Yup yup! Here for the third chapter:D hurray! I'm so happy! Over 130 hits! O.o how did that ever happen? But thanx again! Okie, if I mess something up w/ this chappy, like the physics of Alchemy or sumthing….please tell me so I can fix it! thank you so much everyone!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Fullmetal Alchemist, it's characters, story line, places or anything, just the simple ideas that come out of my head…

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Chapter 3: of ABC's

The next day, Roy got up hurriedly. He was incredibly excited about being able to perform alchemy, and was eager to get going. After having breakfast and helping out in the kitchen, it was finally time for the lessons to begin.

"Roy" Hohenheim called.

"Coming!" Roy called back excitedly. He went outside where Hohenheim was waiting for him. The older man motioned for him to come, Roy obliged. Sitting down in the soft grass, Roy waited for Hohenheim to begin.

"There are many laws of alchemy," Hohenheim began. "Of which you need to learn them all, in order to understand the basic principles to alchemy. The first one, and most important to remember, is the law of Equivalent Exchange." Roy nodded, gesturing for him to continue.

"The law of Equivalent Exchange is rather simple. In order to create something, something of equal value must be sacrificed."

The lesson went on, continuing about equivalent exchange and basics of alchemy. Roy had learned quite a bit in the course of a few hours, and his excellent memory proved useful.

At the end of the lesson, Hohenheim brought out a pile of books. "You will need to read these, so we can continue." He stated. Roy's heart sunk.

"I…I need to read these?"

"Yes, they go more into depth about what we just talked about. It is essential."

"Oh…right…" Roy looked away. How was he supposed to tell him?

"Is there something the matter?" the older man inquired.

"Well…uh…" how could he tell him without sounding so stupid?

"Yes?"

"I uh…can't….I can't read!" he said quickly. Hohenheim looked a bit taken aback. Roy felt his cheeks start to burn with embarrassment. But to his relief, the man's face changed to a look of understanding.

"Of course… no one has ever been able to teach you…" he said softly. Then in a more commanding tone. "Well then, before we study further, our first order of business shall be teaching you to read."

"Ah…you mean… you would be willing to teach me?" Roy said disbelievingly.

"Of course. Why wouldn't I?"

"Th…thank you!" he exclaimed.

"So… I guess let us eat lunch, then we shall start on reading."

After a lunch of homemade soup and sandwiches, Roy, Hohenheim, and Edward went into the front yard.

"What awe we doing daddy?!" Ed said eagerly.

"We're going to learn to read Edward."

"Oh…"

"Do you know your ABC's Edward?"

"Oh yes!" he shouted excitedly. "A B C ….E…J…L…S...R….V….O…..Y and Z!"

Hohenheim laughed. "Not quite Ed." The toddler plopped on the ground and began to pout. "let's try it this way." Hohenheim then recited the ABC's.

"have you got that written down Ed?"

The small boy gasped. "I was supposed to wite that? But I dun know how to wite!"

"well then I guess we need to do that too, huh?"

Roy felt grateful that he wasn't the only one struggling with this, even if it was just a child. This way, Hohenheim could teach him, without having to hurt his pride even further. They were to work together.

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Over the course of the next few weeks, Roy's mind was wrapped around reading and writing. Certain sounds that the letters made, and how some letters together made an entirely different and unique sound. He had been improving greatly since the first day, and helping Ed out whenever he needed his help.

It had been such a thrill to work with the toddler. His enthusiasm rubbed off on Roy, rejuvenating him, giving him the energy to keep up as well. The entire time, he had slowly gotten quite used to this family, and considered them as if they were his own. He had never known before what a family felt like, and he enjoyed every second of it.

He had learned far more about Alchemy, but was nowhere near being able to use it yet, he had barely scratched the surface as Hohenheim had said. Until he could read the books and understand every single law, only then would the old man let him even transmute a toothpick.

But secretly, when he was alone, he would attempt it, despite Hohenheim's warnings. He found with much enjoyment, that he was incredibly good at it, and had even begun doing even more complex transmutations. He always hid his creations though, he didn't know how Hohenheim would react when he learned Roy had been deliberately disobeying him. But Roy couldn't resist, when he didn't, he was driven nearly insane by the urge, he couldn't stand it. Something inside him was eating away at him until he did. He couldn't figure it out, this lust for power.

Many times he would burn his creations, to leave no evidence. It was easy enough, he simply snapped his fingers and there it was, a flame so vibrant, it never burnt out unless he willed it to. he guessed that it was some form of alchemy, one where you didn't need a circle, he couldn't explain it any other way.

Finally, after such a long time of waiting, Hohenheim announced that it was high time he started trying to read the books, he could learn on the way, with Hohenheim's help.

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Roy plopped down on the couch with the book in his hands. He had opened it many times before, just running over the pages, catching a few words he understood, but never actually trying to read it.

He opened to the now familiar first page and began piecing together the information. He started slowly at first, asking for help several times, but as he went on, he gained confidence, and learned how to figure it out himself.

By the end of the night, he had read the first full twelve pages, a high achievement for just learning how to read. What was better yet, he had understood every single word, every single concept seemed to just fall in place in his mind, as if it had always been there, like he just couldn't remember it before. it came so easily to him, and he praised himself highly for his accomplishment.

It was late that night, but he felt as though he needed an award. He had been cramped up in the house all day, so he let himself outside, into the cool night air. It had been getting colder lately, and tonight was no exception. He wrapped his jacket tight around him and sat at the base of an old oak tree, admiring the beautiful night and it's stars.

Inside, he could see the silhouettes of Hohenheim and Trisha. They were talking, just talking, but somehow it gave Roy comfort to see them together.

He looked away, gazing toward the twinkling lights of the city beyond. It was a gorgeous sight, and he couldn't help but feeling like he actually belonged here. This was his home now, and he would never leave it.

A cold wind bit through him and he shivered. Pulling his hands close to his face, he produced the familiar flame in the palms of his hands. He gazed at it, feeling the familiar comfort it gave out. He stayed there for a while longer, no longer feeling the biting wind, but caught up in his own thoughts, alone with his protective flame.

Suddenly a scream came from the house. Roy jumped, that was Ed's voice. He flew to his feet and raced inside the house. Everyone was standing inside the living room and Roy struggled to see what was wrong.

He gazed at Trisha's face, she was smiling. Surely nothing was wrong if she was smiling. He sighed in relief, and then turned his gaze to Hohenheim. The man had a look of shock on his face, a look Roy had never seen before. it seemed almost comical.

Ed was bouncing up and down. "what?! What did you say mommy? Wew you kiddin?"

"No Ed," she said, her smiling growing ever wider. "You're going to have a little brother."

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Whew! That was longer than expected!

Sorry it was so long getting up! I still love the many comments, I feel very much loved! Hope you enjoyed this chapter:D the story finally seems to be going underway! Harray!