October 26th, 1959

Alphonse wasn't sure who was looking forward to this more, him or Elicia. However, he wasn't willing to place bets either way. If he did, he was almost certain to lose. Though, given that they were both standing on the platform in the Central train station first thing in the morning, waiting for Will and Ren to arrive from their long-time absence, and with the arrival of their first child imminent, he would consider them both winners.

"As if I would miss this for anything," Elicia chuckled. Al paused to admire his wife as they waited. It had been almost a full year since their misadventure in Drachma. Her hair, now six inches long, was once more her own and not some wig. It had come in almost the exact same color it had been before, if a shade darker and with a few more white-silvers in a streak on her bangs that Al found rather attractive. Her hand was still tightly in his, but she was here. "Shouldn't you be looking for Will and Ren?"

Al blinked then chuckled. "Why? The train's not even in yet and there's a beautiful woman standing next to me."

Elicia's cheeks flushed with pleasure. "Because you're making me feel self conscious," she admitted, though she didn't look displeased. The last few months had been a little like courting all over again. Elicia had made great strides in therapy and in starting to get back into life, but it still wasn't the same. She hadn't gone back to work yet. Instead she spent a lot of time in the garden, or painting, or quilting and baking with Gracia. Their latest endeavor however had been preparing the guest room for Will, Ren, and the baby. With their kids' permission of course, they had seen about populating the room with the primary essentials – like a bassinet and changing table. They had been assured the Imperial family of Xing had also gifted them with plenty of things for the new little princess! For that was still how she would be considered in Xing, her mother's blood more important to them culturally than her father's, and the Xing Imperial family had declared that in their country the Elric name counted as nobility anyway!

"Well you should be," Al replied, chuckling. "You're eye catching." Maybe someday soon he'd be able to catch her again another way. That was the one thing he still didn't dare press.

Elicia leaned against his shoulder and gave his hand a squeeze. "You're sweet."

"I try," Al kissed the top of her head. The sound of the approaching train drew both of their attention. "Looks like they're finally here."

Elicia twitched, fidgeting on her toes like a girl as they waited. Al tried to look at least mildly calmer. The train pulled to a stop and people began to disembark. For several minutes they waited without seeing them.

"I expect they're probably not moving very quickly," Elicia commented as she stood tight up against Al in the crowd. "Ren's due anytime in the next couple of weeks."

"Hopefully she didn't have it on the train," Al chuckled, though he was joking and truly hoped that wasn't what happened. Surely Will would have found a phone at a train stop and called if that were the case!

"That's not funny," Elicia shook her head. "I can't imagine giving birth on a train would be a pleasant experience."

Al did not comment that having witnessed the births of both of his own children he was fairly sure the labor itself was never pleasant for the woman. A familiar head of hair above the crowd caught his attention. "There!" A moment later a break in the crowd showed Will and Ren coming towards them, Will shepherding his wife through and keeping people out of the way. The reason for his son's protectiveness was hugely evident! Not to be unkind, but given the size difference between Ren and Will, Al was not surprised that she resembled more of a ball than anything else so close to term. Though the flowy Xingese embroidered shirt was elegant even if there was nothing to be done to make her appear any smaller.

Elicia beat him to them, breaking away to enfold first Will tightly in a hug, and then Ren more gently. "You look wonderful!" she exclaimed.

Ren chuckled as she hugged her back. "Thank you. I love your hair," she complimented.

"Thanks," Elicia replied. "How was your trip?"

"Long," Ren smiled. "I don't seem to get nearly enough sleep these days."

"Neither do I," Will teased. "Who was it who wanted rice at two in the morning?"

"Your offspring," Ren turned it back on him easily. "It's so nice to be back in Central."

"Well let's get back to the house where we can talk comfortably instead of standing around here," Elicia suggested.

No one argued. The house was definitely more comfortable and less crowded. Al knew that Elicia still wasn't happy standing in a crowded public area either. "Where are your bags?" Al asked.

"We asked a porter to take them out to the lot and wait," Will grinned. "There was too much for just me to carry."

"My family was most generous," Ren admitted, looking slightly embarrassed. "Perhaps a little over-zealous."

"Don't worry," Elicia smiled reassuringly as they walked out towards the car. "We'll make everything work out just fine."


Back at the house they showed Will and Ren the bedroom and got their things upstairs. Then once they'd had a chance to freshen up they reconvened downstairs in the living room with drinks and soft seating.

"So, cutting this a little short weren't you?" Al teased Will as they sat down across from each other.

"That's partially my fault," Ren admitted. "I told Will we couldn't leave until he was finished, and then of course we had to spend some time with my family."

"But you planned to arrive now when you called originally," Al pointed out. "What if there had been further delays?"

"Or the baby decided to come early," Gracia commented with a smug little smile.

"Then we would be joking about it right now," Will replied glibly as he stroked Toinette. The young calico cat purred noisily. "And I'd probably have had a panic attack on the train and still be recovering," he added with a wry smirk.

"So is this it? Will you two be settling in Central now?" Gracia asked curiously what Al and Elicia had been hesitant to bring up.

Will and Ren exchanged a look. "Well we'll have to visit my family again sometime after the baby comes," Ren answered for them both with an almost apologetic smile, "But I think after a few months I'll be ready to start my practice here and get established."

Al noticed a lack of we in that statement. "Will?"

"Don't freak out," Will chuckled at his expression. "Yes, we plan to find a place here in Central. My research is going to have to take a hiatus, but we've both discussed it and as time permits I'm still going to be making the trips I need to get the rest of the information we have leads for. Though those are going to be shorter trips now and further apart obviously." His expression softened. "There are things I don't want to miss."

"There's nothing to say some of those trips won't be family trips in a couple of years either," Ren pointed out. "So I guess you can say yes we'll be based in Central and home more often."

"Just not all the time," Elicia sighed, but she was smiling. "I hope you know what you're in for with that ambitious a plan."

"Oh we do," Will laughed. "And we might be crazy. If we are, we'll re-evaluate and revise as necessary."

Sensibility; that was good to hear! Al remembered all too well how Will and Alyse had changed their lives. They continued to chat for some time, until Ren wanted a nap before lunch and Gracia and Elicia went to start on it, leaving the boys to entertain themselves.

"Not to pry but shouldn't you be at work?" Will asked with some amusement.

Al shrugged and sipped his tea. "And miss your arrival? I told Breda I was taking the day off. He didn't argue the point."

"Do you think you'll get away with that as much with the new President?" Will looked curious.

"Who knows," Al replied. "Alan's pretty by the book, but he's very reasonable." When it had all been said and done, news had come down a few weeks ago that Breda would be retiring from his position as President of the Military, though he planned to stay on as a General a while longer. His replacement was announced as General Alan Rehnquist, who had worked with Alex Armstrong running the Northern Divisions during the initial stage of the Aerugo War. Al certainly thought it was a good decision. "Either way, the change over happens on Monday."

"Is Mom going with you to the ceremony?" Will asked.

Al nodded. It felt good to be able to do it. "There's no place safer than being surrounded by Amestris' finest in the middle of Central Headquarters," he pointed out with a chuckle. "She wants to go. There's a party at Breda's after the official lunch reception. He wanted me to make sure you knew you and Ren are invited if you feel like going." Really that was if Ren felt like going.

"If we're available," Will said knowingly. "I'm glad Mom's going though. She's so much better than she was the last time we were here." It had been most of a year since they had been in Central and Ren had been able to purge Elicia's body of the rest of the alchemical components. "Or she seems to be." He was obviously fishing for more information.

Al obliged. "She's much better." He stroked Elektra's head as the cat nuzzled up to him for attention. She always did if her kittens were getting any. "She still has nightmares from time to time, but the flashbacks are mostly gone, and the worst of the panic attacks." It was a relief to have days of normalcy. The counselors had assured him that she wasn't seriously depressed or having any other major emotional issues other than the perfectly understandable shut-off reaction whenever Al and Elicia got close to intimacy. It was frustrating, but at least they could cuddle assuredly and things got pretty hot and heated as long as Al didn't get too aggressive and Elicia was mostly dressed.

Al didn't mention that last bit to his son.

"I'm glad," Will looked clearly relieved. "I was afraid she might be putting a good face on things. Mom doesn't like to worry people and you look like you've seen better days."

"So do you," Al retorted, eyeing his son's slightly shaggy hair and face with a few days of hair growth.

"I'll be shaving tonight and I'm sure Ren will have a barber appointment for my hair if I don't get one arranged myself," Will laughed. "At least Ren can't bug me about food. She eats off my plate lately." It was a fond chuckle.

"I thought you looked underfed," Al smirked jokingly. "I'm sure the girls will fix that."

"No doubt," Will snorted, though he didn't take the conversation further along that line. "I have to admit, after months in Xing, I do miss home cooking."

"Well if you're here for a while you'll get plenty of it," Al picked up his cup again, much to Elektra's annoyance. "We're glad you're staying with us," he added then. "Your Mom especially has missed having little ones around. You should have seen her with the kittens," he chuckled. "I hope Ren doesn't mind sharing."

Will looked smug. "You think we didn't think of that when you offered? I think both of us will appreciate the chance to sleep from time to time."

"And eat using both hands," Al added.

"There is that," Will agreed before falling quiet.

"So are you nervous?" Al asked with a slow grin.

Will chuckled and grinned back. "Terrified."

"Wise man."

November 1st, 1959

The Ceremony in which Breda resigned as President of the Military and Alan Rehnquist stepped up into the position was reminiscent of the same one years ago where Breda had replaced Roy Mustang; a rare turnover, but a short and heart-felt ceremony. Edward actually enjoyed it. Breda and Nancy, with Charisa and Niam beside them, looked relaxed and happy. Alan Rehnquist and his wife looked equally happy if a little more formal. Of course, they were the new faces. Going into the position was always more stressful than coming out. Edward was just glad it wasn't him!

Perhaps the best part of the ceremony was watching Rehnquist, newly invested, give Breda the promotion to full four star General he had not technically received before taking on the position of President of the Military, but he had long since earned.

Afterwards came the formal reception, where everyone congratulated Rehnquist and milled about for an hour or so of political niceties. After that, Ed and Winry, Tore in tow, headed off with most of the rest of their closer acquaintances to Breda's house for the real party!

The resignation party was a much less formal affair. Everyone went home and changed clothes out of uniforms and formals before convening for what amounted to a huge barbecue out in the back yard since it was cool but the weather was nice.

"So how does it feel to have all eyes off you for the first time in over sixteen years?" Ed asked Breda when he finally managed to catch up with the man.

"Good," Breda snickered. "Though it's not quite all eyes," he grinned meaningfully.

"Wives don't count," Ed retorted, reaching past Breda for a plate to load with food. "That's not eyes on, that's constant surveillance."

"You haven't been under surveillance until you've tried sneaking a snack in my house," Breda chuckled.

Ed smirked. Today was, obviously, an exception in honor of his newfound freedom as 'just' a General. "Well your whole family seems pretty happy about this."

"It's a relief," Breda replied. "It means I can spend more time at home not working, and more time at home over all. We can do more as a family."

"That's always the best part," Ed agreed. "Just wait till you actually retire. You won't know what to do with yourself."

"Oh yes I will," Breda laughed. "And it's going to start with a whole lot of nothing but fun."

"It's a good thing Alan's kids are grown," Ed commented. "That will probably make this a lot easier on them."

Breda nodded. "That's what Alan told me when he agreed to it."

It was the perfect opening for something Ed had wanted to ask. "Of course I approve, but why Alan over the others?"

"Well I think you know why I didn't ask Al," Breda replied pointedly. "I talked to the others about the possibility of even putting their names in. You were right about Marcus."

"Turned you down?"

"Laughed in my face."

Ed chortled as he filled his plate with food. "He always was the smart one. He's got it good and he has no interest in messing it up obviously. What about Hal?"

Breda shrugged, munching away on a piece of fried chicken. "Brewster said if I needed him sure but he'd rather not have it. He's not one for politics."

That was true too. "So in the end it goes to Alan," Ed nodded. It really was a good solid choice. Well not that his approval meant anything in the long run, but he was glad to be done.

"So when are you really going to retire, Ed?" Breda asked, looking sideways at him.

Ed shrugged. "When I get a boss I don't like."

Breda swallowed a snort of laughter and almost choked on it. "Then how the hell did you ever stay in through Roy?"

"Never said I didn't like him," Ed countered in good humor. "A little hatred tempered with friendship makes for a great relationship with your superior officer."

Breda shook his head. "Sometimes, Ed, you amaze me."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"I didn't say it was one," Breda pointed out.

Ed's grin broadened. "I know. But I'll take it as one anyway."


"So when are you two leaving on this vacation you've got planned?" Maes asked Sara as they stood over by the fence chatting.

Sara grinned. "Saturday; Mom and Dad said they'd take Trisha the whole time we're gone, as an excuse to take a little time off." Not that her parents ever really needed that, but she knew they were looking forward to having Trisha all to themselves for a little while. Sara had been thrilled they wanted to.

"We've been wanting to get away for a bit for a while," Franz admitted, his arm around her shoulders. "This just seemed like an opportune time."

"Of course it is," Elena agreed, smiling. "The promotion deserves celebration." Just a couple of weeks before, Franz had finally been promoted to Colonel. Sara was glad that they were equals in rank again, and that it really wasn't likely to change anytime in the near future! She was a long way from making Brigadier.

"Thanks," Franz smiled, and Sara chuckled at the slightly goofy look. "We haven't been on a vacation in ages."

"Try ever," Sara elbowed him playfully in the ribs. "It's more like finally getting to take a honeymoon." She tried not to, but she noticed anyway a flicker of…was it jealousy, or sadness, in both of her friends' expressions.

"Enjoy it," Maes smiled anyway. "You work too hard."

"You just want some quiet in the office," Sara teased.

"Damned straight," Maes snickered. "Without you around we can all relaxed for a few days."

"What about Kane?"

"Why do you think he approved that much time off?"

"Funny, Maes," Sara laughed, even as she leaned against her husband's side. She was better about not working till all hours than she used to be. Having Trisha had dramatically shifted both of their priorities. Sara would not have traded her little girl and Franz for the world. "If you guys are behind when I get back there'll be hell to pay."

"Yeah yeah," Maes snickered. "Don't worry. The place won't fall apart because you decide to relax for once."

"It better not," Franz warned this time. "Or I'll never be able to drag my wife away from work again."

Sara shook her head. "I'm not that bad."

At that comment, they all burst out laughing.

November 6th, 1959

Sara and Franz left Central on the mid-morning train, heading down to South City for some much needed rest and relaxation! Two words Sara did sometimes wonder if she had forgotten the true meaning of them.

Trisha had been left at her folks' place earlier that morning, very excited about spending a little over two weeks with her grandparents and Tore. Twist had gone there as well. The cat went back to Uncle Al's for the time being. Sara's father had made it clear that there would be enough life under his roof without adding another cat to the chaos. Tore's was enough.

Finally after the chaos of dropping off and picking up and goodbyes, they were alone in their berth and the train was moving steadily southward. Sara smiled and leaned her head on Franz's shoulder. He put his arm around her, smiling down. "So," he asked curiously. "Do your folks know?"

"You think I'd tell them now?" Sara chuckled, watching the world move past the window outside. "It's too early yet. I just want to enjoy this vacation."

"Before you're too nauseous?" he chided gently.

"There is that," Sara nodded. "It's probably the last break either of us is going to get for a while." While Franz' workload was shifting with Breda's resignation, since he was still on Breda's personal staff, that meant things would be a little busy as they got used to a different routine and papers. Sara always had plenty to do. Then at home there were chores to be done, and family time that she refused to skimp for everything else.

Franz nodded. "A couple of years at least," he chuckled softly. "Still, at least this time it's planned."

There was that! Sara smiled up at him. "Planned misery is definitely better than unexpected." She said it light-heartedly however. They had talked and planned for months before actually trying, but now was a good time for them to have another baby and, if they wanted one more, it was better not to wait too long.

"Hopefully there will be less misery all around," Franz kissed her. "I, for one, am looking forward to it."

"Fine," Sara chuckled. "Then you carry it."

"When you alchemists find a way to make that work, I'll gladly volunteer," Franz teased.

"Too bad that's human transmutation," Sara sniffed. "I'd be happy if you could just find a cure for the gut-wrenching nausea."

"We found that last time," Franz replied.

"We did?" Sara looked up at him. Was he nuts? "What was it?"

Franz's smile turned mischievous. "I think it's called birth."

November 12th, 1959

"Concentrate," Edward repeated calmly for the tenth time in the past hour. He and Tore were up in the home alchemy lab working on a control exercise. Where they had been since Tore got home from school. Tore was transmuting electricity out of the air and using it to power a very simple wire and light bulb set up such as would normally use a simple battery. The point of the exercise was only allowing the right amount of current to flow and amount of power to be used as was appropriate. The flow needed to be steady too, to keep the light consistent and not blow the circuit. Trisha was in the room with them, watching with intent curiosity.

"I am," Tore growled, but as he did the light flared brighter. He stopped and a moment later it lessened, then went out.

"If you had full control than it wouldn't vary with how you feel," Ed shook his head. "You put too much energy into the transmutation."

Tore sat back, sweating, and drank from a glass of water. They had been drilling this particular exercise for quite some time. "It was easier to just blow things in Drachma," he grumbled.

"Of course it was," Ed smirked. "It doesn't require finesse or control, just the ability to pump a large amount of alchemical energy into the transmutation and let it go. Things that require more exacting measurement and focus are going to be more difficult."

"You'd think the bigger things would be more exhausting," Tore sighed, draining the water and refilling it from the pitcher on the desk. It was half gone already.

"It's all about efficiency," Ed replied. "The better you are at control, the less alchemical energy is wasted. You may still end up tired, but the end result is going to be very different. Are you ready to try again?"

"Can I have another minute?" Tore asked, sounding pleading enough that Ed believed he really needed it.

"Sure." Better he give it another rested go than continue to be tired and frustrated. Blowing the circuit was not the point.

"Can I try, Granddaddy?" Trisha asked eagerly, with a hopeful look.

"When you're a little older, pumpkin," Ed laughed, ruffling his granddaughter's hair. Downstairs the phone rang, and Ed heard Winry's feet on the floor and her picking it up. The words weren't clear until he heard Winry walk to the stairs.

"Edward!" she called up. "That was Alphonse."

Al called? Ed could guess what that was about. He walked to the door of the lab and opened it, going into the hallway. Winry met him at the top of the stairs. "Ren?"

Winry nodded, smiling. "She's been in labor for a few hours. They're at the hospital but doing fine. They don't think it will be too much longer."

Ed chuckled. "Then maybe we should head on over and wait around."

"I think that's why he called," Winry chuckled. "He, Elicia, and Gracia have been in the waiting room for about three hours."

"So really they just want company." Ed could understand that too. Still, this was Al and Elicia's first grandchild. It was a big deal! "Sure, let's go on over."

"Are we really going to go see a baby?" Trisha squealed from the doorway to the lab.

"Hasn't your mother taught you to ask before listening in on someone else's conversation," Ed retorted, turning around and giving her a mock-stern glance.

The little girl managed to look contrite. "Sorry."

"It's all right," Ed turned around and scooped her up. "Just ask next time. Yes, we're going to go wait for the new baby." He stepped up to the doorway. "You're off the hook for a while, kid."

"Don't call me kid," Tore griped, but he chuckled as he got up and headed for his room, Ed supposed, to get a shirt that didn't have sweat on it.

It did not take them long to pack up and go over to the hospital, where they found Al and the ladies in the waiting room as expected.

"How's it going?" Winry asked Elicia, who smiled.

"Well we haven't seen Will in over an hour and a half, but one of the nurses said things were moving quickly and promised to come let us know when the baby came," Elicia said. "The last time I was in there Ren was doing just fine though. Will was also holding up surprisingly well."

"Well that's good," Ed chuckled; rather glad his nephew was apparently not as squeamish about the process as Aldon.

As it turned out, they had very little time to wait. Within fifteen minutes there was a nurse at the door smiling. "You are welcome to come in and visit now," she said. "Just please don't crowd and keep fairly quiet. We have two other women in labor in the ward right now."

"We understand completely," Elicia nodded.

In a small group they quietly trooped down the hall to the room in which Ren, Will, and their newborn baby currently resided.

Inside, Ren was lying in the bed, while Will sat in the chair next to it, a bundle wrapped in a soft green blanket in his arms. They both looked tired, but that was to be expected!

Al and Elicia got to their son first. "Can I see?" Elicia crouched low over the blanket.

Will chuckled. "Of course, Mom. She's your granddaughter."

That announcement was met with all the appropriate gushing. First Elicia, then Al, and then Winry got a chance to cuddle the newest member of the family.

"Does this beautiful little angel have a name?" Ed asked as he got a chance to hold his great-niece for the first time. She was beautiful, an even blend of Xingese and Amestrian as far as he could tell. She seemed to have her mother's eyes and delicate face. It was too early to tell quite how dark the fuzz on her head really was.

"Minxia," Ren replied.

Ed looked down at the baby girl and chuckled. "I bet she'll be a little minx, won't you?"

Minxia blinked at him but gave no other reply.

Will groaned, but it was in good nature. "Minx? Man that nickname's going to stick isn't it?"

"If she's anything like you it will," Alyse laughed as she came in the door, eyes wide and smile beaming. "Sorry I took so long. I couldn't get out of the office." Edward willingly passed the baby off to her aunt who took one look and exclaimed, "She's gorgeous!"

"I wanna see!" Trisha commented, tugging on Ed's pant leg. "She's my cousin!"

Second cousin technically, but Ed saw no reason to try and explain the complexities of relations to his granddaughter just yet. He smiled. "Sure you can see her." He scooped Trisha up in his arms so she could get a better look.

After several minutes the initial chaos died down. Trisha satisfied, the baby went around for a slower round of cuddling by relatives.

"So why did you come in to the hospital?" Winry asked curiously. Ed knew there had been plenty of discussion about possibly having the baby at home.

Ren chuckled. "That was my call, but both the doctor and I thought it best given the likelihood of difficulty based on the size difference between Will and I."

Will wasn't huge, but he was certainly the tallest person in the Elric family, standing about an inch taller than Alphonse. Ren was tiny respectively, being a couple of inches shorter than Sara and Winry, definitively the smallest woman in the family.

"Well I'm glad that didn't turn out to be a problem," Elicia smiled, hugging them both in turn.

"Not much of one," Ren amended gently. "Apparently Minxia has her father's head."

Will looked mildly embarrassed even as he smiled and shrugged. "Hopefully that means it fits all of your brains, love."

Ed chuckled with the rest. "Well if she gets it from both sides I think you'll be in quite a bit of trouble when she's older."

"Oh I'm in for that either way," Will grinned. "If she looks anything like Ren I'm going to have to beat boys away with sticks."

"Alchemy," Al deadpanned. "It's much more effective."

Will smirked. "I'll keep that in mind."

Alyse rolled her eyes at her brother. "If you're as bad as Dad I pity her already."

"She'll have double protection if I don't miss my guess," Elicia commented.

Ed looked over at Al. So did everyone else. His brother shrugged. "She's my granddaughter and a Princess of Xing right? Of course it's my job to be protective!"

The visit lasted for about another hour. Finally, everyone said their goodbyes and shuffled out to leave the new family to themselves when Minxia started to fuss.

Before they parted ways, Ed gave Elicia and Al hugs too. "Congratulations, Grandpa," he chuckled quietly to his brother while Winry and Elicia talked.

It felt good that Al hugged him back. "Thanks, Ed," Al smiled. "It's a great feeling."

"Isn't it," Ed chuckled. He loved all five of his grandchildren as much as his three kids. Now his brother got to feel that joy for himself. "She's darling."

Al nodded as they separated. "I noticed," he chuckled. "And did you see how happy Elicia was?"

"I did," Ed nodded. How could he not? Of course, that was still one of Al's first concerns. It had been a while since Ed had attempted asking anything too personal of his brother. He didn't want to bring up anything painful, not when Al seemed to have finally forgiven him for Ed's decisions in Drachma. "You know your house is going to be pretty busy for a while."

"I know," Al smiled, genuinely happy. "I'm looking forward to it."