Disclaimer: I do not own FullMetal Alchemist, nor any of its characters. And this disclaimer will act as disclaimer for the whole story, as I will not be writing it on other chapters.

Author's Note: So, this is "The Royal Phantasm". The story, from hereon, is darker, deeper and sublimely more horrifying. This story will contain very matrue content, some are of gore, others of graphic content. I'd also like to thank those who have liked the prequel, "Child of the Dark Morn" and I do hope that said people will also like "The Royal Phantasm". All I can say about this story is more. The "Child of the Dark Morn" was just a sort of test experiment because I was still unsure whether I should continue with it. But the thoughtful reviews of my readers made me continue with the story and I really, very and seriously hope that my readers will enjoy this next chapter in Roy and Riza's lives. Some of my readers had asked me many things and I dearly wish to tell them the answers but I fear to because I will be spoiling my story. So, you'll have to put with me. Now, let us enter the realm of darkness, as the morn fell to the might of the night, so shall humanity fall to chaos.

Welcome to the Royal Phantasm. On Y Va!

Sincerely Yours,
Deathcrest

Chapter 1: The Lullaby

The silence was a hideous monster that invaded the security and sanctity of Catherine's home. The quiet stillness that seemed to freeze time was horrid for a four-year old girl like her. Throughout her life, Catherine had been surrounded by festivity, celebration, revelry and laughter. Even when Mother tucks her in bed, there would always be the soft melody of her music box to lull her to slumber. When she awoke, the bustle of the maids below and the cackle of the birds greeted her with raucous enthusiasm. Yet, as of this dark moment, Catherine heard nothing. Not even the faint scurrying of the disgusting rats, or the terrifying call of the owls. The hush scared her.

Catherine hugged Gloria, her doll, closer. She tried to stifle the tears that were threatening to fall from her eyes and soak the cloth that covered them. Mother had said to wear it and not take it off or she would be very sad and cry. Catherine didn't want Mother to cry. So she wore the blindfold and sat quietly.

The whole house made not one sound.

She laid her cheek against Gloria's. She was so scared and she couldn't even see! She thought of Mother and that brought a smile to her face. Thinking of Mother always calmed her and made her happy. Mother was very good and Father was even better. Father always bought toys for her and made her laugh and would play with her when he came home. He also loved Mother very much and that made Catherine happy. Thinking about them, Catherine began to sing a song that Mother taught her when she was scared, so that she would not cry.

Hush, little flower, oh sweet little flower...

A thud reached Catherine's ears and she stopped singing. It sounded like someone was coming up the stairs! Then there was another thud. Catherine smiled. It's Mother!

So, Catherine continued to sing, this time louder.

Cry not for the sun shall return...

The sound of the footsteps came closer, and it began to sound louder. Catherine sang the next line, hoping that Mother would hear her and remove the blindfold.

Smile, little flower, oh sweet little flower...

Catherine heard the footsteps stop. There was the deafening silence again.

Cry not for the sun shall return...

She heard the sound of a door opening, its hinges creaking. She smiled to Mother. She was happy that Mother found her. "Hello, Mother!" She exclaimed joyfully.

Catherine heard Mother come closer, the sound of the floorboard creaking beneath her weight. When Mother stop in front of her, Catherine said, "Take of the blindfold, Mother. I want to see you."

Hands combed through her hair and Catherine felt Mother's fingers untying the knot of the cloth behind her head. She felt the cloth fall from her cheeks softly, like it was made of air. She giggled as it tickled her neck. Catherine opened her eyes.

She couldn't see Mother properly because it was very dark in the room. She could only see her white dress. Catherine stood and hugged Mother.

"I missed you, Mother." Mother returned her embrace, but Catherine was saddened that Mother did not speak. She looked up, her chin against the velvet white cloth of her bodice.

Mother's face was clouded by the dark, and Catherine couldn't tell if she was happy or sad. "Mother, let's find Father."

Mother stood and held out her hand. Catherine smiled and took it, her other hand clutching Gloria to herself.

They went out of the room and came down the stairs, Catherine holding on to Mother's hand tightly. She was scared that the house was very dark. There was no lights, and the maids weren't around. When they reached the living room, Catherine let go of Mother's hand to sit on the couch, whose back was turned to them. Mother stayed in her place, not moving an inch.

Slowly, Catherine made her way to the couch, the feeling of fear intensifying as she came closer. When she stepped in front of the coach, her voice was stuck in her throat and she was unable to scream.

Mother was lying on the coach, her eyes staring at her and something red was dripping by her neck. Catherine took a step backward and tripped on something. She turned her head and gasped. Father was on the floor, the same red water was all over his favorite white shirt.

"Mother! Father!" Were they sleeping? Why won't they wake up?! "Wake up! Wake up!"

Her parents did not respond. Catherine began to cry, not understanding why her parents won't wake up and cuddle her. She felt the tears trail down her cheeks.

Hush, little flower...

A feminine voice sang and made Catherine look up. There was the woman who she thought was Mother standing behind the couch. Suddenly, Catherine felt her heart beat faster and she couldn't hold back the cry she gave out

The woman moved from behind the couch and came towards her. She extended a hand to Catherine, her other behind her back. Catherine looked at the woman and, for the first time, saw her face, though only the eyes. They were the color of violet.

Take it, they seem to beckon.

Catherine hushed her cries and took the woman's hands. She was very nice when she was so scared upstairs. She would go with her and find out what's wrong with Mother and Father. She came closer to the woman.

"Thank you, lady."

Catherine saw the woman smile, and she felt cold fear grip her insides. Then the woman brought out her other hand, and saw what it was holding. Catherine couldn't take her eyes off it. She was glued to the shining object that reflected her face. In the reflection, Catherine could see her green eyes and brown hair. She also saw the tears spilling. And the fear.

She finally realized what it was.

Catherine screamed. She jerked herself away, screaming, but the hand that was gripping hers was too strong. She screamed and screamed.

Yet the knife was still coming.

oh little flower...

Author's Note: So, how do you like the first chapter of "The Royal Phantasm"? I told you it was going to be darker! Anyway, thanks for dropping by and a review always keep the doctor away!