Part One

She sat in on her bed with her 10 year old son in her arms, his amber eyes looked tired as Teaghan pushed back his jet black hair. "I'll be back, darling, I promise. I got word that the military is getting ready to invade Liore and I need to be there. There's someone I need to see."

The boy looked up at his mother with sad eyes. "But mum, who are you looking for?"

"A friend." She looked at the ring on her left hand. "An old friend." She kissed her son's head then lay him in bed covering him up.

"I love you, mum."

Grabbing her coat she returned his words and left. Downstairs, Teaghan's little brother was sitting at the table cleaning a rifle. She prided herself in not letting him or anyone else know that they were related. It was too dangerous as the name "Aurelia" was soiled by Teaghan's own actions during her time serving the Amestrian military. "Arryn, is it ready yet?"

"Yes sir!" He handed her the gun to inspect.

"Good job. Hey, I need you to watch over Ezra for me while I'm gone and if anything happens to me I want you to keep him safe."

Arryn looked at her sadly. "Teaghan, I don't know what you're planning on doing but just...be careful. We need you here. You've taken care of us even when you were sick and dying. Even during your recovery from your automail surgery you made sure we were looked after. We need you."

She touched his face with a motherly hand and gentle smile then struck him. "Pull yourself together! I didn't raise you boys to be dependant on anyone! I raised you to think for yourselves and watch each other's backs. You're fourteen. I may not be your mother but I've raised you guys. Ten years I've devoted to you now...now I need you to do what I've taught you. Be men."

Rubbing his cheek tenderly where Teaghan hit him, he said, "Yes sir. We will, sir."

"Good, because I don't know when or if I'll be coming back. I'm going to Liore. I know he'll be there. It's time I confront him." She put the gun strap over her shoulder and grabbed an apple. "I have to do this, Arryn."

"You're not going to see him are you?!" He pushed his chair back standing up in protest.

"Arryn, it's been 10 years. It's time he knew about his son. It's time I face him again."

"Aren't you scared? Remember what he did in Ishbal? Sir, I need you to just listen to me. This is crazy and dangerous. You don't know what he'll do!"

She gave a low laugh and said, "Arryn, darling, I'm well prepared for this. It's time. Nothing can stop me."

"I'm not trying to, sir, but, I think you're making a big mistake." He sat back down knowing he wouldn't be able to change her mind.

"Don't worry about me, boy, I can handle myself." She tapped her fingertips on her bare thigh where half of a transmutation circle was tattooed. The other half of the array was on her hands.

"Do you really plan on using that?" His eyes filled with worry.

"Only if the situation calls for it. Otherwise, I'll use my bow." She strapped two silver staves to her hip and back and a hunting knife to her leg. She then slipped her silver pocket watch into the pocket on her shorts letting the chain hang by her side.

"Why do you keep that thing? Doesn't it just remind you of your State Alchemist days?"

"That's exactly why I keep it. It reminds me of the horrors I've seen and the devastation we caused. It reminds me why I'm wanted as a deserter."

"Teaghan, you're crazy. Sometimes I worry about you." He shook his head.

Teaghan went to the door and opened it. "If I don't come back I want you kids to get out of here. Go North and find Roy Mustang. He'll keep you safe. He's an old friend. If anyone other than him knows who Ezra's parents are...Lord, I don't even want to think about it."

Arryn stood up and saluted her. "Yes sir!"

"Good man." She went out the door her long coat flowing as it shut behind her.

Arryn let out a sad sigh. "She said my name way too much and she only ever does that when she's putting herself in danger. I'll never see her again. I just let her walk away to her death…" He bowed his head and a tear fell from his cheek.