Fullmetal Alchemist's Daughter

Chapter 8

I was finally alone, for at least a little bit. I waited for Maes to catch up. He lagged behind. It was too early for both of us, but I wanted out of the mansion before Dad woke up and could ask me about my specialty and then offer to take me. I needed to focus without his presence lingering in the back of my mind.

"So, you had to get me up early because...?"

"The last thing I need to see before this part of the exam is to see my dad. You heard him yesterday, he hopes I get it, but his eyes and voice said, 'please, oh please, make sure Trisha fails miserably so I can drag her ass back to Risembool with me.' I am positive they said it," I said as I looked to him, mocking Dad as I mentioned dragging me back to Risembool.

Maes looked to me. "Yeah, I am sure they said that."

"Whatever," I said as I looked to the approaching white building that I was used to going to now without being nervous. It wasn't until I'd start the new portion of the exam that made me nervous. "Ten of us left, Maes. Do you think I can cut it?"

"Yeah, you know you can do it. We might have figured out your talent for metals and rocks. Just show them you can be the best State Alchemist of them all." Maes gave me a smile.

"You're just saying that. What are you going to do when you enlist? Try to become a State Alchemist like me?"

"So you are implying you are going to be one this year?"

"Hey, I never said anything like it. I said I will be one. I'll try again and again until I make it. I'd just hate to be dragged back to Risembool with Dad and Uncle Al hanging over my head."

Maes let out a sigh.

When we reached the white building, I looked to Maes. We had at least an hour to kill before the last ten of us had to assemble for the final portion before the revealing party, which was semi-manditroy. Maes and I sat on the steps, waiting for the time to pass.

"Listen, Maes, when I am a State Alchemists and I have to go on missions, do you want to go with me?" I asked it all too awkwardly. "I mean, train rides get lonely."

"Almost anything to get away from Central," Maes said with a smile. He looked to me while I gave him a questioned look. "You're not the only one who wants to see the country outside of Risembool and Central."

I gave him a smile and turned my gaze back to my feet. I loved the buckled boots I was wearing. They weren't like the combat boots I normally wore but I couldn't risk my combat boots falling off during practicals.

"Well, you two are here early," a familiar deep voice said to us as they ascended the stairs to us.

I looked up to Roy. "Yeah, so? We wanted to get here early. Do you have a problem with it, oh dear Fuhrer?"

Roy chuckled. "Don't be that nervous. I am sure you'll be fine. The teams judging the final portion will be in touch with me after the exams are over."

"Why am I scared suddenly?" I asked as I turned from Roy to Maes.

Maes shrugged and Roy chuckled. "I'll see you two later," Roy said as he stepped toward the large doors. "Good luck, Elric."

I nodded to Roy. "Thanks."

I took in a deep breath as some familiar faces passed me. It was almost time. Maes looked to me.

"Think of it this way, it will be the last time we do this," he said with a smile.

I gave him one back. "I hope so."

After a quick hug, I walked into the white building ready to be redirected toward the arena were the practical portion of the exam was being held. Unlike during the interview, Fuery looked more confident.