Breakfast with her family was… Eventful, to say the least. When they had all sat down and situated themselves at the table; Sabrina noticed that someone was absent…

"Hey," She said suddenly. "Where's Xiao-Mei?"

There was a short silence. Lilly's eyes widened; and she and her parents stared at each other for a moment.

"XIAO-MEI!"

May and Lilly ran to the front room; digging through the bags they had brought with them. Lilly retrieved the right one and quickly unzipped it. A little panda appeared from inside; looking weary and out of breath.

"Oh, my poor Xiao-Mei! I'm so sorry!" May practically sobbed.

"She got inside my bag to take a nap; and I forgot about her!" Lilly wailed; hugging the tiny panda to her chest.

The rest of the family burst into laughter at the table; Sabrina included.

"You know, I kinda wondered where she went," Alphonse said sheepishly, taking a bite of eggs.

Lillian sprinted over to the table; May not far behind. "She needs food! She's weak!" She cried, gently laying the panda on the table between her father and his brother. Xiao-Mei had the back of one tiny paw rested on her forehead; as if she felt faint. She let out a small, sad sigh. Everyone looked amused.

"Alright, calm down, now. I'll go get her something," Pinako murmured, hopping down off of her chair, pipe in hand.

After a good breakfast; Xiao-Mei recovered quickly, taking her rightful place on Lilly's shoulder.

Sabrina chuckled at that morning's memories. It was around two o' clock; and her father and uncle had already said their heartfelt goodbyes and set off. She was now doing a bit of sparring with Lilly and Xiao-Mei; and they were all feeling out of breath.

"Breeny," Lillian panted; using the nickname she had given her cousin when the were little. "Think we could-" She paused to take a breath- "Take a break?"

Sabrina nodded and flopped on the grass; Lilly joining her. Xiao-Mei made herself comfortable between them.

"I'm so happy to be with my family again;" Lilly smiled.

"We're so happy to see you!" Bree said, grinning. Xiao-Mei looked over at her expectantly. "And Xiao-Mei; of course," She added.

"This place is so different from Xing… A good thing, in some ways," Lilly murmured, frowning.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, it's just…" Lilly sighed. "Some of the elders' don't approve of me or Mom; because of Dad… He's a 'westerner'; they say, and he's 'not supposed to mix with the locals'. Even after all he's done for our country; some of them still resent him." Her expression turned distressed; brows furrowed.

"Oh, don't you listen to any of their nonsense!" Sabrina said sharply. "Don't let a couple of old, mean, wrinkled half-wits bother you! Your uncle's the emperor! And if they can't see what wonderful people you, Auntie, and Uncle are… Well, they need to have a mental exam. So, you hold your head up high and remember that, okay?"

Lillian grinned brightly. "Thanks, Breeny. I'll remember."

Bree patted her little cousin on the head. "No problem."

"Hey, guys." Beck called from the back door. "Mom made lemonade! Want some?"

"Sure!" Sabrina answered, quickly jumping up. She ran into the house; laughing, Lilly and Xiao-Mei right on her heels.

The next evening; her father and uncle called. Her mother answered the phone.

"Hi, dear! Are things going alright?" Winry said cheerfully, smiling. As Sabrina's father talked; her expression got darker. "What? But- how?" A long pause. "It can't be, Edward! How can you be sure?"

Sabrina, Beck, Gwen, and Lilly were at the kitchen table; playing cards. May and Pinako were washing dishes from that night's supper. They all looked up in alarm.

Her mother now looked entirely panicked. "No! This can not happen again!"

Sorry 'bout the cliffhanger. It'll be worth it, though. :D