5 The Blind Alchemist

Later that day, Jace walks into Mustang's office, where Colonel Mustang and Lieutenant Hawkeye is waiting.

"Hey Mustang, Hey Riza. I would say good to see ya, but- you know." Jace says, laughing.

Hawkeye smiles and hugs Jace.

"Congratulations, Jace. We're both proud of you. Even if HE won't admit it." Hawkeye says.

Mustang's face starts to turn red and he scoffs.

"He was still late." He says.

Jace smirks and sits down.

"Sorry, I slept through my alarm."

"Yeah, yeah whatever. Guess there's no use worrying about it now."

Mustang pulls out a box with a pocket watch inside.

"This is proof of your state certification: a silver pocket watch."

Jace grabs the watch and feels it all around, then puts it in is jacket pocket.

"Your certificate of appointment and detailed regulations are here. And it seems the Fuhrer has given you an obvious title."

Jace is confused.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing. Well since you obviously can't read this, and I don't want to, Lieutenant Hawkeye will read this letter to you. Congratulations, you're officially a dog of the military."

Hawkeye sighs, begrudgingly grabbing the letter.

"In the name of Fuhrer King Bradley, I appoint thee, Jace Hughes to be a State Alchemist, and is granted the title, "The Blind Alchemist".

"The Blind Alchemist?" Jace asks.

"That's right, it's a second name given to State Alchemists. The name you will now bear is The Blind Alchemist." Mustang answers with a smile.

"Boy, you weren't kidding with that name. Hitting the nail right on the head." Hawkeye jokingly says.

Jace smiles.

"I'm not crazy about the name, but I can live with it."

Mustang smiles, secretly being proud of Jace. At that moment, Major Armstrong burst through the door.

"Jace Hughes! I wanted to congratulate you in person on becoming a licensed alchemist!"

Armstrong flexes out of his shirt, weirding out Mustang and Hawkeye.

"Major just popped out of his shirt, didn't he?"

The two sigh and say yes together. Armstrong picks up Jace out of his chair and hugs him, tears streaming down his face.

"If only your father could see you now! He'd be so proud of the young man you are today! The youngest state alchemist in history!"

Jace smiles.

"Thanks big guy, that means a lot. Now- could you let me go? You're kinda- crushing me."

Armstrong quickly let's go, letting Jace breath.

"My apologies, young Hughes."

"Don't worry about it."

The four of them then all share a laugh together.

Later that day, Jace leaves flowers at his families grave. He kneels down and puts his hand on his father's grave.

"Hey guys. I got some good news, I passed the state alchemist test. I'm a dog of the military now. I know that I let you guys down back then, and I'm sorry for that. But now, I'll make it up you, I'll use my alchemy to save people. I promise."

Jace stands up then walks off, ready to move forward on the path he is on.