Teacher

"Lillian, thank goodness you are home!" Lord Baylor wrapped his wife in a hug before seeing Bailey there with her, "and Lady Amaya, your back as well!"

Bailey shivered as her father hugged her tightly. "It is good to be back," she replied as she softly hugged him.

"We shall hold a celebration, for my family has returned to me." Lord Baylor looked around, "but where is my darling Angelica?"

"She's running a little behind and should be here soon, darling." Lady Lillian replied with a smile.

"Very well, you two run along and get ready." He pushed them toward the door, glowing with joy.

"I thought you said we were leaving?" Bailey looked at her mother as they walked to their rooms.

"It's too early for that, my dear. Enjoy the peace while it lasts." She smiled as the door closed between them, leaving Bailey to herself.

"Well, I'm not about to let my father rule my life." Bailey said to herself as she headed for the basement. "No law will stop me from being who I am!"

Bailey paused for a second as she reached the basement doorway, her old teacher standing in her way.

"Lady Amaya, I never thought I'd see you again. Please, come in." Teacher smiled as Bailey walked into the classroom.

The empty chairs remained ready for class, the chalkboard full of different transmutations, Alchemic books and ledgers lying around ready to be read. Bailey looked around as she recalled all the lessons Teacher had taught to her and her siblings.

"Teacher, why did they desert me?" Bailey sighed as she sat down in her familiar chair. "My brothers have refused their Alchemy skills and sissy has gone missing. They left me here to break the laws on my own."

"I don't know about that," Teacher wrapped her in a hug, "your brothers choose to stay and follow your father's footsteps, and your sister has chosen to live without restrictions. They may be waiting for you to decide where you will be too."

"But Teacher, I can't stop being an Alchemist." Bailey looked up, "It's always going to be part of me."

"I know, child, but that's a decision you have to make on your own." Teacher stood and looked at Bailey. "I have to go now, but don't let what your siblings have chosen stop you from choosing for yourself. You all don't have the same life to live."

"I understand, Teacher, thank you." Bailey stood and looked around once more. "I'm going to go to Central; I will become a State Alchemist. That's what I'll do."

"Bailey, I hope you have a safe journey to where you want to go." Teacher smiled before waving goodbye and leaving. "Just be careful not to be caught here in the kingdom."

"I won't." Bailey smiled before gathering some of the textbooks into her bag and running again. "This time, I won't give myself up. I'm going to find the other alchemists here and help them get out."