A/N: I would like to thank theWingedwolfAlchemist, San Child of the wolves and Adri for your reviews. So here is where I get to really play out how the girls get ready for the exam. Just to clarify things, I'm basing this from how Ed and Al were introduced to Shou Tucker. Obviously this is a little different than normal. Grand is still this huge ass, but it changes. He puts on a show most of the time. Ireland-Rose belongs to me, it was actually close to representing flowers. And a lot of the flower things are taken from my book I am working on, one of my characters is guardian of the forest/flowers. As for the tea, I'm not quite sure what flavours they could have, but apparently Jasmine is one of them lol. Enjoy.
Chapter 5
Meetings and Studies
Light poured into the room hours later shining on Akasha and Nikki, who were still sleeping peacefully in each others arms under the covers. Nikki had her head nuzzled in Akasha's chest, with her arms wrapped loosely around her waist. Akasha on the other hand had her head resting on Nikki's, with her arms still tightly around her lower back.
Neither one even thought of waking up. The sun didn't even seem to bother them in the slightest. For some, this was the time to start their day, for the girls, it was a time to rest. Even at their school, this was when they would be fast asleep or at least assuming sleep.
It was usually while the girls were on the constant move that by crack of light they were on the move once again. Now that they had a comfortable bed, there was no need for it.
"What time did the soldier say someone would come for us?" mumbled Nikki rising from her slumber refusing to open her eyes.
"Ugh…some time in the morning," grumbled Akasha stretching her lower body not wanting to release her arms even if they were stiff.
"Shouldn't we…?" Nikki asked blinking her tired eyes as sleep left her.
"Depending on the time," muttered Akasha.
"It's almost eight," Nikki replied raising her head.
"Nikki, we've been through this before, no waking up at ungodly hours when one doesn't need to."
Nikki chuckled softly curling to Akasha more. Akasha was the worst one to wake up from slumber. Like most, she was not a morning person, being forced awake was not a wise idea, even though during school she was usually up early for training.
Akasha kissed the top of Nikki's head while lying there enjoying the silence and the comfort of her girlfriend.
"What do you think the outcome of today is going to be?" Nikki asked lifting her head face Akasha.
"Who knows? All I can say is I hope that things go well. What I am more curious is to whom is picking us up," Akasha groaned removing her arms from around Nikki's back and stretching.
"I say we just get up now, get ready and be prepared for when the person comes," suggested Nikki.
"You really have to go there don't you?"
"Akasha you know better than I do that it is wise to be ready promptly."
Akasha let out a groan as she placed her hands on her face. How could she possibly forget those scornful times when the Queen came to visit and everyone had to be ready on time? Or the dreadful meetings? The only two that Akasha knew to get away with most of this was her twin sister Nocturne and Rose. Both had the tendency to arrive just as the Queen made her appearance.
"All right, all right, I'm getting up," mumbled Akasha sitting up as Nikki removed the sheets from her side and hopped out of bed.
"You are far too chipper this morning," mentioned Akasha forcing herself to her feet.
"It just feels like a great morning, plus, well, this was a first decent sleep we had in a long time."
She was right as always, with the five months since we left Acadia it was a constant travel by train, or sleeping in huts or just about anything else. Hotels were not a luxury for us and apparently neither were our studies. There was no chance in us enrolling into any high schools when our lives were being threatened. Plus there was no way of explaining to anyone who or what we were being threatened with.
Five months…this is just a shocker now that I think about it. Don't get me wrong, there has not been a moment I have not forgotten about Evelyn. I just can't believe that five months have gone by so quickly. I haven't able to even write to them to ask how she is doing since our address keeps changing.
A soft sigh escaped me as I moved toward the suitcase. Nikki was nowhere to be found, of course that was easily solved as I heard the water come from the bathroom. I know Nikki feels the same way I do; she didn't want to give up Evelyn anymore than I did.
Sighing, I dropped to my knees and dug through my suitcase for something clean to and decent to wear. Most of my things now were shabby looking. Nothing fit, everything was torn. I had a few things that were still decent but I definitely needed to sort through everything and pitch was couldn't be saved.
"This city better have good shopping areas," I grumbled taking out a black spaghetti midriff style top with a blue and purple butterfly design on the front along with skin tight black jeans. My wardrobe always consisted of dark colours; it hid a lot of secrets. Compared to my sister who wore colour and the most outrages wild outfits. I am astonished that the school didn't issue a dress code because of that.
"Aka, is that truly what you are going to wear to greet someone?" Nikki's voice asked from the bathroom doorframe. Looking up I saw her standing with her hair still dripping wet and a beige knee length towel wrapped around her.
"It's the only thing I possess at the moment. In all seriousness, we might have to go shopping later."
"Please don't remind me. And I truly should not criticize either, my stuff can't be any better."
"This is what happens when we are on the constant move," I replied standing up my clothes in my arms.
"The water is still warm so you're in luck," Nikki informed me grinning.
"Usual steam shower?"
"You know it."
Akasha kissed Nikki's forehead before disappearing into the bathroom. The mirrors were foggy and the heat sticking to her body. Oh how she loved to go into the bathroom after Nikki, there was always heat to look forward to.
Disregarding her clothes, Akasha stepped into the shower, the water so soothing on her body. When was the last time she had enjoyed a warm shower? When was the last time she actually pampered herself? Far too long in her opinion.
After scrubbing her hair and body of all the filth and grim the plagued her body, she turned off the shower and stepped on to the cool floor wrapping the towel around herself. Somehow, she could get use to this, dealing with running water and the knowledge of being safe for once. But she knew that wasn't going to last for too long.
After some time, the girls stood in front of the mirror in their new attire. Akasha in her skinny black jeans and black spaghetti strap midriff top with the butterfly design. Nikki in her low cut dark blue jeans a form fitting purple t-shirt.
"Okay, this is the best it's going to get," Akasha mentioned.
"We'll get new threads later, right now, we have to leave."
The girls checked their reflections one last time before leaving the room heading down the stairs to the main area. It seemed quiet this morning, almost as if people had already started their day.
"All right, where do you suppose our guide is going to be?" inquired Akasha looking around hoping she spot someone right away.
"Let's try outside, there could be a possibility that they are waiting for us there."
"Good idea. But I swear if this is a trap, I am getting us the hell out of here and we are not returning to the school."
"We won't, I promise."
Outside, a military car sat running outside the hotel. The girls looked at each other with raised eyebrows and a grin. One thing that crossed their minds was who was picking them up?
"You don't suppose the Fuhrer…?"
"No, I don't think he would have the time. And besides I don't think it truly is his responsibility to take two teenage girls to see a State Alchemist."
"You have a point, but whom?"
The driver's door opened to reveal a military soldier step out and open the back seat door revealing a tall bald man with a black moustache and brown skin in a military uniform now standing before them.
'Oh fuck,'Nikki and Akasha gasped gawking at the man.
"Well, well, well, looks like you girls get the pleasure of dealing with me. Get in," Grand instructed stepping aside to allow the adolescence entrance into the car.
'We are so dead,' Akasha groaned.
'Perhaps today could be a little better?'
'I highly doubt it.'
Without any more hesitations, the girls slid into the back seat followed by Grand who sat opposite the two while the driver returned to the front seat. For the first little bit of the ride remained a quiet one. Akasha stared out the window absentmindedly while Nikki sat with one leg crossed over her other staring out the front past Grand trying to get any reading from the two soldiers. Most of her techniques were still a little weak, but she had a grasp on most of her powers.
"Sir, where is it that you are taking us?" asked Nikki after several more minutes of silence.
"As you know, you find your own training. There is a State Alchemist that you both would benefit from this. It would help you both prepare for your exams."
"Who is this person?" Akasha now asked turning her head toward Grand.
"The Botanist Alchemist," Grand mentioned handing over a folder to the girls. "Her name is Ireland-Rose Thatch. She specializes in Plant Alchemy."
"This could be an interesting one indeed," murmured Akasha.
After some time; the car came to a stop outside a medium size house with a large yard. A fence surrounded the yard almost like it was warding off people. It sort of gave off an old feeling, but it truly wasn't anything to worry about. Vines wrapped around the wrought iron bars.
The front door opened and slammed shut causing the girls to snap out of their daydream and get out of the car themselves after Grand. Grand, himself made his way further into the yard leaving the two to admire the exterior of the house. Grand wasn't kidding when he said Ireland-Rose specialized in botany. All around the edges and under the windows were a variety of flowers sprouting all over the place. The smells from all the floras filled the teen's noses as they breathed in the scent.
"Move it!" barked Grand from the door frustrated at the lack of movement.
'A simple please would suffice,' scoffed Akasha taking hold of Nikki's hand and leading her toward the house almost protectively.
Grand let out a scoff of his own as he turned away from the young lovers and back to the door just as it opened up to reveal a young woman somewhere in her late twenties. She had long black hair with the most dazzling azure blue eyes the girls had ever seen.
"Good morning Brigadier General Grand. What brings you here this early in the morning?" came the woman's soft voice.
"If we may step in Miss Thatch, there are some people I would like to introduce to you," Grand replied.
The woman eyed the adolescences with interest, a gentle smile appearing on her lips. She seemed like a friendly woman enough. By appearance alone she reminded the girls of Jacqueline. Somehow, their worry drifted away to be replaced by relief. This was someone they were going to be getting along quite well with.
"Yes, come in, come in."
The inside was a lot bigger than it was on the outside by appearance alone. Not only that, the smell of roses and calla lilies filled the air from every spot. It seemed to be very calming in here. For someone with this much talent it was a wonder why she hadn't had someone in her life.
"I apologize about the disarray of things. I was testing out a new styling of flowers and hadn't had time to tidy up. I do hope you don't mind," Ireland-Rose called from the kitchen as clattering of china hit the counter.
"Not at all," Akasha replied admiring the room they were in. It was painted a deep red with outstanding arrangements of violets, tulips, roses and calla lilies placed around the room. A mahogany bookcase with five full shelves sat before the girls.
Of course the girls were use to the disorganization anyway; it was a part of who they were in the long run. Besides, this house didn't even look that cluttered.
Grand didn't seem to comment on anything, in his eyes he would rather be far away from the house as possible. It was as if he merely wanted to get and get out and not sit around for hours on end.
"I hope none of you mind Jasmine tea, it is home created."
"Smells wonderful."
"I won't waste your time any longer, Miss Thatch," Grand cut in, not mentioning about the tea or even saying thank you.
"Please, it's Ireland-Rose, and you are not wasting my time," the young woman, Ireland-Rose, replied with a soft laugh.
"No matter, I'll leave these two in your care; I have to return to work."
"All right then. I wish you a good day Brigadier." With that the man left the house leaving two curious young girls and a now exasperated woman.
"He can be so rude some times," she sighed.
"How long have you known him for?" Akasha asked curiously.
"For a while, he is the reason I became an alchemist."
"Really?" the girls replied in unison.
"Yes, but that is a long story that I am sure you do not want to hear. Here, I'll show you to my library," Ireland-Rose replied motioning for her new house guests to follow. She returned to her light happier mood after sometime. The girls assumed that it had something to do with Grand.
The younger ones followed the older woman down the hallway and the various plants and pictures. The girls noticed in one of the pictures a young Ireland-Rose holding a baby. A bright smile appeared on her face. It made the two wonder if she was its mother or sister.
"It's not as big as many, but it is big enough. It has all the information you'll need for the exam," explained Ireland-Rose as Akasha gawked at the collection of books, there were so many bookcases filling the room.
"Oh wow, this is amazing," gasped Nikki as Akasha took off to check out the books. Her eyes were lit up with amazement.
"Thank you so much, this is only half of what Central's library has available," Ireland-Rose smiled gesturing to where Akasha ran off.
Nikki smiled brightly at Ireland-Rose before taking off, something in the back of her mind. There was something different about this woman that she could not put her finger on. But for the time being, she wasn't going to question, she needed to focus and see what she can learn along side Akasha.
Already, Akasha sat on the ground three books surrounding her, two on each side and one in front, all of them open with another open on her lap, her eyes glued on the pages. She never even noticed Nikki sitting next to her and gaze through one of the books from the shelf.
At first, nothing truly made sense to her; it was like a foreign language. As time passed, she slowly began to understand and grasp at the concepts that the books were telling her.
Akasha on the other hand sped through the pages as if they were nothing. A lot of things that came from reading were absorbed into her brain with ease. She had a photographic memory when it came to all the important information. All in all, she held a high grade average, which made a few of the students jealous because of that, including Nocturne who usually was below average.
Nikki wasn't as high in grade average as she was, but was close. She took her studies seriously when it counted. There were a lot of things that intrigued her and caused her to really pay attention. With the new studies that they were doing, it really caught her attention. She knew that it would be a breeze once she started to understand it better.
"This is going to be very interesting, isn't it?" Nikki asked craning her neck to her girlfriend.
"I say so. A lot of this is so different than what we are normally used to. I just hope things go smoothly."
Time ticked by and the stack of books on the floor increased while the stack of books on the shelves diminished. There certainly was a lot of information the girls were going to have to know. Compared to simple biology and Chemistry terms, things took a huge turn to what they normally studied. Obviously with Akasha, she had her own schedule drilled into her head. Mornings: Guardian training, a boot camp like regiment that forced her to use her entire body and core.
A soft knock came from the other end of the room causing the girls to look up to see Ireland-Rose strolling in wearing blue jeans and a black blouse her hair covering half her face. She smiles at them as she made her way over.
"How's the studying going?"
"Interesting to say the least. A little more complex than what we're use to."
"Alchemy is an interesting subject to learn. What was something's that you took during your time in school?" Ireland-Rose asked crouching down to be at eye level.
"Math, English, any and all sciences," Akasha replied.
"History."
"All very excellent courses to say the least. And by the looks of it you got through a lot in one day," mused Ireland noticing the two bookcases worth of books lining the floors.
Akasha blushed slightly. "I read quickly, it's a habit of mine."
"There is nothing wrong with reading. If you're hungry, I prepared dinner," Ireland offered.
"Dinner? But shouldn't…" Akasha wasn't even sure any more what time it was. Everything flew by so quickly. A growl issued from her stomach indicating it was time to eat. Since the time the girls awoke till now, they had nothing in their systems except the sheer will of movement.
"What time is it anyway?" inquired Nikki stretching her arms.
"Six, you girls have been so preoccupied in your studies I didn't want to disturb you," Ireland explained.
"Wow, straight hours of studying, and the longest I think either of us ever has done."
"There are great benefits, I'm sure. Well come on, let's get some food into you."
"Go on ahead, we'll clean up first," Nikki offered picking up a few books not quite yet feeling the hunger.
"All right, I'll see you down in the dining room."
As soon as Ireland left the library the girls got to work putting away all the books on the shelves. Lasting nine hours without sustenance, what harm could a few mere minutes do? What struck the girls as the pile went down was feeding.
"We just met her; we can't just spill everything to her now! Besides, who in their right minds would believe us if we spilled? Although, humans are a little more skittish, I don't wish to change anything with her."
"Akasha, nothing will change, besides, we'll just tell her we're going for a walk to get a better knowledge of Central. And you can't, for any reason, say that's a lie."
"Fine, fine. When the sun finally sets, we'll head out. But if anything else preoccupies her or whatever, we'll sneak out."
"Let's just leave that for plan B please. I don't want to worry her."
Nikki shook her head as she strolled to the door. Her girlfriend was so quick witted, she usually leapt to quick judgements and a lot of rebellious moves. But it was these things that Nikki fell in love with.
Up in the kitchen several minutes later, three women sat at the table with their plates full. Ireland filled them in that she was a talented cook and experimented with her recipes. Everything always came out delicious in the end.
"This looks amazing, thank you Ireland."
"I'm glad you like it. All the ingredients are fresh and obviously grown here."
"You have a gift."
"Thank you. So how did the studying go?" Ireland asked.
"Great. This is completely unlike what we're relatively used to. But it's something that we have to get use to."
"It does get easier; you just have to keep your mind on the studies."
"Is there anything that we should know about for the exam?" Nikki asked.
"You'll have your written portion of the exam, a demonstration of your alchemic abilities and then the last would consist of one of two things. Either an interview or…"
"Oh, that just made things ten times more the fun," Akasha sighed taking a bite of her food.
"You'll do fine, trust me."
A/N: All right, so here is the end of this chapter, I've kind of used parts from FMA. Yes a lot of it doesn't make sense and I apologize. And if anyone is curious because I haven't truly given full on dates yet. Akasha gave birth in February; right now it is July, kind of mid to late July. The exam is in March, Ed and Al show up I believe in October, Rose and Lissa are on their way to Central and will be relatively doing the same as the girls.