Author's Notes: Well, I am having a hard time with that new name. Nothing seems to really work well. So for now, I guess I am going to stick with "A Time to Heal". I just felt the title didn't represent this part of the story. But maybe it still does, since now it is a time for emotional healing.

I have changed Eastern Outpost to Northern Outpost. Seems I had a bad sub and it was mislabeled. I always thought that was odd that Eastern didn't seem snowy like that, but I didn't really put thought into it. Also, the old man that was stationed there is something I made up. He isn't anyone in the series.

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Telling Her Good Bye: Chapter 2

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Two days later- General's Assembly

"So Colonel Mustang, it appears that you have put in an application for a transfer to the Northern Surveillance Outpost." One of the stern looking generals spoke as he looked over his paperwork.

"That is correct sir." Roy's voice was steady and even.

Another general broke in. "That seems rather absurd. We can't waste resources like that. Sending a Colonel to do the job of a Corporal, ridiculous."

Roy spoke up in light of the argument that was put forth. "Then with all due respect sir, please demote me to Corporal."

"You can't be serious!" Another general could not contain his shock at the very thought.

"Are you sure about this Colonel?" The calm and steady voice of General Grunam could now be heard.

"I want to do something for my country that makes a difference. Currently I am no good to anyone here in Central. I feel that I could best serve the people by taking the job at theNorthern Outpost." The Colonel's voice was cold and distant.

"I see." Was all that came out of the mouth of General Grunam.

"Well I personally don't have any problems with this." General Hakuro was all too eager to get Roy permanently out of the picture.

"All right then, does anyone have a problem with the demotion and transfer request?" There was no answer to the question. "Alright then, we hereby demote Colonel Roy Mustang to the rank of Corporal. Effective immediately. Your transfer has been approved, you will leave first thing tomorrow morning. Dismissed."

With that the Generals disbanded for the day and Roy excused himself from their presence. On his way out the door a gentle hand touched his shoulder.

"I really do wish you would have reconsidered. And here I thought you really were going to take my granddaughter's hand in marriage." The kindly old General sounded slightly remorseful.

"My apologies General Grunman. If it were not for her I would be dead now, I owe my life to her. That is also why I cannot stay with her. She deserves someone much better than I. I cannot bare to touch her with these blood stained hands." The pain and sadness of a man who had seen too much death and suffering spoke clearly.

"So that's how it is. But she is a strong woman, do you forget that she also has that same blood on her hands." The General's words rang through with truth.

"Whydo you think it's any different?" Because she wields a gun and you use your alchemy? Killing is killing. It makes no difference how. There was a war and you both are soldiers. What's done is done. You both deserve to live your lives now. Put the past where it belongs." The General's words were full of wisdom and truth, but Roy had already made up his mind.

"I'm sorry." Those were the only two words he could find. Roy lowered his eyes as he slightly bowed his head toward the man. Turning on his heel he started to walk away.

"Promise me, once you find what you are looking for that you will come back to her. I know she will be waiting. I think you know that too." With that the old General closed his eyes and sighed.

It was after hours and Roy thought everyone had gone home for the day. He sat at his desk, quietly sifting through the drawers. There were very few personal effects. A picture of him and Hughes as well as one with Hughes family, Glacier and Elisiya. A couple of books, some personal notes, and a spare pair of gloves. That was about it. The rest of the desk was filled with files and official paperwork.

Roy took these items and started placing them in a small box. Stopping for a moment to regard the picture of himself and Hughes. Just as he was placing the photo in the box he heard the door to the office close quietly behind someone.

Riza now stood before his desk, the look in her eyes betrayed her emotions. She was shocked and surprised at the sight of Roy cleaning out his desk. "Roy." She started out, calling him by name for the first time in months. "What's happening?" She sounded very concerned.

Of all things he had ever had to do, at this moment he thought this was the hardest that's why he hadn't even planned on telling her. He had worked everything else out. Everything that was except for telling her goodbye. He though if he just disappeared she might handle it better. Or maybe it was just himself that he was thinking about making it easier on.

He looked at her face, as if to burn the image into his memory so he would not forget. But how could he? Whatever happened throughout his life, there was no way he would ever forget the woman named Riza Hawkeye.

"I have been reassigned to theNorthern Outpost." He didn't think there was any way he could sugarcoat it.

"What! How could they do that!" Riza's eyes burned with anger.

"They didn't." He gave a slight pause to her puzzled look. "I requested it."

Her look of surprise was quickly replaced by one of pain. She fought hard to keep the tears she felt gathering, at bay. "Why?" She chocked out, her voice soft and fragile.

"I'm sorry Riza. There just isn't anything here for me to do. I still want to make a difference. I can never make up for all the things I have done. But..." Roy's speech was interrupted as Riza's voice cut him off.

"Why do you still try to shoulder all the burden after all this time?" Her sad voice cut into him like a knife. He was trying to do what he thought was best. What was best for everyone, but instead he only brought her more pain. "I will go with you." She added her declaration.

"No." His answer came out flat and unyielding. "Besides, your transfer would never be approved."

"Then I will quit and go on my own." She wasn't going to back down to him. She couldn't let him do this alone. Why, why did he have to keep torturing himself. Ishbal, killing Winry's parents, his fight with the Fuhrer. He held all of it upon himself, living in a life wracked with guilt.

"I don't want you to come." He looked away from her, no longer able to meet her gaze.

She sighed deeply, her shoulders heaving. "I would expect you to say that." She knew nothing she could say or do could change his mind. "Please, at least let me help you pack. We can have dinner."

"Alright." How could he refuse her? After all that has happened she still stood by him. It was her choice. One which he thought he would never fully understand. Why him? He didn't deserve her devotion. That was all he could think.