The Phoenix Alchemist

Exam

A few months later

A blast of fire torpedoed through the air. It hit one of our assailants square in the chest. Ed sent a Shockwave through the ground that knocked a few opponents down. "Behind you!" I yelled. He ducked under a kick and hit the man's foot. "Thanks!" I smiled and set myself on fire. A few of the men teamed up on Ed and dragged him over to the cliff. I sent a blast of heat too late. They threw him over the edge of the cliff. I ran over to the side and leaned over. He was in a free fall to the ground. I put a leg over the railing and the men called out to me. "Hey, lady, you shouldn't commit suicide after your boyfriend." I stood on the edge of the cliff and smirked. "It's not suicide if I don't die." I leaned backwards and fell over the side. It was a long fall, so I felt the familiar pinch of my wings growing and sped up in time to catch up with Ed. He splashed into the water and I dove in after him. I pulled him out and shook out my wings. I flew us back up and laid him down. I set myself on fire to dry and continued fighting, not realizing that Ed didn't know about my wings. He started yelling from behind me. I turned around to face him and threw my arms up. "What's wrong? Oh." I turned and batted a guy with my wing. "We can discuss these later. Get up and help." He grunted and stood up.

~

"So, remember that time when I was sick and coughing up a bunch of blood? I was growing these. I got better after they grew in fully. I discovered I could retract them, but it's uncomfortable to absorb featgers, bones, and muscles and keep them stored within me. I've actually been thinking of getting a longer coat and having them out most of the time." Ed sighed and put his face in his hands. "So you magically grew wings and decided not to tell me until I was drowning?" I nodded. I looked at the ground. "Look, Ed. I'm sorry I didn't tell you. It didn't seem relevant. And I've been thinking..." I paused. "I think I want to take the state alchemist exam this year." I looked up. Ed was a mix of surprise, concern, and joy. "Are you sure?" I nodded. "It would give me some certification and I could go on more missions with you. I already know a lot of the military and have fought rogue state alchemists, and have plenty of field experience. I think I can do it." He sighed. "Well, you're already living with a state alchemist so you don't have to move to study, so I guess I'll get you prepared. It has three partd. The written exam, the interview, and the practical skills test. The written exam is general alchemy and it's pretty easy. The interview can be a physical examination or a question and answer. For the practical skills, you can bring in research or do a showcase. I had a Q&A interview and showcase." I nodded. "Well, if they do a physical examination and provoke me, either my wings will pop out or we call a doctor for burns. I'm not the research type of alchemist, so I'll do a showcase." Ed smiled. "Just like your teacher. The exam is in a few months, so be ready."

~

I passed the written with ease. Now, time for the interview. Luckily, it was a Q&A interview. They had a precariously placed three legged golden stool. "If you are gifted, the chair will not refuse you." A deep voice said. I sat down and the chair stayed upright. "Now, for the first question. Why do you want to become a state alchemist?" I thought for a second. "Because I owe it to my friends. I want to help people." The man asking questions gave a hearty laugh. I recognized him as the Führer. This was going to end well.

~

The rest of the interview was the general. 'Where did you come from?' I don't know, I have amnesia. 'Why do you have amnesia?' Because I don't know. I passed that quickly.

Now for the practical skills test.

They had prepared a large area of resources for us to transmute. I was last, of course, with no last name. Men created skyscrapers, fountains, and the usual things. Five people were before me when a group of men in black clothing appeared in my peripheral vision. I inched closer to the suspicious group while José Jenkins created a sculpture of the Führer. The man who seemed to be in charge of the group was getting close to the unsuspecting Führer. He held out his hand to strike Bradley down, but I grabbed it before it could make contact. I twisted him around and pinned him to the ground, my foot on his chest. I put my rigbt hans over my left and transmuted a scythe. I fended off the group of assailants with ease, then wiped my hands off on my coat. I turned back towards the crowd and smiled before realizing I was on fire.