Author's note:
ALRIGHT PEOPLE. LISTEN UP! (Or… read up, I guess…)
I have decided that this is sort of getting difficult to write. So, chapters will be posted monthly. So, if anyone actually cares enough to read this crap, they will be posted on the 20th of every month, give or take a day. If I am extremely satisfied with the way a chapter turns out, and it is finished earlier than expected, I'll consider whether or not I'll post it early. In the mean time, I present chapter 3.5 of The Life Alchemist (it's 3.5 because it's short. Like Edward!) :)
Rei's eyes filled with determination. "I swear, I will protect the people of Xing, I will avenge my fallen parents, and I will never let those people destroy my country."
Before those words could sink into Edward's mind, the door behind him swung open. It was Hawkeye. "Brigadier General Mustang! This letter just came in addressed to the new State Alchemist. It's from Fuhrer Grumman." She handed the envelope over to Rei.
Rei tore it open. "'We give the name 'Life' to thee, Rei'… what? What's this about?"
"That," Mustang said, "Is now your second name. Each State Alchemist is given a second name based on his or her own unique abilities. The name you bear is 'Life'."
"The Life Alchemist…" Rei said. She took out the silver pocket watch and clicked it open.
A week later, Rei found herself on a train with Mustang and the Elric brothers. She was able to receive permission from the Fuhrer to seek out the Amestrain terrorists. Mustang and the Elric brothers were ordered to "supervise," as a job as difficult as seeking terrorists isn't exactly safe.
"Damn it, Rei!" Mustang bellowed. "Why didn't you change into your uniform?"
"It was uncomfortable. How the hell am I supposed to fight in that thing? I like wearing these Xingese garbs a lot more. They're loose and easy to move around in! If I wore something tight like that military uniform, my movements would be stiff, so I would have to resort to using only alchemy and alkahestry. I don't think that will benefit me in any way."
"That reminds me!" Al suddenly said. "Can't you just use your alkahestry, rather than your alchemy? I remember that a good friend of mine was able to use it long range…"
"Unfortunately, I can't do that. I used to be primarily dependent on my alchemy… so I never really learned how to use my alkahestry for anything other than medical purposes…"
"Oh, jeez…" Edward sighed. "Fine, we'll have to make a deal, Rei!" Edward thrust out his right arm toward Rei. "Okay… you can't use alchemy in any situation while you're under our supervision, you got it? Consider it an order from a superior officer."
Rei took her own hand and gripped Ed's. They shook. Rei looked up at Edward and said, "Yes sir."
