniniaue sniffed and looked away. "No. Way. I am so not telling you!"

"Then you can't leave until you do." Edward replied, standing in front of the door.

Coniniaue sighed. She rolled back her sleeve and held out her arm. "Fine. Cut me."

"What? No way! Are you insane?" Edward replied, shocked.

"Just cut me! If you want to find out!"

Edward pulled off his jacket and made a blade from his arm. He winced and slid it along Coniniaue arm. He returned his arm to its normal form and blinked, looking at her arm. "So… What?"

"It's not bleeding, is it?" Coniniaue said.

"No… It's not. Freaky…"

"You see what I mean? I can't feel anything. If you punched me right now I would feel no pain. I have no blood, hence 'Bloodless alchemist.'" Coniniaue said quietly.