Phase 13

Inside the headquarters of Central Command, the Fuhrer was at his desk -- his navy-blue eyes scanning a report in his hands.

Roy Mustang stood silently before his superior -- awaiting the latter's instructions.

Finally, the bespectacled Fuhrer sets down the document and turns to his subordinate.

"This news is most troubling, Colonel."

"Yes, Sir. Our emissaries in Xing have reported protests by the Xingese people against Amestrian influence, who claim that we are attempting to colonize their country. It's not just the citizens. Factions within the Imperial Court -- even members of the royal family are against open trade with us and have petitioned Emperor Yao to cancel the railway project."

The Fuhrer interlocks his fingers and rests his chin on them.

"Emperor Yao is newly come to his power. His position on the throne is not yet a hundred percent solidified, and he may be ill-advised by his courtiers."

"Your words have merit, Your Excellency. Currently, the strongest opposing faction against the Emperor is led by Grand Princess Taiping, the Emperor's aunt. Despite the Imperial Law of not allowing women to assert authority in politics, the Grand Princess wielded considerable power during the late Emperor's reign, and continues to assert her influence over Emperor Yao's court."

Grumman sighs. "Changing times are always tumultuous, especially when they challenge one's dominant position in the hierarchy." He closes his eyes for a moment, meditating on his thoughts before opening them again. "The strawberries this year are ripe for picking, are they not?"

Mustang hesitates for a second before answering, "Yes, Sir. Very much."

"Colonel, I want you to make arrangements to have a basket of strawberries delivered to Emperor Yao with my regards. And continue to monitor the situation in Xing."

***

The colonel was on his way to his office when suddenly his left eyelid began to twitch. Mustang stopped and placed a hand over his left eye -- the same eye that he thought was lost forever in the aftermath of his battle with Fuhrer King Bradley, or rather -- the Homunculus, Pride.

Although Mustang had been cleared of all criminal charges in the death of Fuhrer Bradley when the latter's conspiracy for genocide came to light, he nonetheless felt immense guilt for the supposed death of his close subordinate, Edward Elric. The boy had been his responsibility. Roy had been Edward's mentor, and at times even thought of himself as the boy's older brother. If he had kept a closer watch on Edward, the Fullmetal Alchemist would still be here today, he thought.

In the beginning, Mustang's guilt had made him request a transfer to a military post in the far north of Amestris. After Grumman took office, he immediately ordered Mustang to return. The latter complied. He would never disobey a direct order, especially one that came from the man who trained and mentored him in the political affairs of the government and military.

Since the incident involving Edward, Mustang had not visited Resembool; nor had he seen Alphonse. However, Private Sheska Lisowski was a close friend to Winry Rockbell, and frequently brought back news of Alphonse during her trips to the countryside. Likewise, Major Alex Armstrong also saw the younger Elric brother from time to time when he was off duty.

"Colonel Mustang."

Roy snapped out of his thoughts and turned around.

"Major Armstrong. You've returned. How is the restoration going in Lior?"

"Things are progressing smoothly now that the refugees have begun to trust in the State Military to help them rebuild their city."

Mustang swore out loud. "Those Homunculi really made a mess of things. I'd go and hunt everyone of them down if I could, especially the one that killed Brigadier General Hughes." He clenches a fist. "But the most important thing right now is the stability of the country. The Fuhrer desires peace and doesn't wish to initiate conflict."

Armstrong nods. "His Excellency made the right choice. The military was left in shambles after that conspiracy with the Philosopher's Stone. We've lost a number of good soldiers these past years. Many innocent lives were also taken. We should focus our efforts on recovery, not revenge."

The colonel lowers his gaze and frowns. "I understand."

"By the way, Colonel..."

Roy looks up at his muscular comrade.

"Lieutenant Hawkeye had other matters to attend to, but she wanted me to tell you..."

To Mustang's surprise, Armstrong takes out a handkerchief from the pocket of his uniform and begins dabbing his wet eyes with it.

"She wanted me to tell you...to tell you -- " The buff man breaks out in an open sob.

Roy stares at the state alchemist and military officer in wide-eyed astonishment.

"He's back! The Fullmetal Alchemist is back!"

The astonished look on the colonel's face intensifies and freezes him in place.

As Armstrong continues to sob and wipe his eyes, Mustang turns and walks away in silence -- so the former would not witness the tears that were streaming down his own face.

Phase 12     Phase 14