A/N: Sorry this chapter's a little shorter but it felt like a good place to break it off. I'm trying to pump out this chapter and maybe a couple others to get the plot going I know I had a lot of exposition but now Elicia's really going to take center stage as the protagonist and do anything she can to save her family because who really wants Maes to die? I haven't planned this story at all so I'm just as curious to see how it'll turn out as well so hopefully you all enjoy the ride as much as I am. ^_^
Elicia found herself in the Colonel's office yet again only this time she had a purpose. She quietly sat on the couch writing her notes as she awaited Alphonse's arrival. It was all redundant for her but if she wanted the military to take her seriously she had to be able to seriously present the research that she had already completed seven years ago (well it felt like seven years ago anyways). No one would take her seriously unless she truly blew their minds. It must have been hard enough for Edward when he was eleven but she was eight years younger than even he was but she supposed that was an advantage too. All she had to do was get her father and someone high ranking to agree, even if it was as a joke, or a favor to cheer up the horridly depressed Elicia Hughes to participate in the written exam because by Amestrian Law once she had begun the test and passed the exam she was required to complete it – and – if found competent they would be required to sign her on as long as she could complete the duties as assigned. She felt a little bad because her entire plan depended on her fooling her family and her closest friends but she didn't have a choice.
Alphonse didn't come in until nearly 4:30, presumably trying to avoid the chewing out Roy was going to give him over his brother. Luckily for Al though Elicia had just finished crying over nothing and needed someone to console her and that lucky person was her Uncle Alphonse. She was a bit surprised when the suit of armor walked in but quickly recovered. Hearing about something and seeing it were two different things and consolidating the past with the present was proving to be difficult. Once the report had been turned in and OK'd by Roy she was whisked away to a local ice cream parlor where she ate a small cone of vanilla ice cream. She smiled happily at Alphonse who had brought a book with him while she ate. She watched the birds flitting through the tree-lined streets as they sat outside the parlor, the day was warm and the streets were relatively empty. Elicia cleared her throat to get Alphonse's attention. "Ummm…Uncle Alphonse?" She could hear the hollow reverberation that was a 'hmmm' in response. "I was wondering if I could go with you to the library sometime." Alphonse put his book down and put his armor-plated glove on her head "I would love to go to the library with you Elicia!" She gave him a weak smile, she really did want to go just to keep him company but she still felt guilt for using him like this. "How does tomorrow sound?" He asked. "Brother and I have a train to catch in two days so if we don't go then it'll have to wait until we get back." Elicia smiled, grateful for the speed her request was being granted. "OK!" They spent the rest of the time chatting as she finished eating her ice cream. After that Alphonse escorted her back to central command where she could meet up with her father and head home.
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Elicia had spent the whole day with the brothers as they did their research about some former state alchemist she didn't really care about. She was grateful her assumptions had been correct and while they did keep an eye on her to make sure she was safe and behaving they mostly left her to her own devices so she was able to research in peace. If it had come down to it she would have found a way into the library on her own since she had had the foresight (or hindsight?) to send the watch back but it would have been difficult explaining how she had obtained it or why she so desperately needed to get into military only research and records. They spent most of the day in the library and only took a break for a short lunch and play date in a close-by park then they were right back at it again. Before she knew it the librarian was standing over the boys and giving them a small glare over her beak shaped nose. "You boys know we closed an hour ago." It wasn't a question. Ed ducked his head and began to twirl the end of his braid in his hand, a nervous tick she recognized when he'd finish all the leftovers in the fridge, leaving her to scrounge for food after a long day at work. She smiled at the memory as she helped as best she could to put all their books back and pack up their research notes.
They were all seated around the table, Mrs. Hughes being kind enough to invite the boys in for dinner as thanks for keeping an eye on Elicia for the day. They chatted about their days and Maes asked Ed if that mechanic he was hot for was still scheduled to come by in a month. Edward sputtered, his face turning red and waved his hands crazily in front of him trying to deny he 'had the hots' for anyone. Maes just laughed and Gracia shot him a knowing smile, which just caused Ed to sulk more as he took a bite of shepherd's pie. It was nice to have them over. She had heard of how close he was with her family but to see it first hand made her feel better about her goal. She would make sure they were all happy. There was no acceptable alternative.
Elicia continued to go daily with her father to work though she could tell her father was starting to question her newfound obsession with wanting to be close to the flame alchemist. The days progressed slowly and she slowly but surely approached the end of finishing up her research. The only thing left to do was to professionally present it. Elicia would always remember the last day of that week for the importance that it held. By chance the Fuhrer had swung by Mustang's office. There was some sort of clerical mix up and much to the Colonel's chagrin there was three weeks of reports that had to be retyped and submitted but the Colonel's comical face that ensued from the news wasn't the reason why that day was so important. When the Fuhrer arrived Elicia had been crying, she'd pretended to stub her toe since she'd heard the Fuhrer was making his rounds and she'd heard how much of a family man he was. If she could maintain it for just long enough maybe she could get his approval to enter the exam. Sure enough when the commander and chief had showed up Elicia was balling her eyes out. The older man had kneeled down to ask her what was wrong and her tale began. 'Her dad didn't believe she could be a state alchemist and that she was smart enough right now to take the test. She had been studying hard and just really wanted to help him.' Who could ignore the plight of a daughter wanting to prove her worth to her father and wanting to dedicate her life to her father's work? He fell for it hook line and sinker promising to let her sit in on the written portion of the test. She knew he wasn't serious about considering her but she had Amestrian law on her side. When she presented her accomplishment to her father he gushed about how she was 'his little genius' and how he would be there to cheer her on and take her out for ice cream 'even if she didn't pass'. The possibility of her passing didn't even cross his mind. In three weeks time, she would prove them wrong and she would be one step closer to her goal.
A/N: So I debated on how this story would go and may make an alternate timeline since I know the idea of a three year old becoming state certified is a little ridiculous but I couldn't help at least playing with the idea. The way I have Elicia written is she's basically an adult trapped in a child's body and I think if she thought it out from that point of view she would feel that becoming a state alchemist is the only way to truly be there and help her father. Well this is my 4th update in 16 hours so I may see you again later (LOL). I've got the writing bug. Please read and review as it would make it feel like at least someone's enjoying this with me ^_^
