A/N: Vincent, the main character, is an OC.

Chapter 4: Recruited

"Well Vincent, I hope we can see each other again soon," the Lieutenant said.

"I don't think that will happen. I plan on leaving Central later today." Vincent replied.

A voice from behind Vincent said, "I am sorry to hear that, I was hoping you'd stay around a little while."

Vincent turned around to find that the voice belonged to Colonel Roy Mustang. He knew his name because after the Colonel spoke, Maria replied, "Good afternoon, Colonel Mustang."

"Have we met before?" Vincent asked, "Because you look vaguely familiar."

"That is because I was the guy who rescued from that...what would you call it...oh yes, 'hell hole.'"

"Oh, now I remember, you were the guy who beat the shit outta me and knocked me out, "Vincent replied in a distinctly pisssed-off tone.

"I didn't know whether you were friend or foe, I couldn't take any chances."

"Of course. Survival is the most important thing."

"You already sound like a military man."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"During the raid, before you passed out completely, I saw you transmute something. I am not entirely sure, but it looked as though you transmuted it out of thin air."

Vincent stared at him with a lack of confidence in his eyes.

"That's impossible. The First Law of Alchemy- Equivalent Exchange. You can't get something out of nothing."

"I know that, I'm an Alchemist, too."

"And how is that related to the "military man" comment, anyway?"

"The point is that I think that you should take the State Alchemist Exam."

"My Lady, we have started him on the path now. Lust has planted the seed of curiosity within his mind. Soon, he will return to us, to uncover the secrets of his past that he lost."

"I expect him to return soon. Don't forget, even though I can't kill you, I can make you wish you were dead."

"Of course, My Lady, we shall not fail you again."

"The State Alchemist Exam?" Vincent puzzled. He had been locked for so long, he must have forgotten about the State Alchemists.

The Flame Alchemist answered his inquiry, "Yes, the State Alchemist Exam. I have quite a knack for finding Alchemists with unique abilities. The Fuhrer has definitely been impressed with my last pick: Edward Elric.

"So let me get this straight: You want me to take an exam to become a State Alchemist, even though I have no formal training, because you think I have the astounding ability to transmuste material out of thin air."

"You catch on pretty quickly." Mustang began to gloat to himself when Havoc, Fuery, and Falman walked over to where he and Vincent were talking.

Vincent inquired, "If I do become a State Alchemist, what's in it for you."

Mustang replied in a self-righteous tone, "Just the satisfaction of knowing that I helped an impressive Alchemist be discovered by the State."

Havoc, Fuery, and Falman began to whisper among themselves, imitating Mustang voice and persona "Just the satisfaction of knowing that I'll be one step closer to a promotion with another lapdog running around for me."

"Do you three have something to say?" Mustang said angrily.

"Sir, No, Sir!"

"Smooth, guys. Very smooth." Vincent replied in a sarcastic tone.

"So, what do you think." Mustang asked

"I'll consider it. But first I need to knoweverything the job entails. And I mean everything."

"Of course. Let's discuss this more in my office."

"Alright, see you around Maria."

"Oh...yes...bye."