Fic - Sorrow's Dark Array Ch 26
Dec. 4th, 2008 10:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
cornerofmadnessSorrow’s Dark Array
Author -![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
cornerofmadness
Disclaimer - not mine, all characters belong to Hiromu Arakawa et al, Square Enix and funimition.
Pairing – Roy/Riza, Ed/Win (eventually) Winry/OC, mentions of Maes/Gracia and Al/OC
Rating – will vary from chapter to chapter, mostly Pg-13 but will eventually contain well marked adult chapters.
Time Line – anime based, spoilers all the way through the anime and the movie and does have strong manga elements such as Armstrong’s older sister and the land of Xing
Summary – As Roy and Riza prepare for their wedding, while dodging assassins, Ed and Al try to find their way back home.
Author’s Note #1– This was written after much prodding byevil_little_dog as a sequel to the source of sorrow and is now her holiday gift even if she has beta’ed part of it. So thanks to her and lyricnonsense for the beta. You do not have to read the first story to understand this. You’ll quickly pick up that Riza has retired from the military to be Roy’s wife and bodyguard. Olivia Armstrong is now president and she’s assigned Roy as the ambassador to Ishbal; oh and that Roy was severely injured in the destruction of the Gate, requiring some of Winry’s automail.
Author's Note #2 - This is a longer work and like real relationships, the ones listed in the pairings, take time to mend and come together. They have to work at it. Hope you enjoy the ride.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter eight
Chapter nine
chapter ten
chapter eleven
chapter twelve
chapter thirteen
chapter fourteen
chapter fifteen
chapter sixteen
chapter seventeen
chapter eighteen
chapter nineteen
Chapter twenty
Chapter twenty-one
Chapter twenty-two
Chapter twenty-three
Chapter twenty-four
Chapter twenty-five
XXX
Chapter Twenty-Six
Home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs – Mathew Arnold
“I came here thinking the smell of pie would make Roy happy.” Gracia sighed, looking out the doors to the patio. Her view included Roy sprawled on a lounger and Maes resting on a chair, looking equally relaxed. Miao-Yin as with them, a disappointed look on her face as she stared out into the garden. “Baking a pie isn’t the same when he’s outside with the boys.”
Riza laughed. “I could go fetch him. He wanted to go out and ‘meditate.’ Naturally, I told him to stay inside and rest like the doctor said but he has just enough sight back that he got out to the patio. I suspect Hughes helped him.”
“Well, that would be like him,” Gracia replied then her shoulders slumped. “Or at least of my Maes…he’s so much like him, though.”
“To the point I forget he’s not ours,” Riza said, a quiet, contemplative look on her face.
“I think I’m falling in love all over and it feels so strange, a little wrong,” Gracia whispered, her gaze slipped over to Riza as if searching for reassurance. “but mostly very right. Is that crazy?”
“No, I don’t think it is,” Riza said, half turning, hearing someone coming into the room. She smiled at Winry.
“Are they still out there sparring?” Winry asked, a sour look on her face.
“I think they’re showing off. Miao-Yin wanted to spar with the winner,” Riza replied. “Hughes is supposed to be refereeing but I think mostly it’s a free-for-all right now.”
“You mean, like the tickle fight from the other day?” Winry rolled her eyes.
“Yes, though at least this time Roy is behaving himself but only because his head is killing him.” Riza opened the door. “We should probably call them in. The pie is cooling and we could start lunch.”
“Food would be a good incentive to bring them inside but Ed and Al have to shower before eating.” Winry waved a hand in front of her face.
“That’s why I figured we should round them up soon.” Riza headed out onto the porch. Miao-Yin looked up at her. Hughes grinned over at Gracia. “They’re completely destroying the yard.”
“I know,” Roy mumbled, stroking Hayate’s fur. The little dog was curled up on his lap as he rested on the lounge. “I’ll make Ed put it all back. He’s the one doing the most damage.”
“I’m never going to get a chance to spar.” Miao-Yin pouted.
“Just as well. They’ll be distracted by your beauty and you’ll kill them by accident.” Roy didn’t open his eye as he smiled. “Start with Ed.”
Winry took a strand of Roy’s hair and gave it a light yank. “I might happen to have a reason to keep him alive, Roy. Do not assign him to die soon.”
Roy chuckled. “Did he finally figure out sex is fun? I was pretty sure we embarrassed him so much that he was left impotent.”
“Roy!” Riza scolded as Winry flushed to her hairline.
“The mouth on him.” Hughes wagged his head then glanced up at Gracia. “Sorry you have to hear that, Gracia.”
“I’m very accustomed to Roy’s mouth.” She blushed prettily at Roy’s snort. “Well, the things that come out of it, at least. He’s usually better behaved around me but I’m not fooled.”
“You’re a smart woman,” Roy replied, opening his eye as much as he could, which wasn’t much.
“They’re both pretty stiff at this.” Miao-Yin gestured at the brothers. “Good, though, at least they probably were. It looks like they haven’t done this in a while.”
“I’m sure they haven’t,” Roy said. “Ed was someplace he couldn’t get his automail worked on. He was babying it and Al usually doesn’t get into fights.”
“Well, not without encouragement,” Winry muttered under her breath.
“Edward, Alphonse, enough!” Riza called. “You’re wrecking the garden. Roy will murder you.”
“Better not have stepped on my fish.” Roy tried to rouse himself then obviously decided it wasn’t worth it. “Hayate shot him an evil look for disturbing his rest.
“We weren’t near your damn fish,” Ed growled, lunging at his brother one final time.
Al caught his arm and flipped him into the grass. Ed’s metal foot slammed down on a flower bed.
“Riza, was that my roses? Shoot to kill,” Roy commanded, stabbing a finger at the brothers.
“I can fix the damn flowers.” Ed picked himself up off the ground, giving Roy a ‘die now’ look.
“They’re dead. Can’t raise the dead.”
Miao-Yin laughed. “Uncle Cricket, you’re so melodramatic. They’re bruised at best. Riza, I think he’s had too much sun or something.”
Al laughed loudly. “Cricket.”
“No, Cricket is always an idiot,” Ed replied, worrying at a grass stain before clapping it away.
“Roy, Gracia’s made you a delicious pie. Go on inside and we’ll have lunch, then pie,” Riza promised.
“Plan on mushing it up so he can suck it through a straw?” Ed snickered, walking onto the porch with Al trailing behind him.
“Edward.” Winry slapped him hard on the back of the head.
“Aww, come on, how could I resist?” Ed rubbed the injury then nodded to the back gate. “Company.”
Dev let his mother open the gate while he carried a stock pot. “We won’t be staying long. I just wanted to drop off some files for Roy and I thought this might make him feel better.” He indicated the pot with a jerk of his chin.
“Is that the vegetable stew?” A hopeful look dawned on Roy’s face.
“I know you like it.”
“Well, good,” Riza said. “We were just about to get lunch started. Pop that on the stove please, Dev. Is there enough for everyone?”
“And then some,” Mrs. Jasso assured them.
Gracia and Winry helped Roy maneuver back into the house, his lone eye bearing a determined look or at least it seemed through the swelling. Ensconced on the couch, he accepted the files from Mrs. Jasso as her son headed into the kitchen with his burden.
“Should you be working?” Gracia fretted.
“I can handle reading stuff,” he assured her.
“As if you’d be honest if you couldn’t. You work too hard,” Gracia said and Edward snorted at that. Gracia tapped Ed’s shoulder. “He does, just like you do. I haven’t forgotten the times Maes had to all but kidnap Roy to make him go have some fun.”
“Yeah? Was that before or after his nap in the office?” Ed smirked.
“Brother, you can be a real jerk.” Al just wagged his head but his brother refused to look contrite.
“Indeed he can, Alphonse,” Roy said. “In fact I think he needs to get back outside and fix all the damage to my yard and garden from that sparring match.”
Ed scowled and started to protest but a look from Winry stopped him. He whirled on his heel and stalked toward the door. He snagged Al by his ponytail. “You’re helping.”
“Ow!” Al twisted and caught hold of Ed’s waistband, yanking up hard.
Winry swatted them both. “Are you two five? Go outside. Do I have to supervise you?”
“Please do. I want my yard fixed,” Roy groaned.
Winry prodded them toward the door, ignoring their protests. Dev glanced over at Hughes. “So, how long before Winry loses control and they go back to killing each other?”
“Two minutes,” Hughes replied, heading outside. “We’d better time it.”
“Absolutely,” Dev said, following him. “Pot’s on the stove, Mom.”
“I suppose that was a mandate to go finish getting him lunch.” Hala glared at her son’s back.
“You can give Li-Ying and me a hand in the kitchen since the men are obviously expecting food to magic itself into their bowls today.” Riza rolled her eyes, heading for the kitchen. Hala followed her.
“I’ll be in to help in a minute,” Gracia called after them then, when she was satisfied that she was alone, she sat down near Roy’s feet on the couch. “Can I ask you something?”
Roy’s face twisted. He wasn’t sure he was up to questions, at least ones not as grave as Gracia’s expression led him to believe she might ask. He nodded any how. “Of course.”
“What do you think of him?” She rested her hand on his knee, not needing to clarify who she meant. “I know you told me a little about him when you first told me what happened but honestly I didn’t hear a word of it. I was too upset.”
Roy shifted, trying to sit back up but she stopped him. Sighing, he settled back. “I have to remind myself he’s not Maes, if that tells you anything. They are so much alike. I know the brothers love him like he was family.” Roy felt his eye sting and promised himself he wouldn’t get emotional now. “You know how much I relied on your husband, all the things he did for me. In some ways, I think you held together better than I did after Maes died.”
“I doubt it,” she replied softly. “But I know he was always afraid for you, Roy. You kept him up nights worrying.”
Roy frowned. “Sorry. The point is, I’m starting to rely on his double to do the same. I think he’s as good a man as our Maes. The important thing is, how do you feel about him?”
“I let him see Elicia,” Gracia said, her eyes widening at the admission then quickly added, “from a distance.”
“He told me. I know that was hard on you,” Roy fumbled for her hand. “Both of you.”
“So hard.” Gracia let the fingers of her other hand play over a pretty marcasite bouquet of flowers she wore pinned over one shoulder. “He got me this that same day. One minute I think, the best thing for Elicia would be to have her father back, then I think but what if Meinhard and I don’t get along, that we’re both too different from the people we lost?” She looked away from Roy. “Though being exactly the same might even be worse.”
“I wish I could make this easier on you, Gracia.” He squeezed her hand gently.
“There is nothing you can do. I know Maes wouldn’t want me to be alone but…”
“You’re not sure if this would be what he’d have envisioned.”
“Exactly.”
“I can only tell you that he wouldn’t want you to be all alone, Gracia. It was his greatest fear. We talked about it, as soldiers do,” Roy said. “I was supposed to take care of you if anything happened. I did a poor job, running away to the north like I did.”
“You’re only human, Roy. You did your best and I shouldn’t be part of your burden.” Gracia squeezed his hand this time. “It feels like I’m falling in love all over again. It’s frightening.”
“Hughes isn’t going anywhere, Gracia. I don’t think Olivia would let him even if he wanted to go. He’ll be here. Not that I’m saying you should keep him around just because of that but it’s a reality you’ll both have to deal with. If you need me to say it, I think he’s a good man and I don’t think it’s disrespectful to Maes if you wanted him in your life. It’s odd but in a way, I think he would have understood.”
Gracia leaned over and kissed Roy’s forehead. “You’re a very sweet man, Roy.”
“Eww, Mrs. Hughes!”
She startled back against the couch and Roy glared up at Ed as the outdoor bunch found their way back in. “That yard better be pristine, Edward,” he snapped.
“Better than you left it. Ever hear of a lawn mower?” Edward replied flippantly.
“I might not like alchemy much, but it does come in handy,” Dev added, obviously impressed by what the brothers had done.
Gracia got up and went over to Hughes, smiling up at him. “You have a very good friend in Roy.”
He pulled her against him gently, rubbing a hand over her back. “I’m quickly learning that,” he said, ignoring the disgusted noises Ed and Dev offered up. He grinned, hearing the swatting sounds and Winry’s admonishment.
“Lunch is ready come and get it,” Riza called, poking her head back into the room. “Except you, Roy. You stay parked right where you are. We’ll bring it out.”
“I’m not an invalid,” Roy protested but made no real move to rouse himself from his comfortable position. The most he managed was to sit up and make room for someone else. It didn’t take long for the never ending “why can’t they go home (even if they don’t have a home) crowd” to settle around his living room, steaming bowls of stew in hand. Roy took a taste, smiling broadly. “Ah, Mom made this stew.”
”How did you know?” Dev’s ruby eyes went wide and curious.
“Tastes even better than yours and, while I’ve never had many mom-made dishes in recent years, I know Mom’s is always the best.”
“My son warned me you’re a shameless flatterer. I can see he’s right,” Hala said, a hint of a blush on her cheeks.
“I can’t even pretend it’s not true.”
“Only to people not related to him,” Li-Ying sniffed. “I had to cancel a date with Alex Louis to take care of him and he’s spent the day so far whining or not listening to reason.”
“Who are you kidding? I’m surrounded by people. You wanted to stay and take care of me. You didn’t have to,” Roy insisted. “It’s hard to be alone around here.”
“As if you’re in any shape to enjoy alone time,” Hughes said and all eyes flicked his way. He shrugged one shoulder. “What? You knew someone was going to say it.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t think it would be you .” Roy pouted.
“Good one, Hughes.” Ed grinned.
“I’ll bet I was the one expected to say it.” Dev glared at Roy on principal.
“Everyone who is picking on me can go home now.” Roy sulked over his bowl of stew.
“Barring your sister and Dev, we sort of live here,” Hughes replied.
“Speak for yourself,” Ed huffed. “I’m just here because Winry wanted to come.”
“You mean you have a place and haven’t taken me there yet?” Winry nudged his ankle.
“He figures he’s living under your bed, or in it, until Pinako finally notices something smells funny and comes to investigate,” Roy huffed.
“Under my bed? No wonder the mattress has been so lumpy.” Winry laughed.
Ed wagged his spoon at her. “Do not encourage him,” he said just as someone knocked on the door.
“Could anyone but Roy please answer that,” Riza said, trying to juggle her bowl to keep it from the dog.
Ed and Dev just looked at each other. Al sighed and went to answer it. He came back with a box and the rest of the mail. He handed the mail to Riza and set the box on the table only then noticed the huge eyes he was getting from the soon-to-be-married couple.
“What? I can open this for you,” Al said, reaching for the box.
“Let’s not open it at all,” Roy said, his voice tight.
Al canted his gaze over to him. “I don’t understand.”
“Last time he got a package he and I nearly ended up as commingled pieces and that is not how I want to spend eternity,” Dev grumbled, picking up his bowl and moving as far away as he could from the box and still be in the same room.
“Roy, it’s from Hua,” Li-Ying said. “I can see the address clearly.”
“The last box looked like it belonged to me too,” Roy replied, his hands feeling so very cold. He hated being afraid like this.
“She told me she was sending some and I told her to put a little mark on the box. Don’t think for a moment we forgot someone tried to kill you this way,” Li-Ying said, her eyes fever bright. “See the little script.” She pointed to a tiny red Xingese letter. “What does it say?”
“Cricket’s.” He sighed. “I guess no one else would know that. Especially if we’re right about the bomber being an Ishbalan extremist. What are the odds she would know Xingese and my family nickname?”
“Nickname maybe.” Dev shrugged and Roy shot him a curious look. “What? I was laughing about it at the center. Tell me that’s not a funny name.”
“Not funny,” Roy growled, his cheeks hot under the bruises.
“Very funny,” Ed said. “So, are we going to open it?”
“You or Dev can open it,” Roy replied and got hostile looks in return. “You are the only two with metal hands. If it blows, not much is lost.”
“Not much?” Winry asked, sharp as a freshly minted blade. “If you weren’t already beaten to a pulp, I’d beat you myself.”
“You know what I mean.” Roy waved her off. “You can always build them another, rather than turning one of us into a fresh client of yours.”
“Here, do it this way.” Al clapped and the cardboard of the box lost all moisture and began to crumble. No bomb fixings were revealed, just a lot of crumpled newspaper and something shiny poking out. “Okay, now you can dig whatever it is out with your metal hand, brother.”
“Thanks for nothing.” Ed grabbed hold of the glimmering bit and shook if free of the paper. He held the thing upside down in front of his face, observing a female figurine with a face on all four sides of her head and countless hands. “What is it?”
“Who is she, you mean,” Li-Ying corrected him.
Dev came over and took it from Ed. “Hua is your priestess sister, right? Is this the goddess you were telling me about? The one with all the eyes to see our suffering and hands to reach out to ease it?”
“Yes. The question is why did Hua send the Goddess to me?” Roy wrinkled his nose. “I don’t believe in her any more than I do Ishbala.”
“She thought it would be a nice gift to bless your house for your wedding. Besides, you will eventually be entertaining Xingese guests here as well as Ishbalan, if I understand Olivia correctly. It might be nice to have her greeting people near the door or in here somewhere,” Li-Ying said.
“We’ll put her in the Xingese-styled room,” Riza said, taking the statue from Dev.
“Hmm, so it didn’t blow up.” Roy stared at the alchemized remains of the box. “So why do I feel like it should have?”
XXX
Rose waited patiently at Armstrong’s door. She wondered if he was even in this apartment. He seemed so happy lately. She suspected he must have a girlfriend. That made Rose very happy. Alex Louis was such a nice man. He deserved every happiness. She contemplating putting down the heavy box she carried along with some other mail and files that Mr. Attaway had given to her to deliver for him but then the door opened and a thick blond mustache twitched as the man possessing it smiled.
“Good afternoon, Rose. To what do I owe the pleasure,” Alex Louis said, taking the box from her immediately. She saw a pretty silver cuff peeking out from under his shirt sleeve that had some of the same markings she remembered from that big glove-thing he wore to help fix up the stone houses in Lior.
“Just business today, sir.” Rose followed him inside with the rest of the paperwork. “Mr. Attaway needs you to read and sign a lot of this. I think it’s to requisition money for school books and medical supplies to help get Liore back on its feet.”
Alex Louis hefted the box. “Did he say what it was?”
She shook her head, her bi-colored hair flying. “Mr. Attaway said he didn’t know who sent it. It just has your name on it and I think this might be part of Colonel’s Mustang’s address here but most of the return label got torn off. He thought you’d want to get it sooner rather than later.” Rose surrendered the paperwork to the alchemist.
“He could have just called me into my sister’s office. There was no need to send you wandering around with such a heavy package.” Alex Louis set it down on his desk.
“I’ll take care of opening the box while you read and sign.” Rose smiled broadly happy to help and Alex Louis handed her a letter opener.
“You should bring your little one with you some time, Rose,” he said, moving over to the big, leather chairs near the book case so she could have room to work on his desk. “I miss seeing your son.”
“Thank you, sir. Just let me know when you won’t be busy and I can make time,” Rose said, slipping the letter opener between the flaps of the box. “This is tough,” she said, hitting something hidden that clicked.
“Rose! Move!” Alex Louis bellowed as he threw himself out of the chair, his big hand hitting the floor. Rock shot up through the floorboards just as the box exploded.
XXX
“This game is dumb,” Ed grumbled, sitting at the table looking at the board game made up of little depressions and colored stones.
“Because you’re losing,” Al replied, “And be quieter, Ed. Roy is finally asleep.” He gestured to the couch where Roy was curled up, Hayate sprawled over his hip.
“I would have bet the bastard couldn’t eat two pieces of that pie,” Dev said, taking another of Ed’s game pieces. “And this is a traditional Ishbalan game.”
“It’s boring,” Ed whined, “And you were totally wrong about General Jackass.”
“That’s my brother, the embodiment of diplomacy.” Al rolled his eyes, glancing over at Winry. “Sometimes I wonder about you, Winry.”
“Careful, Al. You’re not immune to the wrench.” Winry shook a fist at him, grinning. Al made a big show of tossing up his hands to shield his head.
The phone rang cutting off any response. Riza jumped up, running to pick it up, leaving the game of cards she had been playing with Gracia, Winry and Hala. She nearly collided with Hughes who had left off reading up on his Amestrian history book as they both tried to answer the phone before it woke Roy. Riza beat him to it. “Mustang residence….damn, I don’t believe this, Falman.”
“What is it Riza?” Roy lifted his battered head off the pillow.
She waved him off. “I’ll be right there.” Replacing the receiver, Riza turned to face Roy. “Multiple bombs have gone off, little ones which is why we haven’t heard them out this far. I’ve been called in. The biggest of them took out the Ishbalan temple.” Riza gazed at Dev sympathetically.
“They destroyed my church?” His voice trembled, his face the color of old parchment. “But if we were right about who is behind the bombings, how could they do this?”
“They see you as a collaborator,” Hughes said, grimly and Dev lost even more color. “I’ll go with you, Riza. Everyone else should stay here. I can’t guarantee it’s safe, though.” He went over and took Gracia’s hand. “Ed and Al will protect everyone here.”
“My daughter is at the neighbors,” Gracia said, her face pale.
“Don’t worry, we’ll check on her, Gracia.” Riza’s mouth tightened.
“We could go.” Al stood up, hands clenched into fists. His voice shook. “We could get Elicia for you, Mrs. Hughes.”
“Please.” She tucked her fist close to her chest. “But I don’t want to put you in danger.”
“We’ll get her,” Al promised.
“Where do we need to go first, Riza?” Hughes asked.
“You stay here. Falman said the president wanted you to guard Roy,” Riza said, her eyes glittering hard. “It would be safer if everyone stayed put. While they didn’t seem to hit civilian targets, outside of the temple, I don’t want Elicia anywhere by herself either. Hughes, you need to stay here, especially if the boys go. Roy can barely see, let alone defend himself. Winry can shoot, but I’d rather she didn’t have to.”
“I can watch over my brother, too,” Li-Ying reminded her.
Hughes nodded, trading looks with Roy. “I’d rather help you but I see your point.”
“I’m going with you, Riza.” Dev got up so fast he nearly unbalanced the game.
“Son…” Hala held a hand out to him.
“It’s my temple, Mom. It’s where Aris and I preach and someone took it away. I’m going,” he said, his voice hard.
Riza nodded. “You can have one of my guns. Just don’t let anyone see you with it.”
“I hate this,” Hala muttered. “He shouldn’t have a gun.”
“It’ll be okay, Mom,” Dev said without conviction.
“Mrs. Jasso, stay here with us,” Roy said. “I don’t want you out there until this settles. There are more guest rooms here if things go bad. You and Gracia can both stay. Li-Ying, where is Miao-Yin?”
“I don’t know,” his sister replied, a fine tremor running through her body. “She went out shopping after lunch.”
“She’s trained, tough,” Roy said comfortingly. “She’ll be okay.
“I want to go get Elicia.” Winry’s expression was firm as she met Riza's eyes. “Ed and Al don’t know where Elicia is and if the streets are ruined, they won’t be able to find her. I can drive. And,” Winry pointed a finger between the brothers as Ed started to make a protest, “Elicia doesn’t know you any more. She knows me.”
“We’ll look for Miao-Yin while we’re out,” Al said, with Ed nodding a terse agreement.
“Thank you,” Li-Ying said.
The rescue team piled out the door, taking all semblance of sound with them. Those left behind were preternaturally silent for several minutes then Hala made a soft, unhappy noise. “I thought I left war behind me.”
Gracia looped an arm around her. “Hopefully we all have and this is nothing more than a handful of miserable people who can’t be happy with peace.”
Roy sat up, digging in his pocket. He pulled on his glove. “I hope you’re right, Gracia.”
“Roy, can you even see well enough to be wearing that thing?” Hughes asked dubiously.
“Just stay out of my path and you’ll be fine,” Roy replied with a shrug.
“That’s a no,” Li-Ying translated wryly.
“Damn,” Roy muttered, staring at his array glove. “Of all times to be laid up.”
“I know. Where are the rest of Riza’s guns?” Hughes asked.
“Li-Ying, show him the gun case,” Roy said. “Take one for yourself.”
“You could give me one, too,” Hala said. Off their surprised looks, she went on, “I might have been a nurse during the war but I learned to shoot out of necessity. You don’t have to worry about me using the gun on you, Mr. Mustang. You helped my son get that place in the temple and it meant a lot to him. If I see the person who took that away, if they dare come here I’ll gladly shoot him.”
Roy nodded. “Give her a gun, Hughes.”
Gracia glanced out the window. “It’s so sunny, too pretty for this to happen.”
The phone rang again and this time Hughes snagged it. As he listened, his eyes widened behind his glasses. “Roy, you need to take this. I’m sorry.”
Roy struggled up to his feet and answered the phone. “Mustang…Olivia, what the hell is happening? Only Hughes and I are here…yes, I’m up to coming. We’ll be right there but you’ll have to send someone to get us. Riza was called up for the other bombings. She has my car.”
“Roy, you’re not going anywhere,” Li-Ying insisted, catching hold of her brother’s arm.
He twisted free gently. “Hughes and I have to go. They bombed the apartment Alex Louis keeps here in town. He and that little Liorian girl, Ed and Al’s friend, were in the blast.” Roy put his hands on his sister’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry Li-Ying.”
“Alex Louis?” Tears started dribbling down Gracia’s cheeks. “What is happening?”
“Diversions,” Hughes said. “The other bombings pulled resources away. This house could be next, Roy. How do we leave them?”
“Li-Ying can fight,” Roy said, his voice heavy with apprehension. He touched her wet cheek. “Can you? With all this going on?”
“They hurt the man I care about,” Li Ying growled. “If they come here, I will make them suffer. You find who did this, Roy. You hurt them back.”
“I will,” he said in a tone that left no doubt. “Li Ying will fight. I believe Hala when she says she can shoot. And you do it, both of you. Gracia, keep away from the windows. Shoot at anyone you don’t know. Don’t let anyone get near this house. We’ll be back as soon as we can. Call your friend, Gracia. Make sure she sends the brothers and Winry right back here as fast as they can go.” Roy tossed that last bit over his shoulder as he and Hughes went out the door, locking it behind them.
XXX
Anah headed back to the rec center, sunglasses firmly in place and as much of her tanned skin covered as possible while not drawing attention to herself. She tried not to smile as the city burned. She had hung around Armstrong’s place until glass rained down from it. Content that her job was done, Anah kept up a decent pace, not too fast, not to slow, nothing that would make the Blue Coats look at her twice. She had seen a batch of them running toward where she had sent Eyal with his bombs. They’d probably catch the idiot but hopefully he’d go down in a hail of bullets. If not, she had taken pains to hide her identity when making sure he got his orders.
Not far from the rec center, she saw a fire she hadn’t expected. Anah’s heart thudded. She hadn’t thought Sanaa would burn the collaborators’ temple down. It was brilliant and risky. Firemen and soldiers were everywhere. She didn’t know if she could possibly even sneak into the rec center and pretend she had been there all along. Still, their attention was on the bombed out building. Anah took her chances with the rec center, thrilled with how the day had gone.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Author -
cornerofmadnessDisclaimer - not mine, all characters belong to Hiromu Arakawa et al, Square Enix and funimition.
Pairing – Roy/Riza, Ed/Win (eventually) Winry/OC, mentions of Maes/Gracia and Al/OC
Rating – will vary from chapter to chapter, mostly Pg-13 but will eventually contain well marked adult chapters.
Time Line – anime based, spoilers all the way through the anime and the movie and does have strong manga elements such as Armstrong’s older sister and the land of Xing
Summary – As Roy and Riza prepare for their wedding, while dodging assassins, Ed and Al try to find their way back home.
Author’s Note #1– This was written after much prodding by
evil_little_dog as a sequel to the source of sorrow and is now her holiday gift even if she has beta’ed part of it. So thanks to her and lyricnonsense for the beta. You do not have to read the first story to understand this. You’ll quickly pick up that Riza has retired from the military to be Roy’s wife and bodyguard. Olivia Armstrong is now president and she’s assigned Roy as the ambassador to Ishbal; oh and that Roy was severely injured in the destruction of the Gate, requiring some of Winry’s automail.Author's Note #2 - This is a longer work and like real relationships, the ones listed in the pairings, take time to mend and come together. They have to work at it. Hope you enjoy the ride.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter eight
Chapter nine
chapter ten
chapter eleven
chapter twelve
chapter thirteen
chapter fourteen
chapter fifteen
chapter sixteen
chapter seventeen
chapter eighteen
chapter nineteen
Chapter twenty
Chapter twenty-one
Chapter twenty-two
Chapter twenty-three
Chapter twenty-four
Chapter twenty-five
XXX
Chapter Twenty-Six
Home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs – Mathew Arnold
“I came here thinking the smell of pie would make Roy happy.” Gracia sighed, looking out the doors to the patio. Her view included Roy sprawled on a lounger and Maes resting on a chair, looking equally relaxed. Miao-Yin as with them, a disappointed look on her face as she stared out into the garden. “Baking a pie isn’t the same when he’s outside with the boys.”
Riza laughed. “I could go fetch him. He wanted to go out and ‘meditate.’ Naturally, I told him to stay inside and rest like the doctor said but he has just enough sight back that he got out to the patio. I suspect Hughes helped him.”
“Well, that would be like him,” Gracia replied then her shoulders slumped. “Or at least of my Maes…he’s so much like him, though.”
“To the point I forget he’s not ours,” Riza said, a quiet, contemplative look on her face.
“I think I’m falling in love all over and it feels so strange, a little wrong,” Gracia whispered, her gaze slipped over to Riza as if searching for reassurance. “but mostly very right. Is that crazy?”
“No, I don’t think it is,” Riza said, half turning, hearing someone coming into the room. She smiled at Winry.
“Are they still out there sparring?” Winry asked, a sour look on her face.
“I think they’re showing off. Miao-Yin wanted to spar with the winner,” Riza replied. “Hughes is supposed to be refereeing but I think mostly it’s a free-for-all right now.”
“You mean, like the tickle fight from the other day?” Winry rolled her eyes.
“Yes, though at least this time Roy is behaving himself but only because his head is killing him.” Riza opened the door. “We should probably call them in. The pie is cooling and we could start lunch.”
“Food would be a good incentive to bring them inside but Ed and Al have to shower before eating.” Winry waved a hand in front of her face.
“That’s why I figured we should round them up soon.” Riza headed out onto the porch. Miao-Yin looked up at her. Hughes grinned over at Gracia. “They’re completely destroying the yard.”
“I know,” Roy mumbled, stroking Hayate’s fur. The little dog was curled up on his lap as he rested on the lounge. “I’ll make Ed put it all back. He’s the one doing the most damage.”
“I’m never going to get a chance to spar.” Miao-Yin pouted.
“Just as well. They’ll be distracted by your beauty and you’ll kill them by accident.” Roy didn’t open his eye as he smiled. “Start with Ed.”
Winry took a strand of Roy’s hair and gave it a light yank. “I might happen to have a reason to keep him alive, Roy. Do not assign him to die soon.”
Roy chuckled. “Did he finally figure out sex is fun? I was pretty sure we embarrassed him so much that he was left impotent.”
“Roy!” Riza scolded as Winry flushed to her hairline.
“The mouth on him.” Hughes wagged his head then glanced up at Gracia. “Sorry you have to hear that, Gracia.”
“I’m very accustomed to Roy’s mouth.” She blushed prettily at Roy’s snort. “Well, the things that come out of it, at least. He’s usually better behaved around me but I’m not fooled.”
“You’re a smart woman,” Roy replied, opening his eye as much as he could, which wasn’t much.
“They’re both pretty stiff at this.” Miao-Yin gestured at the brothers. “Good, though, at least they probably were. It looks like they haven’t done this in a while.”
“I’m sure they haven’t,” Roy said. “Ed was someplace he couldn’t get his automail worked on. He was babying it and Al usually doesn’t get into fights.”
“Well, not without encouragement,” Winry muttered under her breath.
“Edward, Alphonse, enough!” Riza called. “You’re wrecking the garden. Roy will murder you.”
“Better not have stepped on my fish.” Roy tried to rouse himself then obviously decided it wasn’t worth it. “Hayate shot him an evil look for disturbing his rest.
“We weren’t near your damn fish,” Ed growled, lunging at his brother one final time.
Al caught his arm and flipped him into the grass. Ed’s metal foot slammed down on a flower bed.
“Riza, was that my roses? Shoot to kill,” Roy commanded, stabbing a finger at the brothers.
“I can fix the damn flowers.” Ed picked himself up off the ground, giving Roy a ‘die now’ look.
“They’re dead. Can’t raise the dead.”
Miao-Yin laughed. “Uncle Cricket, you’re so melodramatic. They’re bruised at best. Riza, I think he’s had too much sun or something.”
Al laughed loudly. “Cricket.”
“No, Cricket is always an idiot,” Ed replied, worrying at a grass stain before clapping it away.
“Roy, Gracia’s made you a delicious pie. Go on inside and we’ll have lunch, then pie,” Riza promised.
“Plan on mushing it up so he can suck it through a straw?” Ed snickered, walking onto the porch with Al trailing behind him.
“Edward.” Winry slapped him hard on the back of the head.
“Aww, come on, how could I resist?” Ed rubbed the injury then nodded to the back gate. “Company.”
Dev let his mother open the gate while he carried a stock pot. “We won’t be staying long. I just wanted to drop off some files for Roy and I thought this might make him feel better.” He indicated the pot with a jerk of his chin.
“Is that the vegetable stew?” A hopeful look dawned on Roy’s face.
“I know you like it.”
“Well, good,” Riza said. “We were just about to get lunch started. Pop that on the stove please, Dev. Is there enough for everyone?”
“And then some,” Mrs. Jasso assured them.
Gracia and Winry helped Roy maneuver back into the house, his lone eye bearing a determined look or at least it seemed through the swelling. Ensconced on the couch, he accepted the files from Mrs. Jasso as her son headed into the kitchen with his burden.
“Should you be working?” Gracia fretted.
“I can handle reading stuff,” he assured her.
“As if you’d be honest if you couldn’t. You work too hard,” Gracia said and Edward snorted at that. Gracia tapped Ed’s shoulder. “He does, just like you do. I haven’t forgotten the times Maes had to all but kidnap Roy to make him go have some fun.”
“Yeah? Was that before or after his nap in the office?” Ed smirked.
“Brother, you can be a real jerk.” Al just wagged his head but his brother refused to look contrite.
“Indeed he can, Alphonse,” Roy said. “In fact I think he needs to get back outside and fix all the damage to my yard and garden from that sparring match.”
Ed scowled and started to protest but a look from Winry stopped him. He whirled on his heel and stalked toward the door. He snagged Al by his ponytail. “You’re helping.”
“Ow!” Al twisted and caught hold of Ed’s waistband, yanking up hard.
Winry swatted them both. “Are you two five? Go outside. Do I have to supervise you?”
“Please do. I want my yard fixed,” Roy groaned.
Winry prodded them toward the door, ignoring their protests. Dev glanced over at Hughes. “So, how long before Winry loses control and they go back to killing each other?”
“Two minutes,” Hughes replied, heading outside. “We’d better time it.”
“Absolutely,” Dev said, following him. “Pot’s on the stove, Mom.”
“I suppose that was a mandate to go finish getting him lunch.” Hala glared at her son’s back.
“You can give Li-Ying and me a hand in the kitchen since the men are obviously expecting food to magic itself into their bowls today.” Riza rolled her eyes, heading for the kitchen. Hala followed her.
“I’ll be in to help in a minute,” Gracia called after them then, when she was satisfied that she was alone, she sat down near Roy’s feet on the couch. “Can I ask you something?”
Roy’s face twisted. He wasn’t sure he was up to questions, at least ones not as grave as Gracia’s expression led him to believe she might ask. He nodded any how. “Of course.”
“What do you think of him?” She rested her hand on his knee, not needing to clarify who she meant. “I know you told me a little about him when you first told me what happened but honestly I didn’t hear a word of it. I was too upset.”
Roy shifted, trying to sit back up but she stopped him. Sighing, he settled back. “I have to remind myself he’s not Maes, if that tells you anything. They are so much alike. I know the brothers love him like he was family.” Roy felt his eye sting and promised himself he wouldn’t get emotional now. “You know how much I relied on your husband, all the things he did for me. In some ways, I think you held together better than I did after Maes died.”
“I doubt it,” she replied softly. “But I know he was always afraid for you, Roy. You kept him up nights worrying.”
Roy frowned. “Sorry. The point is, I’m starting to rely on his double to do the same. I think he’s as good a man as our Maes. The important thing is, how do you feel about him?”
“I let him see Elicia,” Gracia said, her eyes widening at the admission then quickly added, “from a distance.”
“He told me. I know that was hard on you,” Roy fumbled for her hand. “Both of you.”
“So hard.” Gracia let the fingers of her other hand play over a pretty marcasite bouquet of flowers she wore pinned over one shoulder. “He got me this that same day. One minute I think, the best thing for Elicia would be to have her father back, then I think but what if Meinhard and I don’t get along, that we’re both too different from the people we lost?” She looked away from Roy. “Though being exactly the same might even be worse.”
“I wish I could make this easier on you, Gracia.” He squeezed her hand gently.
“There is nothing you can do. I know Maes wouldn’t want me to be alone but…”
“You’re not sure if this would be what he’d have envisioned.”
“Exactly.”
“I can only tell you that he wouldn’t want you to be all alone, Gracia. It was his greatest fear. We talked about it, as soldiers do,” Roy said. “I was supposed to take care of you if anything happened. I did a poor job, running away to the north like I did.”
“You’re only human, Roy. You did your best and I shouldn’t be part of your burden.” Gracia squeezed his hand this time. “It feels like I’m falling in love all over again. It’s frightening.”
“Hughes isn’t going anywhere, Gracia. I don’t think Olivia would let him even if he wanted to go. He’ll be here. Not that I’m saying you should keep him around just because of that but it’s a reality you’ll both have to deal with. If you need me to say it, I think he’s a good man and I don’t think it’s disrespectful to Maes if you wanted him in your life. It’s odd but in a way, I think he would have understood.”
Gracia leaned over and kissed Roy’s forehead. “You’re a very sweet man, Roy.”
“Eww, Mrs. Hughes!”
She startled back against the couch and Roy glared up at Ed as the outdoor bunch found their way back in. “That yard better be pristine, Edward,” he snapped.
“Better than you left it. Ever hear of a lawn mower?” Edward replied flippantly.
“I might not like alchemy much, but it does come in handy,” Dev added, obviously impressed by what the brothers had done.
Gracia got up and went over to Hughes, smiling up at him. “You have a very good friend in Roy.”
He pulled her against him gently, rubbing a hand over her back. “I’m quickly learning that,” he said, ignoring the disgusted noises Ed and Dev offered up. He grinned, hearing the swatting sounds and Winry’s admonishment.
“Lunch is ready come and get it,” Riza called, poking her head back into the room. “Except you, Roy. You stay parked right where you are. We’ll bring it out.”
“I’m not an invalid,” Roy protested but made no real move to rouse himself from his comfortable position. The most he managed was to sit up and make room for someone else. It didn’t take long for the never ending “why can’t they go home (even if they don’t have a home) crowd” to settle around his living room, steaming bowls of stew in hand. Roy took a taste, smiling broadly. “Ah, Mom made this stew.”
”How did you know?” Dev’s ruby eyes went wide and curious.
“Tastes even better than yours and, while I’ve never had many mom-made dishes in recent years, I know Mom’s is always the best.”
“My son warned me you’re a shameless flatterer. I can see he’s right,” Hala said, a hint of a blush on her cheeks.
“I can’t even pretend it’s not true.”
“Only to people not related to him,” Li-Ying sniffed. “I had to cancel a date with Alex Louis to take care of him and he’s spent the day so far whining or not listening to reason.”
“Who are you kidding? I’m surrounded by people. You wanted to stay and take care of me. You didn’t have to,” Roy insisted. “It’s hard to be alone around here.”
“As if you’re in any shape to enjoy alone time,” Hughes said and all eyes flicked his way. He shrugged one shoulder. “What? You knew someone was going to say it.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t think it would be you .” Roy pouted.
“Good one, Hughes.” Ed grinned.
“I’ll bet I was the one expected to say it.” Dev glared at Roy on principal.
“Everyone who is picking on me can go home now.” Roy sulked over his bowl of stew.
“Barring your sister and Dev, we sort of live here,” Hughes replied.
“Speak for yourself,” Ed huffed. “I’m just here because Winry wanted to come.”
“You mean you have a place and haven’t taken me there yet?” Winry nudged his ankle.
“He figures he’s living under your bed, or in it, until Pinako finally notices something smells funny and comes to investigate,” Roy huffed.
“Under my bed? No wonder the mattress has been so lumpy.” Winry laughed.
Ed wagged his spoon at her. “Do not encourage him,” he said just as someone knocked on the door.
“Could anyone but Roy please answer that,” Riza said, trying to juggle her bowl to keep it from the dog.
Ed and Dev just looked at each other. Al sighed and went to answer it. He came back with a box and the rest of the mail. He handed the mail to Riza and set the box on the table only then noticed the huge eyes he was getting from the soon-to-be-married couple.
“What? I can open this for you,” Al said, reaching for the box.
“Let’s not open it at all,” Roy said, his voice tight.
Al canted his gaze over to him. “I don’t understand.”
“Last time he got a package he and I nearly ended up as commingled pieces and that is not how I want to spend eternity,” Dev grumbled, picking up his bowl and moving as far away as he could from the box and still be in the same room.
“Roy, it’s from Hua,” Li-Ying said. “I can see the address clearly.”
“The last box looked like it belonged to me too,” Roy replied, his hands feeling so very cold. He hated being afraid like this.
“She told me she was sending some and I told her to put a little mark on the box. Don’t think for a moment we forgot someone tried to kill you this way,” Li-Ying said, her eyes fever bright. “See the little script.” She pointed to a tiny red Xingese letter. “What does it say?”
“Cricket’s.” He sighed. “I guess no one else would know that. Especially if we’re right about the bomber being an Ishbalan extremist. What are the odds she would know Xingese and my family nickname?”
“Nickname maybe.” Dev shrugged and Roy shot him a curious look. “What? I was laughing about it at the center. Tell me that’s not a funny name.”
“Not funny,” Roy growled, his cheeks hot under the bruises.
“Very funny,” Ed said. “So, are we going to open it?”
“You or Dev can open it,” Roy replied and got hostile looks in return. “You are the only two with metal hands. If it blows, not much is lost.”
“Not much?” Winry asked, sharp as a freshly minted blade. “If you weren’t already beaten to a pulp, I’d beat you myself.”
“You know what I mean.” Roy waved her off. “You can always build them another, rather than turning one of us into a fresh client of yours.”
“Here, do it this way.” Al clapped and the cardboard of the box lost all moisture and began to crumble. No bomb fixings were revealed, just a lot of crumpled newspaper and something shiny poking out. “Okay, now you can dig whatever it is out with your metal hand, brother.”
“Thanks for nothing.” Ed grabbed hold of the glimmering bit and shook if free of the paper. He held the thing upside down in front of his face, observing a female figurine with a face on all four sides of her head and countless hands. “What is it?”
“Who is she, you mean,” Li-Ying corrected him.
Dev came over and took it from Ed. “Hua is your priestess sister, right? Is this the goddess you were telling me about? The one with all the eyes to see our suffering and hands to reach out to ease it?”
“Yes. The question is why did Hua send the Goddess to me?” Roy wrinkled his nose. “I don’t believe in her any more than I do Ishbala.”
“She thought it would be a nice gift to bless your house for your wedding. Besides, you will eventually be entertaining Xingese guests here as well as Ishbalan, if I understand Olivia correctly. It might be nice to have her greeting people near the door or in here somewhere,” Li-Ying said.
“We’ll put her in the Xingese-styled room,” Riza said, taking the statue from Dev.
“Hmm, so it didn’t blow up.” Roy stared at the alchemized remains of the box. “So why do I feel like it should have?”
XXX
Rose waited patiently at Armstrong’s door. She wondered if he was even in this apartment. He seemed so happy lately. She suspected he must have a girlfriend. That made Rose very happy. Alex Louis was such a nice man. He deserved every happiness. She contemplating putting down the heavy box she carried along with some other mail and files that Mr. Attaway had given to her to deliver for him but then the door opened and a thick blond mustache twitched as the man possessing it smiled.
“Good afternoon, Rose. To what do I owe the pleasure,” Alex Louis said, taking the box from her immediately. She saw a pretty silver cuff peeking out from under his shirt sleeve that had some of the same markings she remembered from that big glove-thing he wore to help fix up the stone houses in Lior.
“Just business today, sir.” Rose followed him inside with the rest of the paperwork. “Mr. Attaway needs you to read and sign a lot of this. I think it’s to requisition money for school books and medical supplies to help get Liore back on its feet.”
Alex Louis hefted the box. “Did he say what it was?”
She shook her head, her bi-colored hair flying. “Mr. Attaway said he didn’t know who sent it. It just has your name on it and I think this might be part of Colonel’s Mustang’s address here but most of the return label got torn off. He thought you’d want to get it sooner rather than later.” Rose surrendered the paperwork to the alchemist.
“He could have just called me into my sister’s office. There was no need to send you wandering around with such a heavy package.” Alex Louis set it down on his desk.
“I’ll take care of opening the box while you read and sign.” Rose smiled broadly happy to help and Alex Louis handed her a letter opener.
“You should bring your little one with you some time, Rose,” he said, moving over to the big, leather chairs near the book case so she could have room to work on his desk. “I miss seeing your son.”
“Thank you, sir. Just let me know when you won’t be busy and I can make time,” Rose said, slipping the letter opener between the flaps of the box. “This is tough,” she said, hitting something hidden that clicked.
“Rose! Move!” Alex Louis bellowed as he threw himself out of the chair, his big hand hitting the floor. Rock shot up through the floorboards just as the box exploded.
XXX
“This game is dumb,” Ed grumbled, sitting at the table looking at the board game made up of little depressions and colored stones.
“Because you’re losing,” Al replied, “And be quieter, Ed. Roy is finally asleep.” He gestured to the couch where Roy was curled up, Hayate sprawled over his hip.
“I would have bet the bastard couldn’t eat two pieces of that pie,” Dev said, taking another of Ed’s game pieces. “And this is a traditional Ishbalan game.”
“It’s boring,” Ed whined, “And you were totally wrong about General Jackass.”
“That’s my brother, the embodiment of diplomacy.” Al rolled his eyes, glancing over at Winry. “Sometimes I wonder about you, Winry.”
“Careful, Al. You’re not immune to the wrench.” Winry shook a fist at him, grinning. Al made a big show of tossing up his hands to shield his head.
The phone rang cutting off any response. Riza jumped up, running to pick it up, leaving the game of cards she had been playing with Gracia, Winry and Hala. She nearly collided with Hughes who had left off reading up on his Amestrian history book as they both tried to answer the phone before it woke Roy. Riza beat him to it. “Mustang residence….damn, I don’t believe this, Falman.”
“What is it Riza?” Roy lifted his battered head off the pillow.
She waved him off. “I’ll be right there.” Replacing the receiver, Riza turned to face Roy. “Multiple bombs have gone off, little ones which is why we haven’t heard them out this far. I’ve been called in. The biggest of them took out the Ishbalan temple.” Riza gazed at Dev sympathetically.
“They destroyed my church?” His voice trembled, his face the color of old parchment. “But if we were right about who is behind the bombings, how could they do this?”
“They see you as a collaborator,” Hughes said, grimly and Dev lost even more color. “I’ll go with you, Riza. Everyone else should stay here. I can’t guarantee it’s safe, though.” He went over and took Gracia’s hand. “Ed and Al will protect everyone here.”
“My daughter is at the neighbors,” Gracia said, her face pale.
“Don’t worry, we’ll check on her, Gracia.” Riza’s mouth tightened.
“We could go.” Al stood up, hands clenched into fists. His voice shook. “We could get Elicia for you, Mrs. Hughes.”
“Please.” She tucked her fist close to her chest. “But I don’t want to put you in danger.”
“We’ll get her,” Al promised.
“Where do we need to go first, Riza?” Hughes asked.
“You stay here. Falman said the president wanted you to guard Roy,” Riza said, her eyes glittering hard. “It would be safer if everyone stayed put. While they didn’t seem to hit civilian targets, outside of the temple, I don’t want Elicia anywhere by herself either. Hughes, you need to stay here, especially if the boys go. Roy can barely see, let alone defend himself. Winry can shoot, but I’d rather she didn’t have to.”
“I can watch over my brother, too,” Li-Ying reminded her.
Hughes nodded, trading looks with Roy. “I’d rather help you but I see your point.”
“I’m going with you, Riza.” Dev got up so fast he nearly unbalanced the game.
“Son…” Hala held a hand out to him.
“It’s my temple, Mom. It’s where Aris and I preach and someone took it away. I’m going,” he said, his voice hard.
Riza nodded. “You can have one of my guns. Just don’t let anyone see you with it.”
“I hate this,” Hala muttered. “He shouldn’t have a gun.”
“It’ll be okay, Mom,” Dev said without conviction.
“Mrs. Jasso, stay here with us,” Roy said. “I don’t want you out there until this settles. There are more guest rooms here if things go bad. You and Gracia can both stay. Li-Ying, where is Miao-Yin?”
“I don’t know,” his sister replied, a fine tremor running through her body. “She went out shopping after lunch.”
“She’s trained, tough,” Roy said comfortingly. “She’ll be okay.
“I want to go get Elicia.” Winry’s expression was firm as she met Riza's eyes. “Ed and Al don’t know where Elicia is and if the streets are ruined, they won’t be able to find her. I can drive. And,” Winry pointed a finger between the brothers as Ed started to make a protest, “Elicia doesn’t know you any more. She knows me.”
“We’ll look for Miao-Yin while we’re out,” Al said, with Ed nodding a terse agreement.
“Thank you,” Li-Ying said.
The rescue team piled out the door, taking all semblance of sound with them. Those left behind were preternaturally silent for several minutes then Hala made a soft, unhappy noise. “I thought I left war behind me.”
Gracia looped an arm around her. “Hopefully we all have and this is nothing more than a handful of miserable people who can’t be happy with peace.”
Roy sat up, digging in his pocket. He pulled on his glove. “I hope you’re right, Gracia.”
“Roy, can you even see well enough to be wearing that thing?” Hughes asked dubiously.
“Just stay out of my path and you’ll be fine,” Roy replied with a shrug.
“That’s a no,” Li-Ying translated wryly.
“Damn,” Roy muttered, staring at his array glove. “Of all times to be laid up.”
“I know. Where are the rest of Riza’s guns?” Hughes asked.
“Li-Ying, show him the gun case,” Roy said. “Take one for yourself.”
“You could give me one, too,” Hala said. Off their surprised looks, she went on, “I might have been a nurse during the war but I learned to shoot out of necessity. You don’t have to worry about me using the gun on you, Mr. Mustang. You helped my son get that place in the temple and it meant a lot to him. If I see the person who took that away, if they dare come here I’ll gladly shoot him.”
Roy nodded. “Give her a gun, Hughes.”
Gracia glanced out the window. “It’s so sunny, too pretty for this to happen.”
The phone rang again and this time Hughes snagged it. As he listened, his eyes widened behind his glasses. “Roy, you need to take this. I’m sorry.”
Roy struggled up to his feet and answered the phone. “Mustang…Olivia, what the hell is happening? Only Hughes and I are here…yes, I’m up to coming. We’ll be right there but you’ll have to send someone to get us. Riza was called up for the other bombings. She has my car.”
“Roy, you’re not going anywhere,” Li-Ying insisted, catching hold of her brother’s arm.
He twisted free gently. “Hughes and I have to go. They bombed the apartment Alex Louis keeps here in town. He and that little Liorian girl, Ed and Al’s friend, were in the blast.” Roy put his hands on his sister’s shoulders. “I’m so sorry Li-Ying.”
“Alex Louis?” Tears started dribbling down Gracia’s cheeks. “What is happening?”
“Diversions,” Hughes said. “The other bombings pulled resources away. This house could be next, Roy. How do we leave them?”
“Li-Ying can fight,” Roy said, his voice heavy with apprehension. He touched her wet cheek. “Can you? With all this going on?”
“They hurt the man I care about,” Li Ying growled. “If they come here, I will make them suffer. You find who did this, Roy. You hurt them back.”
“I will,” he said in a tone that left no doubt. “Li Ying will fight. I believe Hala when she says she can shoot. And you do it, both of you. Gracia, keep away from the windows. Shoot at anyone you don’t know. Don’t let anyone get near this house. We’ll be back as soon as we can. Call your friend, Gracia. Make sure she sends the brothers and Winry right back here as fast as they can go.” Roy tossed that last bit over his shoulder as he and Hughes went out the door, locking it behind them.
XXX
Anah headed back to the rec center, sunglasses firmly in place and as much of her tanned skin covered as possible while not drawing attention to herself. She tried not to smile as the city burned. She had hung around Armstrong’s place until glass rained down from it. Content that her job was done, Anah kept up a decent pace, not too fast, not to slow, nothing that would make the Blue Coats look at her twice. She had seen a batch of them running toward where she had sent Eyal with his bombs. They’d probably catch the idiot but hopefully he’d go down in a hail of bullets. If not, she had taken pains to hide her identity when making sure he got his orders.
Not far from the rec center, she saw a fire she hadn’t expected. Anah’s heart thudded. She hadn’t thought Sanaa would burn the collaborators’ temple down. It was brilliant and risky. Firemen and soldiers were everywhere. She didn’t know if she could possibly even sneak into the rec center and pretend she had been there all along. Still, their attention was on the bombed out building. Anah took her chances with the rec center, thrilled with how the day had gone.
Chapter Twenty-seven
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Date: 2008-12-05 05:32 am (UTC)And is it too much to hope for that Rose got blown to bits?
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Date: 2008-12-05 08:31 am (UTC)You know that fight scene with the Koi pond is giving me bad ideas for a Ranma / FMA crossover. Ed would be quite fun to write with a Nyannichuan curse...
Oh, and I went to elementary school with a kid whose siblings had named him Cricket for the exact same reason as you mention. ^^
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Date: 2008-12-05 04:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-05 05:14 pm (UTC)Oh man, a Ranma crossover would be pure fun crack. Girl type Ed would be great.
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Date: 2008-12-05 06:04 pm (UTC)Oh lord, Ed with that curse...giggles
so did I which is where i got Cricket
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Date: 2008-12-05 06:40 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-05 06:42 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-05 07:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-05 08:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-05 08:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-05 09:19 pm (UTC)still loving it ;-) Hope to read a new chapter soon
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Date: 2008-12-05 09:54 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-06 02:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-06 02:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-08 03:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-08 03:26 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-08 04:27 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-08 04:27 am (UTC)Armstrong is resourceful
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Date: 2008-12-08 05:02 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-08 05:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2008-12-13 07:10 am (UTC)I also love how you're taking a slow approach to Hughes and Gracia's romance--nice build up towards them finally connecting.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
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Date: 2008-12-13 10:10 pm (UTC)And it means a lot that you like the romance. I don't consider that a strongsuit so thank you.