Disclaimer - I've failed. I do not own Fullmetal Alchemist

For a rare moment, I found myself on duty, and yet I had vital task I desperately need completing. I looked over the piles of neat, ironed linen and cotton. Each one was in order rows, ready for soldiers to pick up the next day. I sighed, sitting down. 'We've done well today, Private.' I said. 'It reminds me of the days when I first joined the military.'

Private Blackhammer saluted. 'Sir, can I please be excused early today?' He asked. 'I haven't been home in a week. I need to confirm to my parents I'm still alive.'

'What? But I'm in the beginning of a trip down memory lane!' I reply. 'Are you not interested to hear how I joined the military?'

'No sir! I have zero interest, sir!'

What insolence! However, I was in no mood to punish him. 'Very well then, you may go.' As he left, I began to do minor tidying up. As I did so, I began to reminisce.

I was born in the West City, close to the river. My father was a tailor, making waistcoats and suits for the man on the street. Meanwhile, my mother was an officer in the West Area command. Together, they taught me the value of discipline, honour and the importance of a well fitting suit.

I could not learn alchemy from them however. I gained my interest in it from the news I often heard of State Alchemists, brave men who wielded great power in service to their country. That became my dream – to become a State Alchemist.

'Er, excuse me, sir.' A voice said. How dare they interrupt my flashback!

'What is it?' I shouted, turning to see Private Blackhammer.

'I just left my hat here.' I retrieved, then saluted. 'Sorry sir.' He left promptly.

Anyway, where was I? Ah yes. I started to look in the West City public library for information about alchemy, even as my father taught me the fine arts of needlework and tailoring. However, I soon realised that it would not be possible to learn Alchemy from a few public books. Instead, I would have to find a teacher!

At the age of sixteen, as I worked part time in my father's shop, I began looking for a teacher. However, to my dismay my note in the post office did not attract anyone. I would have to look in person!

I greatest alchemist I knew was the workman Rudolph Moose, a well know repairman for mills just outside the city. I wasn't certain what the best way to ask him was, though retrospect made me think maybe I shouldn't have snuck into his house.

'Who are you?' He asked. 'And what are you doing in my house?'

'I wish to learn the secrets of alchemy from you. I feel only you have the wisdom to tech me all there is to know.'

'Your words have convinced me. I will teach you alchemy.'

I'm pretty sure it went like that. Though I did have to take a second job to pay for the training.

I began to learn alchemy quickly. Rudolph was a good teacher, and I quickly began to experiment, applying the things I was taught about manipulating metal and stone to the transmutation of wool and dye. I began to use alchemy in my work in my father's shop, making new and interesting coloured outfits that normal dying could not produce.

However, my mother's tutelage was equally important, and I looked to turn my skills to use in the military. I began to think – would it be possible to make a weapon more effective in the battlefield than a gun? Eventually the answer came to me – a roll of cloth!

Another alchemist once laughed at me for this. However, I pointed out that they the high tech weaponry if punching things. In any case, I found that with a few rolls of cloth, and a good cape, I could manipulate it to traverse a tough battlefield, capture enemies and still look stylish.

After a few years of Rudolph's training, I realised it was time to move on, to begin my training in the Amestrian military. To thank him, I made Rudolph a new coat. It had World's Best Teacher in it.

I spent several years training in the Amestrian military. Eventually I was ready for my State Alchemy exam. I travelled to Central for my exam, where I showed my knowledge of alchemy and military matters. Eventually I found myself facing Colonel Pratt. 'Now then, let's show me what you've got to offer us.'

'Yes sir!' I said. I pulled out my reams of cloth, and transmuted it to latch on the roof. I swung on it round to Colonel Pratt, surprising him. I landed next to him and transmuted his clothes, tying him up.

After he was untied, he and a few officers discussed things in private. Then they came over to me and said 'I'm sorry, but I'm not sure if your skills are useful to the Amestrain military. I advise you learn some more useful combat abilities.'

I was disappointed. For a moment, my dreams were shattered. But then I noticed something. 'Sir, I hate to mention this, but you seem to have a stain on your shirt.'

'Er, yes. I've had trouble getting it out.' He admitted.

'Could I help?' I asked. I reached forward, and transmuted the stain off his shirt. He looked down, seeing the shirt was now white again. He gasped, and then went round into a circle of officers again. The circle then departed. 'I've changed my mind. I'd like to accept you as a State Alchemist.'

The next day, I was given my pocket watch and my official notice. 'This is your state certification.' Colonel Pratt told me. 'Your code name is the Cloth Alchemist. Congratulations, Major Egbert Longwood '

And so that is how I became the Cloth Alchemist. Of course, there are still many occurrences that have occurred since that tie. For instance –

'Sir?' Someone said. I looked up, to see Corporal Brightsilver.

'Sir, it's 7 o clock. Shouldn't you be going home?'

'Yes, I suppose you are right, Corporal. I'll see you tomorrow.' I locked up, and started to walk home.

And so now you have learned the history of the Cloth Alchemist. It is a tale of honour, daring and hard work, and tale we should all aspire to. But we must be always vigilant! So soon will it will necessary for me, Egbart Longwood, the Cloth Alchemist, to do his duty again!

Quite a short story this time. Thanks for Lilaclily00 for the story idea. Next time - a Story of Stitching!