an: heyyy another one! nano is going well so i've finally been able to slip into some kind of weekly schedule again for updates. hope you enjoy!

song for this chapter: within temptation - faster


1914

i can't live in a fairytale of lies

and i can't hide from the feeling cause it's right

Tensions were high in the Mustang household.

Roy spent more time in his work office after hours than was usual. He was planning, organising an attack, for what, Riza wasn't privy to just yet. Her main focus was keeping Mia distracted and entertained so Roy could work in some semblance of peace, however even that was becoming more of a struggle for her nowadays. Her lower back was almost in constant pain by the time they were sitting down to dinner. Riza fatigued more quickly and her brain was frazzled. Headaches pestered her throughout the day, completely unwelcome, from two different fronts.

On one hand, she was nearing the end of her pregnancy, which was a blessing. According to the doctor yesterday, the child was at full term and could come at any time, even though she still had a few weeks until her due date. Riza would welcome that wholeheartedly. The aches and pains were a lot worse this time around than they were with Mia.

On the other hand, her final teaching exam had been looming. Throughout the day she had notes spread across every surface as she studied and crammed for it. Looking after Mia while Roy 'unofficially' worked in the evening was nothing Riza would ever complain about, however it would have been nice to have had the extra energy afterwards to at least look over some notes while in bed. By the time her head hit the pillow she was asleep.

After taking the exam, a huge weight was lifted off Riza's shoulders. Then the nerves kicked in, waiting for results. The professor had advised it would take a few weeks to get back to them all, but Riza just wanted to know. She wanted to be successful. After years of work, she wanted it to pay off. It had been two weeks since the exam.

Despite working harder, Roy was as attentive as ever. He was worrying about her. Riza reassured she was fine, just exhausted. Roy thought she was stressed. Admittedly, Riza did think that was true as well. She was aware that would be bad for the baby but with everything hitting at once, and them not being able to do anything about the timing, it didn't leave Riza with much choice. Powering through as best she could, Riza managed to juggle everything. Roy still fought to get away from his home office to help with Mia, however the ringing phone would draw him back to plan. With a defeated aura, he'd trudge back through and continue working.

Riza was incredibly curious. Roy would tell her when he was ready what was going on, but every day that passed and with every overheard snippet of conversation, the desire to know didn't let up. It was so mysterious. She'd barely been awake enough recently for him to get a chance.

The ringing phone dragged Riza's attention away from cooking dinner.

"I'll get it," Roy's disembodied voice called through from the direction of his office. Followed by a muffled thump and a quiet curse as he tripped over or banged into something.

Snorting, Riza nodded and left him to it, rolling her sore shoulders. The stretching of the skin brought quick relief as she stirred the pot in front of her. A wave of heat washed over her, prickling sweat on her brow which was hastily swiped away with the back of her hand.

"Riza, it's for you," Roy called through.

That stumped her. She wasn't expecting a call –

Was it her results?

"Mia, stay away from the oven, okay?" Riza turned the heat down low as her heart thudded inside her chest. It battered against her ribcage relentlessly as she entered the hall. Even more so when Roy shot her a grin and a thumbs up. He knew just how much she was waiting on the call from her professor.

With shaking hands, she took the phone from him. Roy winked and skirted around her, walking through to the kitchen to check on their dinner.

"Hello?"

"Riza," a warm voice greeted her. "It's Professor Stevenson."

This is it.

"Hello, Professor."

"I come bearing good news," he chuckled, "although I knew before even grading your test you would pass with flying colours. My assumptions were correct. Congratulations, Riza! You passed!"

A light blush warmed her cheeks upon hearing the compliment, before elation completely overtook her entire being.

She'd passed.

"I passed?" She had to make sure.

"You did, yes," the Professor confirmed, an amused lilt in his voice.

She'd passed.

"Thank you…" Riza trailed off. She wasn't sure what else to say, too relieved just to finally know. Shoulders sagged as her posture slouched. A light laugh left her, happy and content that she no longer needed to worry and wait on the verdict. She felt free from it. Finally.

"I will be sending your certification over to Central University today," Professor Stevenson announced. "It should arrive within a few days, but I will call you and inform you once it has been delivered, if that would suit you?"

"That would be very appreciative, thank you." Riza tried not to gush but it was hard. She couldn't wait to tell Roy.

"Not a problem, Riza. Any questions please do not hesitate to give my office a call. I'll be back in touch in the next week or so about your next steps now that you're a fully certified teacher. Congratulations."

Riza quickly bid him farewell and hung up the phone. She rushed through to the kitchen, the hot flush from earlier hitting again as the wall of heat from the cooking food curled around her skin. Riza didn't care that sweat was gathering on her brow or in her hands. Her eyes found Roy's and everything else melted away, now that her results were finally sinking in.

"Well?" He was grinning expectantly. Given that Riza could not keep the beaming smile off her face no matter how hard she tried, he still waited for her to announce her news.

"I passed!"

Roy whooped loudly, causing Mia and Hayate to jump in fright at the volume. His arms wrapped around her shoulders tightly with a laugh as he rocked her side to side in his pride.

"Yes! I'm so proud of you," he laughed in her ear. "I told you you'd nail it!"

"You did," she laughed as her smile wobbled. Tears sprang to her eyes and she sniffed.

"Are you crying?" He laughed in disbelief, swiping away a tear with his thumb as he cooed softly, pulling her tightly into his embrace. "Oh, Riza!"

"Shut up," she mumbled petulantly, burying her face into his chest with a laugh.

"Are you unhappy, Mummy?" Mia bit her lip hard, her knuckles white as she gripped the arm of her chair.

"No, Mia, she's not unhappy," Roy answered for her. "She's extremely happy! They're happy tears."

Riza was grateful. Another laugh left her, remembering how prone to crying she'd been right after Mia was born. Groaning internally, she hoped that didn't happen again. Rebecca had teased her about it but this time Roy would never let her live it down.

"Happy tears? Like when you told me you were having another baby?"

"Yes, just like that," Roy answered as his hands rubbed up and down Riza's arms. "Mummy passed her big exam so now she's a teacher!"

Mia gasped and clapped together, eyes twinkling with glee. "Does that mean she'll become my teacher? That would be so cool!"

"Not right now, Mia," Roy laughed at her enthusiasm. "She has to wait a little bit but one day soon Mum will be teaching in a school just like yours."

"Oh, wow!"

Riza pulled away from Roy, seeing his grin and the pride on his face. He pecked her on the nose, cupping her cheeks in his hands firmly.

"Congratulations, love," he murmured. "I'm so proud of you."

"Yeah, proud of you Mum!" Mia called to her from her chair at the table. Looking over Roy's shoulder, she saw the bright smile on Mia's face.

"Thank you," Riza breathed, her eyes meeting Roy's again.

He flashed her a grin. "We must celebrate!"


Riza walked through the streets of Central at sunset. The air was cold but at least there was no wind to chill her completely. Still, the winter jacket was pulled tighter around her neck, ensuring it was buttoned right up to the top. Readjusting her scarf, she picked up the pace to walk to Central University. Fingers flexed inside gloves, trying to move some heat to the cooler tips.

The university wasn't far from home. The main campus was a few streets over, barely a ten minute walk. Roy had offered to drive her to the university, however Mia had homework that needed to be completed for tomorrow. So, after not venturing too far out of the house in recent weeks due to their hectic home life, Riza wanted to get out and go for a walk. It was easily manageable, even with her aches and pains, however they weren't as ailing today as they had been recently.

Sucking in a deep breath, Riza enjoyed the light burn it left in her airways, smelling the cold in the air and the aftermath of the rain from earlier in the afternoon.

He hovered of course, as Riza slipped on her shoes, but she felt fine and wanted to go out and get some fresh air. The peace of the walk would do her good after what felt like running around after everyone at home for the past few days. Pouting, Roy had relented, easing up. A flash of irritation spiked within her chest at the assumption that she needed an escort to go anywhere, but Riza calmed herself. He just cared, that was all. Aftering being starved of it throughout childhood, Riza reminded herself that it was a nice feeling to experience, despite how worried he could be about the little things. Shaking her head fondly as she walked, Riza felt a warmth spread across her chest. Roy loved her and cared about her, that's why he hovered.

As directed, Riza asked for her certification from the front desk. Idle wandering left her scanning the notice boards in the reception area while the receptionist exited into a room behind her to pick out Riza's post. There was nothing interesting, some flyers for events that had already passed, but their posters forgotten about and neglected to be removed.

"Mrs. Mustang!"

Turning, confused, Riza stopped dead when she spotted who'd called her name.

Fuhrer Bradley was smiling broadly at her underneath his moustache, his one eye closed with happy cheer. A woman was standing next to him, her fair brown hair falling past her shoulders and pale pink dress skimming the bottom of the ground. A white jacket covered her shoulders, along with a scarf in the same blue as the Amestrian Military uniform. That was Mrs. Bradley, Riza realised in shock. And the small boy who'd shot her a smile was their son, Selim.

"What a coincidence running into you here," Bradley chuckled in amusement as he approached.

Riza didn't trust him one bit.

"Hello, Sir," she greeted with respect.

This man, after all Roy had told her about his treatment of him and the threats that had been made upon her, deserved none of her reverence, however she couldn't make things worse for Roy. She'd continue to play along and play oblivious to it all. That was the smart thing to do.

"How are you doing?"

"Fine, Sir."

"Good, I'm glad to hear it." His expression was nothing but open and friendly. A ploy. "I trust your husband is recovering well from his injury?"

"He is, yes. Thank you for asking."

"Good. I have not had the chance to drop in on him recently to ask personally. Could I ask you to pass on my regards?" His pointed stare felt like a message. Instead of the fear Riza had experienced initially, all she felt now was disgust and irritation.

"Of course, Sir," Riza replied smoothly. Roy would definitely hear she'd run into Fuhrer Bradley tonight. "I know he will appreciate that from you."

"Marvellous," the Fuhrer beamed. "And I have been incredibly rude, I apologise." Turning to his left, he motioned towards his wife and child. "This is my wife, Clarisse Bradley, and my son, Selim."

"A pleasure," Mrs. Bradley greeted warmly, so different from the hidden identity of her husband. As Riza took her offered hand and shook it, she quietly wondered if Mrs. Bradley was aware of what her husband was, or if she was unfortunate enough to be oblivious to it all.

"It's very good to meet you, Ma'am," Selim beamed. "I've heard all about your husband! He's a hero!"

Riza almost flinched but caught herself. That was not a title Roy liked to go by in the slightest.

"Thank you," Riza smiled politely, offering the child no more than that.

"Selim," the Fuhrer admonished lightly for his enthusiasm.

"Sorry," he smiled sheepishly.

"It's all right," Bradley assured. "We must be going. We have a private tour of the premises scheduled for this evening. Mrs. Mustang, it was lovely to see you again."

His single eye flashed as his wife and son offered Riza the same sentiment. It was a warning. For what, Riza didn't know. She just hoped she would never run into him ever again. With every look he gave her it made her skin crawl.

They left the reception area, walking down a hallway further into the University. Riza watched them leave as Selim excitedly whispered about meeting a family member of the Flame Alchemist. Patiently, his father tried to calm him as Mrs. Bradley smiled fondly.

"Riza Mustang?" The receptionist called to her quietly, probably wondering if she raised her voice to a normal level, it would startle Riza. It was certainly a possibility.

Giving herself a shake, Riza shelved the surprise meeting for the moment and shook off the uncomfortable feeling it left her with. Smiling, she thanked the receptionist and took the manila envelope from her hands. Inside was her teaching certification.

The receptionist sat back down in her chair and returned her attention to the notes on the desk, Riza already forgotten as she continued to work.

With shaking hands, Riza unsealed the envelope and opened it up, extracting the certificate inside slowly and carefully. Unsettling conversation forgotten, Riza smiled and felt some relief as she read the paper, citing her as a teacher. Finally. Nestled between shining gold leaf and beautiful swirls of black ink, Riza's name was printed proudly on the dotted line.

Stepping back into the cold autumn night, Riza shivered, tucking the envelope underneath her arm. Winter was almost here. After being inside, the chill tugged at the exposed skin of her face, nipping painfully, as it fought to invade through her layers. Soon, frost would cover the concrete and the grass, creating a delightful crunch underfoot as everyone walked through it.

The campus was empty as she walked across it. In the night, the long, bare branches on the trees would look menacing to a child if they were to come across them. Like something from a scary story. They reached tall into the sky, often silhouetted by the lamps lining the walkway underneath Riza. Clouds hid away the moon in sporadic intervals, darkening the sky for a long bout once she reached the other end of the campus. A gentle breeze had kicked up, so she ducked underneath a sheltered walkway, glancing up at the sky to see the moon hidden from view once more. Walking here would mean a slightly longer walk home, but Riza decided she felt physically able enough to handle it, so relished in her extra time to herself. Heading in the opposite direction of home, Riza took her time and enjoyed it.

Suddenly, as she neared the road she had to cross to reach home, something felt… off. Riza couldn't place it, and her brow furrowed as she approached the crossing, still underneath the shelter of the walkway. It felt like she was being watched. Subtly glancing around, she saw no one. Opening up her ears and focussing on that sense more so than her others, she heard no footsteps either.

Perhaps she shouldn't have taken the small detour...

"Mrs. Mustang."

Riza stuttered to a stop. She froze in place, fear seizing every muscle in her body. She recognised that voice from a short while ago, but there was an otherworldly quality to it. It echoed, like it was multiple voices speaking at once, but that was impossible. Only Selim Bradley spoke with a voice as innocent as that… However, this was anything but innocent. It sounded evil. The hair on the back of Riza's neck stuck up in a warning, her instincts screaming at her to run. Trying to take a step, her feet were stuck, glued to the concrete beneath her feet.

"Please, remain still," the boy commanded gently. "Things will be much easier for you if you did."

Her heels relaxed and lowered back onto the ground, ankles succumbing to a sudden pressure, like someone was gripping them tightly. A breath was sucked into her lungs and she let it go slowly. Her free hand formed a fist, clenched tightly by her side.

"Selim?" Her eyes darted ahead, searching every crevice for where the boy may be hiding, but there was no sign of him. The cars in the distance continued to pass by, oblivious to what was happening under the darkened shelter.

"That's right," he answered, that voice echoing in the suddenly deathly silent night. Riza focussed, determining he was behind her, hidden out of view. "Although Pride is another name I go by. The First Homunculus. That's the more preferable one, actually."

Homunculus.

Suddenly, the shadows elongated in front of where she was standing with a darkness that was not natural. A large eye appeared, staring up at her. It was so unsettling, Riza shifted and wanted to turn and run. It was horrifying to look at, leaving her feeling violated as it stared relentlessly, unblinking.

Despite being urged to remain still, her flight response kicked in. Still unable to move, a pressure surrounded Riza's wrists while another crawled up her ankles and calves, rooting her. Something tightened around her neck, shifting the fabric of her scarf gently, but not constricting enough to cause any pain. Just discomfort. Eyes widening, Riza felt true fear and a sweat broke out over her entire body.

"Please tell your husband that we say hello," Selim purred.

The pressure around her wrists tightened and Riza felt warmth. Something bit into her skin, cutting into her flesh cleanly. She was sure he'd somehow managed to draw blood, but with what? The restrictions on her neck reminded her not to move to look down and examine the fresh wound. If it could cut into flesh that easily then she wouldn't risk it.

"I told you it would be easier if you remained still," Selim snickered as the pressure disappeared from her wrists.

Riza felt she could breathe easier as it did so, however, suddenly the pressure around her neck increased the smallest amount. Choking on her breath, Selim shushed her violently. Out the corner of her eye, Riza saw a black tendril of… of something appear, moving towards her cheek. It flicked towards her, like one would do to an irritation, and Riza felt it swipe at the skin of her cheek. Biting her lip, Riza squeezed her eyes tightly closed as she fought to remain as still as she could. Angering whatever this thing was would do her no favours at all.

"What do you want?" She pushed the words out of her throat, focussing on getting as much information out of the boy as she possibly could. But this was no boy. This… thing was something else entirely.

"Just to say hello. And now, it is time for me to leave."

The restraints on Riza tightened for the tiniest second, all doing so together, cutting off her airway. Another choked breath left her, then the restraints disappeared. The shadows and the enormous eye disappeared in a flash, muting into nothingness.

"Tell him we say hello," the boy whispered into the evening air. "And nothing else. We will be watching," it threatened, fading out completely into silence.

Riza stumbled, spinning in place on shaky legs as she frantically searched for the sweet young boy she'd met only a short while ago. He was nowhere to be seen.

Just like his father, Selim Bradley was not as he seemed.

Rubbing the muscles of her sore neck, Riza panted for breath, eyes wide.

What just happened?

Her knees trembled as she struggled to catch her breath. Finally able to flee, she blindly walked to the road, electing not to cross but just to get away from the university campus. Riza didn't even notice she was walking in the direction away from home. The hairs on her neck still refused to flatten down and her stomach roiled with unease.

Something trickled down her cheek gently, the smarting pain finally registering in her startled brain. Lifting a hand, she swiped at the wetness, feeling a slick liquid coat her fingers. In the lamplight above, Riza saw blood.