A/N: please please please review! My vistors have been increasing but I have had no reviews, please do review! It honestly gives me so much inspiration to write! This took me so long to write this time =[

The Hunt Is On

At home it now seemed the Lucy was more nervous than ever. She found it harder to look at any of them unless they were outside where she could wear her glasses. It wasn't to say that she was any less confident, she just as mouthy and just as stubborn, she just couldn't meet their eyes as easily.

"Brother you can't keep doing this," Alphonse insisted. The two were on their way to Edward's office, to file a report on Edward's most recent mission.

"Doing what?"

"Forcing her not to wear her glasses," the younger brother persisted, "she can't handle it. She's been wearing them since she was little! You make her stop wearing them it's like you're taking away a part of her."

"She's fine when its just her and Winry or something."

"Well maybe being with just one or two people reminded her of what it was like with her family, you know- the people who didn't mind? There's normally more than just one or two other people with her in that house at any one time now-"

"She had to get used it," insisted Edward, "she's got nothing to be a shamed of. It's something Lucy has to over come… eventually. We'll start at home and then maybe she'll get used to not wearing those things at all."

"I don't think it's likely…" grumbled Alphonse, but they had arrived at the office, "and why do I have to come anyway?"

"Because you were there, so you can write my report and I can do my research."

"That's cheating!"

Edward shook his head. "No… technically I just have to sign it." He sighed. "Al please, I have to look this up other wise it'll bother me."

"Lucy?"

"Her mother hopefully… I've got a lead on her first name, but not her last."

Alphonse rolled his eyes, and pushed the office door open. "It's your prerogative."

"Since when did you know big words?" frowned Edward.

"Since I started writing your reports."

Edward laughed as they stepped into the office. "Yeah yeah, I need someone to do my dogs body work if I'm gonna be a dog for this lot."

"Me too, brother, eventually."

"I hope not…" Edward muttered, "hey Havoc- how'd the date go last night?"

Havoc just groaned, his head on the table, while Mustang, Breda and Falman laughed.

"How's Lucy doing?" asked Hawkeye petting Black Hayate.

"Not bad…" Edward shrugged as Alphonse took his place, "she's currently hating my guts for making her not wear glasses at home."

Hawkeye sat up suddenly as did Mustang, neither were giving him particularly nice looks.

"What?!" he complained, "she needs to get over that fear, and I seem to be the only one trying to help her."

Mustang just rolled his eyes. "Be careful, Blake… he liked to play tricks on people who made him do things." He paused, his face softened for a moment. "It didn't matter who they were, and Maes guess every time he'd do something." He laughed. "He played rather a good joke on the ex Fürer, no one ever caught him." He looked at Edward, His onyx eyes dangerous. "So be careful, Lucy is like her father in many ways… she will find a way to pay you back."

"Yeah yeah," Edward rolled his eyes, "I have work to do," he turned to leave again.

"What about your report?" demanded Falman, "you have to-"

"Al's on it, he was there so he can make an account. I just have to sign it to say it's true," not waiting to be picked on by them any more, Edward practically fled the room. He didn't want to get roped into doing anything he didn't have to. Though he felt sorry for Alphonse, the poor kid would probably end up being made to do all the dogsbody work.

He found Sheska at the record's room, locking up. As usual she had her large glasses on, her chestnut brown hair falling in her face and too many books in her hands, not all of them for research or work. She looked tired, but no less mad or perky than when he had first set eyes on her.

"Sheska!" he called, running over to her, swerving out of other military personal way as he went. She looked up, blinking owlishly, then smiled at him, and waved at him, promptly dropping all her books. He sighed, smiling tiredly as he reached her, kneeling beside her to help collect the books into a pile. "You all right?"

"I'm fine… I just had to meet Kain's parents last night," she sighed heavily. She and Kain Fuery had been dating for two years, nearing three, and Edward was fairly sure marriage was on the cards soon. But Sheska was… a unique person.

"How'd it go?"

"Uh…" she looked a little depressed.

"Forget I asked, how's Fuery doing?"

"He still insisted they like me."

Edward laughed. Sounded just like Fuery to keep her spirits up. "You'll be fine, they'll at least grow to like you. I don't know anyone here who can say a bad thing about you."

Sheska looked at him hopefully as she accepted the books he handed over. "Thanks Ed."

"No problem," he beamed at her, "hey can you let me into the records room? I need to look up some stuff about Blake Fuller, is there any family information in there?"

"Yeah, mostly next of kin in Central, but you might find some other things in there too… if you're lucky. Need some help?"

He shook his head as she took the hand he offered to help her up. "It's all right, you look like you've got a lot on your plate at the moment."

"Here," she gave him the key, then picked up the pile of books, "I'll be in the office with the brigadier general and the others, return it to me when your done?"

"It's a promise," he beamed at her as he went to the door.

"Hey Edward?"

"Mmm?" he looked at her.

"Hows things with Winry?"

He stared at her, flushing bright red. He looked at the floor muttering, not really knowing what to say Sheska just laughed.

"Tell her and Lucy I send my regards, we're meant to go out in three days. Girls night out."

"Oh… uh… right," stammered Edward, was it that obvious. Surely not! He opened the door and walked in closing it behind him solidly.

Outside Sheska chuckled to herself as she headed back to the office. Poor Edward… he'd always been clueless when it came to women.

*

The day was slow, but Wednesdays usually were, it wasn't unusual.

Lucy sat at the bar staring at the clock. It was one o'clock, the bar officially opened at that time, and she was always put on first shift. Though possibly because it was the only time the young woman could deal with the men who later got drunk. While sober they were normally easier to deal with.

She sighed, beginning to be tempted to drink something herself, but Harry would have killed her, claiming she was still underage. Instead she sat down on one of the stool near the end of the bar waiting for someone to walk in. The restaurant was slow that day as well, so she didn't get too many funny looks. Her mind going through what had happened since the day her glasses had been knocked off.

Strangely Edward had suddenly become so much nicer to her. The moment an argument at home threatened to ensue, he would step aside and admit defeat immediately. Though perhaps it was because it was now much harder for her to look at anyone in the eyes at home. She felt too strange without her glasses on. She was just glad he hadn't pushed her not to wear glasses outside.

"Stupid bastard," she muttered, irritably. Then flushed red as she remembered showing him her automail side, tell him what had happened… him hugging her. She groaned and let her head hit the table. Why did it effect her so much?! It was ridiculous! He loved Winry! He barely even trusted her… with good reason too…

"Fuckin' idiot," she grumbled.

"I hope that's not the the reception all guests have to this establishment."

Lucy practically fell of her seat she sat up so suddenly. Two stools away sat a young man. He was dressed in jeans and a button up shirt. His black hair was ruffled and his cheeks were shadowed with stubble. His green eyes were fixed on her, looking mischievous.

"Oh I know you," she said, sounding frustrated, "I know I know you…"

"I'm Ted? Artemis- no… Ace's boss?"

"That was it! The guy who decided to take on a moron," she chuckled as she moved to talk to him from behind the spot where she was meant to be, "how's that going?"

"Not bad… I guess he's grown up a bit since you were last with him."

"Oh…" she flushed pink, "he told you that."

"We need to know our spies quite well," Ted grinned, "guess it just came up… you were rather cruel."

She chuckled. "It was a practical joke! And hopefully helped him learn his lesson. My own dad was like that too apparently… playing tricks on people."

"Oh… apparently?"

She shrugged. "He died when I was five, I can't… remember him very well…" she trailed off, her eye fixed on the table before her, through her glasses. She shook her head. Now was not the time to get sentimental. Though she knew she'd have to visit her father soon. "What can I get you?"

"Uh humm… just get me a decent beer," he said, "your choice."

"Is that a good idea? I do help run this place… I might just pick out the expressive type."

He shrugged. "It's all right, I can afford it today."

She turned away from him to grab a glass. "Good day?"

"Very," nodded Ted, "we've got a lead on a suspect and our plan is being pushed into motion."

"Nice!" she turned back to him, frowning at the taps before her, before choosing one and pouring it for him. "Good luck."

"Thanks, Lucy," she glanced at him, he was smiling gently. Why did that smile look familiar? "It's good to know our work is appreciated."

"Yeah… I know what you mean," she handed the beer over to him, "it's nice to be appreciated some times." She paused. "Ted right? What's your proper name?"

"Theodore," he replied, "I don't like it, so I stick with Ted."

"Just Theodore?"

"Your curious for someone who hasn't offered her own surname yet."

She chuckled. "Touché. I guess I'm just curious… you look like someone I used to know."

"Really? Who?"

"I'm…" she looked at him. Her mind screamed at her but she didn't want to acknowledge it. "I'm not sure."

'MY FATHER! MY FATHER!'

*

Edward sat on the floor of the record room staring at the documents in his hand. The name at the top only said 'Azure Alchemist' There was no trace of his name. But there were details given.

His parents names…

His siblings names… he had two other brothers, Keiran and Donovan and a sister, Nameria.

And… a wife Theresa Hockney, an Armestrian.

But at the bottom it said that this piece of information was now useless. 'Void' was stamped in angry red letters.

The next document had the same things written, but this time it mentioned that he and his wife had separated. Again 'Void' had been stamped on the bottom of the piece of paper.

Finally, the third and final document held the strangest news of all. The same information, only this time Blake Fuller and Theresa Hockney were divorced, though it seemed she was still included for one other reason.

A son. The age they gave showed he had been born a few months after his parents early marriage… his name was Theodore Fuller.

Lucy had another brother. The same age as her other brother. But this one she had no idea about.

Not thinking twice, Edward was on his feet, running out of the records room, slamming the door shut, the lock clicking into place. In the back of his mind he hoped he had the key with him. But to him, that was hardly important just then.

*

"Tell me… Lucy… how well do you get on with your mother?" Ted said slowly.

"I don't know… she died when I was seven."

He looked up, surprised. "You're an orphan?"

"Yeah… but I don't feel like one any more. I've got my friends… and part of my family. That's all I need."

"Mum and I… we don't talk any more, it's why I brought it up."

"Why?!" Lucy's eyes had opened why. She had never understood how these things would happen in a family. She'd have given anything just to see her parents one more time.

"It's complicated. Things happened… between her and dad, apparently I remind her a lot of dad…" he shrugged, "guess sometimes things just work out like that."

"Maybe… but… it's a shame that it does…" she looked at him properly, "but you still have your mum… you should talk to her soon. Or you'll regret it."

Ted looked at her, frowning. Suddenly he finished off his drink. "When'd you get off work?"

"Four…"

"I want you to meet up with me after work… I want you to come with me… meet someone."

She stared at him. "Wha- why?"

"Lucy… Just please… will you?"

The look on his face was so desperate. She couldn't say no to him. It almost felt cruel to do such a thing. "Yeah… all right."

"I'll come and see you here then ok?"

"Yeah."

He smiled at her and handed over a note of money. "Keep the change as tip, I'll see you at four."

"But Ted-"

But he was already waving at her as he left, hands in his pockets. She frowned, sighing. This was strange. He reminded her of… of her father, but she wasn't sure how or why. And here he was insisting on meeting up with her at four. She wasn't sure if it was a good idea, but he was a military man. Technically he should have been one of the good guys… and she had no reason to mistrust him. Not yet… and she could look after herself.

She let her head hit the table. Life was just too confusing for her.

*

"I…" Mustang trailed off, "I didn't even know he married an Armestrian woman…"

Edward scowled. "I find that hard to believe."

"I'm serious!" Mustang insisted, "Ed, I knew nothing of this. I was sure Blake was homosexual for a while because he hardly showed any interest in women until he met Lucy's mother, I never thought it was because he had a wife."

"It says here they divorced seven years before Lucy was born… the year he met her mother," said Edward, "his son was three… and you're telling me Maes never mentioned it?!"

Mustang nodded. "Never… he mentioned a woman in his life, but I don't remember anything about a marriage."

"Well it's here! In black and white!"

Mustang sighed. "Why are you getting so worked up and interrupting the paper work?"

Edward glanced over his shoulder at his friends in the room and sighed. "Lucy's older half brother, her mother's son, hates her. Because she is the product of that marriage. He beat her up last time he saw her, black cheek, split lip and cracked ribs, left her in the rain. How do we know this Theodore Fuller doesn't have the same resentment?!"

"How do we even know he knows his father remarried?" said Hawkeye suddenly, "he married in Ishball, it's not exactly common knowledge what went on there."

"Maybe…" he frowned, "I don't like it, I swear I've heard that name before…" He paused, then turned and left the room again.

"Where are you going?" called Hawkeye.

"To look up Theodore Fuller," he replied, "the name sounds too familiar." He left the room closing the door with a solid bang. There was something going on that he wasn't been given the full details of. He did not like it and he was going to get to the bottom of it.

That had been three hours previously. He still hadn't been able to turn up much about Theodore Fuller. He worked in the military, but he couldn't find where. He could not even find is where abouts at all. He was getting frustrated, it was as though someone had done that all on purpose. Gotten rid of anything tangible on Theodore Fuller.

Then he found it… the full information document of Theodore Fuller of his latest assessment.

Theodore fuller… twenty nine, soon to be thirty. Working in the investigation bureau. At one point under Maes Hughes but never with him. Lived with his mother until he turned seventeen when he struck out on his own, and began training for the military.

Investigation bureau… that wasn't good.

He headed back to Mustang's office, confused. Why didn't anyone know about this man? He was ten years older than Lucy, but he somehow doubted that Maes would have neglected the opportunity to fuss over a child even if he had been young at the time. He liked people in general.

He entered the office, his brow furrowed. His mind ill at ease. His whole body was tense.

"Mustang… the investigation bureau… it's easier for them to get information on people there, isn't it?"

"Yes- it isn't the investigation bureau for nothing."

"So… if someone wanted to look up something from Ishbal it would have been easier."

Mustang frowned. "You don't think…"

"I don't know. If Lucy's in trouble I want to be sure that I can stop it."

"Why would you jump to that conclusion?"

"Because of who she is," Edward was getting frustrated and glanced at the clock. It was half four. She had finished work. He swallowed. He shook his head. "I have to go look for her," he sighed, "I have to make sure she's all right."

"Edward!" snapped Mustang, "why are you doing all of this? Looking up her family? Looking for her name?"

Edward stopped short at the door and frowned. "Why? What do you mean why? Isn't it obvious?"

"Not really," Mustang was standing, leaning on the table, waiting for his answer.

"She's apart of the family, she's one of us. She can keep her secrets, but she told me to find out her name… it's a game. But with this guy… if one brother hates her- why not the other? They both would have similar reasons. I don't have time for this Mustang- I have to make sure Lucy's all right."

"I'm coming," said Alphonse, standing up, grabbing his coat.

"One moment," Mustang said, sternly, "do you still want to know Lucy's name?"

"Does it matter right now?" growled Edward.

"But do you want to know?"

"Of coarse I do- but not now-"

*

They had been walking for a while. Lucy had relaxed around Ted now, but she was still a little suspicious. His conversation was light and friendly, but she could sense an under current of fear. She had no idea what was bringing it on.

They walked through to the out skirts of the city. She frowned, she didn't like what was going on. Suddenly Ted paused, and glanced at his wrist watch. His face stayed emotionless and he glanced at the large gates beside him.

"We're here," he said suddenly.

Lucy looked up, frowning. "The… the military grave yard?"

"Yeah, c'mon."

His voice had suddenly changed. It was more crisp, strict. It scared her for some reason. He reached out and grabbed her right hand in his own, crushing her palm in his. She bit her tongue, the scar there still hurt when her hand was bent in a strange way.

"I don't understand-"

"You will," his tone still the same.

He pulled her into the gates, the air chilled suddenly and the noise seemed to die down. It was as though there were a dome put over the cemetery, to block out all noise.

Further into the cemetery they went, further into the field, dotted with the white tomb stones of the fallen. Lucy could vaguely see the area where her uncle Maes had been buried. But he was leading her down a slightly different path.

"I don't understand, I thought we were going to meet-"

"We're here."

He dropped her hand, she looked around, massaging it. There was no one, but themselves. And the tombstones around.

"I thought we were going to meet someone."

"We meeting them." He pointed at the tomb stone in front of him. Lucy peered at it and gasped, her eyes wide open her hands to her mouth.

Blake Thomas Fuller. Colonel Blake Thomas Fuller. Died in action is Ishbal. Fourteen years previously.

"Dad…" she whispered.

"No… meet my father, miss Lucy," Ted's voice suddenly sounded very dangerous.

She looked up at him, her eyes wide open. "But… dad… he didn't… that has to mean… that-"

"Theodore Fuller," his once seemingly kind face twisted into an ugly, vengeful smirk, "you're older brother from our father. Nice to meet you, little sister."