Disclaimer: If I owned FMA, would I be writing fanfiction? Actually, I probably would... BUT, I DO NOT OWN IT
Beta: meowcubed3
I sat up in bed and stretched. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and it sounded like someone was trying to break the door down. Wait, what?
"NIA! ARE YOU PLANNING ON TAKING THE EXAM? OR ARE YOU GOING TO STAY IN BED ALL DAY?" Gracia yelled, banging on the door.
Oh shit on a stick! My interview! I leapt out of bed and scrambled to get my clothes on.
"I'm ready! I can still make it! I have..."
"7 minutes"
"7 min- OH CRAP!" I ran out the door, trying to smooth down my hair. I climbed the fence surrounding Central Command.
"Are you sure you should be doing that?" a random passerby asked.
"YES! I AM LATE!"
"I'm sure a few minutes-"
"IT'S THE ALCHEMY EXAM!"
"OH! Let me give you a boost!" He lifted my foot, giving me the momentum I needed to vault myself over.
I hit the ground and rolled, my force slamming the doors open. Using the wall to push myself, I sprung to my feet. "And she sticks the landing!" I shout.
Everyone in the room stares. I can hear my teacher's voice now.
You idiot! I could've done that blindfolded with my arms bound and still looked better than you!
At least I stuck the landing! Great, now I'm arguing with myself.
"That was quite the entrance," one guy said. "Goes well with your look."
I look down to see my shirt is on backwards, I am covered in dirt, and I have on two different shoes.
A blonde lady looked me over and massaged her temples. "Miss Simmons? Your interview is next."
"Yes! I made it!" I exclaimed.
"There is a bathroom down the hall. Why don't you make yourself presentable."
I nodded and went into the bathroom. I planned to draw as little attention to myself as possible and slip into the waiting room with the others, but of course, things never work out the way I want.
I straighten my clothes and wet down my hair. I brush of as much of the dirt as I can, but I can't do anything about my shoes. I walk out of the bathroom and run into someone. It was a kid, I'm guessing someone's son.
"Sorry! I didn't see you there!" I apologized. This was the wrong thing to say.
"YOU CALLING ME SHORT? I'M SO SMALL YOU CAN'T SEE ME!" the kid shouted.
"No! But now that you mention it, you are rather short."
He clapped his hands and suddenly held a blade up. "BITCH I WILL CUT YOU!"
"Oh! I seem to have struck a nerve. Sorry, but I can't play now. I have an interview!" I slipped past him and met with the blonde woman from before. She led me into a room where Führer Bradley sat, surrounded by other officials.
"Miss Simmons, what skills make your alchemy useful to the military?" Shit. He isn't wasting any time.
"Did you see the lightbulb? I am great during power outages." The men wrote something down. "I mean, I am great with mechanics and technology!"
"Are you sure you are cut out for this?" Bradley asked. Shit, this isn't working! Why did I open my big mouth?
"I am! I swear! I use alchemy as a conductor for electricity, as well as manipulating materials for machinery."
"We already have mechanics in the military."
I started to sweat. "I can also make things fly! Using air currents!"
"I see. Tomorrow, arrive at 9:30 am. Practicals are held on the parade grounds outside." I blinked in surprise.
"You mean, I passed?"
One of the men who questioned me chuckled. "Yes. Oh, and this time, try not to be late."
I blushed, mumbling my thanks and scurrying out of the room. I made it! Now I just have to get through the practical portion.
"Hawkeye, she is perfect! We haven't ever had an Alchemist specializing in electricity and mechanics before!" Mustang gleefully regaled his Lieutenant.
"You mean that girl from this morning? She was a trainwreck! Did you SEE her?"
"I don't care! No matter what it takes, I will get her hired!"
"Sir, I don't think that is the wisest decision. We don't have many jobs available. That's why we have exams."
"She can have Havoc's job!"
"WHAT?" Havoc cried swinging the door open. "Boss, you can't just replace me!"
"Watch me, Havoc, watch me." Mustang growled. Havoc turned to Hawkeye, tears in his eyes.
"Don't worry Havoc, you won't be replaced."
"THANK YOU!" Havoc shouted, giving her a hug.
"I suggest you leave before you need a stretcher."
"I'm on time this time! I made it!" I shouted.
"Congrats. Now would you please SHUT UP SO WE CAN START?" the proctor seethed.
"Oops, sorry."
"Now, as I was saying before I was so RUDELY interrupted, you have the entire parade grounds and the materials in it for your transmutations. Chalk has been provided for drawing the circles. You may... BEGIN!"
I sprinted to where some branches were stacked and grabbed some. While the others were showing off by making pillars and spears and other alchemic wonders, I snuck on top of one of the pillars and drew my transmutation circle. I placed the sticks in the circle, and slipped off my jacket, adding it to the circle. I touch the circle and grin as my creation comes together.
"Surprise!" I yelled, jumping off the pillar. I touched another transmutation circle I drew on the side, and the wind caught my "wings," giving me leverage.
"What the hell?!" Someone shouted. I cackled, swooping down and kicking him in the face.
"No one expects an arial attack!" I cheer. I continue to swoop after my targets as they flee in terror like insects trying to escape a bird. I finally touched down and transmuted the cloth of my "wings" back into my jacket.
"So, did I pass?"
The military officials were stunned. The Führer himself came over and placed his hand on my shoulder. "Due to the other examinees being... unable to continue, Virginia Simmons is our newest State Alchemist."
"Mustang said he found our new teammate."
"I don't care what that bastard says, we don't need anyone else!"
"Ed, please just give them a chance," Al pleaded.
"But-"
"Edward!"
"Fine! But I'm not happy about it!" Ed sulked.
"Who knows! They could be really nice! Maybe it's a giiiirrrlllll~"
"Shut up!" Ed kicked down the door and stormed into Mustang's office.
"Ah, Fullmetal. So nice of you to join us. This is the newest State Alchemist Miss Virginia Simmons. She is going to be traveling with you for a while."
Ed watches as the girl stands up. She has a tall, slender body that towers over him. Her shimmering chestnut hair seemed to flow from an invisible wind. As she turns to face him, he stares into her warm brown eyes. Her lips curve into a grin as she says in a melodic voice-
"Hey! It's the shorty!" The image shatters as Ed realizes who is standing in front of him.
"YOU!" he roars.
After the Führer spoke with me, I was taken to an office by Mustang. He sat behind a desk and motioned for me to take a seat across from him. I sat down, and he started to speak.
"Welcome to the military. Virginia Simmons you are now under my command. As a State Alchemist, you now are equal to a Major. You are the second youngest person to join the military. Because of this, I am putting you on a team with two other boys. Edward Elric, the Fullmetal Alchemist, and his younger brother, Alphonse. They should be arriving soon."
A military personal walked in and handed something to the Colonel. "Here we have your identification of a State Alchemist. Your silver pocket watch and certificate. Upon entrance, you also receive a second name." I skimmed over the certificate.
"Um, I think you gave me the wrong form. This doesn't have a title."
"Yeah, here's the thing. Because your alchemy is so... diverse, we had trouble coming up with a suitable name. However, we feel this title will strike fear in anyone who dares to utter the name. Virginia, you are That Alchemist."
Really? REALLY? Well, I suppose I can see my enemies trembling in fear as they encounter... That Alchemist. Alright, I'll take it!"
The door suddenly burst open and two people walked in. "Ah, Fullmetal. So nice of you to join us. This is the newest State Alchemist Miss Virginia Simmons. She is going to be traveling with you for a while." I turn to look at the famous alchemist.
Edward Elric was not what I expected. His golden eyes burned with fire. His long blond hair was pulled back into a braid. He was shorter than I expected, a lot shorter. In fact, I think I recognize him...
"Hey! It's the shorty!"
Edward looks shocked, and then angry.
"YOU!" he roars. Al quickly restrains his brother.
"Brother, I don't think this is the time for a lovers' quarrel."
"Al! Why would I like a girl like that! She could pass for a guy!" That caught my attention.
"HEY! WHO THE HELL IS SO FLAT THEY COULD PASS AS A 12 YEAR OLD BOY?! YOU'RE ONE TO TALK SHORTY!"
Alphonse struggled to hold his older brother back as he tried to tear me apart. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING SHORT ENOUGH TO BE SQUISHED BY AN ANT! I AM STILL GROWING KID!"
"KID! I AM 15! I am NOT going to take this from a PIPSQUEAK!"
"PIPSQUEAK! You're as flat as a BOARD!"
"WHAT?!"
"ENOUGH!" Colonel Mustang snapped his fingers and a column of flames separated us. "Why am I the one stuck with the little kids with size issues?"
"I am still growing!" Ed and I shouted at the same time.
"They are so similar. They're perfect for each other!" Al got a look of agreement from the Colonel.
T/N: Chapter 4 was combined with Chapter 5! Yay for long chapters!
Teacher: Really Nia, I could have passed in 30 seconds! And I second Fullmetal's comment on your size. You belong in a lumber yard.
Hey! Don't be mean to Nia!
Teacher: OH! Would you rather me talk about you? Okay, your writing is horrible (except for me), you have no friends, and your only hope for a future is if you give up on your dreams (because they will NEVER come true) and submit yourself to working a crappy government job!
*curls up in a corner and cries*
Teacher: Tch. Wimp. Nia could probably take her on, because she is so WEAK!
You shut up! I'm ending this chapter now! :D
Manga-neko signing out! :3