Fetch

Chapter Three: Go away

No sooner had Roy placed an ad in the East City newspaper a week later than he received some new information for Edward and Alphonse. It was another lead on the philosopher’s stone and while they were at it, they were to also complete a mission, however routine, on yet another mine. This made the second and Roy was beginning to wonder if that’s all Central had in store for the Fullmetal Alchemist. There had to be some better assignments for him out there, more things that would and could lead them where they wanted to go.

Lily certainly didn’t want to see her big brother’s go and almost cried when she learned they had to leave. Edward promised before getting on the train that he and Al would come back and live with her again and if she was good they might bring something back. Roy saw that as Ed and Al spoiling her, but he’d never say a word to any of them about it because he thought it was sweet.

“But I don’t want anything but for you and Al to come home.”

“We’ll come back Lily,” Al said as he pulled his hand back into the train.

“May I steal your pillow while you’re gone Ed?” She asked as Roy adjusted her upon his hip. Now that was the strangest question he’d ever heard her ask.

Ed frowned, scratching his head. “I guess why?”

“So you can’t have it back until you walk in the door.” She replied with a frown.

Ed gave her a smile. “Sure, keep it safe and don’t drool on it.”

“I don’t drool snore monkey.” She teased.

Ed winced as the train whistle blew and Lily covered her ears. “Bye,”

“Bye,” Roy said, backing up a step “And please stay out of trouble this time.”

“We’ll try,” Ed replied with a wave before the train lurched, then he pulled himself back in the window.

Roy stood there until the train was out of sight, then he sighed and took a seat upon a bench to wait for Anise’s train to arrive. It shouldn’t be long assuming there hadn’t been some sort of delay.

“Can we leave now?” Lily asked looking at his pocket watch.

“What time is it?” He asked.

“Five after one,” She replied softly. “She never waits for you.”

Roy smirked. “No she doesn’t, but we’ll be nice and wait for her. It’s polite.”

Lily scowled and slipped his pocket watch back into his pocket. “Does Edward have a watch like yours Daddy?”

Roy nodded. “Yes he does, didn’t you notice?”

“I knew he had a pocket watch, but I didn’t know if it was like yours. Does Al?”

Roy shook his head. “Maybe someday.”

“Can Riza come over tonight?”

Roy arched an eyebrow. Riza combined with Anise wouldn’t make for a peaceful evening. Riza detested Anise almost more than he did and there would no doubt be tension in the air between the two women. Oh Riza had never said a word to Anise, but it was as if the two women didn’t need words to communicate their dislike for each other. It was more like they had some sort of telepathy. Still, it might be kind of fun.

He nodded. “Sure Poppet,”

Lily grinned. “And what about Falman, Breda, Havoc, and Fury? I’ll help you make dinner it’s just too bad that Uncle Maes can’t be here.”

“Are you trying to make Anise uncomfortable?” He asked.

Lily gave him an innocent look. “I don’t know what you mean.”

“Uh huh,” Roy smiled and tucked her hair behind her ears. That was so like him and he’d never said that phrase around her before, so how she’d picked that up he wasn’t certain. “I would have to make a stop by the market to stock up on food.” He paused. “Do you know the phone number to the office?”

Lily nodded. “Yes,”

Roy slipped his hand into his pocket and pulled out some change. “Then why don’t you go call Riza and extend an invitation for dinner to everyone.”

Lily’s eyes brightened with excitement. “Really?”

“Really,” he replied placing the change into her hand. “Hurry Poppet.”

Lily nodded and slipped from his lap, looking around. Then she was off to the pay phone. Roy sighed. This should be a very interesting night indeed. Lily would be busy no doubt with Havoc while Riza kept watch upon Anise. He wasn’t sure what Fury, Falman, and Breda would be like, as he’d never had them over before.

When Lily came back she was a little ball of excitement, practically bouncing and barely able to contain herself. “Breda said he’d play chess with me tonight Daddy. I talked to him first then Riza and Havoc promised he’d come see my room.”

“That’s great,” He replied picking her up again. There was one place he loved her the most, and that was sitting in his lap. When she was there, she was the closest, the warmest, and always hugged him or held his hand. Now she hugged him resting her head upon his shoulder. He got a few looks from some of the station employees he knew, people he had keep watch for Ed and Al. There was one employee in particular, a young woman he’d dated once. She, Sammy was her name, actually left her station at the ticket counter and approached them with a curious smile.

“Good afternoon Colonel.”

Lily lifted her head for a moment as they heard a train whistle in the distance.

“Hello Sammy, this is Lily, my daughter. Lily, this is Sammy.” He replied with a smile.

Sammy smiled, sitting next to them. “I figured as much, she looks just like you. It’s nice to finally meet you Lily. Your Dad talked about you a lot.”

“It nice to meet you too… He did, do you work for him too?”

Sammy nodded. “A little, I look out for Edward and Alphonse as much as I able. As soon as they get off the train I call your dad and let him know. How old are you?”

“Seven, why do you tell my dad when Ed and Al come back?”

“So he knows they are back in town and if it’s raining or too cold he can send someone to pick them up so they don’t have to walk all the way to Eastern Command.”

“Oh,”

“So who are you waiting for today?” Sammy asked.

“My sister in law.” Roy replied. “This should be her train, the one from Ariss.”

Sammy nodded. “Yep it is, it’s five minutes late though.” She sighed. “I have to get back to work before my boss gets back from lunch. I just wanted to say hello.”

Lily smiled. “Hello,”

“Thanks Sammy,” Roy said with a smile as she stood.

“Sure, it was nice to finally meet you Lily, take care of your Dad, okay?”

“I will,”

Roy stood slowly, making sure Lily had a hold of him and he her as the train pulled into the station. It didn’t take long at all and soon Anise was walking toward them with her suitcase. “How was the trip?” Roy asked.

“It was warm and turbulent, but not all together unpleasant.” Anise replied with a smile. “Hello Lily,”

“Hello,” Lily said softly.

Roy set Lily upon her feet and reached for his sister in law’s suitcase. “Well the weather has grown cooler within the last week. It should be a nice autumn this year.”

“It should indeed.” Anise muttered holding out her hand to Lily. Even Roy watched his daughter. He expected her to be polite; they’d talked about this. Lily had voiced her fear of her Aunt stealing her away again and Roy noted it.

Lily lifted her hand and placed in her aunts. “You can have my room while you stay with us. I’ll sleep with Daddy or in Ed’s room.” Lily stated firmly.

“Ed’s room?” Anise asked.

“The boys had an assignment,” Roy explained. “So they are gone for the week. Lily’s holding Edward’s pillow hostage until he returns.”

Anise shook her head with a light smile. “I see, well I’d say that’s one way to get him to come home. You’ll have to tell me everything I’ve missed Lily.”

“We’ll have to make a stop by the market before going home Anise, I hope you don’t mind.” Roy said with a smile. He caught Lily’s and reached over to brush her hair from her eyes. She needed a hair cut too, but that could wait for now.

“That’s fine Roy.”

“We’re having a big dinner, we have too.” Lily smirked. “Daddy, let’s go before the whistle goes again.”

“So what’s the Colonel’s sister in law like?” Fury asked Riza as she knocked upon the door. He was the last to meet them on the corner before coming here. She decided it was best that they all arrive together.

“Polite,” she replied and Havoc snorted.

“She’s a viper Fury, don’t let her fool you.”

“What was his wife like?” Breda asked. “If her sister’s a snake?”

Riza smiled. “Sable was completely different, a very kind and loving person.” The door opened and all of them looked down to find Lily standing there with a smile.

“Hi!” Lily said happily and ran right into Riza’s waist.

Riza smiled, wrapping her arms around her. “Hello Lily,” There was always something about this little girl that she loved and never could quite figure it out. Maybe it was because she was Roy’s little girl, maybe it was because Lily was so sweet, or maybe it was because Lily had always come to her, pushing her way into her heart. What ever it was it didn’t really matter to Riza, she was glad for it.

Lily pulled away and took her hand. “Come inside, Daddy’s cooking because Aunt Anise can’t. She doesn’t know you’re supposed to have dinner with us yet.”

“Lily, who’s at the door?” They heard a woman call.

“Friends!” Lily replied tugging Riza inside.

It was when they had the door closed that Riza came eye to eye with Anise. They stared at each other for a moment; then Anise smiled. “It’s nice to see you again Riza,”

“You as well Anise.”

“Aunt Anise, this is Breda, Falman, and Fury. You already know Havoc,” Lily said softly. “They’re having dinner with us tonight.”

“Oh, well come in please,” Anise said looking as surprised as ever, and also a little annoyed.

Roy sat in the living room beside Lily while she played chess with Breda. Everyone else was chatting and they had a small conversation going, Anise mostly quiet and listening. So far Lily was doing pretty good against Breda and she made him promise not to help her. So far there had been no fights, but there was some definite tension in the air. Anise was tense, so much so that it showed every now and then. And of course they talked about military matters and some politics. That really wasn’t Anise’s field.

Havoc moved from his place near the fireplace and sat on the other side of Lily. “So kid how’s it coming, beat him yet?”

Lily shook her head and moved a pawn. “No,”

Breda took her pawn with a grin. “You’re not sneaking up on me,”

Lily smirked. “Really?” She reached down and took his knight with hers. “It looks like you’re in check Breda.”

Roy smiled, checking their pieces more closely. Lily had slipped her knight right in under Breda’s nose and had him backed up with no way out. It didn’t matter where he moved his king; he was screwed. “No, he’s in check mate Poppet, and it’s a good thing too, it’s your bedtime.”

Breda blinked then chuckled to himself. “I just got beat by a seven year old.”

“I am my father’s daughter.” Lily said as she began to clean up the pieces.

Havoc laughed. “That’s a scary thought.”

“Lily I’ll clean up, you go on, don’t forget to brush your teeth.” Roy said softly. Lily shook her head and leaned over to give him a hug.

“Night Daddy,”

“Good night,”

His eyes followed her as she gave Havoc a hug, the first one she’d ever given him, then to his surprise she hugged Falman, Breda, and Fury before making it to Riza. He wondered if she did that because she liked them or if she was trying to piss off her aunt.

When she reached Anise, Anise asked if she wanted her to tuck her in. Lily shook her head. “You never did that before, I’ll be okay.” She smiled and gave her aunt a hug. “See you in the morning.” Then she ran from the room. Wow, that was kind of cold even he had to admit.

“Roy,” Riza said gently. “Have you found a school for Lily yet?”

Roy smiled. “No, I thought a tutor would be better. I placed an ad in the paper for some one who could teach alchemy as well.”

“She’s an alchemist too?” Fury asked.

“Yes,” Anise said with a smile. “She used to make flowers in the garden all the time. Sable used to do the same thing when we were younger.”

“So are you an alchemist?” Fury asked.

Anise shook her head. “No, I never really cared for the science myself. It was always something my sister was interested in. I suppose because I didn’t really care of it I could never transmute.”

Finally everyone left, leaving Roy alone with Anise. The conversation had turned from alchemy to where the Elric’s had gone and what it was the boys and Lily had been doing for the last week. Anise did not look pleased with some of it, especially when it came to Edward, Alphonse, and Lily making a trip to the park after dark one night to play.

Roy checked Ed’s room first to locate his daughter. She wasn’t there, but his pillow was gone. Anise sighed. “Roy,” Here it came.

“What?” He asked, slipping a hand into his pocket.

“I would like to take Lily out tomorrow when I do some shopping.”

“Better ask her if she wants to go.” He said quietly. “After all, after being ignored for most of her life by you, she may not feel so inclined to take a trip around the city. Lily hates shopping, she told me so last week.”

“Ignored? Roy I never ignored her.” Anise whispered, glancing down the hall.

He smirked. “So she lied then is that it?”

“Since I have a small business to run my time was a little limited, but I never ignored her.” Her hand reached for him and she took a step closer. Roy wanted nothing more than to back away from her, but he was curious to see what she was up too. “Everything would be easier on us…” She trailed off and for the first time ever, she slipped her arms around his waist and rested her head upon his chest. “Just for a moment Roy, please?”

Roy held back a sigh. This was not going to work, this new tactic of hers. How did she think it could possibly? Oh he could see where this was going. She’d play the wounded girl in need of comfort hoping he’d indulge her and let his guard down then she’d strike. Well too bad for her, he could play this game as well. She might look a little like Sable, but she clearly was not and she couldn’t play that card either.

Gently he enfolded her in his arms. “What’s wrong Anise?” He asked quietly.

“Nothing really, I just wanted to feel… cared for.”

He lifted her chin. “I’ve never not cared about you Anise. No matter how much we’ve fought I’ve always cared.”

“But it was because of Lily or Sable.”

Yes “No, I’ve always cared about you individually, separately.” He just wasn’t going to tell her how he’d cared about it, which was he cared enough to see her as a threat.

Anise pulled away smiling and cupped his cheek in her hand. “I shouldn’t keep you from Lily, she might still be awake. I’ve kept you from her enough.”

“Anise, tell me what’s wrong.”

“I’m fine Roy.” She whispered and kissed his cheek. He watched her leave him for Lily’s bedroom and close the door.

Not going to work, He thought and made way to his bedroom. As soon as he had his door closed he looked for Lily and smiled. She was curled up in the middle of the bed hugging Edward’s pillow to her, her face buried in it. That could only mean one thing. She really missed Ed and she loved him. He wasn’t sure if she had a crush on him or not, she seemed to divide her attention between Ed and Al evenly. One night last week she’d slept with Al and the next night with Edward. And the rest of the time she spent starting out in her own bed only to wander into his. He supposed she just didn’t like sleeping alone. He didn’t mind her sleeping with him; she was warm and didn’t really kick in her sleep. He just worried that he’d have a bad dream and scare her again.

Roy sighed and changed for bed before crawling in beside his little girl. He smiled leaning over to kiss her head. She sighed in her sleep and he lay down to watch her for a little while.

Roy awoke to gentle prodding along his arm. “Daddy wake up.”

“What is it?” He muttered.

“Aunt Anise is up and in the kitchen; you have to stop her from cooking.” Lily’s voice whispered. “I don’t want to choke before Ed and Al get back.”

He snorted, opening his eyes and rolled upon his back. Carefully he lifted Lily and placed her upon his stomach. “Why do you want Ed’s pillow?”

“Because it smells like him, Al’s doesn’t really have a smell. His pillow smells like pillow. Ed’s smells like Ed. Why?”

“Do you like Al and Ed?”

She nodded. “Yes,”

“Good… I don’t want to get up.” His eyes traveled to his clock. He had to get up soon and get ready for work or maybe… He thought over how much paper work he had or would have and smiled. “How would you like me to stay home today?”

Lily beamed. “Really, won’t Riza get mad?”

“I don’t think so,” He yawned and tucked her hair behind her ear. “You need a hair cut Poppet. Maybe we’ll do that today while your aunt drags us around East City shopping hmm?”

Lily groaned and hid her face in her hands. “Don’t torture me Daddy. I hate shopping with her.”

Roy laughed, prying her hands from her face. “I’ll go with you.”

Lily sighed. “If you can find me after breakfast. Ed and I found great hiding places.”

“It won’t be so bad.”

“I don’t want to go.”

“Lily,”

“Daddy,” They stared each other down and he sighed.

“I’ll take you to the park.”

She shook her head. “Nice try,”

“Lily come on, just this once I’m too tired to think of bribes.”

“Like I’d take them.” She said with a smirk.

“Then what’s it going to take to get you to go?” He asked.

Lily thought a moment. “You to make breakfast.”

Well that was easy and simple enough. “Done, I’ll get up in a minute.”

“You say that and you always go back to sleep.” She retorted, poking his chest. “Get up,”

Roy frowned. “Pushy little woman,”

“Yep,” She giggled. “Please.”

“Fine,” He sighed, sitting up as best as he could with her still on him. Really he just wanted to roll over and go back to sleep, but maybe later they could take a nap together.

Somehow Roy didn’t think shopping with Anise could be that bad, he was wrong. The woman took forever and he was so bored he almost wished he had a whole stack of paperwork to read and sign. Lily on the other hand was cranky and did nothing to hide it in the least.

He sighed looking out of the shop window and seeing a salon across the street. Salvation! At least there he could read something. “Anise I’m going to take Lily to get her hair cut, it shouldn’t take too long.”

Anise looked up from antique she was currently looking at, that was her job, or rather she was an antiques dealer, and today she’d been to ever antiques shop in the city. “All right, I’ll come find you when I’m done.”

Roy told the woman who had the scissors just to trim Lily’s hair after asking his daughter what she wanted. She said Al liked her hair and she didn’t want to look like a boy. That was a good enough response for him.

He sat back with a magazine in his hands and frowned when his stomach grumbled. They hadn’t even stopped for lunch today and it was getting close to dinner. “Lily,”

“Huh?” her little sweet voice asked.

“You want to go out for dinner tonight?”

“I don’t care,” She replied. “What do you think Edward and Alphonse are doing?”

Roy smirked as he opened the magazine. “Getting into trouble,”

“But bad trouble or good trouble?”

“I don’t know,” He muttered. “Maybe both,”

“Do you think they’ll be back soon?”

“You really miss them don’t you?” He asked flipping the page. “It hasn’t even been two days.”

“I missed talking to you for two days on the train, so what’s your point?”

Roy snorted. “You’re hopeless.”

“But I’m cute.” The woman cutting Lily’s hair laughed and Roy sighed.

After dinner at a small restaurant, Roy was exhausted and glad to see his house up ahead from the cab window. Lily was already asleep in his lap. Anise was reading some book she’d picked up and it was quiet.

Roy frowned as they grew closer, there was someone standing on his front porch, someone… Was that really… How did?

Carefully as not to disturb Lily, he exited the car when it stopped. The figure turned and his suspicions were confirmed. It was and the relief he should have felt just wasn’t there. Instead he felt a thread of anger, but pushed it aside to discover just what it was this man was doing at his house.

“Roy who is that?” Anise asked softly, joining him upon the walk.

“Good evening Colonel Mustang,” The man said. It was so strange he didn’t look a day older than the last time they’d crossed paths.

“Mr. Elric, I’ve been looking for you for some time. I didn’t think you’d just appear at my house.”

Hohenheim frowned. “You have? Hmm…Well I suppose I’ve found you.”

Roy smirked. “So it would seem, please come in side, there’s some things I’d like to talk to you about. For instance why you’re here now.”

Hohenheim smiled. “I was responding to your ad in the paper.”

“Anise, would you mind putting Lily to bed?”

Anise smiled. “Of course not,” She carefully took Lily from his arms and they walked up to the door.

Roy was thankful that anise had the good since to stay out of this one though he could hear her in his living room from his study. She was doing something, moving something he was sure, probably his furniture. She had this odd belief about energy flow though a house and where furniture was placed. It didn’t make any sense to him in the least. But that didn’t matter at the moment, Ed and Al’s father did.

He looked at the older man who sat upon his study sofa. “I placed that ad to find a tutor for my daughter.” Roy said a little on the cold side.

“So it said, you were looking for someone who could teach alchemy along with general studies.”

Roy nodded. “When was the last time you went home?” It just sort of flew out of his mouth, but at this point he didn’t care. The man’s kids were… Did he even know about his wife or what had happened? Did he just ignore it?

Hohenheim sighed. “I can’t return to Resembool Mustang.”

“Why not?”

“It’s complicated. You shouldn’t worry about it.” He said with a smile. “My wife and son’s are fine.”

To this Roy’s eyebrow rose. “No they’re not. Your wife died Hohenheim. Edward never gave me the details but she was sick for a long time before the end. He and Alphonse sent letters out to all the people who ever sent you letters, looking for you. I’ve been looking for you.” The smile faded from Hohenheim’s face and a grim sadness passed over his features.

“Trisha…” the man lifted his amber eyes to him. “Have you seen my boys, how are they?”

Roy sat back in his arm chair. “Not the same…” He didn’t know if Edward would want him telling his father what they’d done and really it wasn’t his place to do so. If Ed wanted his father to know he’d have to tell him himself. “Ed’s working for the state, under my command now. It’s recent, but he and Alphonse have been staying with me while not on assignments. Edward I don’t think wants anything to do with you, but Al…”

He smirked. “You can imagine the stress of the situation if I hire you to teach my daughter. I can’t exactly say now because I know you’d probably be the best teacher for her, and there are Alphonse’s feelings to consider. He’d be upset to know you were here and I didn’t keep you from leaving until he returned with Edward. But then again Edward might think I was turning against him or betraying him and I’ve worked hard to gain his trust as his superior officer and form some kind of friendship, that way when he gets himself into trouble, he’ll come and ask for help when he can’t do it alone. It hasn’t been easy because he’s so stubborn.”

Hohenheim nodded. “I understand, when will they return?”

Now that Roy wasn’t exactly sure of. “Could be a few days to up to two to three weeks. They often tend to get side tracked.” Roy tapped the arm of his chair. He supposed he was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t. Oh what the hell, perhaps Edward would settle down and in time forgive him. It wasn’t fair to keep Al from seeing their father. “When can you start?”

“Any time… You don’t have to do this Mustang. I don’t want to disrupt your life let alone the lives of my boys.”

“So you want to take the easy way out and not face them?” Roy asked.

Hohenheim shook his head. “Not at all, I’m curious to know what sent them in your direction.”

“Didn’t you ever think of going home?” Roy blurted out. “Checking on them, sending them letters, something?”

Hohenheim smiled sadly. “Everyday. Like I said it’s complicated and it wasn’t an easy decision to leave. I did what I thought was best for them…” He trailed off frowning for a moment. “I know we’re not and never really were close friends, but because you’ve taken care of Ed and Al… I’m dying, slowly. I didn’t want them to see that and I don’t want them to know either. I would rather have them hate me than have to suffer through watching me die.” He sighed. “Honestly I’m surprised I’ve made it this long.”

Now that Roy didn’t know if he believed, the man looked fine and other than the weariness in his golden eyes, eyes so like Edward’s, he was the picture of health.

“Daddy who’s that man?” Lily called from the door way. “And why is Aunt Anise moving all our furniture?” Roy tore his eyes from Hohenheim to see his daughter’s perturbed expression. He smiled holding out his hand and she came to him, climbing into his lap.

“Your aunt’s nuts and this is Hohenheim-“

“Hey you look kind of like Edward,” Lily said wide-eyed. “Are you his and Al’s Daddy?”

Hohenheim nodded with a slight smile.

“Oh, they’re not here right now, but they’ll be back they promised.”

“Lily why are you up?” Roy asked quickly before she said anything Edward didn’t want her too, like mentioning he had auto-mail or that Al was in a seven foot suit of armor.

Lily sighed with a frown. “The noise, I don’t like the scrapping or the vibrations though the floor. The train was better, but the little tremors drive me crazy. It’s like something is building up and then going to crash and make a loud noise. And with the train it was constant. This isn’t.”

Roy frowned a moment. He couldn’t feel it through his shoes, but since his bedroom was right above the living room he supposed that could play a part in why she could feel it. Or maybe she was just sensitive to feel. Sable had been, good grief the woman could feel him walk in their apartment with out hearing it, feel him shift ever so slightly in their bed, and in the war she could feel the tanks and trucks long before anyone heard anything or saw anything.

She smiled. “It’s how I always know when it’s Ed or Al coming into the room or moving. I can hear them and feel them unless they are being sneaky and I’m not paying attention.”

Roy smiled, setting that information aside for later. “Hohenheim is going to be your tutor.” He told her. “He’ll start on Monday if that’s all right?”

Lily shrugged lifting her hands as well. “Sure, whatever you want Daddy. You’ll still come home for lunch right?”

He nodded.

“Good, may I please go tell her to stop so I can sleep? It’s bugging Bandit too.”

“Bandit?” Roy asked. He’d never heard of Bandit and didn’t think she had any imaginary friends. At least she’d never mentioned having any; it wouldn’t be unexpected since she told him she’d been neglected attention wise.

“The raccoon you gave me.” She sighed. “I swear Daddy I told you his name last summer when you gave him to me. So?”

Well that was dumb, Bandit might not be original as far as naming raccoons or raccoon toys, but it made perfect sense. And come to think of it she had told him. “My mistake and yes, tell her I would like her to wait until tomorrow please and not to touch my bedroom.”

Lily smirked. “What’s she going to find in there?”

Roy’s eyebrow arched as Hohenheim tried to hide a smile behind his hand. He pointed to the door. “Go so I can finish up the details with Mr. Elric.”

“Oooo is it a letter to Ri-“

“Lily, move it.” Roy interrupted.

She sighed and slipped off his lap. “You’ll tell me right?”

Roy pointed to the door again saying nothing and she rolled her eyes and ran from the room. He sighed. “So Monday is all right with you?”

“Yes, that should give me enough time to make a trip to Resembool and back.” There was a scream followed by high pitched, fast paced, panicked talking and giggling. Roy was in the process of getting up when Lily burst into the study holding something to her chest.

“Daddy she said she was going to kill him, don’t let her! Don’t let her!”

“Lily get back here this instant!”

“What!” Roy asked as Anise stormed in after her.

“It’s a mouse Roy, it’s disgusting! Get rid of it.” Anise breathed her eyes wide and nostrils flaring.

Lily ran around on his other side and shook her head. “No! He didn’t do anything to you!”

“Roy think of the germs, Lily or the boys might get sick!”

“Al won’t get sick he can’t and that’s not the point! You just don’t like mice so you want to get kill him. It’s not right or fair. He didn’t do anything but try to run away from you.”

Roy blinked a moment. “I have a mouse…” Looking at the little brown thing in Lily’s hands, the way she cradled it so carefully… It wasn’t moving and he thought it was a little odd. Surely it should be squirming; her hold didn’t look tight at all.

“ROY!”

“What!” He asked in surprise.

“She won’t let me near her; you have to get rid of it.”

Roy smirked thinking quickly. This was perfect. “But Lily wanted a mouse. I don’t see the harm in letting her keep this one.”

Anise’s mouth opened and closed for a moment before she glared. “I don’t think so, what happens when it bites her or the children get sick from the droppings, and your bedding and clothing.”

“She can keep it in a box until I can find proper housing for it.” He reasoned. “And if she lets him out it will be her responsibility to clean up after him and make sure he gets put back. Though this means we can’t have a cat now, you understand this right Lily?”

Lily nodded. “I do… wait what about all the cats Al hides?”

Roy sighed. “We’ll just have to tell him to keep them in the shed then.”

“The shed, Daddy that’s mean. If you want to put someone in the shed why don’t you-“

“Uh Poppet, why don’t you go up to my room and find a shoe box for your new friend. There should be one on the floor of my closet. Make sure he has something to eat and water, and cut a small hole to let in some air. Then wash your hands and go back to bed.” He just knew she would suggest sticking her aunt in the shed, he just knew it.

“Roy I can’t believe you’re letting her keep that thing.” Anise snapped blocking the doorway so Lily couldn’t get out. “I forbid it!”

“He is not a thing, he’s a mouse and his name is Tristan.” Lily stated matter-of-factly. “Move please,”

Anise let out an exasperated sigh and stepped aside and Lily left.

“Monday, what time should I be here?” Hohenheim asked.

“Seven am if that’s all right?” Roy asked quickly. At least the man had the good sense to get his information and vamoose before the fight began.

“That’s fine; I’ll just let myself out.” Roy nodded and watched the man leave. What an eventful evening, he thought just as Anise opened her mouth. He shook his head.

“Let me get one thing clear to you Anise, this is my house and Lily is my daughter. That means my rules and if I say she can have a mouse she can have a damned mouse. As long as she takes care of it there is no harm. There will be no ‘I forbid it’ in this house unless it comes from me is that understood?”

“I’m-“

“I don’t care Anise. I’m done rolling over for you. If you don’t like it then I suggest you leave.” He interrupted coldly.

Anise sighed, closing her eyes. “Fine, just don’t complain when your uniforms are chewed up.” They heard little feet running through the house and the front door open. “Ugh now what?”

Roy shook his head glad that this conversation was over for the moment and went to see what Lily was doing. He knew she grew a little hyper around bedtime and was a little worse if woken, cranky mostly, but it was never anything he couldn’t handle and most of the time she opted to go back to sleep or sat with him until she fell asleep. She always did what she was told or tried her best too when with him.

He found her in front of the porch on the ground but he couldn’t really see what she was doing. “Poppet why are you out here? Are you letting Tristan go?” He made sure to remember the mouse’s name.

“No,” Her voice replied a little shakily.

He frowned and walked down the steps and came beside her. She was digging. Carefully he knelt beside her. “Why are you digging honey?”

“Be-because Tristan isn’t moving or breathing. I don’t know when he stopped. He wasn’t moving when I was holding him either.”

Shit, her first pet, one she’d tried to rescue, had died on her? “Let me see him,” He held out his hand. Lily’s hands stopped digging in the dirt and she wiped them upon her dress. Then she turned to her side and picked up the mouse and placed it in his hands so delicately.

Roy checked it over and sure enough it was gone, not that he knew that much about mice in the first place. He sighed. “I’m sorry Lily,”

“I think I killed him when I picked him up. Aunt Anise was going to stomp on him; she’d already thrown the sofa cushion at him. I had to hurry.”

Roy felt along the mouse’s ribs and near as he could tell nothing was broken. “No I don’t think you did. He might have just gotten too scared. Sometimes things like this happen.”

She nodded and took her mouse from his hands. “I know,” she whispered and placed Tristan to the side to finish digging.

“Need some help?” He asked feeling bad for her. It was the way she said she knew that made him hurt the most. It was almost as if she were use to things dying or leaving her.

Lily nodded finally, beginning to cry. “This is worse than when the gardener found the baby bunnies in the tool shed… And the rats. He shot the Jessica, the little cat that was hiding under the gazebo. Aunt Anise told him to get rid of all of them; she didn’t want wild animals running around.”

Roy took over digging for her. That was just terrible and he hated to listen to her cry. “I’m sorry Lily. Did you bury them too?”

“Uh huh, except for Jessica. Aunt Anise wouldn’t let me. She sent me to my room but I still saw it and the gardener just threw her in the trash can like she was nothing. I didn’t tell you because I was told not too and it hurt too much to talk about it. Maybe I’m not supposed to have animals; all the one’s I get near always get killed.”

“Don’t say that, it’s not your fault.” Roy said softly. He reached for Tristan and laid him in the little hole then covered him with dirt quickly. He couldn’t believe she’d been witness to someone shooting a cat. Who the hell shot a cat! They could have relocated it, given it to someone else for crying out loud. He didn’t even want to know what they had done to the rabbits and rats. It was too cruel. Didn’t they have any compassion at all?

When the hole was covered and he was sure the earth was packed down, god help them if some predatory animal came along and dug Lily’s mouse up, he pulled her close. “Don’t worry, when you’re ready we’ll find us another pet. But animals do die Lily, just like people. Everything dies.”

“I know Daddy.” She pulled away and drew in the dirt, then transmuted flowers over the little grave. He gave her a moment then picked her up.

“Let’s get cleaned up and go to bed.” He wondered what else Lily had been instructed not to tell him as he carried her into the house and closed the door. Anise was already upstairs from the sound of it.

It was easy to get Lily’s hands washed, his washed, and get them both upstairs and changed for bed. Just as he got into bed with Lily there was a knock at the door.

“Yeah?” He half snapped.

Anise poked her head in. “Well?”

“Tristan’s, dead I hope you’re happy!” Lily shouted then covered her head with Edward’s pillow.

“Thanks Anise, I just got her calmed down.” Roy muttered.

“I’m sorry Lily,” Anise said softly.

Roy heard something from Lily he’d never heard before, at least not like that. She screamed into Edward’s pillow then threw it aside, sitting up. “YOU ALWAYS SAY THAT BUT YOU NEVER ARE! JUST LIKE YOU WERE NEVER SORRY WHEN YOU TALKED BAD ABOUT MY DADDY! JUST LIKE YOU WERE NEVER SORRY WHEN YOU TALKED ABOUT MOMMY BEING STUPID AND ENLISTING! I HATE YOU, GO AWAY AND DON’T COME BACK!”

“Lily!” Anise gasped covering her mouth.

“Anise, just go, I’ll take care of it.” Roy breathed, a little stunned. He’d never seen Lily lose her temper, ever. And boy was she pissed, he could feel her anger rolling off in waves and that was something considering she was only seven. He never thought she could get that angry. Tomorrow he guessed he was going to have to take her to work with him to keep her away from her aunt enough to cool down.

“But-“

Roy shook his head. Anise slammed his door then hers. He sighed rubbing his face. More light was shed on his daughter’s life away from him, things that never should have been said around her, especially about her mother. “Lily, that wasn’t very nice.” He said sternly.

“She doesn’t care, so why should I?” Lily pouted.

“Because she’s your aunt and, because you don’t want to be like her, do you?” He asked.

“I’m not like her and she wasn’t sorry, she’s never sorry. She only says it so I’ll shut up and go away.”

Roy sighed. He couldn’t very well lecture Lily when she was only reacting and probably blew. It was justified as far as he was concerned, but what about later? What happened when it was someone else? “It’s not good to lose your temper like that. You need to have a cool head and find a more constructive way to release your anger. Yelling at Anise only gives her more fuel and fire power to use against you later. That’s the last thing you want when dealing with people like her. You’ll learn as you get older which people to do this with. You just have to watch them carefully and find out what throws them off best. You never want to lose the upper hand.”

“I’m sorry Daddy.” She whispered and lay back down pulling the blankets over her head.

He was about to reach for her when she slipped out of the bed and grabbed Ed’s pillow and her raccoon and headed for the door. His brows furrowed as he sat up. “Lily, where are you going?”

“To Ed’s room.”

“Why, you don’t want to sleep with me tonight?”

“I made you mad so I need to go to a different room.” She replied reaching for the door handle.

That was… Why did she think she had to leave… Anise. It always came back to Anise. “I’m not mad at you Lily.”

“Yes you are,”

Roy got out of bed and picked her up, taking her back to bed. “No Poppet, I’m not and you should get that silly idea that you have to leave the room when you make someone angry out of your head.”

“But Aunt Anise always made me leave and she said I had to do the same with you.”

Roy shook his head. “No, what else did she tell you about me? I want all of it.” He was serious. “And what did she say about Mommy?”

Lily winced. “I can’t tell you that.”

“Why not?”

“Because it’s not good and you’ll really get mad and I’m not supposed to say some words like that.”

“You’re allowed this once.” He replied, because he really wanted to know.

Needless to say Roy didn’t sleep that night, not after what his daughter told him. He pushed and got more information out of Lily about what her life was like living under her Aunt’s ‘better healthier’ care. It really took some work to finally get it all out of her. He almost had to threaten her, but she told him everything, cried about some of it and finally he was able to calm her down enough to sleep.

By morning he was so furious with Anise he was ready to kill her. But to prevent that he woke Lily early, got her dressed, and called a cab to take him the HQ. He startled the hell out of Riza as she’d not expected him for another hour and immediately she asked what was wrong.

“We’ll talk about it later,” He replied softly. Lily was only half awake and he didn’t want to upset her first thing in the morning.

“Anise?” She asked softly.

Roy nodded as Lily stirred.

“Actually Chief,” Havoc said getting up. “Fury and I haven’t had breakfast yet and I’m betting if you’re here with Lily this early you guys haven’t had any either. Why don’t we take her down to the mess hall and bring you back something?”

Roy thought about it and tapped Lily’s back. “You want to do that?”

Lily nodded. “Yes,”

“Okay, be good.” He replied setting her down. Immediately she ran to Havoc and lifted her arms.

Havoc put out his cigarette and picked her up. “Come on munchkin, we might be able to find muffins, sound good?”

Lily nodded, resting her head upon his shoulder with a yawn.

Roy waited until Havoc, Fury, and Lily were gone before letting out a heavy sigh. “I have got to get that woman away from my daughter for good.”

Riza nodded. “Then why did you invite her to stay with you?”

“To learn what it was that she was planning, watch her and catch her.”

“Tell me what happened,”

Roy took a seat beside her, Breda’s seat, and began. He started with the mouse incident; then went over everything Lily told him. Anise ignoring her, forbidding her from telling him about all the animals she’d tried to keep and save, the supervision of Lily’s letters and phone conversations, being kicked out of the room when Anise was angry or displeased with her, Anise locking her in her room if she had guests over, and the worst of it, what she’d said about Sable. He didn’t care what she said about him, but Sable… Now that was one place one just didn’t go, not when Lily was concerned.

Anise had also manipulated Lily so badly she was afraid that he was going to send her away, told her things about him that weren’t true, that he would hate her if she didn’t behave perfectly and eventually turn his back on her all together. Also that he was only talking her from Anise to get back at her and she was a useless whelp of a child who could never do anything right and she’d never be good enough. She was unwanted and that’s why he hadn’t taken her home before now. Also what she’d told Edward she’d over heard. Lily said she didn’t believe it, but he’d seen the fear in her black eyes last night. If someone was told something enough they began to believe it even if they didn’t want too, and children were… well when adults told them things they tended to believe it more than naught.

Riza was quiet a long time before speaking. “Colonel, you know I love Lily, but I think your plan to have Anise here was a good one. Do you think she can withstand her a little longer? I’m sure after last night it’s only a matter of time before Anise tries to pull something. Having the child who she’s controlled for so long finally bite back must have done something to her. I don’t want to put Lily through any more, but-“

Roy nodded, glad to have confessed this to Riza, he’d needed to talk to someone about this before he blew and he was ready to blow. After all this time, all this mess, he’d let his daughter go to an even worse place than what living with him might have been. Sure he’d been at the end of his rope, but he never would have let Lily go a day thinking she was nothing let alone treat her like an inconvenience or a mistake. She was his little angel; he’d do anything for her. How she’d even managed to stay so positive he couldn’t fathom.

“No, I know, I don’t want her around Lily anymore than you do, but I have to have something else or I can’t get her out of our lives for good.” He smirked. “She tried to play upon my sympathies the other night, like that would really work after everything.”

“You know what’s kept Lily going, don’t you?” Riza asked softly.

Roy shook his head. “No, actually I don’t, and all of this is my fault Riza. All of it. I should never have let her walk out that door with Lily.”

“Blaming yourself when you clearly thought it was best isn’t going to help. How could you have known, really? I think what kept Lily going all this time was how you treated her when you were around her. That had to have been what confused her enough to begin to pick out what was true and what wasn’t. And now you have time to show her the rest.”

The door opened and Lily bounded in. “Daddy guess what!”

Roy turned to her. “Huh?”

“Havoc and Fury let me feed asquirrel. It was digging in the trash by the back door and ate right out of my hand.”

“You didn’t bring it with you did you?” He asked almost fearing her answer. She’d just lost her mouse last night, he wasn’t sure if she was ready for another pet and well he wasn’t sure if he really wanted a squirrel in the house. He really didn’t know anything about them other than they gathered nuts for the winter and scurried around upon his roof.

“No, I didn’t want to catch it. Besides we had to get back before your coffee was cold. No one’s going to hurt it are they?” she asked, climbing up into another chair beside him.

Roy shook his head. “No, we pretty much leave the squirrels to their business.”

“Ya think she’ll be some sort of animal alchemist?” Havoc asked.

Now that, Roy had to wonder about, but what would she do exactly? She’d never harm an animal so chimeras were out…

When they got home that evening the house was silent. Roy checked every room, finding a note upon the coffee table from Anise. She’d gone home, said she’d call later to see if Lily was okay, but for now she didn’t want to upset her anymore than she had. That was fine with him at the moment. He was still pissed and would like a little more time to work out a clear cut plan of action. Basically he needed to wait for her to make her next move whatever that was, and when it happened, he’d be ready.