"Riza? You're not going to play?"

"No. Well. I never really learned the rules, and I'd much rather just read my book, Lilly."

"But that's no fun." The springy blonde turned her mouth down in a frown.

Riza rose her eyes to her friend slowly. "But, I know the only reason you're playing is because Roy is a captain this time." Lilly bit her lip guiltily.

"So what. He's hot."

Riza scoffed and threw her eyes back to the pages. "He's a mindless hot shot who thinks too highly of himself and depends too heavily on his charisma."

"But, he's smart, too!"

"And I care? His smarts don't matter unless he applies him self!"

"Geez, Hawkeye, I'm hurt!" The aforementioned boy walked foreword with a hand gripping at his chest. She didn't bother to look up.

"And you act so surprised."

Lily avoided swooning marginally. "You're so mean Riza!"

"Mm-hmm." She didn't really feel like paying much mind to the girl's frivolities.

"Wat'cha readn'?" Dark eyes and hair, loomed over the edge of her book.

"'An Imperial Affliction' by John Green." She said coolly.

"What's it about?"

"It's a review of our countries struggle with militarism and surrounding nations from the perspective of different civilians. It's quite intriguing."

"You actually like that stuff?"

"Yes, I do-"

"Me too." He said with a wide grin.

Her words came slower. "Aren't you going to play in the next game?"

"Uh, yeah, I suppose-" He said slowly. "But maybe I'll sit out this time." He kept smiling at sat down next to her. "So, Riza." She remained silent. Trying to focus on the words and characters in her book. "You like to read a lot?"

"Yes, Obviously." She replied simply.

"Ahah, I'm not too great at small talk..." She raised an eyebrow. "I'd better just cut to the chase."

I knew it. He want's something. "Your father...Is Berthold Hawkeye, correct?"

"Yes."

"He's skilled in alchemy, right?"

"Yes. He's dedicated his entire life to his research." Leaving me to fend for myself.

"Yeah. I've heard of him. And, Uh, It's strange I'm so nervous- I don't know, if you know if he'd accepting apprentices?"

"I don't know. You'd have to talk to him."

"Do you think you could take me to see him tonight?"

"Sure. I don't see why not."

"Th-thank you. I- I've really been interested in learning Alchemy. Such power, to help the people of this country."

Promptly, she turned back to the last chapter, keeping a finger in the pages. Searching out a particular paragraph. "Here. Read that." She pointed to the text.

"Oh- okay." His eyes drank up the words.

This day marks the one year anniversary of out village's destruction. One day a State Alchemist drunk on orders and victory came crashing in the the green country side. I saw him come after us. I heard the sickening noises as a spike slammed through my mother's skull. I only escaped by pure luck. He was reckless and walked into his own traps. There are only a few of us left. The state military has ignored our requests for assistance. Alchemist's are for the people: The biggest lie I have ever heard.

"This-" He began.

"Is the kind of stuff that really happens. Roy. Are you really willing to hold that in your hands? Can you deal with that?"

"Yeah. But he was a state alchemist. Bound by the military."

"True." She sighed, closing her book. "I just hope that you never become one."

"Don't worry Riza. The only things I do with my Alchemy will be for the people. I promise."

She glanced over. "I'll hold you to that."