Warning: Aged up characters, a little bit of AU.
PROLOGUE
When news of Maes Hughes' death came, she didn't know what to do.
She couldn't speak, her heartbeat quickened, and the world spun as she dropped to the ground.
The other soldiers worried for her, quickly concerned for the youngest soldier in the Fort. They all called for her name as she heavily breathed, gasping for air.
A firm, gloved hand clutched her left shoulder in worry.
"Breathe, soldier! In and out!" Her authoritive voice commanded, making her snap out of her warring thoughts.
"Reyna Mustang, I need you to breathe. You hear me?" Olivier commanded as she caught her eyes. Reyna simply nodded and tried to calm herself down, following her breathing to her Major General's finger tapping.
When she stopped hyperventilating, she just knew as she stared at her superior's eyes sadly,
She must go back to Central.
It has been a long time since she's been on Central City. 4 Years ago to be exact. She had left her normal life in the city and followed orders of her superior, joining Olivier Mira Armstrong in defending Fort Briggs. The Major General was strict in training her, and after a while, she daresay the older woman felt like a part of her family now. Olivier taught her everything she knew. She was her role model.
Now, she was standing in front of Maes Hughes' grave, unable to think.
In her arms were a bouquet of flowers which were Maes' favorites. She slowly put them down his grave, still in disbelief as she read his name on the grave over and over again.
"I can't believe that you're gone, Maes." She whispered brokenly.
"You said back then that you won't die until you saw me become Fuhrer, right?" She chuckled. "And maybe after I got married. You were so determined to walk me down the aisle, since you know how Roy and I are..." She trailed off.
"Why'd you leave Gracia and Elicia behind? They'll be heartbroken..." She sniffled, rubbing her eyes. "Roy too. I bet he's wallowing in guilt..."
A flock of crows suddenly flew up to the sky, snapping her thoughts.
"Me too... I wished I visited often." She sighed as she saw the sun set. "Who'll joke with me about my life next time?"
"I'll miss you, you know?" She smiled sadly back to the tombstone.
"See you next time, Maes. I hope you're doing well up there." She looked up to the orange sky. A lone, shining star was seen in the dark, blinking back at her in response.
"See you again, buddy." She fist bumped the top of the tombstone, then petted it softly. She stood back straight and then bowed deeply. After a long beat, she stood back straight again and gave a salute, then she turned around and never looked back.
Tears dropped from her eyes.
When Roy visited the next day, he didn't expect to see a bouquet of Maes' favorite flowers. Few knew, and he could just guess who it was.
"Reyna..."
