I think I might make it a habit to post a new chapter every Friday- that way instead of posting three of four new chapters in a week, or one or none, I have backups to post if I get writer's block one week. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter! A bit of a wake-up call for Linor here. Next chapter will have a bit of Archer's POV. Chapter 13 will be the start of when shit begins to go down.
The blaring of the train whistle rang in Linor's ears, almost as if to remind her that it would leave her behind if she didn't board soon. Orange scarf wrapped loosely around her neck and standing out against the black jacket and blue jeans she wore, Linor ignored the warning. Not feeling rushed as she should have, she gave a tender smile to the small Hughes family that was there to see her off.
"It was a pleasure to have you, Linor," Gracia said, holding a sad looking Elicia in her arms.
"It was a pleasure to stay with you," Linor replied honestly, "Thank you so much for opening your home to me, Mrs. Hughes."
"You are always welcome in our home." She added with a warm smile. "Be sure to come back and visit, I'm sure Elicia would love to have you stay again. Isn't that right, Elicia?" As if breaking the dam that Elicia was holding in, the child began to sniffle.
"Come back soon!" She wailed, reaching her arms out to the alchemist. Gracia placed the child down and Linor knelt to hug the small girl that rushed into her embrace.
"I will, I promise," Linor vowed before she could stop herself. Immediately feeling a bit guilty at the large promise, she pulled back slowly and ruffled the child's hair gently. "Be good until then, okay?" Elicia nodded her head with a sniff before Gracia came to pick her up once again.
"I appreciate all the help," Hughes said, "Couldn't have gotten it done without your help." Linor quirked her lips into a half smile.
"I don't know, Sheska probably could have gotten it done faster." Moving to place a hand on her shoulder, Hughes returned the expression.
"She's much too busy with the other case files." Linor held back a laugh at the poor girl's misfortune. "Are you sure you have to leave so soon?" Hughes asked. Thinking on it, Linor sighed.
"Eastern Command needs me back," Linor replied, "Lieutenant Colonel Archer is requesting my return as soon as possible." Though obviously displeased with her answer, Hughes nodded. Linor had half a mind to stay the rest of the days she had planned- originally booking the trip for a little over two weeks, but leaving only ten days in- but the looming thought of Archer's phone call had her on edge and she really didn't want to get on his bad side. Hearing the train whistle wail twice more for its last call, Linor hoisted her suitcase up. "Thank you, Hughes… for everything." The man stepped back to place a gentle hand on Gracia's shoulder and gave Linor a smile.
"Like my wife said, Linor, you're always welcome back. Our home is your home too."
"I'll keep that in mind next vacation day," Linor half-joked with a cheeky grin. Quickly hustling into the train, she was barely able to take her seat before the vehicle jerked to a slow crawl. Sliding up her window, Linor poked her head out to wave goodbye as the train rolled away.
#
Much less tired than on her trip to Central, Linor was able to stay awake on her return back. When the train arrived in East City, it was just after noon and Linor immediately made her way to Eastern Command. Upon entering the building, she was greeted with a polite welcome back from the front desk officers- though she knew it was just for the formality, it gave her a small smile, nonetheless. With baggage still in hand, Linor's first stop was Roy's office. Walking into the holding room, Linor wasn't surprised to see Roy's posse all together.
"Linor!" Fuery called, surprised. "Welcome back!" Giving a kind smile to him, Linor muttered a genuine thank you.
"Falman missed you," Breda blurted, the warrant officer quickly clasping a hand over his friend's mouth.
"How was your trip, Major?" Riza asked, adding to Linor's flurry of attention and taking the focus off the two men and the topic.
"It was good, Lieutenant, thank you. Hughes and his family were very welcoming." Getting several shocked looks in return, Linor quickly corrected herself, "Lieutenant Colonel!" But the damage was already done, and Havoc gave a long, playful whistle.
"Linor making friends in Central already," He joked, "Ready for that promotion she's hoping King Furher will give her for helping redevelop those case files." Linor shot Havoc a sneer.
"The Lieutenant Colonel can be very tenacious," She explained, "What are you doing here anyway? Did the Colonel call you in here to dish out more work?" A small hush passed between Roy's subordinates and they eyed each other for a moment.
"He called us in here to brief us on our transfer to Central." Riza finally said, Linor's brows furrowing.
"Transfer?" The younger woman questioned in surprise.
"Furher Bradly specifically requested the Colonel," Breda explained, a frown now plastered on Linor's face.
"I'm sure he'd want to see you first," Riza piped in again when Linor didn't reply. Silently nodding, Linor gently closed the door behind her when she got permission to enter Roy's main office. Seeing the Colonel scribbling something on some papers- probably the transfer forms- Linor placed her suitcase down and waited by the door for him to look up.
"Major," Roy started when he did, "Welcome back, how was your trip?"
"Fine, Colonel," Linor replied faintly, "All the case files have been successfully replicated. I came to apologize for taking Scar's file so suddenly."
"No need, I looked them over beforehand." Silence. "Is there something else you wanted to talk about?" He added plainly, Linor knowing he realized what was on her mind and a bit irritated at his impassive attitude.
"You're transferring," It was more of a statement and accusation than a question. At her tone, Roy's lips tugged into a slight frown and he gently set his pen down.
"You act as if I had a choice," He said seriously, "The Furher specifically requested me, I couldn't say no."
"I know that, but…" Her voice barely above a whisper. "What am I going to do?" She asked desperately when he was silent.
"What do you mean, Major?" The added title felt like a blow to the chest- the two were never the best of friends, but on serious occasions, it wasn't uncommon for them to be on a first name basis. Roy was like a mentor to her- ever since she joined the military, he was always there to watch her back and keep her grounded. He was there to pick her back up when others pushed her down simply for her eye-color; he was her support system for years and now he was leaving. Roy's emotionless tone and professional approach to what Linor though was a serious matter left her speechless for a moment.
"What I mean- You're leaving me alone." Linor stuttered as if the problem was obvious.
"You aren't my subordinate to take," He clarified, Linor's head flooding with words to say, but none forming coherent sentences. Roy sighed and rose from his chair, not able to see her eyes past the shades, but knowing they were glossed over with the thought of being betrayed. "Listen," He murmured gently, finally breaking the formal tone and placing a warm hand on her shoulder. "You can't rely on me forever. You need to stand on your own- move forward by yourself. You're capable, Linor, but you are so afraid of your people's past that it runs your life. You hold on so tightly to the discrimination of your Ishvalan blood, but you need to push past that." Sliding his hand off her shoulder, he gripped the door handle, stopping for a moment as if thinking on his next words to say. "Your race and your past are part of who you are, but they don't define you. Don't let them see you as just 'another Ishvalan', you're more than that." Finally opening the door, Roy glanced back over his shoulder. "I hope you visit Central again soon." He said more formally now that his subordinates could hear before closing the door behind him and leaving Linor standing paralyzed in his office.