I'm home.
A hand covered my mouth, and I choked back a sob, fighting back tears. After five years of drowning in my own misery, after five years of feeling empty, I was finally back to the place where my life had been changed. Shaking my head, I snapped out of my daze and glanced over at Colette's body that laid beside me.
But first, I need to do something about this, I thought, pursing my lips. After a moment of arguing with myself, I took a rock and used it to draw an ice transmutation circle on the ground. After, I pulled Colette's body onto it and clapped my hands down, using alchemy to preserve her until I got to Luka. Once her skin was iced over, I drew another transmutation circle and tugged her over to the nearest brick wall, using that one to make a small, inconspicuous grave in the pavement.I set Colette down in the indent in the ground before sealing her makeshift tomb, so it didn't look any different to anyone looking in. But just to make sure I could find it again, I used the rock in my hand to draw a dragon, my signature symbol that I would recognize anywhere.
I got up, dusting myself off. To my displeasure, I looked down only to find I was in my pjs, some Spiderman comic themed boxers and a toast-themed tank top, with the cute black zip up sweatshirt with bunny ears that I had grabbed on my way out. I sweatdropped.
Do I really have to go out into the street like this? I thought, embarrassed. I zipped up my black sweatshirt to hide my toast tank and pulled it down as far as I could to hide my Spiderman boxer shorts. I flipped off the hood off, smoothing out my wild brown hair before sighing. I looked back to where I had appeared, only to spot the little bag I had taken with me. I grabbed it off the ground, rummaging around inside before I took out a rugged, worn-out map. Smiling slightly, I slipped the bag strap onto my shoulder, setting off for Luka's apartment.
Damn, I thought, blushing awkwardly. I sure hope that Luka still lives here! It had taken me a billion weird looks and almost two hours, but I finally located Luka's apartment building. I sweatdropped. My directional sense still sucks, huh, I mused, staring at the door in front of me. The least I could do was remember the room number, and I was so happy I did, because it's not like I could talk to the person at the front desk. I took a deep breath, preparing myself, before pressing my lips into a nervous line as I knocked on the door.
"One minute!" A voice yelled from behind the door, and I felt a surge of relief at its familiarity. I could hear a little banging around behind the door, but the person was quick to open the door and peer out at me with those same brown eyes I had remembered.
"Hello?" His voice was deeper, but still held its unique air. I smiled, waving. He looked at me for a moment, confused, but after a moment of silence, his mouth dropped. "No way... L-Lynette?" My smile widened and I nodded eagerly, jumping up to give him a hug. His arms hesitantly wrapped back around me, and I internally squealed in excitement.
When he let me go, his lips curved up, and he opened the door wider, moving aside to give me room to enter. "Come on in," Luka said, and I strode inside.
His apartment was just as pristine as I remembered it, and I stood in awe at his cleanliness. But, out of all the things I hadn't seen in a while, Luka was the most different.
He was taller, his voice was deeper, and he seemed a bit more mature than he had been, his flirtatious aura having been replaced by that of a calm, prideful aura. But he still had the same warm brown eyes, the same slightly wavy brown hair, the same attractive smile.
"Is it really you?" Luka asked, and I turned back to him. It was obvious that he wouldn't know any sign language, so the only option I had left was to play charades.
I pointed to my throat, and I mouthed something before crossing my fingers to make an 'x' over my mouth. Luka's eyes widened. "You... Can't speak?" I nodded, and mimed writing down something. "You want something to write with?" I nodded again, and Luka disappeared for a moment before returning with a notepad and a pencil. I smiled, taking them from him and sitting down on his couch, beginning to write down everything I needed to tell him. Luka waited patiently, watching me as I mulled things over and wrote, occasionally erasing some things.
When I was done, I dropped my pencil into my lap and handed the notepad to Luka.
The more he read, the sadder he seemed, and eventually, I could see the tears glistening in his eyes. He looked at me, and I nodded slowly, standing up and patting his back, leading him to his sisters' body.
He knelt down, smiling despite his tears.
"Thank you..." Luka sobbed, holding his sisters' stiff body in his arms. "Thank you..." I gave him a soft smile, kissing his forehead before walking out, leaving Luka to take care of his sisters' burial arrangements.
Huh, I looked up at the tall building, my heart pounding nervously. Welp, here I go. I held up my hand and fist pumped, a determined look taking over my expression. So, donning my awkward mismatched pajamas, I marched into Central Headquarters, heading over to the front desk.
The person manning the front desk had changed, and I chewed on my bottom lip nervously and glanced down at the notepad I had stolen from Luka. Flipping to a new page, I scribbled down everything I wanted to stay, before giving myself one last push and walking up to the front desk.
"Can I help you?" The woman asked, glancing at my outfit skeptically. I nodded, smiling politely and offering up the notepad. She read it, her eyes narrowing before looking back up at me. "Colonel Mustang?" She sighed, "You must be mistaken. His Excellency Fuhrer Mustang is by no means a mere Colonel." I gasped, looking at her in surprise.
He... He made it... I thought, shocked. No way... I took the notepad back, hurriedly writing down another request. Once I was done, I eagerly offered it to the woman, who gave me an odd look as she received it.
"You have to have clearance to request an audience with the Fuhrer," The woman said, "Now, run along." My lip curled up in dislike, and I took out my bag and rummaged through it again before setting an object down with a 'clank' on the desk. The woman's eyes widened, but she remained firm none the less.
"I don't know how you got ahold of that," She said, "But the state alchemist watches were discontinued two years ago, and haven't been used since." If my vocal chords could make sound, I would've growled at her. But I was left to silently glare, taking my notepad and writing down my words before handing it back to the woman. She sighed impatiently, taking it from my hands and reading it over.
If I can't request an audience, then can you at least tell him I stopped by? The note read, My name is Lynette La'va. The woman scrutinized me, and I concealed my frustration and just pouted. She sighed again, handing the notepad and the watch back to me.
"Fine, if it'll make you go away." The woman muttered, and I caught something about, "Damn stubborn mute..." My hands tightened on my bag, but all I could do was just stand there, and try extremely hard to put up a friendly facade.
"Ahem," The woman said, picking up a phone and twirling a pen in her hands absentmindedly. "Sir, can you pass a message along to Fuhrer Mustang? A girl named Lynette La'va is waiting at the front desk. Yes... Uh huh... I got it." She put the phone down, and stared at me. "You're lucky I'm hospitable," She mumbled, "I sent your message to His Excellency." My nails dug into my palm, and I nearly scoffed at her blatant disrespect. I was eighteen, and an old state alchemist at that, but here I am being talked down to like a kid by a mere low-ranked soldier working a desk.
Then again, I thought, My attire isn't exactly the most mature thing I could have picked out... I sighed, stuffing the notepad and watch back in my bag, unable to bear any more insults from the woman. That mute comment, though, was very insensitive and uncalled for. I turned to walk away, and the woman sighed in relief as I started off, glad that she finally got rid of me.
I cast my head down, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible, but all in vain. My flashy clothing attracted weird looks, and my lips formed into a tight line. But, right as I reached the door, I felt someone grab my arm.
"Wait," A breathless soldier said, and I turned to him, staring at him in confusion. "You're... Lynette La'va, correct?" I nodded, and he let me go, straightening himself. "The Fuhrer wants to meet with you immediately." A few other soldiers arrived and surrounded me, and I fidgeted nervously as they ushered me along.
But I couldn't help but throw the nasty receptionist a smirk, pulling my eyelid down and sticking my tongue at her in smug victory.
Wow, I almost forgot how high up the Fuhrer's office is, I thought, looking around. These halls brought back memories, and an excited smile crept onto my lips, feeling the most cheerful I've felt in years. The soldiers surrounding me stopped abruptly in front of a grand door, and I skidded to a halt, my heart jumping into my throat.
Mustang is right behind that door, I took a deep breath. It's time to get my life back.
And with that, I stepped through the doors that were opened for me, entering Mustang's office.
I'M AN EVIL BASTARD I KNOW.
I cut off just at the part you guys wanted to see, right? Muahaha, the power of being a writer!
MUSTANG ISSSSSS FUHRER! YEAH! I can't wait to see how that turns out!
Awwww, poor Luka! And, poor Lynette. That receptionist was mean :C
Aaaaaand I'm going to continue being a prick because the guy you've been waiting for to come in won't come in for another chapter or two.
Yup, so, that's pretty much it. I don't have much to say other than you guys are so freakin lucky that I'm updating quickly.
Uhuuuuuuuu, I have so much schoolwork to do *cries* Stupid end of the year exams and stupid highschool entrance exams! My parents are so pissed at me because I was bumped down to 'average'... UGH but I'll try to update soon for you cupcakes alright? :3
My lovely readers, please review~!
Thanks!