"ALCHEMIST HIGH"

Rating: PG-13

Starring: Edward and Alphonse Elric, Sakura Kinomoto from "Cardcaptors", Chi from "Chobits", Karen Kasumi from "X", Roy Mustang, Major Armstrong

Chapter 3 - Second Look

Ed and Al found it very hard to even fathom thoughts.

Chi tilted her head in confusement at the expression on their faces. "Um ... are you alright?" she whispered, leaning towards them. Ed took a deep breath and gulped loudly. "Um ... not to sound rude or anything but ... um .. the ears ..." Ed muttered. "Hoe?" Sakura replied. She then looked at Chi and her ears as she let out a small laugh. "Oh ... I'm sorry. Chi isn't human, she's a homonculi." Sakura confessed.

"A homonculi?" Ed and Al replied in unison.

Ed's face became defensive and serious. "A man made human ..." he sternly replied. Al kept quiet, as images of Lust and Gluttony filled his head. Al looked carefully upon Chi's face. She wasn't intimidating or scary. She had an angelic smile and was a cute little thing. She couldn't possibly be anything like them. "Yeah, that's right." Sakura answered back. "Chi has been at this school for a few months. She helps out at the library." she continued. Ed kept a serious face as his eyes stayed on Chi. "Who made you?" Ed replied. Chi's smile diminished as she looked away and fiddled her fingers together. "Um ... I .. I don't know." Chi confessed. Ed's face became even more serious as his eyebrows arched in judgement. Sakura looked at Chi and then to Ed. "Ed ... what's wrong with you?" Sakura asked. Al looked over at Ed and tried to help out. "Um ... Ed .. maybe we shouldn't judge so harshly ..." he whispered. Ed sighed and began to walk off. "I've suddenly become very tired. If you'll excuse me ..." Ed replied, sticking his hands in his pockets and walking off. Sakura walked a bit towards Ed and reached for him, but stopped herself. "Ed ..." she whispered. Chi bit her lip and walked over to Sakura. She grabbed her arm and held tight. "Sakura ... was it something I did?" Chi asked. Sakura looked at Chi and smiled. "Don't worry about it Chi ..." Sakura replied. Al walked over to Sakura and Chi as he tried his best to explain.

"I'm sorry about my brother Sakura ... Chi. Being the alchemists we are, we've dealt with a lot of dangerous people. Homonculi being one of them. Its just bad judgement on his part ... please, forgive him. But also try and understand ..." Al replied softly. Sakura looked at Chi and sighed. "Well .. we'll just have to show him your not like the others! Right, Chi?" Sakura happily replied. Chi smiled warmly back as she released her grip on Sakura's arm. "We'll talk later Chi ... I have to help them around. I'll come by later so we can research, ok?" Chi smiled and nodded as Sakura began to walk off to catch up to Ed. Al bowed at Chi as Chi did the same, following close behind Sakura. Chi watched as they left, her hands clasped tight as she held them under her chin. She lowered her eyes gaze and sighed softly to herself.

Ed continued to walk on outside the library and back to the water fountain at the entrance of the school. He soon could hear the heavy metal footsteps of his brother and the soft footsteps of Sakura trailing behind him. Ed closed his eyes as they approached. "Ed ... are ... are you okay?" Sakura questioned softly, afraid to have Ed get any angrier. Ed kept quiet for a moment, shutting his eyes tighter. "Ed." Al replied. Ed then sighed loudly as he opened his eyes again and looked at Sakura. "I'm fine, Sakura ... I guess I just overreacted. Your just gonna have to forgive me for that." he replied. Sakura looked down and sighed, yet a small smile crept to her lips. "I understand." Again there was an awkward silence. Not wanting to dwell on the conversation anymore then they needed to Sakura grabbed Ed's arm as she ran ahead. "Well then, come on ... I'll show you guys around a bit more and then we'll head to the dorm rooms so you can rest!" she replied, allowing her smile and cheerfullness to return back to her. Ed was taken by her sudden pull of his arm but smiled and ended up racing with her. "Hey! You guys, don't run! I can't keep up!" Al yelled after them. "You big slowpoke!" Ed joked after him. "Ed!" Al yelled back. Sakura could only laugh. Its been so long since she had last truly laughed.

The sun was setting as the sky turned a soft blue. On the fifth story of the five story school, in a nice and beautifully furbished office room, Miss Karen Kasumi stood at her window. Her arms were crossed as her face held a stern and serious expression. She turned slightly to look over her shoulder. "What do you have to say for yourself, Mr. Sumeragi?" Karen replied angriley.

Sitting across from her desk in a lounge seat, sat a nineteen year old student. He wore a white t-shirt with a black long trenchcoat over it and dark blue jeans and black boots. His hair was jet black and he sat there with his legs and arms crossed and his eyes shut. Karen completley turned around and slammed her hand on her desk. "Answer me, Subaru!" she yelled. With the sound of her hand hitting the desk, Subaru opened his eyes and looked directly at her. The stare of his almost dead cold eyes, sent a shiver to Karen's spine. "I have no reasons or excuses for my actions." Subaru answered in a rough and yet soothing voice. Karen sighed heavily in frustration as she sat heavily in her desk chair. "This is the third time in one week, Subaru. You know your on alchemy probation for a month except for class purposes. Battling with fellow alchemists on school ground is prohibited either way ... you sent another one to the nurse again, this time with a fractured wrist."

"I once walked away with two broken ribs and I've done just fine."

"The boy you sent to the nurse was only fifteen! How could you do that to a younger classmate?"

Subaru sighed heavily in frustration as he threw his head back. "Its his own fault. He openly challenged me. You know I have a personality disorder ... I can't not accept a challenge." he replied. Karen moaned as she placed her two fingers to the bridge of her nose. "Yes I know ... its one of your few faults." she muttered. Karen began flipping through a pile of papers until she came upon Subaru's transcripts. "Despite your 'personality disorder' ... you are one of our top students. Your a good kid, clean cut and kind ... unless it comes to your alchemy. Your alchemic powers are incredible ... ones the military have been watching very carefully and following since you've started here." Karen exclaimed. Subaru scoffed and gave her a smirk. "Yeah, I'm sure they'll use me to their advantage." he replied. Karen leaned back in her seat and looked at him sternly. "I'm saying this because, despite your disruptive efforts ... the military is allowing you to resume at this school."

The room immediatly became engulfed in Subaru's laugh. Karen was taken by surprise as she watched him laugh to himself. Subaru reached into his pocket and pulled out a deck of cards as he began to shuffle them. "It never ceases to amaze me. I could do anything I want and all I get is a slap on the hand and a warning. The military must really be hurting for a skilled alchemist to put up with me for this long." Karen scrunched her nose up in disgust. "Don't flatter yourself Subaru. The military has more then skilled and professional alchemists. But we are always looking for those with a gift ... yours isn't exactly up to par, but the military knows more can come to it with the right push." Upon hearing this, Subaru stopped shuffling his cards. He looked back towards Karen, with his cold gaze again. "Are you saying I can't live up to your prodigy of the military ... this 'Fullmetal' alchemist?"

Karen remained silent.

She stood up from her seat and stared back out her window. Subaru scoffed again as he took a card from his deck. He let it twirl amoung his fingers. On the back of each card was a perfectly drawn transmutation circle. He placed the card to his lips and looked slyly at Karen. "Or maybe the reason I'm staying here despite my behavior ... is because with your military status, you don't have the power to kick me out." he replied. Karen turned quickly around, getting angrier by the minute. "Enough, Subaru! Have respect for an officer of the military. My wish isn't to kick you out ... like I said, your a good kid but you have to stop being so destructive."

"But you don't think I'm worthy to take the State Alchemy Exam. Heh ... maybe I should be thanking the Lieutenant Cornel."

Karen slightly blushed as she grit her teeth. By the second, she was getting more and more irritated. Subaru knew just how to push her buttons ... and he loved to try and push them further. "Watch what you say Subaru. You are standing before an official, loyal to Lieutant Cornel Roy Mustang ..." she replied, bravely and without hesitation. Subaru smirked, his smile still hidden under his card. "Please ... I mean no offense, Miss Kasumi. I've just noticed. Its because of Mustang that the military again and again looks over my behavior. I mean, whatever he says ... you'll bend over ... right?" he replied smugly. Karen couldn't hold it anymore. "Get the hell out!" she yelled. Subaru didn't move. He closed his eyes and stood from his seat. He placed his card pack in his pocket and walked over to Karen's desk. He placed the card face down where the transmutation circle could be seen. He laid his hand flat down on it as the sound of a transmutation and sparks flew. As he moved his hand away, the card had transmuted into an encarvment deep into the wood of her desk. Subaru then immediatly walked away and showed himself out of her office. Karen took a breath to calm herself down as she sat back in her seat. She closed her eyes and reopened them again. Her eyes shot wide open as she noticed the enscribment Subaru had made on her desk.

It read ... I'm sorry.

Sakura, Ed and Al had been walking for most of the afternoon and into the evening. Now the stars were out as the three friends headed towards the dorm rooms. Sakura lead the way as she did for most of the day. She led them to the back to the entrance and then down the left hallway. Ed let out a loud yawn as he placed both his hands behind his head. "Man, this place sure is extensive! So much at your fingertips, you could spend a decade here sharpening your skills!" he happily replied, ready and set to get started. Al laughed. "I can't wait to start classes tomorrow! I may even be up to your skills Ed!" he happily cried. Ed and Al shared a laugh as Sakura smiled towards them. "That can wait till tomorrow ... you guys should really get your sleep." she replied. As the entered the Mokona Wing, Ed and Al looked over at the sign. It had a picture of a cute little bunny like character with a red jewel on its head. Al chuckled to himself. "Aw, that's cute!" he replied. "Man, it makes us look like kindergarden kids! Hope I can bump up to my second year in a few weeks ..." he joked. Sakura looked around confused a bit. "We'll head over to where my room is ... some empty rooms are in that direction. If Miss Kasumi helped you guys out, she must have your rooms prepared. Maybe even your names are on there already." she exclaimed, as they walked down a hallway with dozens of doors of rooms. Each room had a name tag on it accompanied with a small picure of the white rabbit.

They soon got to Sakura's room. Sakura looked around at the empty doors by hers that were bare. "Hm ... I don't see your names." she replied. Ed scoffed and smiled. "No worries ... I'm sure we'll be announced to our rooms momentarily." he answered back. "Hoe?"

Suddenly, a loud thunderous thud could be heard about five doors down. A door bursted open as a suitcase fell out into the hallway, springing open with a flow of scattered clothes. Sakura backed away for a second as Ed and Al walked towards the door. As they had anticipated, Major Armstrong came walking out. He quickly tried to gather the fallen clothes, as he noticed Ed and Al walking towards him. "OH! Sir Edward and Sir Al!" he replied loudly as he stood saluting them. Sakura blinked a few times with her clutched hands to her mouth. "H-Hoe?" Ed and Al walked over to Armstrong as they began picking up their bags. Armstrong quickly began picking up the bags before Ed and Al, embarrassed that he dropped them in the first place. "My apologies Master Elrics' ... I was attempting to have your room ready and prepared for you before your arrival." he tried to explain, making another quick salute to them both.

Ed let out a laugh as he proped up a suitcase of his. "Don't give it a second thought, Major. We could of done it ourselves." he replied. Al picked up two large bags of theirs and held it in his arms. "Yeah, its no big deal. We move around so much as it is ... its nice to stay in one place for awhile." Al happily added. Armstrong lowered his salute as he looked over to where Sakura stood. Sakura was startled a bit as she back up a few steps. Ed followed Armstrong's gaze and looked back over to Sakura. Ed let a soft smile cross his lips at how cute Sakura looked by her startled face to Armstrong. He gave the suitcase to Armstrong and walked over to Sakura with hands up. "Its okay Sakura ... This is Major Alex Armstrong, one of the state alchemist from the military. He's a friend of ours and I know he's intimidating, but he's a big teddy bear really!" Ed assured her. Sakura brought her hands down from her mouth and took a relaxing breath. Armstrong walked up towards them behind Ed and knelt down to come face to face with Sakura. "You must be Miss Kinomoto ..."

"Oh! Um ... yes, yes I am." she answered back.

"I heard all about you from Miss Kasumi. A very talented young alchemist in botany alchemy. A pleasure to meet you ..." Armstrong replied softly, so not to alarm her. He took her hand in his and kissed it gently. Sakura couldn't help but blush a bit. "Thank you .. nice to meet you too." Sakura replied. Armstrong nodded and returned to his feet. "Master Elric," he replied, looking down towards Ed, "I also have you and your brother's class schedule courtesy of Miss Kasumi. Your all set to start your classes tomorrow." he replied, handing the papers to Ed. Al couldn't help but let out a little shriek. "This is going to be so great brother! I can't wait for tomorrow!" he happily announced, running inside to their room to put thier bags away. Armstrong and Ed let out a small chuckle towards Al, as Armstrong clicked his heels and saluted Edward. Ed in turn did the same. "Its getting late and you both have a full day tomorrow. Good night Master Edward ... Miss Kinomoto ..." Sakura and Ed both nodded as Armstrong made his way out of the Mokona Wing. Ed let out a loud sigh as he threw back his head. "Ah! Man, whenever Major is around, he leaves you so worn out!" Ed replied, exhausted by the whole day. Sakura let out a small laugh as a yawn followed. She began rubbing her eyes as Ed looked over to her and smiled. "It seems your a bit worn out too ..." he replied. "Just a little ... I guess we should be calling it a night."

Ed agreed as he began walking back towards his room. He stopped shortly, placing his hand on the doorail of his room as he looked back over to Sakura. Sakura stood by her door, with her hand on the knob as she looked back over to Ed. They both smiled towards each other sweetly. "Thanks for putting up with us ..."

"Putting up with you? Ed ... we're friends, aren't we?"

"Heh ... yeah. Hey ... wanna have lunch with us tomorrow?"

Sakura blushed as she bit her lip. "Yeah ... what time?" she asked. Ed pulled back out his and Al's schedule and browsed them over. His face slowly became more and more confused. Sakura laughed as she ran over to him to check it out. She took the schedule from him as they both looked it over. "Oh, you and Al have Alchemy History with Mister Ichirou Mihara ... he's so funny! You'll love him!" she sweetly assured Ed. "Let's hope so ... enough to pass the class anyway." he confessed. Sakura went down the line and found an empty space for them. "You and Ed only have four classes tomorrow and your done around 1 o'clock. That's perfect! We can have lunch then and I'll show you the rest of the campus." Ed winked towards her and folded his arms. "Sounds like a plan to me." Sakura handed his schedule back to him and placed her hand on his chest. "Good night Ed ..." she replied sweetly. She then ran back down the hall a bit and into her room as she waved to Ed.

Ed's face flushed a rosy red as he placed his hand on his chest where Sakura had placed it. "N-Night ..." he softly spoke out. Suddenly, he heard a loud crash again from the room. "AL!" Ed called out. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm just so excited!" he called out to Ed who still stood in the hallway. Ed sighed again and laughed. "This school is going to be pretty interesting ..." he replied to himself.