Roy's POV

Eight years later

I stood in the testing ground with five other people waiting to be tested for our State Alchemist Exams. I had been studying the science of alchemy since I was seven years old. Just under two years after I met my new mom. My teacher taught me the secrets to flame alchemy one of the hardest forms to control. Using his original formula I created gloves with a transmutation circle of fire. I had only just completed the transmutation circle this morning. I had not had the chance to test this one.

Over the last six months I had worked on creating these gloves. While I had the proper cloth to make the gloves out of I could not prefect the circle. I had spent hours upon hours reading books on flame alchemy. When I discovered the salamander symbol was a well known for fire. So I used my previous circle and under that I drew a salamander. I could only hope that it would work this time or I would have to wait another year.

The Furher stepped forward and said," I welcome all alchemist hopefuls to the practical portion of the exam. You have two options you can show your skills off one at a time. Or you can fight an already certified State Alchemist. Are there any who would like to take the second option?"

I took a step forward and said," I wish to do a battle test." The man looked at me his gaze was unnerving as he asked," Your name and age young alchemist?" I said meeting his gaze," I am Roy Mustang age 13. If I pass my test today I'll become the youngest State Alchemist in history."

The man gave me a curious look. I had heard about the ruler but this was my first time meeting the man. I realized that the stories did not do him justice. The man had an eyepatch over his left eye. His stature screamed military and he had a sword on his left side indicating he was right handed. He said after another moment," Stand off to the side. You will be tested last."

I sat on the ground watching with curiosity as the older alchemists were tested. While they had more experience than I did they didn't seem to have a specific style. They kept trying to out do each other with building larger and larger structures. The Furher didn't look anymore impressed with the batch than I did.

Once they were done he said," None of you were strong enough to pass the test. Now onto the battle exam." I got up from where I was sitting and stood by the man. He called out," Louis Armstrong come forward if you will. If I remember correctly this month is your examinations to keep your licensing. Is it not?"

A tall man in a State Alchemist uniform came forward. He was mostly bald except for a single blond puff of hair that twirled inwards on his forehead. This man was the Strong Arm alchemist one of the best hand to hand combat specialist in the state army. This wasn't going to be an easy fight. Another man came forward and said," Alchemy and hand to hand are the only things allowed. No weapons unless created through alchemy."

I nodded grabbed the glove from my pocket and pulled it over my right hand. I noticed the stares I was getting but didn't say anything just smirked. Let them figure it out on their own. I stood in a loose free form stance that would allow me to dodge the man's attacks with ease. The referee said," Alchemists get set!" He took off running towards the sidelines," Ready and fight!"

I raised an eyebrow wondering what in the hell his problem was. I almost missed the way that Armstrong moved in a boxer stance. What caught my eye was the flash of blue on his right hand. :Shit!: I thought. It was a transmutation circle his alchemy was hand to hand.

I dodged trying to get away from the man but for being as big as he was he was extremely maneuverable. He followed me and I had to keep backing up to avoid being hit. He jumped and I barely was able to dodge to the side before his fist hit the ground. The ground around us disintegrated from the force. That's when it hit me his alchemy increased his strength and power. It also allowed him to manipulate anything of the earth element.

While he was catching his breath I got a safe distance away from him, and prayed to all the gods that this would work. I brought my hand up that had the glove and snapped. I was focusing only a tenth of my normal power behind it. Flames shot out heading directly for the older alchemist. He had to bring up a wall of rock to protect himself.

I grinned slightly to myself I had finally perfected the flame alchemy now just to control the strength, and size of the attacks. I decided I could worry about that later as Armstrong went back to attacking me. This time I fought back using my flames to keep him at a healthy distance.

I could feel myself begin to tire I had not used this much alchemy in one go ever. Armstrong looked like he could still go on. As I felt myself begin to slow I knew that this battle could cost me my life if I wasn't careful. I raised my hand once I was at a safe distance and said swallowing my pride," I yield. The Strongarm alchemist has superior stamina to that of mine. This battle could easily cost me my life so I yield."

I looked around and saw the amount of damage we had caused there were craters and holes everywhere. Before I could continue to contemplate what we had done the Furher spoke drawing my attention back to him," Well done. A great fight by two skilled alchemist. Roy Mustang I bestow upon you the silver pocket watch of the State Alchemist. Where it with pride and report to the command post tomorrow for uniform fittings. There you will also get your assignment for the command you belong to. It will not be here in central."

I knew that I wouldn't be allowed to stay in central command I was prepared for that. Now the only problem was trying to tell my adopted mother that. I almost visibly shuddered at the thought. The Fuhrer handed me the silver pocket watch the symbol of the State Alchemist core.

With that done he dismissed us to our duties and left the room. The others were talking about heading to the bar as I walked back home. They didn't seem to give me much attention probably believing that the Strongarm alchemist had gone easy on me. After all I was just a kid but in truth I didn't believe he did. There was too much at stake for him to go easy on me. Yet, I was still able to hold my own.

A/N Wow I did not expect that kind of reaction. Thank you to Kourtney Uzu Yato for your review. Yes James will regret what he said and did. Too bad for him disownment is permanent.