~`*Golden Phoenix*`~
(Roy Mustang Love Story)
~`*Chapter. 1*`~
~`*The Golden Phoenix*`~
~`*As far back as I can remember, I've always been the crown jewel of my family...Although, that's not how I'm made to feel most of the time. Ever since I was little, I've always done as I was told, reguardless of how I myself felt. I always carried so much responsibility on my shoulders, and there were always so many high expectations riding on my future, and I always wanted so much to walk the path expected of me, if only to gain the approval of my family members, and two of those family members were my Grandmother, and my Mother. Say what you will, hell, you can even call me a coward, for all I care, but, I guess, the truth is, deep down, I knew I only strived for the approval of my Mom, and Grandmother because I didn't want them to be disapointed. I didn't want to hurt them. But, at the same time, I knew I would never be happy doing what they wanted me to do, because, that isn't what I wanted out of my life, yet, I continued to do it anyway, if only to please them. And it killed me to no end, knowing that I had full knowledge of what I was doing, and yet, I still continued t agonize, and torture myself over it. I wasn't sure just how much of this I could take. I was at my breaking point, and something had to give.
~`*My grandmother had always been a very abrasive person, as well as a difficult person to get along with. Don't get me wrong, I truly enjoyed being in my grandmother's company, she was smart, funny, clever, witty, and fun to be around, hell, on rare occasions, she could even make me feel safe with her, and on those occasions, I felt as though I could tell her anything, and everything...But, whenever I would even come close to telling her anything, I would always remember the bad times, and those bad times always served as a constant reminder as of to why I couldn't tell her anything in the first place. The yelling, the screaming, the fights, the arguments, the harsh words, the hitting...I just...I just couldn't afford to tell her anything, especially, not when my relationship with her was always so fragile, and turbulent. Between my grandmother, and I...One minute, everything would be perfectly fine, and the next, it wouldn't. Our arguments were often full of anger, and bitterness, harsh words were said, and feelings were often hurt in the aftermath of our disagreements. Sometimes, I often wondered just how much more of the constant arguments I could take.
~`*As for my mother, and I...Well...Although our relationship was often more turbulent than it was anything else, we had our good times as well. While my Mother could be aggressive, and while her words could be harsh, my Mother could also be incredibly supportive, and her words could also be so kind. While we did argue, and fight, it's not like it was like that all the time. Sometimes, I would often find myself able to share some things with my Mother...But, not everything. Enough said.
~`*My story begins with a trip to Central. I had been on a trip with my College Alchemy Class, and we had already been on the train for what felt like hours. "Hey, Phoenix! So, are you excited to finally be heading for central?" My best friend, Francesca Aldana, asked, as she sat down next to me. "Yeah." I answered, as I stared out the window. "Hm? Phoenix, what's wrong? You seem kind-of down." She replied. I sighed, "Francesca, you know how we're supposed to be showing off our talents not only in front of the entire Military, but, in front of our own Collegiate panel of judges?" I asked, my eyes never leaving the window. "Well, yeah. Why?" Francesca asked. "Well, as it turns out, my Grandmother's supposed to be on that panel of judges, and what's more is that she doesn't know about this class being one of mine. When I was little, I used to practice Alchemy all the time, but, what my grandmother doesn't know is that I've continued to practice it, and that I've even begun to master it." I answered. "She's what?! Phoenix, you honestly mean to tell me that she doesn't know anything?" Francesca asked again, shock, and surprise clearly evident in her voice. "That's exactly what I'm saying. Francesca, my Grandmother can't know about me, she can't know that I'm there." I replied, as I turned to look Francesca in the eye. "So what are you going to do? How are you going to be there without her seeing you?" She asked again. "Don't worry, I've already made arrangements. I have a plan, but, I'm going to need your help." I answered, a sly grin coming to my face. "I'm listening." She replied, looking me in the eye. "I'm going undercover, and I need you to help maintain my cover once I start showing off what I can do with my Alchemy. I need you to help me hide the Golden Phoenix without actually hiding it." I replied, grinning at her. Francesca looked a-little lost, as she thought my plan over. "Come on, Francesca, really think about what I just said." I replied, gently pinching the bridge of my nose. "Ohhh! I get it now! Hm, sounds interesting." She replied, her eyes lighting up, as she finally caught the hidden meaning in my words. "There ya go. You got it." I replied, gently patting her on the head, causing the both of us to giggle. Little did we suspect...Someone had heard every word of our conversation...And they planned to expose our little plan.
~`*"Welcome to Central Station!" Came the voice of our Professor, as our class exited the train. Finally, we had arrived at Central, and I had to admit, as excited as I was, I was also nervous, and yet, happy at the same time. "Finally!" I half-yelled, stretching my arms above my head, and taking a deep breath, before exhaling. "You're tellin' me!" Came Francesca's voice, as she came up beside me, and stretched, herself. "Well, class, now that we're all together, let's head to Central! Now, we're going to be escorted there by Military personnel, so be on your best behavior, and be polite. You're all going to be divided up into small groups, where you'll be put under the charge of one of the Military personnel. You are to do as they say without question, and without argument, and as I said before, you are to be polite, and be on your best behavior. I better not receive any bad reports from any of them, do you all understand?" My professor replied, his voice firm. "Yes, sir!" Everyone answered. "Good. Now, let's go." He replied again, as he led us all out of the station, and into a pretty huge city. "Wow! Talk about huge!" I replied, as I looked over the city. "I know, right?" Francesca replied beside me. "Come on, guys!" Our professor yelled, as he led us down a pretty long flight of stairs, where a row of black cars awaited us. "Ok, class. Time for you all to be divided up into your groups." He replied once more, pulling a list from his pocket, as Military personnel stepped out of each of the cars. "Ok, first up is..Muriah Akira!" "Yes?" I answered. "You're with Lieutenant Colonel Roy Mustang." He answered, as I stepped forward. My eyes widened in shock, "No way!" I replied, my instructor grinned. "Yes, way. You get to be under the supervision of the Flame Alchemist. Didn't think I knew about that one, did you? Oh, yes, Miss Akira, I know all about your little secret, but, I'll just keep that one in my back pocket to make sure you behave." My professor answered, chuckling at me. I gasped, "You wouldn't!" I replied, a slight blush coming to my face. "Wanna bet?" He answered, looking in the direction of the Flame Alchemist. "Ah! Ok, ok! I'll behave!" I replied, and rather hurriedly, I might add. My professor laughed, "Uh-huh, that's what I thought." He replied, as I came to the side of the Flame Alchemist, who stood just behind my professor.'Jerk!' I thought. I looked up to see the Lieutenant Colonel Roy Mustang, and I blushed, as I took in his features. He had short, raven-black hair, and cobalt eyes, and he had his blue uniform on.'Oh, wow! He's even more handsome in person! I can't believe I actually get to be in the Flame Alchemist's group! This is crazy!' I thought, looking towards my best friend, Francesca. "Francesca Aldana!" Came the loud call of my professor's voice. "Yeah?" She answered stepping forward. We both crossed our fingers, me, and Francesca were so hoping we could both be in the same group. "Lucky you, you get to be with your best friend, in Roy Mustang's group." My instructor replied, grinning. "Yes!" I whispered, as Francesca came to my side. "That was totally lucky." She replied, as we gave eachother a high five. "No, it wasn't. Mr. Anthony's just doing this on purpose. You know he likes to pick on us." I answered. "Mr. Anthony likes to pick on everybody." She answered, we both giggled. "So true." I answered.
~`*"Muta Ronaldo!" My professor, Mr. Anthony yelled again. "Yeah?" Came Muta's response. "It looks like you'll be with your favorite female pair. You're with Roy Mustang's group as well." Mr Anthony answered. Muta growled slightly, "Alright, alright, I'll watch the little babies." He answered, walking over to Mustang's side, as well. "Hey, Muta!" Francesca replied, smiling at him. "Little babies, huh?" I asked sarcastically, grinning slyly. "Shut-up." Muta replied. Muta had long been a dear friend of mine, and Francesca's, and while he often put up a very sarcastic, and laid-back front, that most would consider rude, we both knew that deep down, he was just a big softy at heart, and he meant well. "Todo Baron!" Came Mr. Anthony's voice again. "Yes?" Todo replied politely. "You're with Major Maes Hughes." Mr. Anthony answered. "Alright. Sorry, Phoenix." Todo replied, looking at me, as he came to the side of man with jet-black hair, and squared glasses "Don't sweat it, it's ok, Todo. Besides, I think I'm gonna need a man on the inside." I replied playfully. "Ha, ha! You always do." Todo answered, causing me, and Francesca to giggle. "You know, he's right, Muriah." Francesca giggled. "Hey, I thought I was the one watching the babies." Came Muta's voice, as he looked at Todo. "Muta, she said a man on the inside, you catty idiot." Todo replied, waving his hand, and sending a gust of wind over Muta's head. "Hey, watch it, dum-dum." Muta retorted, balling his hand into a fist, before flicking a small rock at Todo's head. "Ow!" Todo replied, rubbing his forehead. "Come on, guys." Francesca, and I said in unison, sighing. "Boys! What did I say about being on your best behavior? You can fight over the girls later. For now, stow it, and save it for your Alchemy tests." Mr. Anthony replied calmly. "Yes, sir." Todo, and Muta replied in unison, as they both hung their heads low, causing the man with the squared glasses, Maes Hughes, to chuckle at them. "Well, good grief. Aren't you two something different." Major Hughes replied.
~`*"Next up is Duke, Levi, and McKyle." Mr. Anthony replied. "Wassup?" Duke replied, as both he, Levi, and McKyle all stepped forward. "You three are with Major Maes Hughes, as well. Behave." Mr. Anthony warned. "Yeah, yeah, teach. We hear ya." Duke answered, as he, and his friends stepped over to Hughes' side. My body tensed, and my stomach churned, as I laid eyes on those three boys. I hated those boys with a burning passion. Duke, Levi, and McKyle were what me, and Francesca called the Wolves. Those three boys always caused so much trouble both in, and out of school, and this trip was no different. Those boys were constantly disruptive, as well as disrespectful toward everyone but themselves, and eachother, both students, and teachers alike. The three of them had some serious skills as Alchemists, I'll give them that...But they were also bullies, tormentors, and they all seemed to work together, especially when they picked on me, and my friends. It was almost like they would seek us out on purpose, and give us hell for no reason at all, other than the fact that we were different from them. Duke especially liked to pick on me, which often resulted in the two of us fighting, with neither one of us backing down, and both of us giving eachother hell. Duke was into making others suffer, and I think he even enjoyed it. The one thing Duke enjoyed more than anything else, however, was recognition, and there was nothing he wouldn't do just to get it.
~`*Levi's story, however, was different, at least, compared to Duke's, anyway. Levi, and I had once been close friends, hell, he even dated Francesca for a-little while...But, once he got mixed up with McKyle, and Duke, that all changed...He changed. Levi went from being a good, and trustworthy friend, to being a straight jerk. He was a traitor. And when Francesca noticed his behavior, and when she heard about how he had turned on us, and began tormenting his own friends, she was furious, and while she's not proud of it, Francesca ended things with Levi, breaking both his heart...And her own. I felt bad for her, and even though it had been months since then, I was still hellbent on avenging her. I wanted to get back at Levi, as well as the other two, and I wanted to make them hurt twenty times worse than they had ever made us feel. I was going to do exactly what they had done to us, and more.
~`*"Ok, that's everyone." Came my professor, Mr. Anthony's, voice, snapping me from my thoughts. Once everyone was paired up in their groups with their respective military personnel, we began loading our luggage into the trunks of the cars. "I can do that, Muriah." Francesca replied, as I took her bag from her, and loaded it into the trunk. "No, it's no problem, really. I got it, Francesca." I answered, smiling sweetly. "You sure?" She asked, a look of concern on her face. "Yeah, don't worry." I answered, looking her n the eye. I felt a hand at my my wrist, and I looked up to see Muta staring at me. "You relax, get in the car. I'll handle the rest." He replied. "Muta..." I muttered greatfully, as I approached my side of the car.
~`*"Yo, Phoenix!" I heard a sudden, nagging voice call. I turned to see non-other than Duke walking in my direction. "Listen, kid. I don't like you, and I don't know how the hell you did it, but, you sure got lucky bein' put in Mustang's group, and all. You're not fit to be under him!" He half-yelled, standing in front of me. "Oh, and you are?" I asked, sarcasm in my voice. "I'm a hell-of-a-lot more qualified than you are, you little bitch." Duke answered, roughly gripping my arm. "Duke, come on, man. Leave 'er alone. She ain't worth it, man." Came Levi's voice, as he stepped up behind Duke, placing a hand on his shoulder. I grinned, 'Perfect.' I thought, as my arm flinched. "Phoenix, no. He's not worth it." Francesca called, as she got out of the car. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Muta standing at Duke's side, his hand on the ground, and Todo standing at the front of Mustang's car, the palm of his hand aimed for Levi's head. "Duke. Hurt her, and it'll be the last thing you ever do. Look around you, she's got back-up." Francesca called again. This time, Duke stopped cold, and looked around him, carefully analyzing his surroundings. "I wouldn't be worried about the wet dogs at your side, Duke. I'd be more worried about the hungry wolves at mine, if I were you." I replied, preparing to strike. "Mister Duke! That is not how we treat others. You leave Miss Akira alone!" Came the voice of my professor, Mr. Anthony, as he approached. "Ch'! Whatever, man." Duke answered, releasing my arm, as both he, Levi, and McKyle all returned to Major Hughes' side. "Cease fire, guys." I replied, Muta, and Todo dropping their guard. "You ok, Phoenix?" Todo asked, I looked at him, and nodded once, grinning at him. "Todo, I told you I would need a man on the inside, so, keep your eye on them, and don't let them out of your sight. Let me know as soon as you hear anything." I replied. "You got it, Phoenix." Todo responded before getting in Major Hughes' car. "Muriah, come on. We gotta get to Central." Came Muta's voice, as he placed a hand at my back, and ushered me into passenger's seat of the car, where I sat next to Mustang, who was in the driver's seat.
~`*"Muriah?" Francesca asked. "Yeah?" I answered. "Are you ok?" "Yeah, I'm fine, Francesca. I'm just not going to let Duke and his obnoxious Dogs get to me." I answered. "You know we've got your back. We're here to back you up whenever you need us to, Muriah." Muta replied, crossing his arms over his chest. "I know. Thanks, for backing me up, guys. I really appreciate you guys watching my back like that." I answered. "Hell, who needs a full Military when you've got us?" Muta replied, earning laugh from both Francesca, and I. "Ha, ha! So true. The military's got nothin' on our Phoenix." Francesca giggled. "I have to admit, it was interesting watching you all back eachother up. You only see that kind of thing in the military." Came an unfamiliar, yet deep voice, as I turned to look at the Colonel. "U-Uh, Colonel, I-I'm not sure how I should take that." I stammered. Great, I was stuttering, oh, that's all I needed. "It was a compliment." He answered. "O-Oh, um, thankyou." I replied, my cheeks flushing a light shade of pink. "You're welcome." Came the Colonel's response.
~`*Before too long, we had arrived at Central. "Wow, that didn't take long." I replied more to myself than to anyone else, as I got out of the car, both Muta, and Francesca following suit. "This is Central HQ, and as you've no doubt discovered on your own, it's not far from the Train Station, making it a very convenient location. To the left is the Central library, only Military personnel are permitted entrance there. The building that stands at the center is Central HQ. Behind the main building are the parade grounds, and that is where we'll be holding your exams." Colonel Mustang replied, as he too stepped out of the car. "Wow, this place is spacious." I half-whispered. Suddenly, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, as I turned to see Colonel Mustang looking down at me with those beautiful, cobalt eyes on his, a grin creasing his lips. "Welcome to Central." He replied gently. "U-Uh, thanks." I answered, blushing slightly. "Here ya go, kid." Came Muta's voice, as he tapped my shoulder, and handed my bag to me. "Thanks, Muta" I answered, taking my bag from him, and slipping it onto my other shoulder. "No problem." He answered. "Well, we've got our stuff. We'll follow you, Muriah." Came Francesca's voice. "Huh? O-Oh, yeah. And I'll follow the Lieutenant Colonel." I half-stammered, still flustered by the Colonel's hand on my shoulder. The Colonel laughed, "Easy, kid. Don't be uptight. Relax." He chuckled. "Um, ok." I answered, looking towards the ground.
~`*The Colonel led us inside the building, and took us to the barracks. "This is where you all will be staying. My office is on the next floor up, so, I'll know if anything's going on, and I'll always have my eye on all of you." He replied, as we all placed our things in the room. I reached into my bag, and pulled out a golden necklace with a red ruby in it, a silver bracelet with a phoenix carved into it, and another silver bracelet with blue flames on it. "Francesca, I need you to hold onto these for me." I replied, handing the items to her, which, she gladly accepted, storing them in her purse. The Colonel narrowed his eyes slightly, his eyes focusing on the items, as I handed them to Francesca. "Those are very unique objects, Muriah. Never seen anything like those before." He replied, crossing his arms over his chest. I blushed slightly at the fact that he remembered my name. "Well, as you already know, I'm an Alchemist, but, I require those items in order to use my Alchemy, plus, they enhance my Alchemy, making it a-bit easier to use. I channel my energy into the items when I wear them, then, by using Alchemy, I can create flames that bend to my will." I answered, stating more than I should have. The Colonel smirked, "Ah, so, you're a Flame Alchemist, are you? Interesting." He replied, his smirk never leaving his features. "U-Uh, yeah." I answered, that slight blush never fading from my cheeks. "Well, it appears to me you guys are all settled. And since you're the first ones here, I'll give you guys a tour. Now, keep in mind that this building is a Military work place, so, behave." The Colonel replied, as we all followed after him. The Colonel gave us all a tour of the building, while we waited for everyone else to arrive.
~`*Eventually, the rest of the students arrived, and were all given tours of the area. Before long, the time had come for our exams, and we were all given an hour to practice, and prepare. "Francesca." I called, as she looked at me, and nodded in understanding. While everyone else was practicing, and while Mustang was busy talking to Hughes, Francesca, and I managed to slip away completely unseen. We quickly ran into the nearest bathroom, and Francesca slid my items under the stall door, while I slipped my normal clothes off to reveal a beautiful red, and gold outfit with a slightly open chest, that also cut off at about mid-thigh. Underneath this outfit, I wore a pair of black shorts that cut off just above my knees, so as not to reveal too much. I then put on my Golden Phoenix Mask, before slipping my necklace, and my bracelets on. I then slipped on a pair black, fingerless gloves, and red performer's shoes that cut off at the middle of my shins. I quietly stepped out of the stall, and looked at Francesca. "You look beautiful as ever Phoenix." She replied, smiling sweetly at me. "Thanks." I answered, albeit, nervously. "You ready?" She asked, looking me in the eye. "As ready as I'll ever be." I answered. With that, Francesca, and I quickly left the bathroom, and silently snuck through the halls. "Ok, I'm going to head back down to the parade grounds, where the exams are being held. You wait up on the roof, and when they call your name, you jump down, and catch the trapeze that I'll have ready, and waiting for you. You got it?" She asked. "Got it. Let's go, we don't have much time." I answered, as the both of us headed in our separate directions.
~`*As we planned, I made it to the roof, and waited for my name to be called. I gazed down below, and saw Francesca, who stood just behind Colonel Mustang, in perfect position. I watched briefly, as Duke performed his Alchemy, which, meant I was next in line. 'Great, I have to go after him.' I thought, sighing slightly. I looked down, and noticed the Phoenix Trapeze, ready, and waiting for me, Francesca holding the line on the other end, so the bar wouldn't dip, or fall when I caught it, or swung from it. Not even a full minute after Duke appeared to be finished showing off his skills, I dove down from the roof, not giving the judges time to even call out my name, that way, I could maintain my cover.'Let's do this, Francesca.' I thought, as I caught the Phoenix Trapeze with relative ease in my hands. I began to swing back, and forth, making sure that I got enough air. Francesca caught my glance, and nodded, as she pulled on the line. "Are you ready?" She asked, raising her voice. "Yes." I answered. "You've got a-lot of air, you'll have push harder once you let go. On my count : 1! 2!" She yelled, as I hunched my shoulders, preparing to push off the bar. "3!" She yelled again, and this time, with as much strength as my body could give, I pushed off from the bar, and curled my body into a ball, flipping fast, and violently in mid-air. I slowly stretched my body back out keeping my legs straight, as I prepared to land, my body losing air. Francesca jumped in, catching my wrist with her hand, and flipping just a few feet from the ground, flipping over slightly, so we both landed softly on or feet. Once on the ground, Francesca did a high flip, and landed gracefully beside the Colonel, landing on her feet. I looked at her, and she nodded, giving me the go signal I needed. I lept up into the air, and began channeling my energy into my necklace, and bracelets, flames erupting from my hands. The flames wrapped around my body, as I spun, and twirled furiously in mid-air. I then extended one arm over my head, and the other over my side, letting lose a large amount of flames that covered my entire body, and took the form of a Golden Phoenix. I floated in mid-air briefly, before coming back down, my head pointing toward the ground, as I flipped, and landed softly on my feet, the flames still masking my body. I gave one last leap upward as high as I could, and bent my body back, grabbing my ankles, and spinning like a wheel in mid-air, my stomach stretched out. As I came back down, I released my ankles, and landed on my feet, my arms stretched at either side of me, my flames beginning to dissipate.
~`*Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my stomach, as something struck me, knocking the wind out of me, and causing me to fall back. As I fell back, I gasped, as I felt someone's hand tear my Phoenix Mask from my face. Red, and Gold feathers fell around me, as my raven-black hair flew from the mask, before cascading over my back, and shoulders. "Don't you get in my way! You're not gonna beat again, Phoenix!" Came a harsh voice I knew all too well to be Duke's. He looked at me, such anger, and hatred burning in his eyes. I looked around me, and noted all of the shocked expressions, including Francesca's. I then looked to my side at the panel of judges, and noticed my grandmother staring me down, her face a heavy mixture of both anger, and shock. Hurt, vulnerable, and clearly humiliated, I took off, and ran back into the building to god knows where, tears stinging my eyes. "Muriah!" I heard Francesca call, as she ran after me. Those weren't the only footsteps I heard chasing after me, though. I quickly ran into a random room, and stopped to breathe, tears of complete, and utter anguish streaming down my face. I couldn't believe this! My cover was blown! And worst of all, my Grandmother had discovered my secret, a secret that I had worked so hard to keep hidden from her! I was heartbroken, and afraid. I was afraid to face my own grandmother.
~`*"Muriah!" I heard a familiar voice call, as I turned to see Francesca, followed by Muta, and Todo. Lieutenant Colonel Mustang, Major Hughes, and three other Military Officers entered the room, as well. "Muriah, are you ok?" Francesca asked. "No, I'm not ok! I've never been so thoroughly humiliated in my entire life! And I've never felt so clearly defeated!" I answered, tears of anger streaking down my face. "Muriah, what he did was wrong. We'll get him back for that. But, for now, just try to calm down, and relax." Came Todo's voice, as he stepped forward, trying to reassure me. "MURIAH!" An all too familiar voice yelled, as I turned to see my grandmother enter the room, anger, and utter disgust clearly written all over her face. "What are you doing here?! Why aren't back in school?! You should be at the Art Show, not here on some Military Base?!" She yelled. I turned away from her, my hair fluttering to the side. "I asked them to have me removed from the Show. I didn't want any part of it." I answered, my voice soft, but cold. "You what?! Muriah, you are going to go back there, and-!" "No." I interrupted, shutting her down. "You've been beating your head up against this very same wall for years now, and each time, the only result you've gotten is the exact same answer you're getting right now. I don't want to be an Artist, that just isn't what I want out of my life." I replied, my voice soft, but firm. "You what?!" Came my grandmother's response. "I know you can't possibly understand this, but, my career as an Alchemist is more important to me!" I stated, my body beginning to tremble. "Why? I thought all of that Alchemy nonsense was over, and done with, Muriah." My grandmother replied, she sounded hurt by my decisions. "I'm so sorry. But, being an Alchemist means so much to me. And I didn't want to tell you that, because, I didn't want you to be disappointed. And..I know I should've told you the truth about this, earlier. But, I just can't stand the thought of letting myself, or my friends down. Besides, I realized something, I'll never be happy as an Artist, I want to become a State Alchemist! At least, until..Until I can become the Strongest Alchemist there is, I won't be satisfied! I want to earn the kind of recognition that makes my whole body tremble! And for the first time in my life, I have the perfect talent that can make that happen. I'm sorry, but...I can't leave this behind, it's everything I am. It's my entire heart, and soul. I don't care what I have to do to make it happen." I finished, looking my grandmother dead in the eye, completely unafraid.
~`*My grandmother was silent for a moment, or two, before she actually said anything back. "Just make sure you remain in Central with these people, and join their ranks in the military. After that, do what you want." She replied, her voice cold as ice, as she walked away. I turned, and looked in her direction, "Grandmother. Did you at least enjoy what I did out there?" I asked, half expecting an answer to my question.'Yeah, right.' I thought, as I waited for her to answer me. As I expected, her answer never came. 'Well, at least, now, I have my answer. I know I shouldn't leave things like this between my grandmother, and I, but, I've been trying to earn her approval for too long. At least, now, no one can say I didn't finish strongly.' I thought, as I watched my Grandmother to leave the room. "Muriah, you have to go after her you can't leave things like this." Came Francesca's voice, as she looked at me. "No, Francesca. I've been chasing after her for too long, and it's about time I gave that up.It's time for me to start living my own life for myself, and no one else." I answered, smiling at her. "Muriah..." Francesca replied, her eyes reflecting a hint of both sadness, and pride.
~`*Suddenly, I felt yet another sharp pain in my stomach, and gripped the area with arm, before going to my knees. "Muriah!" Francesca, Muta, and Todo all replied in unison, as they all rushed to my side, Francesca wrapping an arm over my shoulder. "I guess, I overdid it." I replied, panting slightly, as I looked up at Francesca. "Can you walk?" Todo asked, I nodded my head no. "I got 'er. Give 'er to me." Came Muta's voice, as he gently picked me up bridle style, as I draped an arm over his shoulder, my other arm holding the bleeding wound in my stomach. "You got her." Todo asked. "Yup. Now we just need to get 'er to a hospital. That wound looks bad." Muta answered. "Duke sure did one hell of a job, you'd think he tried to kill her. That wound certainly looks bad enough." Francesca replied. "Guys, I'm fine. It's not as bad as it looks." I half-muttered. "Hey, you just relax." Muta replied, looking down at me. "He's right, you should really save your strength. Get some rest." Todo stated, as I closed my eyes. "You three follow me, we have a medical wing here. Our Medical Officers are very well trained, and they're some of the best in the country, so, you all can rest assured that she'll get good treatment." Came the familiar sound of Colonel Mustang's voice. The next thing I knew, everything around me faded to black...
