Oo Continuing on.
xxxx
The Ghost of Christmas Present has come.
Roy's eyes opened to a bright light coming from the other room. He stood walking out to see a girl sitting on a table, surrounded by food.
"Nina Tucker?" he stared.
"Yup." She giggled, "I'm also the ghost of Christmas present." She said, "Come touch my robe."
"I'm not some pedophile kid." He took a step back. The girl growled,
"Why does everyone think that?" she cried out, "Here take my hand!" she held it out.
"Make it quick." He sighed taking it. Like the speed of light they were outside a house.
"I know this house, it's Rose's house." They peered in the window. "Where's Edward, and Azzy?" he asked seeing only his niece and little Milly set the table. The door next to him opened and there was Edward, Azzy in his arms.
"How'd the doctors appointment go?" she smiled, Milly ran over with a crutch. Handing it to Azzy. Roy's heart sank, watching Azzy hop over to the table, one leg up, the other in a brace.
"Fine." He said, calmly, "Everything is the same." He helped little Azzy into a chair.
xxxx
After eating they all sat around, laughing and smiling. Roy frowned watching Azzy, coughing in pain, but she still smiled with her family."
"What…What's wrong with her? Why didn't Rose tell me?" Roy gasped.
"Because, she doesn't like to worry you about things, trying to handle them herself. Edward wouldn't bother."
"Will…Will she be okay?" he asked softly.
"I see a vacant seat at the table. A crutch with no owner, carefully preserved." She replied quietly.
"No…Not Azzy…"
"If the shadows, such as this continue, it will happen, the child will die."
"No…"
Soon Guests arrived and people came in, creating a true gathering among gatherings. Standing on a stool Rose got everyone's attention.
"To Uncle Roy!" she called out raising a glass. Some people coughed and muttered, "Though he's mean sometimes, I he was my mother's brother. And though I never knew her very well I know him. And since he isn't here he can't torch us for saying it, Marry Christmas and good health to dear Roy Mustang." She raised her glass.
"Here here!" the people drank to the toast. The room faded and darkness came in,
"Spirit…is that all?" Roy muttered, expecting to be in his bed. But the spirit was gone. And a shadowy figure. Made its way towards him.