Chapter 3: The Journey Begins
Alice stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her skirt. She reflected on the morning. She had stood before the Fuehrer after the exam.
"Congratulations Alice, the 'Angel Wing Alchemist.' You're a State Alchemist now." He told her. "One of the most promising I've ever seen! You're on the same level as Edward Elric."
"Edward…Elric?" She asked.
"Yes. 'The Fullmetal Alchemist.' The youngest ever to complete the qualification exam. He can also transmute without circles."
"Really?" She asked excitedly. "What's he like?"
"Oh don't worry, I'm sure you'll meet him eventually. He stops in Central often." He congratulated her once again and sent her away. On the way out, Colonel Mustang stopped her.
"Here." He said, tossing a silver object into her hands. "Your watch."
"H-huh?" She stammered, slightly flustered. She looked at the silver State Alchemist pocket watch that now sat in her palms. It felt cold in her hands, and heavier than it looked. She opened the lid to see a beautiful ivory clock-face with delicate hands pointing to roman numerals. "Thank you!"
"Congratulations. You're a dog of the state now." Roy joked as he ruffled her hair. Go home. Get some rest. I'm sure you'll be getting a mission soon." She walked out and headed back to the inn. That night, when she bathed, she had noticed her wings again. They were still attached to her back, between her shoulder blades. She looked in the mirror in her room and was startled. The wings were truly implanted in her back, affixed somewhere to the bones in her ribcage. She reached back and traced a long rounded line under her skin. It didn't give to her touch, and she realized that it was part of the web of metal surrounding one of her ribs. She left the wings in their shrunken state and got dressed.
"I guess they'll always be there…" She mused. "I suppose I really am the 'Angel Wing Alchemist' now."
She was snapped out of her memory by a knock on the door. She checked her appearance once more and walked to the door. Alice opened the door to see a young woman dressed in a military uniform.
"Alice Lensic?" She asked.
"That's me." Alice replied. "How can I help you?"
"My name is Lynn Salan. I'm here with a mission for you."
"Oh, already?" Alice asked.
"Yes, and it's urgent." Lynn began. "There's been a series of disappearances in a nearby village and the army believes alchemy is involved. They want you to go there right away and find out what is going on." Lynn held out a wrapped package and Alice took it.
"What's this?" She asked, pulling back the brown paper.
"Your military uniform, and some money for supplies for the trip. Colonel Mustang had mentioned that you had very few belongings and might need to pick up some essentials." Alice hugged the package to her chest, thanking Roy for thinking of her. "Here is the information about the town and the name of someone you can contact. You must leave in three day's time." Lynn handed her the paper and said good-bye. Alice closed the door and then a huge smile spread across her face.
"My first mission!" She said with glee, darting about the room. "What to do first? Pack? Shop? Oh my gosh I have to prepare!" She put on her stockings and boots and headed into town. She bought two new skirts and a camisole, along with one pair of trousers and a simple coat. She didn't truly plan on wearing her military uniform much, except when she needed to. She hurried along the street with her purchases, heading back to the inn to begin packing. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted a familiar sight: A blonde boy in a red coat. She turned quickly, but he was gone. She reached the inn and plopped her new clothes on the bed. She picked up the military uniform and held it against her body in the mirror. It was a standard women's uniform, long skirt, waist-coat, and gloves.
"Hmm, I think the skirt is too long…" She pulled out her small bundle of sewing supplies and set to work. "Ahh! That's better." She exclaimed after bringing the skirt length to mid-thigh. "I just can't move in long skirts!" She put on the uniform, checking the length and fit. When she was satisfied, she took it off and placed it in her trunk. She finished packing and went to bathe. She washed and then soaked in the inn's tub. "I wonder if I'll be able to help those missing people…" She said quietly to herself. She relaxed in the water and let her thoughts wander until she was ready to get out. She dried herself and dressed, careful of her wings at all times. "They are really starting to get annoying, but I suppose I will have to get used to them. At least they won't rust!" She mused, laughing quietly.
The next two days flew past, and she was soon setting out for the village. After a few hours ride by car and 10 minutes walking, she arrived in Arrancarre. It was a small village; it was poor and the houses seemed to be falling apart. She looked at the paper Lynn had given her, and read the name on it.
"Jonathan Mason." She read out loud.
"Yes?" A voice from behind her asked. She turned around to find a tall man; lean and muscular, with brown eyes and dark hair, Jonathan did not appear to be a man that was very important.
"I am Alice Lensic." She extended her hand. "I've been sent by the state army to investigate the disappearances in this village. They told me to contact you."
"Yes, I was told about you." He said, taking her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I was also told you'd be needing a place to stay?"
"Yes, I do. I had planned on staying in an inn when I arrived, but-" He held up a hand to stop her.
"No, I insist. Come and stay in my house. Our inn isn't much, and the inn-keeper has been in poor health lately. Besides, I'm sure my daughter would love to have someone her own age to talk to."
"There are no other children in this town?" Alice asked, interested.
"Come back to my house; we'll talk over tea. You look like you could use a seat by the fire."