Central...present...

It had been three years since he had been here. The great city of Central was slowly returning to such elegance that it could rival that of his own kingdom. Soldiers worked together, still building with the same passion and hope as when they had started. He could see the unmistakable skin tones of the Ishbalians working next to them as well and it was a welcoming sight to see.

He stepped lightly onto the tiled rooftops, remembering where various important battles had taken place. Underneath the large sprawling city lay an impressive transmutation circle, one that had been used to almost destroy this country.

Something doesn't feel right, Greed spoke quietly in his mind, Wish I could say it was familiar or even pleasant.

"Be quiet," Ling sighed softly as he gently leaped from the rooftops, "You still haven't told me why or even how you managed to be alive."

I'm not sure, Greed answered honestly, but it's like a homecoming for me! The prodigal son returns etc.

"My family is waiting for me back home," Ling sniped at the soul in his body, "I don't like how you made me come here."

I need to check on a few things, Greed stated in a tone that was surprisingly soft for him, I'm...I would like to place a flower on Martel's grave. She was my friend and I never got the chance to say how sorry I was.

Ling paused slightly, such softness from the creature was rare. He had been rude, greedy, lecherous and sarcastic but on the odd occasion, he had shown such loyalty and care to those under his rule that it was easy to forget that it wasn't human. He remembered sharing the pain when Greed had regained his memories after the death of a strange little lizard man, no after the death of a friend called Bido.

"From before?"

….I don't want to talk to you about that, Greed huffed, almost pouting in annoyance.

"We share the same body, whatever you think, I think it too," Ling crossed his arms as he paused for a moment, "We could buy her a flower to place at the grave."

...thank you, she liked sunflowers. We can pick some ourselves, the homunculus advised as they watched the clouds float by in the blue skies above them, I think I saw some as we heading here.

"I have some money," Ling sounded surprised at the monster for suggesting such a childish thing as picking flowers.

She liked wild sunflowers, something about them being so lovely because they grow free, Greed shrugged mentally in his mind as though he didn't particularly care, anyhow, it's none of your business. I left you alone when you wanted some alone time with the lovely Lan Fan before we left. Least you can do is return the favour!

"I didn't even know you still existed! You appear out of nowhere and hijack my body once again," Ling blushed as he remembered the last time he saw his lover, "It is my body and you are still my guest!"

Sunflowers, Greed said sharply, remember that. Also...I think...I don't know. Something doesn't sit right in the city right now, you're feeling it too right? Feels kinda like Gluttony before he opens his huge fat mouth or whatever is left of him at least.

The Xing emperor stopped completely when he heard that mentioned. He wasn't ashamed to admit that Gluttony concerned him, the monster was terrifying. It could swallow or eat anything that was thrown at it, he had seen it devour a volley of flames created by the infamous Flame Alchemist. Ling had once been in it's stomach, wandering around aimlessly for however long, he didn't know. Time in the belly of the beast seemed to have been non existent and the mere thought of it still terrified him.

Such an empty void of desolation filled with things that Gluttony had ate and had sat for over a century undiscovered. Corpses of dead men and woman had lay scattered and it was a sea of blood that filled the area. Ling had felt lost and full of despair as he had walked, ran and screamed during the sojourn through the beasts stomach.

Hey! HEY! Greed pulled him out of those thoughts, Are you alright? You zoned out on me.

Ling cleared his thoughts with a shake of his head, "And yet I'm still me. Why didn't you take control?"

More fun when you resist and fight, plus...Greed admitted quietly, you were scared. Is it because I mentioned Gluttony?

Ling laughed bitterly, "I'm not fond of him. I made a promise to the Colonel Mustang and his woman that I would keep an eye on things and let them know if anything changes."

I know, I have access to your memories, Greed pulled a face, Fine. Do what you need to do and I'll do what I need to. Once you have done whatever, deal?

Ling nodded, pleased at how agreeable the creature was being at the moment but that was part of Greed's charm. It could be rather pleasing and eloquent in expressing itself, he was rather fascinated at how it wanted to show such remorse at the death of those he had considered friends but at the time, he had claimed them as property. It had became distraught when those he cared about had became harmed and that had included Ran Fan when the old man had fallen at the hands of Wrath.

The Xing lord shook himself mentally, ignoring how the thoughts were becoming upsetting. He frowned but pushed himself into thinking about why he had been called here to the city. Edward Elrich had asked for his presence, asking for a favour of rather epic proportions and Ling was fascinated by that. The blonde alchemist very rarely asked for help and he would have rather cut off his own leg with a rusty spoon than ask the Xing Emperor.

There was a hospital, one that was home to the kind but sour doctor who had tended to Lan when she had been wounded. Ling had been thankful to the man and also to Winry Rockbell for creating the wondrous piece of automail that the future empress sported.

He had been told to head to the hospital and he could see it only a short distance from his current position on the rooftop and he finished off the last remaining piece of his snack that he had bought earlier. The sweetness of the cake made him feel sated but he had a feeling that Greed would no doubt seek more later. Ling covered the distance easily and quickly, keeping any thoughts of the past out as he saw the doors open as he came near. A doctor walked out and Greed seemed to instantly pay attention to him as he left.

"Do you know that man?" Ling asked softly as he entered the building and headed to the elevator.

Huh? Oh...no, Greed replied, seemingly rather distracted by something, Weird energy though. Did you pick up on that too?

The Xing lord shook his head slightly, this country was slowly regaining a more natural ki force instead of the cold and heavy energy it had held for so long. His people could sense the lifeforce of the country far easier than the Amestrians could due to the use of alchestry and a more spiritual philosophy.

Xing preferred using alchemy as a medical art rather than military. Many of this country's alchemists had turned away from the army when they had discovered the truth and that they had been used for nothing but war by Fuhrer Bradley for over forty years. It was refreshing to see the people turning to one another for help, embracing the Ishbalians in the new dawn that had been created by the uprising.

Would Bradley be furious at how his country no longer pushed for war? He had never once sought peace but that was never on the agenda of the humuculus known as Father.

Ling smiled softly, Colonel Roy Mustang had spoke of peace and of finding a better way of doing things. Ling could clearly see the weariness of death in the dark eyes of the man. A soul that had seen it's fill of death and wanted peace but was very aware of the struggle that would be needed to get it.

The emperor of Xing hummed to himself as he walked through the corridor, knowing that Greed enjoyed the tune he was singing. He could hear the creature hum along with him and Ling decided that he was an interesting soul and that he would no doubt be surprised for years to come.

It was a short journey to the floor, he had a feeling that he had only to expect the worst if Edward Elrich was involved and asking to meet in a hospital. The young man was a magnet for trouble, even if he wasn't looking for it, it always seemed to find him. Ling crossed his arms as he followed the directions to the ward and was concerned to see guards standing outside.

What has he done now? He thought as he walked towards the armed guards and he was pretty sure that he recognised two of them.

"Lord Ling," Maria Ross said warmly with a smile, "It's good to see you again. You look well."

"Ahhh! You look lovely Maria Ross," Ling bowed in front of her, "I am glad you have managed to come home, but alas, Xing has lost a natural treasure when you returned back here."

Smooth, Greed laughed, I'm impressed.

Maria Ross blushed furiously, Ling was certainly a charmer and she liked him for it. His country had been welcoming to her when she had been forced to flee her home when half the military had been ordered to kill her on sight if she resisted. Colonel Mustang had organised her jail break but she had never been so terrified as she had been when she had faced him in that alleyway. The man held such coldness and rage in his eyes that she doubted she would ever forget that.

Brosch cleared his throat, "Uh, Maria?"

Ross blushed again, "Oh sorry. He...helped me when Colonel Mustang broke me out of prison. His family took me in when I got to Xing, I owe him a great debt."

Ling beamed, "Oh it was nothing. No trouble at all. I would have been horrified had I not helped such a lovely woman in her hour of need."

Ugh...I'm gonna be sick, Greed moaned in humour, seriously, stop!

"Did Edward call you here?" Brosch changed the subject with little tact, hoping to get Ling away from his crush.

The Xing lord gave the blonde soldier the same disarming smile, "Yes, I was surprised that he would ask me for help but I came anyway. He's lucky that I actually have business here myself."

Ross nodded, she was aware that the boy in front of her had had an extra soul in his body during the battle for the country. She had heard the stories of a monster fighting for the soldiers against Fuhrer Bradley supporters and giving them all the chance to escape back to their families. Was Ling here to search for answers or had the Fullmetal alchemist informed him of everything?

"Lord Ling," Maria lowered her voice, "One other thing before we let you through, you cannot tell anyone what you see. We need to keep this quiet for the moment."

Now I'm interested, Greed stated to Ling as they both raised an eyebrow.

Ed had been rather cryptic in his call, asking for the favour but Ling could sense there was something else that the blonde wasn't telling him. Ling enjoyed mysterious and strange things in life but three years ago, he had had his fill of it.

"I understand," Ling stated quietly as he was allowed past.

It was a curious feeling being allowed to move so freely within this country now. There was no need for papers or being thrown in prison for either being illegal or forgetting to bring them. His views of various countries around Xing empire usually started off with him being thrown in the local prison as he looked for a free meal. He had seen Ishbalians walking quietly around the city, studiously ignoring people but at the same time, enjoying the freedom that they had now been given.

Mustang had bartered a treaty where all refugees from Ishbal were given every courtesy that those born on Amestrian soil were granted and the colonel that had once fought against them in battle ensured that they were safe and fought for their rights. The alchemist had been the driving force in changing the country and he had begun to rebuild the Ishbal capital.

He could hear Edward Elrich before he saw him and he was rather glad that that hadn't changed over the short years. He seemed to be insulting the colonel and the man returning the barbs right back in a rather smug tone.

Ling opened the door, not at all fazed to see Ed huffing in a pout. He scanned the room, a huge man with a single lock of blonde hair on his forehead and a moustache sat with a rather amused look on strong features. Ling vaguely recalled this man, didn't he have an equally imposing sister that Sloth had been ordered to kill?

I think he and his sister killed Sloth, Greed informed quietly, His sister had good men under her.

The blonde mountain of muscle was next to a smaller, slender male with sharp eyes who was now watching him with interest. Ling gazed at him, the man had an unusually strong energy force but nothing that could be deemed as threatening for the moment.

"I see you haven't changed," Ling laughed at the blonde Elrich, "Stop picking fights shorty."

Edward gave him a wolfish smile, "Ling! You still stuffing your shifty eyed face?"

"Oh how rude! I thought we had went past that," Ling took the insult in his stride, he knew it was meant with affection.

"Greed could have done so much better," Ed replied with the same smile on his lips.

Oh, that sounds like an offer, Greed laughed deeply, tell him he's still too small and that I'm not interested til he grows a few more feet.

"He says that sounds like an offer but he doesn't want to be known as Greed the small," Ling teased without thinking as he watched Ed explode in a fit of rage at being called small.

"He still sensitive about being called short?" the man with the hazel eyes queried to the large man next to him.

Ed turned his rage to that man, "Short?! Who you calling so tiny that I could ride a flea?!"

"Sit!" the man commanded in a gentle yet firm tone.

Ed froze, his golden eyes wide as he did as he was told and Ling was surprised at how he also followed the order and dropped his gaze to the floor like he had just been scolded himself. There had been such authority in his voice that the blonde alchemist had done it automatically and Ling had followed. It was like a father to a naughty child.

The man laughed in surprise, "Well good grief. If I'd known that worked, I'da done that a long time ago."

Everyone was looking back at Ed and the man, Roy Mustang was on his hospital bed, looking as though the thought of shouting like a parent at Ed had never once occurred to him. Ling was curious, who was the hazel eyed man with the strong energy?

"Sorry Hughes," Ed stated quietly as a pink blush came over his cheeks.

Ling blinked in humorous shock, had Ed just apologised? How rather quaint. The room was quiet but there was an easy air in it, it was comfortable but he could definitely sense some type of disturbance. He couldn't quite shake the feeling that something was off, the doctor they had passed as they came into the hospital had concerned him because Greed had been put out by it. The creature was watching everything carefully.

There's something unusual in the room. The energy is kinda wrong but it's right...Let me out. I wanna talk to the flamethrower, Greed stated suddenly, You feel it right?

Ling shook his head mentally at the creature, Let's keep you as our ace in the hole shall we? For the moment at least.

"Colonel Mustang," Ling bowed at the Flame Alchemist, "An honour as always."

Dark eyes searched the emperor of Xing's face, looking for some kind of recognition. No name willingly came to the surface and Roy raised an eyebrow, not sure on how he should answer. His memory was usually so sharp but...he was struggling to remember anything since that doctor had pumped him full of those damn drugs to calm him down.

"That's Ling Yao," Ed spoke up quietly, as though he was addressing the other two men in the room, "He's a prince from Xing. He helped us fight against Father."

Mustang rubbed the back of his neck, "Prince Ling Yao, good to see you again."

He should know you, Greed stated, but that's not what's bothering me.

I get the same feeling, someone is trying to change his energy in a very subtle way. The colonel should know who I am, Ling had to agree with the creature, Mustang did not look well but the last time he had seen the man, the soldier had been battered and blinded.

"From Xing?" the man called Hughes said behind him, "Xing?"

"Yeah, he came looking for the Philosopher Stone and immortality," Ed responded, "Totally shifty and owes me a small fortune for meals."

"You going to feed me your other boot?" Ling shot back with a little mischief.

"No, it'll be my fist," Ed replied with the same tone, "You still upset about that?"

Ling acted wounded by placing a hand on his forehead in mock horror and shame, "I was a prince in a strange wasteland who was forced to eat my servant's belongings."

"It was my boot and it saved your worthless life you total ingrate!" Ed snorted from his position, "You would have died if it wasn't for me!"

"Edward," Hughes called out, "Don't make me put you in the naughty corner for a time out."

Everyone was surprised by the deep laugh emerging from Colonel Mustang, his shoulders moved in time with his laughter. Dark eyes held an honest smile and Ling could feel the energy shift in the man and in the room. There was something in that smug look that seemed to ease the other people into relaxing just ever so slightly.

That was why he had been summoned but Mustang held no recollection of the Xingese traveller. The soldier knew Ling, the man had fought beside him against Gluttony at the safe house in the country.

"Colonel," Edward stood up from his seat next to him, "Be honest with me here, hell, with yourself. What do you remember about what happened three years ago?"

The smile dropped from the man's face, dark eyes fell to his hands that hung loosely between his legs. The question wasn't a difficult one but he shook his head. Ling narrowed his eyes and walked over to him, the man's ki was not right. He originally placed it down to the events under Central but his energy had been normal, apart from his desire for revenge being very much at the forefront of his mind. This time however...it was as if someone was trying to impose another will onto it.

Not homunculus, Greed mused, but not human either. Ask him if he's been anywhere strange.

"...I don't know," came the almost defeated sound of the colonel, "It's more feelings. Hate, pain, grief...rage."

The blonde alchemist stalked over to him and caught Mustang by surprise by tearing open the man's hospital gown. Pale skin was exposed and Ed was shown the ugly burn scar that was clearly visible on the left hand side of the soldier.

"Do you remember how you got that?" Ed pushed gently.

Hughes stood up, making a move to head over to the colonel. He stopped when he saw the scar on the man and colour drained from his face in concern. That was new, that ugly mark on pale skin. The scar that looked very much like a burn.

"You didn't get that in Ishbal," Hughes said as he forced himself not to look at the burn.

Mustang looked down at his chest, his breath catching in surprise. How did he get that? It looked painful as he slowly touched the scar. He gasped as it felt like an avalanche of emotions cascaded down on him, despair, fury, panic, fear and helplessness all crashed over him and he cried out.

Dammit...why is everyone always dying before me?! Roy heard his own voice echo in his head, Jean? Havoc! I said on your knees! I almost passed out twice due to the pain...what are you complaining about? I'm done medium, you got rare!

Mustang dug his fingers into his hair, trying to dig out the memories that were bouncing around his head. Why had he said those words, why did he have these scars? Surely he would remember the ugly burn on his stomach?

Hughes was next to him in a flash, taking a gentle hold of Roy's hands. He didn't let go, pulling him into a hug and refusing to release him when the alchemist struggled in the embrace. It was a weak battle, the colonel not fighting too hard to escape the slightly broader male.

"Excuse me," Ling addressed Hughes, "We haven't had the chance to be introduced. May I ask who you are?"

Armstrong answered in a proud, almost singsong voice, "He is Brigadier General Hughes. A great man."

Hold up, Greed sounded surprised to Ling, Hughes? Why does that name sound familiar to me? Didn't Envy kill him?

The Xing traveller said nothing as he took in the information. A man called Hughes had been the unseen motivator to Mustang and even the Elrich brothers as they had fought on. Greed fell quiet as the creature scoured his memories for more information and Mustang seemed frozen in the grip of the general.

"Colonel," Ling said softly, "what is the last thing you clearly remember? What was it?"

"I don't know," the colonel repeated, he was muffled by the broader Hughes, "Clearly? Fighting Scar in Central and being knocked flat on my ass by Hawkeye because...because I'm us...because it was raining."

Scar? Oh, the Ishbalian with the cross shaped burn on his face. The Ishbal who could use alchemy, Ling thought briefly of the man, it would be curious to know what the man was doing now.

"No monsters called Gluttony? Pride, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Lust," Edward took a breath before he said the last name of the seven Homunculus who had caused so much pain, "or Envy?"

"Envy..." Mustang muttered to himself, "Doesn't ring a bell."

Edward and Armstrong said nothing but Ling could tell that that was not the answer that they were expecting. The dark haired alchemist had picked up on Envy, that was something at least but it was worrying that he didn't recall the others.

"Who are they?" Roy asked.

"Lust is responsible for the scar on your stomach," Edward shared as he tried to decide on how much to divulge with the colonel, "but that was over four years ago. How could you not remember?"

Greed's smooth tone entered the conversation, using Ling's body as his own. The homunculus needed to speak without Ling deciding on what was acceptable to be relayed or not. Granted, Mustang would not have been friendly with Greed but the man knew who he was.

"What everyone is dancing around here is that your ki force," Greed smiled smugly as he watched the surprised look on Edward's face, "is totally off. It's like someone is trying to scramble it up and it's bugging the hell out of me and you, Hughes? You should be dead. Envy would never leave a job half done. How the hell have you cheated death? I'm not getting a philosopher stone vibe from you..."

"Greed?!" Edward growled as he glared at the confident monster using Ling's form.

"Hey shorty," Greed laughed, "How you doing?"

"Greed?" Armstrong sounded, "But you sacrificed yourself in order for young Elrich to defeat father. How are you alive?"

Greed raised his hand in a fist, "No idea but my question still stands. Hughes, how the hell are you alive? Mustang, did you perform a human transmutation?"

Ed rushed to the taller teen, "Greed, enough!"

"What? It's a question and you didn't ask for Ling because of his manners," Greed peeled off the teen's hand from his shirt.

"It's fine Fullmetal," Hughes rarely called the older Elrich by his state alchemist codename, "Really."

No, it's not okay! Ed looked at the two men who he considered friends, It's far from alright. Mustang has no memory of you, you should be resting in heaven or whatever it was that you believed in. The colonel wanted his best friend back and he didn't...he couldn't have done this. He couldn't have brought him back.

"Can you remember anything Hughes?" Ed turned his attention to the general.

"I can remember everything about my life," Hughes released the slender colonel from his embrace and shifted away slightly, "...just not the last day of it. I'm sorry."

Greed felt a stab of sympathy in Ling's heart and even in his own soul. The man had sounded defeated and lost as he sat next to an equally lost looking Mustang on the hospital bed. He narrowed his eyes, he had a feeling that some kind of magic or alchemy had been used but he couldn't get a sniff of a Philosopher Stone about Hughes. It was Mustang who was driving him insane with the energy that was not quite right.

Outside the hospital...

He began his walk to his apartment that he had been squatting in for the past two weeks. He had not expected such strength from Mustang or Hughes. The general seemed to be like a calming balm that could sooth the Flame Alchemist, even when the man wanted to burn everything that angered him.

He was also rather surprised to see the young lord of Xing walking confidently into the hospital just a short while ago. The young man had radiated a strong presence and it had bothered the doctor, there had been a look of greedy fascination as they had shared a brief eye exchange.

The man shook his head, it didn't matter. The prince was of little real consequence to him. His interest lay only with the Flame Alchemist, a powerful element that the military of this country had used however they had wanted. Bradley had used the flame for destruction and had used him to open the Gate of Truth. That had been interesting but what all had failed to realise was that his type of alchemy was rare, the man had learned under a great teacher and had stumbled upon a deep secret that he wasn't aware of.

Fire could cause death but it was also known for rebirth in some cultures.

They had forced Mustang into partaking in a ceremony but the man now held no knowledge of it. A dark magic that was only known by a few secret people and it was a relief that the flame user held no memory of anyone. Those gathered at the ritual had not wanted the rebirth of the man called Maes Hughes however, that had been unexpected and unwanted. It forced them to re-evaluate how much the alchemist had controlled the ceremony, even with his spirit broken.

It would be days before they could repeat the process of breaking down the colonel to such a desperate point as he had been but the doctor surmised that it could be longer due to the presence of Hughes. The general had taken to be permanently attached to his side and he was aware that Mustang was more docile and pliable when Hughes was near him.

The doctor knew it would only be a matter of time before Hughes was removed from the alchemist. He had already set that in motion but the blonde woman that was Mustang's assistant kept placing barriers in their way. Mustang would be separated from his allies and he would be vulnerable, even if the blonde woman with hawk's eyes was next to him.

I'll allow him more dreams of his friend, he thought as he walked by people, which ones though? Friendship? Fear? Lust? Tease him with the death of his friend?

"Still no joy?" a male voice interrupted his musings with a cold smile, "This is disappointing, Addi."

"It's not my fault the fire brought him back," Addi hissed as he removed his doctor's coat, "You should have broken him better. You've been stalking him since Ishbal after all."

"We could not get near to him with the madness that followed him," the man called Bowen retorted, "Homunculus, gates and alchemy. He was consumed with his obsession with revenge, had we taken him then, it would have destroyed us and him."

Addi snorted as he agreed, Mustang had been like a wild, injured animal. Baring teeth at danger and lashing out if it came too close. The emotion was extended to those under his command and protection.

Had Mustang's own will brought forth Maes Hughes? The man had a strange skill to calm the fire that burned deeply in the alchemist, had he been summoned as a guardian? Hughes certainly acted like one, even during Ishbal and the days leading towards his death at the hands of a monster. People seemed to instantly trust him and in turn, they seemed to look at him as some kind of wise sage, a deity that they loved.

So many questions that kept revolving around but he knew it would be easy to whisper doubts to the Colonel Mustang. The man had a flighty nature when he was truly troubled even though he would fight bravely when he had no other choice. Bowen had been fascinated by the young man during the Ishbal war, while those around Mustang were being killed or breaking due to the harshness of the horrors, Mustang would pick himself up and set his mask for another day.

However, he would let the demons within him swallow him and he would flee when it became too much. Drowning himself in drugs, alcohol or whatever else was available. He had been stable for three years now, staying close to those he cared about and it seemed to have had the desired effect on him. The simple goal he had created, the need to rebuild a broken nation and change the views of a country once ruled by a monster.

"We need to remove him from Hughes," Bowen brought the doctor out of his thoughts, falling into perfect step with him.

"I have tried but the man seems to have a sixth sense when trouble is near Mustang," Addi stated sourly, "What do you suggest?"

"...I will speak to the others and bring back something to chase Hughes. Didn't a creature called Envy kill him?" Bowen raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, that's what I learned," Addi looked behind him, catching sight of Mustang's woman stalking by him with a determined look on her face.

She didn't spare him a second glance, a blonde male followed her smoking a cigarette. He shared the same look on his own handsome face but he couldn't hide the look of surprised horror on his face that the woman was managing to cover up. Addi made a small smile, they had just been to the grave and discovered the empty coffin.

The tall man looked back at them, blue eyes narrowing as he regarded them. He said something to the woman who did nothing but kept walking. He followed her but not before he gave them a final look that screamed of suspicion.

"They may be a problem," Bowen stated coldly, "Deal with them."

Past, Central Command...

"I'm sending you to inspect Fort Briggs," the imposing figure of Fuhrer King Bradley had a jovial tone to his voice, "The commander there needs to be reminded that they follow Central Command."

He watched as the normally chatty and vibrant Roy Mustang simply sat there as though he was afraid to move. Bradley had seen the look before in officers that suffered from shell shock but he had always assumed that Mustang was a stronger soldier.

"Lt Colonel?" he raised an eyebrow as Mustang jumped a tiny millimetre in his chair, "Is that acceptable?"

"Yessir," Mustang nodded, "Of course sir. Am I going by myself?"

"No, I'm sending you with one of my own escorts," Bradley stood next to the seated soldier, "I believe you know Major Hughes personally? He seemed quite keen on going with you."

A sigh escaped Mustang, "Yes...I know him. He's going as my bodyguard? What about my assistant?"

"Now now, we both know that the north is no place for a pretty little thing like her," Bradley answered smoothly, "I'm sure she would appreciate the chance for some time off. You won't be gone long, two or three weeks maximum I believe."

"Yessir," Mustang stood up carefully, swaying ever so slightly, "I'm sure she would."

"Alrighty then," Bradley smiled at him, "Dismissed. I'll have my assistant make the necessary arrangements for your travelling."

Once again, Mustang answered almost like an automaton, as though the young man didn't trust himself to answer any other way. He saluted and Bradley noted the slight tremor in normally very steady hands.

"I'd wrap up warm," Bradley stated when he heard the door handle click, "You seem to be coming down with something Mustang."

A tiny gasp sounded like a hiccup in the silence of the office, "...Yessir!"

Mustang left the room, his orders held in a slender envelope. He was being sent to the Northern Command, a barren wasteland of snow and wild animals. There was no real threat there besides the forces on the other side of the mountain and the imposing wall that stopped the enemy from encroaching on Amestrian soil.

He was aware that an Armstrong ran things there. She was an imposing figure in her own right and from the brief conversations he had had with her, she did not suffer fools or weak men lightly. She called her own brother a coward.

Roy placed a hand on the wall nearest him to steady his balance. Bradley had noticed the fact that one of his soldiers was not one hundred percent and if the ruler of the country had been any closer, he would have smelt the spirits wafting off the alchemist. How would he have been able to explain it away? He couldn't lie, he was drunk, he hadn't had time to sober up before he had been called into a meeting with the fuhrer.

The world span in the unpleasant way it did when you had drank too much and you weren't enjoying the experience. His meagre meal from earlier wanted to escape the confines of his stomach. He wanted to fall blissfully numb into his, anybody's bed really and just have the reassuring warmth of another body next to him to remind him that he was human and that he was allowed comfort. The idea of spending another night in a cold bed did nothing to bolster his mood.

He thought briefly of the last time he had shared a bed with someone and it brought Hughes to mind. It had been that hotel over three months ago, that weekend break that had been cut short due to some murderer with a fetish for slicing his victims up and his friend was part of the investigation team dealing with the case being called back to deal with it.

A waft of strong black coffee assaulted his senses and he lifted his gaze, trying to focus on the single white mug right under his nose. He used his free hand to take it and he wasn't surprised when the giver of the coffee refused to completely relinquish the mug from her delicate grip.

"Sit down sir," Hawkeye's soft voice ordered, "Please."

Sit down before you fall down, Roy could hear the unspoken words hang in the air and he would normally argue but he didn't have the strength right now.

He allowed his subordinate to gently usher him into an empty room and he made his own way to the nearest chair. He refused to look at Hawkeye, unsure if it would be pity or disappointment in her soft brown eyes. The young soldier slumped slightly as as he made himself slightly more comfortable in the leather chair.

"You have new orders sir?" Hawkeye asked as she placed the mug next to him on the table, waiting to be handed the envelope.

The male made a non committal noise and held it out to her. He then used both his hands to pick up the drink, relishing the warmth the coffee gave to his hands. The coffee was bitter, the blonde woman had laced it with cinnamon and vanilla, the smell causing him to think of apple pie. Roy took a sip of it, the mouthful a pleasing contrast to the cold spirits that were in his stomach.

"Fort Briggs?" Hawkeye exclaimed as she scanned the paper, "What or who have you annoyed to warrant that?"

Roy shrugged, he didn't trust himself to speak. He took the silence that had fallen and closed his eyes. He rested the mug on his knee, stifling back a yawn. There was nothing to stop him from perhaps catching a few hours sleep in the barracks, a chance to recharge his batteries before he went to the cold north.

"...it's just an inspection," Roy finally said slowly, mumbling into his coffee as he took another drink, "Nothing exciting."

"I'll begin to pack then," Hawkeye said as she finished reading.

It was rare for the man in front of her to say anything that could have surprised her and today it seemed was one of those days, "No, you won't. You are to stay in Central."

Hawkeye blinked in surprise, no? A simple word that had managed to upset her slightly. Everyone knew that wherever the infamous alchemist went, she was always close behind. She was his assistant and his unofficial bodyguard.

"It seems," Roy took the time to slowly pronounce his words, "...it seems that the Fuhrer has decided that Major Hughes would be better suited. The north is no place for a pret...you have a vacation to take."

"Then I'll take it up in Fort Briggs sir," Hawkeye informed, embarrassed slightly as she knew she was sounding dangerously close to a pouting child.

Roy took a deep breath, releasing it in a rushed sigh. He felt the spark of a temper in him, he didn't need to be treated like a child. He was a grown man, a veteran of a war that had seen him kill countless enemies and destroy a nation on the orders of one man.

"First Lieutenant Hawkeye," Roy clenched his jaw, "I do not need a constant nursemaid. You will follow orders set by the Fuhrer himself. I have been ordered to inspect Fort Briggs with Major Hughes, he will be my escort, is that clear?"

Hawkeye snapped to attention, unused to the fire being directed at her. She forced herself to ignore the slurred words, the dark eyes that refused to focus completely on her but they burned past her. He was perfectly within his right to have whoever he wanted as an escort but they had an agreement that they would always remain together. How could she ensure that he remained on the right path if he was away from her?

"Yes sir," Hawkeye saluted him, "I shall take my leave, sir."

"Lieutenant..." Roy spoke softly, the fire gone as suddenly as it started, "I..."

"It's alright sir," Hawkeye moved to the door, "It is not my place to question a superior's orders. If I may be excused?"

The Flame Alchemist opened his mouth but he said nothing. He nodded, the strong feeling of nausea creeping up on him as the coffee reacted with the bitterness in his stomach and perhaps his mood. He wanted to follow her as she left, to apologise for sounding like a spoilt child but he was so damn tired.

Hughes residence, 2.30am...

He was lost in a world of sound sleep. His wife lay curled up next to him, her arm draped across his chest as they almost breathed in sync with one another. The world outside simply didn't exist for them as far as they were concerned at the moment. The loving couple held a similar dream, to have children who would then in turn, have lots grandchildren for them.

It didn't matter that the wind and rain howled outside, the warmth in the home seemed to create a bubble to the couple. A perfect little world that was only for them and for those they loved. A haven from the harshness of reality.

Maes woke up with a start, his heart thundering in his chest as a rumble of thunder sounded above his home. He didn't mind thunderous weather, he wasn't afraid of it but his body always reacted to it negatively. Horrible thoughts of being lost in the war kept whispering in his mind but as soon as the soft sound of movement from his wife reached his ears, those whispers drifted away like the bad dreams they were.

Silence fell over the home and he drowsily closed his eyes before hearing what sounded like knocking on his front door. His body didn't want to interact with the real world just yet, Gracia moved closer to him, her breath tickling his neck as she slept soundly. He was so comfortable and he kept drifting off into sleep.

Alright alright, Hughes thought as the knocking became more insistent, I'm coming.

He carefully disentangled himself from his wife and smiled softly as she moaned in annoyance at being disturbed. He didn't bother to switch on any of the lights in the home or even bother putting his glasses on. The layout of his home wasn't something that changed and he could navigate the house blindfolded. Gracia kept a spotless home.

He stopped at the front door, unlocking it with a loud yawn as the knocking seemed to stop when he came near it. Hughes opened the door and was rudely given a shock from the cold blast of wind. A wet form embraced him, stinking of sweat and booze. Hughes allowed a patient sigh to escape his lips as he didn't need to think about who it was. There was only one man who would have the insanity to come knocking at this time in the morning.

"Firefly," Hughes yawned, "Okay, come on. Let's get you to bed huh?"

Mustang seemed frozen to the spot, not wanting to move from where he was. Hughes kept his arms around the wet male, rubbing his back in a soothing motion and ignoring the thunder that rumbled above. It was another stormy night for the Flame Alchemist. Hughes had to shut the door to stop the heat escaping his home but he wasn't going to force the man in his arms into moving if he didn't feel strong enough.

He could hear Gracia moving about upstairs, the woman seemed to instinctively know when to step up and fix up the bedroom the alchemist would stay in. He used his left leg to push the door closed, Roy hugging him tightly and shivering against him. Hughes fought back another yawn, he was tired but he would remain awake to help those in need.

"Can you manage stairs or do you just wanna crash on the couch?" Hughes asked softly in the darkness, "I'm pretty much blind here without my glasses."

He felt a nod against his chest. That was a good sign at least, Roy could understand him but it made Hughes wonder if Hawkeye knew about this. The woman had stopped him in Central command, asking if he would be extra vigilant when he was acting as bodyguard up in the cold north. He had thought nothing of it at the time but it all became clear now, she had been aware of this. It didn't matter now, he'd dry him off and get him settled once more.

He'd need to change his own clothes, Roy had been soaked and it had transferred that wetness to him. He moved slightly back, allowing Roy to follow him. The slender male went with him, extending his arm to help guide them to the stairs and Hughes followed him. He could feel Roy shiver under his hand on his shoulder, at least he had managed to retain his jacket this time.

"I'll make you something to eat when you're showering," Hughes said as they climbed the stairs, "No arguments."

"...trying to fatten me up?" Roy managed quietly as he turned to the guest room.

"Always," Hughes retorted quietly with a smile, "You look better with meat."

And it's probably been a few days since you last had something decent in your stomach as well, the major kept the distance between small but he couldn't help his nose wrinkling with Mustang's smell right now.

Roy smiled softly, not fighting when Hughes directed him to the ensuite in the guest room. It was warm and inviting and he could hear water from the shower running already. Hughes had landed on his feet with the caring wife he had. The bathroom had a light on and he avoided looking at his reflection in the quickly steaming up mirror.

"Shower," Hughes released him from his grip, "Okay? I'll be up in a couple of minutes with food."

Roy swayed slightly as he leaned against the wall, he numbly battled with the buttons on his blue jacket, cursing himself for being useless wet and for running here but where else could he go? Hawkeye was furious at him for denying her to watch over to him. His jacket fell to the floor before he decided to tackle his boots.

He took a breath as his head pounded when he leaned over to unlace them and he almost fell head first into the bath. It felt like a lifetime battling with laces before he managed to remove the heavy boots and disgustingly wet socks. The alchemist didn't bother stripping further, the water was acting like a siren to his cold body. He extended his arm to help balance himself as he stood under the warmth, letting the cold water run over his form. The water finding all the cold spots that embracing Hughes had failed to warm, The shower warmed his body but his soul still remained cold, how that was possible, he wasn't sure about.

He heard Hughes sigh as the man entered the bedroom, spotting the alchemist in the shower still dressed. The man said nothing as he placed the tray he had brought down on the bed and came into the bathroom. Hughes got into the shower, gently turning Roy to face him and wasn't surprised to see that the man failed to meet his gaze as he stood quietly.

Maes raised his hands and started to unbutton the white shirt that was sticking to the alchemist's slender chest, his hazel eyes almost blind from the warm water that fell from the shower head. The shirt landed with a wet sound on the tiled floor, exposing a torso that had cuts and bruises of varying ages. The major said nothing, simply tackling Roy's belt buckle. He had noticed that the man had managed to get the heavy boots off but stopped there.

Things I do for this man, Hughes kept his face neutral, the man in front of him didn't need a pity look, but he no doubt would do this for me if our positions were reversed.

Roy wrapped his arms around his friend's neck, resting his head on his chest. Normally, the height difference was a slight annoyance but sometimes, it was soothing. Had they not dated all those years ago, he doubted Hughes would have been so tolerate of this closeness of another male.

"It's been a while," Hughes mumbled softly in silence, "you know, since I had to last undress you."

"I guess it has been," Roy said quietly, "I'm pretty sure...it was the same reason."

A smile tugged on Maes face, "No...don't think it was. I think it was the morning of my wedding day and I was the..."

"Drunk?" Roy spat out bitterly, "Thanks."

"Shut up," Hughes stated harshly, "Enough of the wallowing in self pity."

Roy blinked in surprise at the tone that had been used. Hughes rarely voiced that sound but how much did the bubbly male swallow when it came to negative emotions? The man was always so upbeat and cheerful, the positive force in a depressing world. Roy tried to remove his hands from his friend but Maes stopped him. His chest rising in time to every breath he took, it was almost hypnotic to the smaller male as he watched.

The alchemist raised his head, struggling to focus on the water that was running down the angular jaw of Maes. He allowed his gaze to slowly trace upwards from the base of Maes throat, neck, chin and lips. It had been so long since he had last had comfort, so long since he had last kissed those forever smiling lips.

He caught Maes by surprise as he pinned him against the wall in the shower, attacking his lips with desperate madness. His fingers curling tightly around the wet fabric of the pyjamas his friend was wearing. There was no horrified push back, the major responding well, kissing him back before Maes realised where he was.

The major broke the kiss. His cheeks burning with a mixture of emotions ranging from anger, confusion and excitement. Maes blinked, trying to clear his vision from the water. He kept Roy at arms length, curling his fist and wanting to lash out but he shook his head.

"...Roy...no," Hughes elegantly stepped out of the shower, hoping that his wife had not seen what had happened, "I can't. Don't ever do that again okay? What we had, I'm sorry but..."

Present...

I'm sorry, but it's gone... Gracia, I'm sorry but he's gone... my deepest sympathies, Colonel Mustang but he's gone...

He walked numbly down the corridor, the sounds of his bare feet making little noise. Roy couldn't sleep, not after that dream. Had he really been involved with... He stopped dead in the corridor, so he really did know the man with the hazel eyes and glasses? Obviously so if he had ran to the man in his dreams and had tried to kiss him.

"Your energy is weird," came the smug tone of Greed, "Seriously, really weird. How do you feel right now?"

Roy raised an eyebrow, how did he feel? He wasn't sure, his memory was shot. The doctors in the hospital kept sticking him with needles filled with drugs which kept his head fuzzy. A headache that refused to lift was constantly putting him off and he was now fantasising about a male he was pretty sure he had never seen before. Everyone had questions for him and he couldn't provide the answers they all wanted.

He shook his head, his dark hair falling over his eyes. The statement from Ling...no, Greed, it wasn't asking how he was, simply how he felt. He didn't know but the daydream had left him feeling slightly lighter, his chest didn't feel as tight.

"Your friend," Greed approached the topic gently, "the man called Maes Hughes. Tell me about him, or...at least whatever you can."

Roy narrowed his eyes in suspicion at the young man dressed now completely in black. There was something familiar about the male, Edward had told him that they had encountered one another a few years ago and that they were all working together to build a better future for all. The kid had also told him about how a monster resided in the slender boy.

"You don't even need to be eloquent," Greed found a chair and sat down with a toothy grin, "I'm a total stranger to you so, in theory, it should be easier."

A wisp of a smile appeared on Roy's face as he leaned on the wall, "It's more muddled dreams and whispers of memories. He seems important to me."

"Love?"

"...maybe..." Roy laughed sourly as he rubbed his face, "No. Yes...I don't know. My head and heart seem to be screaming at me, telling me that I should know him but I don't. It's like a pain in my chest that is trying to cripple me when I look at him because I want to run to him but...at the same time, I'm terrified of remembering but I don't want him to leave me."

"The human soul is a complicated thing," Greed mused as Mustang slumped wearily on the wall, "It will offer anything to have something."

"How can I want what I can't remember?" Roy asked, "It's like an unfunny joke."

Greed chuckled but it was a sad sound, "I'm with you on that one."

"I thought...aren't you the embodiment of greed?" Roy quizzed as he straightened, "You want everything right?"

"Yeah but I learned a few things along the way though," Greed refused to let the memories of his former life wash over him, "To want the finer things in life but that doesn't keep you warm at night like someone who really loves you sharing your bed. You can have all the possessions you want but they can't fill your soul..."

The homunculus fell silent before drumming up an unconvincing laugh, trying to brush off the sombre thoughts he was having. Roy lost himself in his own thoughts. The idea of wanting something and offering whatever he could to get it...wasn't that equal exchange? Wasn't that what they were all whispering behind his back that he had done?

Roy sighed, "Right, have I done that? I can hear Fullmetal talk to Hughes about me when they think that I'm asleep. Whispering about how they think I've performed a successful human transmutation."

"Would explain why you can't remember," Greed mused as he looked at the wall across from him, "The fee I mean, but I have never once heard of memories being taken. Organs, limbs or an actual life but why memories of the very person you have brought back to life? It doesn't make any sense, it's always been something tangible."

"The man would need a soul," Mustang crossed his arms, "but why can I remember snippets?"

The homunculus stretched out his arms, he wasn't sure. He watched the colonel for a long moment, the slender man dropping his head down as he searched internally for the answers. He had had his own experiences with forgotten thoughts but that was because his memories had not been fully purged from the previous Greed. Words the now emperor of Xing had said remained close to his heart, friends become a part of your soul. You cannot forget them.

"I heard somewhere that friends become part of you," Greed could hear Ling laughing in surprise, "that no matter how hard you try to forget them, you'll always remember. Focus on them, don't fight them."

Roy could see the sad look on strong features, eyes like mulled wine blinking away tears before flashing a manic grin at him. Ed had told him that there was a monster lurking in the young emperor from the east but looking at the young man, it was hard to see a difference. Greed had perfected being human but he was not to be trusted at all. The blonde alchemist had tried to explain to him the basics of what had happened but he had stopped when Roy had laughed in his face.

Fullmetal had been upset but Roy couldn't help it. Hughes had been horrified but the man had fallen into himself since the rooftop and seeing the scars on someone he thought he knew.

"If I do hold on to them," Roy replied after the silence became almost choking, "Will I remember more? I seem to have memory loss spanning at least a decade."

Broad shoulders shrugged as Greed pulled a face, "I don't know, hell, you might even be forcing yourself not to."

The colonel jerked his head at the suggestion. Could that be possible? The memories he wanted, could he be acting against himself to block them out? Why on earth would he do that, it made no logical sense to him but he wasn't going to pay to much heed to logic at the moment.

"You keep making comments about my energy being off," Roy moved and sat next to Greed, "What about Hughes?"

Greed leaned forward, Hughes seemed to be able to calm the energy of the alchemist when they were together as though the man was part of him or was it just the fact that the man was his friend? The homunculus clicked his tongue as he tried to think about the answer without it resulting in him being engulfed in flames.

"...feel free not to answer but..." Greed raised his gaze to Mustang, "...when Maes Hughes embraced you a little while back, you seemed to settle down. Did you two have more than a friendship going?"

Dark eyes went wide like saucers, was he really that easy to read?! His breath became lodged in his throat as he stood shocked for what felt like eternity. The dream from earlier had him being refused by the strange yet familiar man, his heart shattering but why was he now running from him when the friendly male had hugged him on the roof?

"I don't know," Mustang groaned into his hands as he buried his face in them.

Greed surprised him by placing a hand on his shoulder, his red eyes watching every movement of the alchemist in front of him as he edged closer. His hand slid easily across the colonel's shoulders, resting on the one that was furthest away and Greed pulled him into an awkward embrace.

…? Very unlike you to show such softness, Ling said softly in his mind, are you...

Shut up, Greed snapped back as he waited for the flames to engulf him and to smell the horrible stench of his own flesh burning to cinders, ...he needs this. Someone who isn't going to judge him or ask him stupid questions. I know what it's like, to hear forgotten memories screaming in the darkness. It isn't something I'd wish on...

He was brought out of his musings when he was pushed against into the wall in his seated position, a hand gripped tightly around his throat and a fire burning in Mustang's eyes. Greed tried to focus on the spark that was dancing in those dark orbs, he recognised the pain in them all too well.

Was this how he looked when he was killing Lust and Envy? The embodiment of one of the deadly sins swallowed with what he would admit was actual fear, could he activate his protective shield as quick as the alchemist could burn?

"Don't touch me!" Mustang growled, "Never touch me."

Greed slowly placed his hands on the lip of the seat he was still perched on, remaining perfectly still and not wanting to provoke the Flame Alchemist's temper. It was an interesting reaction to an innocent gesture of affection and comfort.

"What did you...you remember?" Greed rushed the words out, "You remembered something right?"

The vice grip remained in place as did the murderous intent in the colonel's eyes and Greed could feel his own grip on the plastic chair tighten in response. Mustang pushed himself away, relenting his grasp on the throat of the homunculus. The alchemist took a step back, his eyes refusing to meet Greed.

Pesky memories sneaking up on someone are never nice, Greed watched as a softer colour washed over the man's cheeks, but I think it's probably just saved my life.

Ohh, Ling said with realisation, I think he remembered something personal. Wait...his energy is shifting again. It was nothing but utter rage just a few moments ago but now...I'm not sure.

I think I should do some research on our colonel and Hughes, Greed wanted to rub his throat to ease the fading pressure that had been on it, Mustang had turned his back to the young prince.

Of course. Do you think...Ling didn't want to think that a Philosopher Stone was being used or even sought out by some unknown enemy, they had all barely survived the first time.

Philosopher Stone? No, I'm not getting that feeling, Greed allowed Mustang to leave without a fight but he remained seated, He's fighting though but who is he fighting?

Is that really... Ling asked.

"It is important," Greed stood up, enthralled as a woman walked by with a cart full of flowers, "damn...none of them are sunflowers."

Hawkeye's Apartment...

She had sat staring at the pictures for over three hours now, her eyes not sure she really believed what she had actually seen at the grave. Havoc sat quietly on the couch opposite, digesting the information that the woman had shared with him.

Blue eyes closed as he fell back on the comfortable seat, chewing on the end of his cigarette, knowing that he couldn't smoke in Hawkeye's apartment. He had heard stories about the last man who was foolish enough to try. The man had quickly stopped and Havoc had briefly thought about quitting himself.

"Sounds more like the start of a bad horror film," Havoc drawled, "The dead returning, empty coffins..."

Havoc opened his eyes, taking a breath as the woman across from him said nothing. She simply scanned every page and photo with intent on her features. He knew she was looking for a way to prove that Mustang was innocent but the tight team didn't know what exactly he was guilty of however.

"I know," Hawkeye finally said, "I want that man to be Hughes, I really do."

"Yeah...it'd be nice to see the chief smile again like he used to," Havoc mused and instantly regretted saying those words, "Ah...sorry. No offence meant."

Hawkeye shook her head with a gentle smile, "It's fine."

The blonde male dropped his gaze, watching Black Hayate for a long moment and chuckling when he remembered the dog outranked Fury. It brought back another memory of when Roy had been in fine form one day and the man had told him that when he became Fuhrer, all females in the military would be required to wear tiny miniskirts.

"I'm gonna help you and Roy as much as I can," Havoc stated as he brought himself back to the present, "I owe him more than I can ever repay."

I know, Hawkeye allowed the silence to fall over them again, We all owe him something.

Mustang would not allow his men to wallow in self pity long. He would bare the brunt of any and all accusations the guys would throw at him before stating what they then needed to do. Havoc knew this better than anyone. He could still remember the look on the colonel's face as he had screamed and pleaded to be left behind because he was useless.

Dark eyes of the Flame Alchemist had been hidden from view, dark hair falling over them. It must have hurt like hell for the man to even be standing and then to walk away, releasing from his promise. Havoc would have lost himself to a pit of hellish darkness had Mustang not uttered the next sentence when he had, Until you catch up, we'll go on ahead without you.

"Chief's memory is shot," Havoc pulled himself out the pit of depression, "A missing body...could he be..."

"We've been over that already," Hawkeye looked further at some files.

"I know," Havoc craved a cigarette to try and ease his thoughts, "Don't you think I want it to be him? I actually want him to bore me to death with his photos and being unable to get him to shut the hell up but Riza, we have to also think that he's one of them. You know, a homunculus. They have a human body but a stone at their core."

The female sniper resumed her searching, "He has memories of his life, of his family and of us."

Jean nodded in agreement, "Yeah but...when is something this amazing ever been this easy? I mean, for us? I want to get down on my knees and pray like hell to whatever god brought him back but..."

"With our experiences," Hawkeye finished the man's thought, "it's liable to bite us. We need to really focus on locating the colonel during the time he was missing. That's the key or at least, a huge part of this."

Havoc agreed, "Okay, I'll head over to the Hughes home. Gracia said the chief had visited her, maybe he left a clue for us to follow."

"Jean..." Hawkeye looked at the male as he stood up, "Don't...tell her about Hughes for now. We pretend that our attention is the colonel."

"Understand ma'am," Havoc saluted her, "I uh, took the liberty of asking Ed's girl to keep it quiet. I told her that..."

"Edward would have told her," Hawkeye replied as she picked up a mug that was sitting near her, "there's no point but hopefully he's asked her to keep quiet."

Havoc snorted in something that was almost akin to irritated amusement," Alright, I'll take Breda and Fulman to..."

Another thought made Riza interrupt him, "Is Major Miles from Fort Briggs around?"

"Yeah...he's escorting Colonel Armstrong," Havoc reported, "Why?"

"We need another set of eyes on this and Mustang has history with Miles, so does Hughes. They all attended the academy together," Hawkeye informed softly, "Perhaps Ishvalian views might be useful. I want you to work with him."

Havoc admitted that he was surprised but said nothing more. He was aware of how Miles had fought to unite the people of both countries and so far, the idea was working. Scar stood beside him, finally returning to the road of peace and life instead of hatred and death. However, the idea made sense. Miles had trained with them but Havoc wasn't sure. The alchemist could remember certain things but anything that involved Hughes became fuzzy, it was as though something was making him forget.

"Yes ma'am," he stated as he headed to the door, "...he's gonna be okay Riza. It's Roy Mustang we're talking about. He's got the luck of a damn cat."

Even cats run out of lives, Hawkeye mused to herself as her friend left the apartment, she heard the faint click of his lighter and a sad sigh from Havoc as the door closed over.

The confidence held in the man called Mustang had been inspiring but she wasn't foolish not to hea the whispers between the men. The terrible and nasty little words of what if. The two words that could ruin any kind of sanity someone had and she had to confess that she wasn't above saying them either. She simply kept them to herself.

Her phone rang for her attention and she placed herself in business mode, fully expecting the deep soft tones of her commanding officer telling her to come and collect him. She was surprised when it was the lighter tone of Edward Elrich, he was still at the hospital if the sounds in the background was correct.

"First lieutenant?" the young man asked quietly, "Is Mustang with you? He's not with us..."

"He's missing?" Hawkeye felt her heart drop heavily into her stomach, the thought made her feel sick but she made sure to remain professional.

"Yeah, he disappeared when he said he was going to the bathroom," Ed sounded like he was kicking himself for losing track or perhaps falling for such a childish mistake, "That was over an hour ago. Greed's helping us look for him but he doesn't think Mustang is himself."

"I think that's pretty obvious right now," Hawkeye couldn't bring herself to be completely rude to the alchemist, "Where is..."

"Some top brass has Hughes. Armstrong wasn't able to stop them," Ed growled and she could hear the phone creak with the tight grip the young man must have had, "Hughes didn't want to go but he wasn't going to start a fight if Roy was about."

The sniper pinched her nose, that was not a good sign. The higher ups had discovered Hughes? Damn...she was sure that the team had remained silent, they all knew not to divulge information as sensitive as this.

"I'll get on it," Hawkeye stated as she cursed mentally, "Edward, can you look for the colonel?"

"I'll crack his skull open when I see him," Ed hung up and she knew it was nothing more than an empty threat.

Who had informed the more senior officers of Hughes? Knox would have remained silent and simply pleaded ignorance. None of Mustang's men would have shared but Armstrong, while loyal and trustworthy, did have a habit of blurting out things. So did Ross and her friend Brosch but again, she doubted they would have said anything. Could one of the doctors treating the two soldiers have secretly filed a report?

The woman looked at Hayate for answers, her canine companion cocked his head attentively before following his mistress. She smiled softly as she stood up to stretch out the cramps that had began to settle across her shoulders. Her coffee table was littered with photos and one in particular caught her eye, a photo that Maes had gave her not long after she had adopted Hayate. Slowly, she went to it, a sad tear filling her eye as she picked it up.

It had Hughes, herself, Black Hayate and Roy standing at his desk. Roy had held the puppy in his arms at length, a horrified expression of surprise on young features as the puppy had peed all over his desk. Hughes was damn near on the floor, unable to breath for laughing so hard. She had a smile on her lips but even now, she wasn't sure who she was laughing at.

Hughes had gave her a second picture, one that only he would have been able to get . It showed her a softer, more sober Roy watching the sunset in Ishbal. A decaying cigarette burning in his lips that were curled in a sad smile but what made her look more at the picture was his eyes. The dark orbs held a tiny spark of hope and faith that the war would end soon and that they could all go home and live lives that didn't revolve around death.

His uniform was filthy and he had blood staining the bottom panel of his the white jacket he wore to shield himself from the sand. It felt to her that he had worn it like a shroud, all soldiers had and she vowed never to wear the damn thing again if she could help it.

Hawkeye had wondered why Hughes had gave her this photo, it looked like a normal photo until she had shown her one taken a few weeks earlier and her heart had almost stopped. The third picture...Hughes had destroyed it himself. One of the few the man had ever done intentionally and they both agreed that they never wanted to be reminded of it. The day their friend had empty eyes, the day Mustang had almost lost his soul and had nearly killed his best friend.