Chapter 3
Roy's Song
The exam room was crowded of eager State Alchemists who greedily waited patiently for Bradley to arrive as they looked at the test takers or State Alchemists who were there to get their license renewed. Edward Elric along with six other alchemists sat on the opposite side of the bottom floor of the room from the alchemists who were taking the test to be inducted as a State Alchemist. He saw Renee hidden underneath her hood as she sat quietly, the others staring and pointing at her. He looked up and saw the three floors of seats each consisting of sixteen rows of chairs completely filled with alchemists or other important military men and woman. His brother sat with Major Armstrong and Colonel Mustang and waved at Ed before he saw the long blond hair and giant blue eyes of Winry Rockbell, his old childhood friend. Edward's face turned red as he watched her sit next to Al and began to talk to Lt. Hughes who sat behind her with Hawkeye. Edward kept his eyes forward and tried to relax before the room was silent and King Bradley stepped into the room, his eyes pierced on the testers. He smiled and stood in front of the room on a small platform where seven chairs were placed for him and his members to sit and watch.
"Good morning everyone." Bradley said. The crowd mumbled responses back. "Today ten alchemists have passed the written exam and are now placed before us to show us how much they know about alchemy. However, the rules have changed this year since a man with a scar has been running around killing our fellow members of the military. Standing here beside me is Dr. Cox, a man who has researched a way to enter the brain and pick out your fears. This is a very simple test that all State Alchemists will be taking to face their fears and for the military to see how you react in a flight or fight situation. If the testers wouldn't mind, I would like the seven alchemists that is up for renewal of their license to step forward."
Edward got up as the hair on the back of his neck rose. What the hell was going on? They stood before the platform waiting as the Cox each ordered a chair be brought forward for them. Edward looked up and saw Winry and Al looking at him, Winry's face filled with fear as the seven chairs were brought forward and he sat down, Mustang had no facial expression for this new exam.
"If you please, lift up your right sleeve and make a fist so I can see your vein." Dr. Cox asked the alchemist farthest from Edward. A solider behind the alchemist placed a metal disk on his head, a red and blue wire wrapped around the disk and connected to a set of headphones that Cox was wearing. Wearily the alchemist winced as Cox injected a black substance into his veins. "Now, face your fears and the quicker you face them, the faster it will be to wake up. Good luck." The alchemist was out and the room watched as Cox listened to the alchemist's waves. At first he was still but then something started to bother him and the alchemist clenched his fist and grumbled. Edward was counting the seconds that ticked by before the alchemist started to move in his chair and moan in pain. Two minutes went by, then three. Edward's hand began to sweat and before he knew it the alchemist was awake and breathing heavily before the doctor shook his hand and moved onto the next one. Down he went, each alchemist falling asleep and then waking up sweating and screaming. Edward tried to focus as the alchemist woke up beside him. What were his fears? He clenched his right hand in a fist and held in the yelp that wanted to escape his throat as Cox injected him with the substance.
He stood in a dark room, the symbols and books cluttered around the room and a small flicker of a candlelight danced around the walls. Edward looked around and saw the glowing eye in the middle of the transmutation circle and before he knew it he was sucked in. The blinding white room with the two large doors made him shiver as he stood in the middle of the room and the strange boy with the translucent body sat in midair in front of him.
"You have a price to pay." The boy said to him, his now showing glittering teeth blinded him.
"I gave you an arm and leg, what more could you want?" Ed responded as he looked around. This was a nightmare he kept having… Edward's stomach shifted and his heart raced as a foot and leg appeared on the boy.
"Maybe I could just keep your brother then…" The boy snickered and the door behind Edward opened, the long black rope like hands wrapped around Edward's body and pulled him in, the door slamming in front of him as he slammed against the cement wall of that familiar room. He didn't have his arm or leg and he was bleeding badly.
"AL!" Edward screamed as he looked for his brother. He knocked down the suit of armor and saw the stupid beast in the middle gasping for air as it started to bleed just as bad as he was. Edward drew the soul binding symbol into the suit of armor but nothing happened. "GIVE HIM BACK! GIVE HIM BACK HE'S MY BROTHER!" He fought back tears and felt empty… lonely. What was the point for living if there was no one to live for? He clapped his hands together and slammed them onto the ground, the ceiling above him cracking and falling on top of him.
He woke up and looked around the room and saw his brother sitting next to Winry, her hand on top of his brother's hand. He sighed a relief and glared at Cox as he cleaned the needle and stood aside as Bradley waited for the first alchemist to amaze him. Edward took a seat next to Renee her face still hidden beneath the hood.
"Why do you wear that over your face?" Edward asked her.
"So Bradley can judge before he sees who I really am. I'm royal remember? He'll feel threaten if I showed up so if I hide myself and he sees who I am he can't reject me because the other alchemists will boo him off. He plays with fire so I'll make a wildfire for him." Renee replied. Edward sat back and watched as the six alchemists showed off or presented information and all of them were granted new licenses.
"Edward Elric!" Bradley barked as Edward stood up. He walked into the middle of the room and stood facing Bradley.
"Edward… you have proven to me your worth in this military by calling out a priest who was a fraud and a man who took a town's money for his own. Today however what do you have that will impress me?" Bradley asked as Edward grinned and clapped his hands. He practiced for this day since he was first accepted into the military. He slammed his hands on the ground as two skinny cement walls lifted from the ground on either side of him. He jumped from each wall until he reached the top and grinned. He was quick when the cement trident formed in his hand and he threw it at Bradley like a bullet. Bradley was quick and flew his head to the side to avoid the sharp point of the trident where it struck a metal target board behind him that Edward fixed himself from the back of Bradley's chair. He jumped down and the alchemists whistled and clapped as Bradley smiled and shook Ed's hand.
"You always impress me, Elric. Congratulations you passed." Edward went back to his seat and waved at his friends as they were screaming his name.
"Good job, Fullmetal." Renee cooed. He grinned and watched as Cox barked for the ten testers to step forward, ten soldiers holding a chair followed as Renee took a seat as the first tester. He watched as the doctor injected her and she fell asleep. At first it was quiet and the room watched and whispered. Renee didn't move or make a sound for two minutes before she woke up gasping for air and shook her hands. The room was surprised and Bradley sniffed as the doctor moved on.
The other testers were loud and two even cried. The last one was carried away after he woke up and started to attack the doctor… Bradley ordered the doctor out and the testers back to their seats.
"What the hell are you afraid of?" Edward hissed at her. "You didn't even move or make a sound!"
"Why would I tell you?" Renee snickered before one of the testers stepped forward.
The alchemist was bland and straight forward with his talent. When he presented his alchemy which was turning metal into weapons or shields that could withstand bullets and fire, there was little detail and very poorly created. Bradley waved him away and announced the next alchemist by the name of Fred. Edward was getting bored. None of these alchemists were worthy of joining the military as a high ranking officer. He could tell Bradley felt the same way when he kept waving them away moving onto the next one with little remorse for the rejected ones. Ed sat back and kept his eyes on their hand movements. Sloppy and slow just like he was when he and Al were little.
They were down to only Renee…
"Well come on up." Bradley beckoned with little interest. He stood up preparing to leave with his other comrades as Renee stood in the middle and held out her arms. Edward heard a shuffle in the audience and Bradley watched intently.
"Do you need to draw a transmutation circle?" Bradley asked.
"Not at all." Renee replied smoothly and the audience burst into whispers. Ed was impressed but then again the tattoos on her hands were the circles but why was she wearing black gloves?
The ground shook as she lifted her hands up, the air was getting cold and Edward could see his breath. He shook and rubbed his arms for warmth before the marble flooring cracked and hundreds of ice spikes shot out in different directions.
"BROTHER!" Edward heard his brother scream, the soldiers held their guns out at Renee.
"Don't shoot her!" Edward shouted at them, Bradley's face turning from expressionless to fear as he grabbed onto the handle of his sword. Renee was quick and charged at Bradley like lightning, her dagger hitting the blade of his sword near her face, the dagger slicing into two and creating a loud shatter onto the floor. The room was quiet as Renee and Bradley's breathing were the only things making noise.
"Impressive, shame you were too slow. You should be careful when you face an opponent you know nothing about."
"Except for the part when I know your movements. What I just did was showing off but I think you should be afraid of me, King Bradley." Renee replied as she took a step back and Edward ran towards her. He paused and saw Bradley's blade fall apart into two pieces, the end of the blade smashing onto the floor.
"How did you-" Edward said before he saw another dagger stuck in the wall behind Bradley. Bradley looked up from his sword and smiled before he burst into laughter.
"BY GOD! YOU ARE FAST!" Bradley replied. "My age must be getting old because I never even saw that dagger coming. So… you use alchemy to distract and real weapons to attack… I like that. What is your name?"
Renee lifted her head and Edward could tell she was smiling. She pulled off her gloves and tossed them aside, the ice spikes melting into puddles of water before evaporating into the air. She used the water in the air and… the window was open near Bradley's head and it was raining outside… she was smart. Renee Blanche was very smart.
The crowd went into whispers as she pulled off her jacket and pulled back the hood, her hair falling behind her. They could see the vine tattoos and her newest ones planted on her skin, her black sleeveless shirt hugging her along with the tight pants and lace up black boots. The blue strand of hair fell near her face and Edward saw Roy and Hughes get up from their seats and leave quickly, Bradley's eyes growing wide.
"My name? My name is Princess Renee Blanche. "
"RENEE!" Mustang shouted as he stormed towards her with Hughes and Hawkeye behind him. He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Edward heard the slap, Renee's hand slid past Roy's face and he stumbled back. Her brothers walked in and saw Mustang and Renee glaring at each other, the tension current reaching the viewers on the third floor.
"Everyone out now!" Bradley barked and the other alchemists scurried away leaving everyone on the bottom floor alone. "Now… what exactly is going on?"
"Mustang I'm old enough to make my own choices, if I want to be a State Alchemist then so be it." Renee snapped at him.
"You have a country to rule!"
"OH REALLY?! YOU KNOW I WOULDN'T BE HERE IF I DID, MUSTANG, BUT I GUESS WHEN YOUR PEOPLE ARE ALL DEAD, PLANS CHANGE DON'T THEY?!" Renee screamed at him.
"So this is how you grew up to be? A coward who runs to a military position of a different country?" Mustang questioned.
"And what are you? You're just a weak minded fool for getting a job here in the first place. You could've done great things but instead you throw it all away to become a bitch of the military. I have my reasons for joining Mustang just like Elric does. We're looking for something and if I have to serve as a dog to get my hands on the research I need then I'll do it." She turned to look at Bradley. "Well?"
"You are one impressive young woman, Princess. You have passed the exams and I would like you to work alongside Edward for the moment. However, if you two can't settle your differences I'll have no choice but to reassign you to different locations. Are we clear?" Bradley asked.
"Yes sir." Mustang replied.
"Good. Then I'll see you tomorrow everyone." Bradley replied before he left them through the double doors, his comrades following close behind.
"So… long time no see, Renee." Hughes smiled as they both hugged. "Have you found a place here yet?"
"No… what's the point if I'll be traveling with Ed here all the time?" Renee smiled. "My brothers will probably settle in and find a place; Michael has a job in the military as well." Mustang looked over at Michael and frowned. What the hell were the Blanche children planning?
"What is up with all the tattoos?" Hughes asked Renee as he turned her around and lifted up her hair and saw the bird on the back of her neck.
"I took a fancy into tattoos and being a little daredevil. So what?" She looked over at Mustang. "I can see you haven't changed a bit but about your payment… the earthquake swallowed everything up."
"It's not a problem; just don't bother me at work then." Roy replied coolly as he checked the time on his pocket watch. Edward sighed a relief, at least they weren't going to be at each others throats from now on. Though… he still had a lot of questions. How did they know each other? Edward, Al, Winry and Hughes watched as Renee's family exchanged a few hugs to Mustang and Hawkeye before departing to most likely the tattoo parlor for a celebrating tattoo job.
"Well... the Blanche family seem pleasant." Winry said breaking the awkward silence. Hughes laughed and adjusted his coat.
"You have no idea, Winry. That family is a band of mysterious hooligans. They were trouble for us six years ago and still are to this day. Still... I wonder how Mustang feels after getting slapped by the woman he talked nonstop to and trained to become the alchemist she is today? I knew those two were close but how close? A few rumors said Mustang was in love with her and left with a broken heart into the war, that's why he became cold and hard to handle. Others said she was in love with him but he rejected her which made her cold towards him. Who knows what happened except those two?"
"Renee... she's different. She jumps over buildings and gets tattoos, most girls her age are getting married or having kids." Winry replied. "Still... she's amazing and so independent. Maybe Mustang is afraid of how independent she is and Bradley can use that to his advantage. Maybe Mustang is trying to protect her."
"You have a point Ms. Rockbell. You indeed have a point." Hughes said before he left leaving them alone.
"So... this Blanche girl... I want to meet her." Winry said to Ed as she crossed her arms.
"Why? She's just some girl with tattoos who likes slapping people." Edward mumbled before Winry slapped him.
"SHE HAS TATTOOS! I always wanted one!" Winry gushed as she screeched.
"Fine, fine. I'll take you but don't go all girly on me." Edward grumbled as they walked out of the large military building and made a left to the hotel.
"So those two worked together? Wow... I never knew Mustang was that type of person." Winry replied as she stepped over a puddle of water left behind from the rain storm. "You think Hughes was right? You think those rumors might be true?"
"Who cares, Winry? It's not our business." Edward replied.
"Not our business? Edward she must have some reason to join the military... what if its because of Mustang? OH MY GOSH THAT WOULD BE SO ADORABLE!" Winry screeched making Ed cover his ears.
"NOT SO LOUD! BESIDES WHY WOULD SHE SLAP HIM IF THAT WAS TRUE?!"
"He offended her. She had all rights to slap him." Winry crossed her arms. "I slap you when you offend me."
"YOU THROW YOUR TOOLS AT ME!" Edward screamed at her. "I doubt those two like each other. She probably likes some building jumper with piercings on his face and his name is probably Kent or something."
"Hehe Kent." Al giggled before all three of them burst into a laughing fit. "Honestly, Winry. We should stay out of their business. It's better to let them deal with their own problems themselves. If you want to know anything though go talk to Hawkeye. She must know something."
"You know... I will... but I want to meet Renee first." Winry replied as she looked at her friends and smiled.
"Um... Winry?" Ed asked as they reached the hotel.
"Yes?" Winry smiled.
"This Friday King Bradley is hosting a special ball for the new State alchemists and everyone is invited. I was wondering since you're still in town until Saturday... so you want to go?"
"Go? OF COURSE I WANT TO GO! Winry hugged Ed before she checked her wallet for money. "In fact I'll go grab a dress now! THANKS ED!" Winry shouted before she ran off to Main Street. Ed looked over at Al who had his metal arms crossed.
"Shut up." Ed told Al.
"Real cute, brother. Are we going to ask her to dinner too?"
"I'll kill you!"
"Hey... brother!" Al said blocking Ed's kicks.
"You know... jumping over buildings might not be a bad idea..." Edward said when he gave up against Al. "It'll be hard for you but damn... that would be fun."
"You're right..." Al said. "When I get my body back we should become building jumpers and get tattoos. I want circle tattoos like Renee." He looked at his hands. "Then I'll never have to draw a transmutation circle again."
"What do you think I should get?"
"Hm... what about your symbol, brother? That or a bottle of milk." Al teased before Ed punched him. Jumping buildings and getting tattoos... Edward smiled. They were thinking of turning into Blanche kids but he wanted to be brave like them. Would jumping buildings prove his worth? He didn't know... but he wanted to know why a daredevil would join a military. Renee wasn't the type of person to be bossed around but was their really a reason for her to join? His was to find how to get his brother's body back so what reason would she have?
Whatever the reason was Edward wouldn't let it bother him. She was another ally and to him a threat to his platform he had built since he started working. Whoever this building jumper was, she was dangerous, smart and extremely powerful. But... she was helpful and kind, except to Mustang. Edward decided to watch it out, fool around to see if he could trust her. If he could then maybe she could help them get their bodies back, if not then he had to take her down. For now they were working partners and at least he could complain to her about Mustang because she hated him just as much he did. Hehe... Edward cracked a giggle. That slap was priceless and worth it because someone had to slap some sense into that asshole. Still... Edward could sense something between those two, between him and Winry. Was Winry always that independent?
"Father will be most upset that their are survivors."
"I will try to eliminate the situation. I had no idea that there would be any survivors and the ones we feared the most."
"NO! Once they side with the Flame Alchemist again it will be difficult to get rid of the problem. However, they might make good sacrifices for the Promise Day..."