Disclaimer: I don't own Fullmetal Alchemist. I don't even own a computer!

Beta: meowcubed3

I have trained now for three years. In that time, I still have yet to beat my teacher.

"Too slow!" my teacher taunted. She deflected my blows with ease and struck my chest, sending me flying into a tree.

I slumped against the trunk, staring at the leaves. Should I even bother getting up? I knew I had no chance against her.

"Get up and fight me!"

I groaned and pushed myself up. Once again, we engaged in combat. I leapt back to try to put some distance between us. I kept dodging her attacks, looking for an opening. I saw a chance and took it.

"Well..."

I froze, looking at where my hand was. I managed to punch her in the shoulder.

"Yes! I actually did it! I managed to hit her! I am not a failure!" I exclaimed.

My teacher sneered. "Nope, you're still a failure!" She grabbed my arm and threw me to the ground.

"I can't feel my spine," I groaned. My teacher slung me over her shoulder and carried me to her house.

"Alright, time for damage control. Strip. Now."

"W-what?" I sputter. "You've never treated my injuries before! Why now?"

She rolled her eyes. "You hit me, thus you are no longer my student. You are simply my patient. Now strip!"

I squeak and slowly lift my shirt. She huffs and yanks it over my head.

"Stop!" I shout, trying to cover myself.

"Oh please, I know that you are a girl, so you better start explaining yourself!"

"H-how did you figure it out?" She smirks at me.

"You are 15 years old now, and I have taught you since you were 12. You think I wouldn't notice some changes? I fight with you almost every day. Not to mention the fact that I am a nurse. We notice these kind of things. You really thought you were fooling me? You really are stupid."

"Hey! I had a good reason!"

"And what was that reason?" she retorted.

"Umm..." I couldn't think of a response.

"Exactly. Now get out of my sight!" she shouted, kicking me out... literally.

I got off the train at Central station and began my search for Central Command. I need to register for the State Alchemist Exam as soon as possible! I weave my way through the crowd of people before breaking away the crowd. I turn to ask a woman next to me for directions.

"Excuse me miss, could you tell me which way Central Command is?" The woman explained how to get there. I thanked her and followed her directions. When I finally see it, I stop dead in my tracks. The daunting size almost overwhelms me, but I shake off any feeling of doubt and walk in.

"Excuse me miss, where can I register for the State Alchemist Exam?" The small woman at the desk looked up.

"Oh! Uh, the form is right here. Fill it out and return it to me." I take the form and fill everything out. As I am working, she chats with me.

"I think it is wonderful that a girl such as yourself is taking this exam. Women are powerful too, and we need to be treated so. I wish you the best of luck." I finish and sign my name.

"Thank you very much Miss Scieszka." She smile at me and pushed her glasses into place.

"Thank you! All the men who sign up don't even pay me any mind. They don't even use my name. It's right here on the desk! The military needs more people like you." I smile bidding her farewell and walk outside again. The Exam is in a week. First I need to find a place to stay and then a library.

I checked around all the hotels in Central, but they were all full! "Why is it so hard to find a place to stay!?" I slumped onto the ground in defeat. Looks like I'll be sleeping outside.

"Excuse me, are you lost?" I look up to see who was speaking. A tall man with short black hair and glasses stopped and crouched beside me.

"No, I was trying to find a place to stay, but everywhere is full." I sighed, then squeaked when he picked me up like I was a child. "Sir! What are you doing!?"

"Listen to me, I found a young girl without a place to stay. What kind of person would deny her a room? I have a guest room where you can stay." He carries me to his apartment and I flush in embarrassment when he sets me on my feet. I turn to him, noticing his blue military uniform for the first time.

"You're in the military!? I had no idea!" He laughed at my statement.

"Lieutenant Colonel Hughes, at your service." He opens the door and drags me inside. "Gracia! Elicia! We have an extra guest tonight." A pretty young woman enters from the kitchen followed by a cute little girl.

"Maes! You can't keep bringing strangers home! What if she is a psychotic serial killer?" Gracia scolds.

"Excuse me!" I remark, "I haven't killed anyone, thank you very much!"

Gracia sighs. "Most people take in animals, but nooo. My husband collects stray children!"

"Daddy!" The girl runs to Mr. Hughes and he scoops her up in a hug, the two of them laughing. I offer to help Mrs. Hughes and she leads me to the kitchen.

"I'm sorry for being a burden."

"No, I swear my husband seems to attract children in need. So, what brings you to Central anyway?"

"Well, I actually want to become a state alchemist." She looked at me with a sad look in her eyes.

"But you're still so young. Nia, the military is no place for a 15 year old girl." I look away.

"I know, but I have to do this. Not just for me, but for my brother as well."

"You're just like him," she sighs. "I'm getting too old for this."

After a week of studying, training, and working, the Alchemy Exam days had arrived. Today, the first day of three, was the written exam. My brain felt as though it may burst from all the information I reviewed. I take a deep breath to calm myself. I look around at the other examiners. They are mostly men, looking to be in their 20s or 30s. They all are pointing and whispering about me. I blush and take a seat. I know I stick out because of my age, but why are they acting this way. Is it my clothes? I am wearing the same clothes as always, so it isn't that. Maybe they thought I bribed someone.

"Just because I am 15 doesn't mean I am a prodigy. I had to pass recruitment just like everyone else." It was true.

-A few days earlier-

Col. Mustang, the one who recruited Edward Elric, stopped by the Hughes' apartment. "Show me what you got."

I drew a transmutation circle and placed a lightbulb in the center. I placed my hands and started the reaction. Flashing lights surround us, forcing everyone to close their eyes. When it finally died down, Mustang looks at the result and back to me.

"You turned on a lightbulb."

"Ah!" I said, holding up one finger, "I turned on a lightbulb with alchemy."

He sighed, scrawling something on a paper and handing it to me. "Here is the time and location of the exam."

-Present-

A man laughed after hearing my story. "Alchemy isn't about how big something is, it's about the thought behind the transmutation. Your lightbulb was probably more impressive than some crazy huge statue."

"Nah, as long as the statue was depicting the fabulous Flame Alchemist, I would've passed. He probably passed me for his own reasons."

"Hawkeye, I found the perfect candidate! She will drive Fullmetal completely bonkers!" Mustang proclaimed.

"Sir, isn't it a little irresponsible to pass someone just to get revenge on Ed?"

"Nonsense! She can do alchemy, she just also happens to fit the other criteria as well."

"Whatever you say, sir."

A military official told everyone to find a seat and announced the start of the written test. I opened the test book and read through the problems. My mind and my pencil worked nonstop contemplating each question and calculating an answer. I drew transmutation circles with speed and efficiency, still keeping the lines sharp and correct. Words fly from my mind onto my paper as I reach the end of the test. The world around me fades, as only the equations fill my thoughts. I am on the last page when a commanding shout breaks my concentration.

"STOP! Pens down, and turn in your forms to the front." I close the book and take it to the front.

"That wasn't so bad," I say smiling. This will be easier than I thought!

"Tomorrow is when the real trouble starts," the man from earlier warns me. "I hear the interviews are more like interrogations."

A military official steps out and announces those who continue to the next part. I grin when I hear my name.

"Interviews will be a piece of cake! Who could possibly resist me?"

A/N: Chapter 3 is done! Yay for lightbulbs! I think Mustang is a total sass master is private.

Teacher: Damn straight! That Mustang can hold his own against me!

Wha? What the heck!? This is my Author's Note!

Teacher: Shut up, plebeian! You can't stand up to the might of Master Supreme Overlord!

... Seriously, what the heck?

Teacher: God, you are almost as stupid as Nia! Author's notes is now Teacher's Notes!

You can't just do that! This is my-

Teacher: WATCH ME!

Oh dear. It looks like Teacher has hijacked my story. Look out for future A/N having Teacher.

Teacher: They ALL will! *cackles*

... I guess that's all this time.

manga-neko signing out! :3