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Chapter 1	By : ChaCha92 Category: Fullmetal Alchemist > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 131 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Full Metal Alchemist and make no money from this story

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
While a nurse helps Kisa change into a clean set of clothes Maes takes the opportunity to change out of his uniform before calling Sheska and informing her that he’s leaving early and giving her his instructions for the rest of the day. After hanging up he calls Gracia to let her know what’s going on before spending the rest of the time filling out the discharge papers at the nurses station and reading through the written instructions on how to take care of Kisa’s injuries at home, how to administer her medication and dietary suggestions.
“General Hughes?”
Maes looks over and sees the nurse who helped Kisa change standing off to the side.
“She’s all ready to go,” the pretty blonde smiles. “An orderly will be along shortly to help her out.”
“Thank you,” Maes replies.
The nurse nods and walks off.
He shuffles all the documents, including prescriptions for a pain medication and ointment for her wound together and slips them into his briefcase. He then walks back into Kisa’s room to see her dressed and waiting in a wheelchair next to the hospital bed.
“Are you all set to get out of this nuthouse?” he asks, settling onto the bed in front of her.
“Yes, uncle. I think I’ve had more than enough excitement and adventure today,” the blonde teen smiles warmly as he laughs uproariously.
Calming down Maes smiles fondly, “I’m glad you’re not letting what happened upset you.”
“I might’ve been more upset and scared if I didn’t know the reasons why I got arrested,” she shrugs her left shoulder. “Another difference between here and Azambra is that someone tried stopping my arrest and did what they could to get me out of it without worrying about getting arrested themselves.”
“Maria and Denny still feel guilty for not being able to stop Major Bison and Lt. Col. Arjun,” he points out to her.
“They shouldn’t,” she states firmly. “They did a lot more than I expected because we both know I wouldn’t have received that much help in Azambra.”
“True,” Maes agrees as an orderly enters the room.
“I understand there’s a young lady who needs a lift?” the stocky brunet asks with a smile.
Maes quips to Kisa, “Your ride is here. Let’s go.”
Kisa nods as the orderly steps behind her chair and begins pushing. He keeps the chair level with Maes while they head out to the parking lot as they chat. It takes a few minutes for both Maes and the orderly to ease her out of the chair and into the front left passenger seat. Kisa does her best not to show any discomfort, but Maes can tell all the movement is hurting her.
Once she’s settled the orderly helps Maes load the wheelchair into the back of the car, tying it down since the trunk lid can’t close with it sticking out. When they finish Maes thanks the orderly before getting behind the wheel.
“We’ll be home soon where you’ll be more comfortable and it’ll stop hurting so much,” he assures her.
She only nods again. Starting the car he pulls out of the parking space.
It’s a quiet car ride through the overcast streets of Central. Kisa looks out the window with interest, but it isn’t the same eagerness she had that morning. Maes easily senses her tension. He decides to give her time to gather her thoughts and prepare to meet his family for the first time. No amount of reassuring on his part is going to ease her apprehension.
Several minutes later he guides the car in front of the house. Exiting the driver’s side, he glances up to his front door. Smiling he waves at Gracia and Elicia standing inside the doorway. Both return the wave as he comes around to the passenger side and opens the door to carefully lift Kisa out. Regardless of how gentle he’s being, she can’t help softly grunting in pain.
As he carries her up the front steps, Gracia informs him, “The upstairs bedroom next to Elicia’s is ready if you want to take her directly in there.”
“Thanks, honey,” he replies as he steps past her.
He carries Kisa across the small foyer to the stairs. Reaching the top landing he crosses the short expanse and veers off slightly to his right into a bedroom in the center of the hallway.
Directly across the doorway is a window overlooking a small side garden. To the left is a full size bed. The cast iron bed frame of creeping vines embellished with polished bronze leaves contrasts beautifully against the simple cream-colored comforter and numerous pillows. At the foot of the bed is a simply styled cedar chest.
On the far side of the bed is a nightstand with a wrought iron lamp styled into twisty vines and leaves like the bed frame. Along the wall near it is a double door, oak armoire with large drawers. Underneath the window is a small side table. In obvious preparation for Kisa, a tray bearing a glass and small water pitcher sits on top. In the corner near the window is a floor lamp in the same creeping vine and leaf wrought iron design as the table lamp. Situated in front is a wingback chair angled so the occupant can see out the window while reading underneath the lamp.
Maes eases Kisa onto the window side of the bed. With Gracia’s help from the other side he starts adjusting the pillows. Elicia kneels on the cedar chest, clinging to the bed frame while studying Kisa in curiosity. When she’s comfortably leaning against the pillows, Maes and Gracia adjust a dark blue, soft chenille throw over her and gently tuck it around her body.
Straightening up, Maes grins at the blonde smiling shyly at his family.
“In case you haven’t figured it out, the taller lady is my wife Gracia and the shorter, mirror image is our daughter Elicia.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Kisa Namikaze,” Kisa greets formally. She attempts to greet them traditionally with a bow, causing her to grunt and wince in pain.
Maes rolls his eyes with a sigh and reaches out to gently push her back into the pillows.
“It’s okay if you don’t follow custom right now,” he admonishes gently.
“Sorry, it’s habit,” she sheepishly pants out.
Sliding off the chest, Elicia moves to climb on the far side of the bed near Gracia. Kneeling next to Kisa’s hip she leans in to closely study the older girl’s face with her index finger pressed to her chin in thought.
Baffled, Kisa’s forehead crinkles incredulously at the little girl who straightens up to sit on her heels, proclaiming, “Daddy’s right. You look just like little big brother!”
Arching a brow, Kisa asks, “Little big brother?”
“That’s what Elicia calls Ed,” Maes grins.
“He doesn’t like being called ‘little,’” Elicia giggles. “It makes him mad. It’s funny to see him get mad.”
Maes laughs, saying, “On that note, I’ve got to go to the drug store to pick up Kisa’s prescriptions. Do you want to go with me, Elicia?”
“Yeah,” Elicia excitedly agrees and giggles madly when he reaches over and sweeps her off the bed by the waist, carrying her out like a bundle under his arm.
Gracia smiles fondly after them. Turning back, she asks, “Would you like to change into something more comfortable, Kisa? Maes already explained to me the doctor’s orders and I think you might rest better in looser clothing.”
She nods shyly, “I may have something in my bag. I can get it out when uncle returns and brings it in from the car.”
“You need something even looser,” Gracia waves it off while walking over to the chest at the foot of the bed. “I pulled out one of Maes’ old shirts, if that’s all right. It should be long enough to double as a short nightgown.”
“You’re all doing too much. You shouldn’t go out of your way for me,” Kisa hesitantly protests in a soft voice.
Gracia picks up a dark blue, long sleeved cotton shirt. Stepping over to the side Kisa is lying on, she perches on the edge near her hip and smiles gently at teen.
“It isn’t going out of our way,” Gracia gently insists. “It’s the least we can do for what you and your brother did for Maes.”
Unable to hold her gaze, Kisa’s eye drops to her hand resting in her lap.
“Kisa?” Gracia sighs. “Please look at me.” When the girl finally hesitantly raises her eye she smiles again. “You have no idea how much you’ve given our family.”
Kisa’s eye drifts down again as she replies, “Kyo and I remembered what it was like when our father was taken away. We didn’t want anyone else to feel that.”
Gracia gently takes her left hand into hers, causing the girl to look at her again.
“Thank you,” she intones sincerely. “You and your brother gave my family a very precious gift. We’d be honored if you’d accept our gratitude.”
Kisa blushes and nods as Gracia releases her hand to reach up and lightly brush golden bangs with her fingertips.
“Your resemblance to Edward is uncanny,” she observes fondly. Changing the subject she asks, “Would you like some help changing and then try eating afterward?”
“Yes, please,” the young blonde nods. “I need help because of my arm, but I don’t feel like eating, aunt.”
A pleased smile spreads across Gracia’s lips.
“I’m honored you’d address me as ‘aunt.’”
“You honor me by accepting me into your home and taking care of me,” Kisa explains sincerely.
Nodding, Gracia gets back on subject, asking, “Why don’t you feel like eating? Did you eat a late lunch?”
“No,” Kisa shakes her head. “But everything hurts so much that I don’t feel like eating.”
Green eyes gaze deeply into gold as Gracia encourages, “You really should eat something, Kisa, especially with the pain medication you’ll have to take.”
Kisa opens her mouth to argue, but closes it to consider her words before reluctantly nodding.
“Don’t worry. I made a light soup so it won’t sit heavy in your stomach.”
“Thank you,” Kisa smiles softly.
“Let’s get you changed then I’ll warm up the soup for you,” Gracia suggests while getting up to close the bedroom door and give Kisa some more privacy in case Maes returns early.
By the time her husband and daughter return home, Gracia has served Kisa the chicken soup she made and the girl is sound asleep.
Having settled in the sitting room downstairs, Gracia is reading when Maes bursts through the front door with Elicia perched in a wheelchair. He makes ‘vrooming’ noises and repeatedly pops wheelies while Elicia squeals in delight.
Rising from her seat, Gracia moves to stand in the doorway to the foyer with her arms crossed watching her husband tear up and down the hallway.
Maes ‘screeches’ to a halt in front of her long enough to say, “Hi, honey!”
“Hi, mommy!” Elicia chirps while Maes gives Gracia a quick kiss before whirling the chair around to roar up the hallway again.
Shaking her head she walks over to close the front door and heads into the sitting room, following another route to go into the kitchen at back of the house to start dinner. Several minutes later Elicia runs into the room with a bouquet of flowers.
“We got Kisa something to help her feel better!” the little girl declares excitedly.
She makes a beeline to her mother to show off the flowers as her father enters behind her. After wiping her hands on her apron Gracia takes the bouquet and examines the mixture of purple Dendrobium orchids, yellow Oncidium orchids and fiery pink Ginger flowers.
“Orchids?” She looks over questioningly at Maes. “They’re rather exotic. Why not roses? I’m sure Kisa would appreciate the thought regardless.”
Reaching into an upper cabinet for a vase Maes then walks over to the sink to fill it with water.
“The flower shop just started receiving them. They’re imported from Azambra,” he explains, setting the partially filled vase on the counter next to the sink. “I thought she’d like a little reminder of her homeland.”
“Take these over to your father,” Gracia instructs Elicia, handing her the bouquet. As the littler girl eagerly takes them to Maes, Gracia adds, “Kisa will probably love them. I can’t begin to imagine how hard it must be for her to start over in a country so different from her own.”
“Elicia, please hand me a pair of scissors from the utility drawer,” Maes instructs after taking the flowers from her.
Moving a little ways down, Elicia reaches into a drawer and pulls out a pair of scissors before carefully handing them to him.
“Thanks, baby,” he smiles before leaning down to kiss the top of her head.
After unwrapping the flowers from the tissue paper he snips the ends before placing them in the vase. Elicia returns to her mother’s side to help finish prepping the salad ingredients before he continues speaking again.
“I agree. I can’t imagine losing everything and starting over in a foreign land either. I couldn’t find a parking spot closer to the drug store, so we had to walk past a flower stand. I was surprised when I saw the orchids and asked the florist about them. The man said they hadn’t been able to order the flowers for years, but since Azambra has been liberated he was finally able to contact his old wholesaler and start ordering some. Took all this time, but now he’s receiving regular shipments.”
Pausing, he gathers up the snipped stem pieces and carries them over to the waste bin by the door leading to the washroom.
“I think it’s a good sign to see Azambran goods returning to the markets,” Maes continues, returning to finish arranging the flowers. “So it seemed fitting for Kisa and something she’d probably like.”
“They’re really pretty too!” Elicia eagerly chimes in.
Gracia and Maes laugh.
“Yes, honey, they are,” Gracia agrees.
Setting the large bowl with the salad aside, she moves over to the oven to peek in on the baking chicken. Reaching for a spoon, she bastes it before closing the oven door.
Changing the subject, Maes asks, “Is Kisa settled in?”
“Yes,” Gracia nods.
Moving to a cabinet she begins taking out the glasses before reaching into the refrigerator and pouring ice tea into them.
Continuing, she explains, “Kisa ate a bowl of soup and stayed awake long enough to apply icepacks to her injuries to help with the swelling. I sat with her chatting until it was time to remove them. Afterward she settled back and fell asleep. I checked on her before you returned and she was still asleep.”
“Good,” Maes replies, gathering the cutlery together and linen napkins. “We got her prescription. I brought that and her bag in with the wheelchair. She was medicated when she was discharged and isn’t due for another dose for two more hours.”
“She mentioned her bag earlier, so I’m glad you remembered it. I thought of waking her to apply the icepacks again, but her swelling didn’t appear so bad earlier. She seems so exhausted that I chose to let her sleep.”
“Just the trip alone is exhausting enough,” Maes muses. “Since dinner is almost ready, I’m going to check on her. I’ll take the flowers and medication with me while I’m at it.”
“All right, dear.”
Maes leaves the kitchen and heads upstairs to Kisa’s room. Easing the door open he steps inside the heavily shadowed room. The diffused light from the weak late afternoon sun struggling to burn through the thin cloud cover gives him enough light to visually examine her without having to disturb her by turning on the lamp.
Even partially elevated on pillows to ease her breathing there’s still a noticeable hitch. Quietly he walks over to the table to arrange the vase on top. He then places the medication next to it. Stepping back he watches her and grins when he notices Gracia put her in one of his old shirts. She’s swimming in it, reminding him of how painfully thin she felt in his arms when he carried her into the house. Silently he muses she obviously has gained quite a bit of weight since he last saw her in Azambra, recalling how frail and bony she and Kyo appeared. It’s certainly going to take some time and effort to get her back to a healthy weight.
He also thinks that despite the bandages she looks so much more like a little girl in the oversized shirt. His smile turns soft and sad as he wonders if there is still a chance for her to reclaim some of the childhood she lost. Shaking off those thoughts, he quietly leaves and gently shuts the door behind him before heading downstairs.
Naturally the conversation during dinner focuses entirely on Kisa after Maes briefly recounts his day.
When he finishes, Elicia asks, “How did Kisa get so hurt?”
“There was an accident at work and Kisa got caught in it. It’s really complicated and we’re still trying to figure out what happened,” he lies, knowing it’d be too difficult to explain Hakuro’s actions in a way the little girl would understand.
“It’s a shame Kisa has to spend her first weeks in Central recuperating,” Gracia offers as a distraction to keep Elicia from focusing on learning specifically what happened. “Instead of being able to go out and explore her new home and learn about it, she’s stuck inside.”
“It might not be so bad, honey,” Maes replies. “Kisa hasn’t really had time to accept and process everything that’s going on. Life in a refugee camp is pretty chaotic. Well,” he muses thoughtfully, “life for her has been chaotic for a long time. Now she’s somewhere foreign and may need some down time to deal with it.”
“But Kisa has a wheelchair; can’t we take her out in that?” Elicia asks.
“It helps,” he smiles. “But if mommy is shopping, she’ll have her hands full carrying things. That’ll make it hard to push Kisa in her wheelchair and she can’t even use her right arm to push it herself.”
Elicia cocks her head in thought before declaring, “I’ll be Kisa’s right arm until it gets better. If she drops something, I can pick it up for her.”
“Kisa will appreciate that,” Gracia smiles proudly, causing the little girl to grin.
“Kisa will likely hold off on asking for any sort of help for as long as she can,” Maes informs Gracia. “She told me earlier that she doesn’t want to be a burden to us.”
“I understand.” Gracia nods. “She protested that we’re doing too much for her. So we’re just going to have to make sure she has everything she needs.”
“Definitely,” Maes agrees determinedly.
After dinner and clean up, Gracia gives Elicia a bath while Maes heads into Kisa’s room to check on her. It took some effort for her to wake up enough to blink at him blearily with one eye.
Helping her ease more into a sitting position, he asks, “How’re you feeling?”
“Not too bad, uncle,” she replies honestly, her husky voice still thick with sleep. “I still feel stiff and achy and my head still hurts a little.”
“Let me take a peek under the bandage,” he murmurs, sitting on the edge of the bed next to her while gently lifting the edge of the wrap.
“Damn,” he hisses. “Your left eye is nearly swollen shut. I can’t even see enough to tell if the stitches are okay. I’ll have to remove the whole thing in order to check.” Dropping his hand from the bandage he sighs, “It’s probably just as well that I change it out for a clean one.”
Kisa nods. While he works he asks several basic questions like if she recalls what day it is, where she is, etc. He’s relieved when she answers each correctly.
Having removed the wrappings completely, he carefully peels off the compress, causing her to wince since it stuck slightly to the wound.
“Sorry about that,” he apologizes.
She doesn’t answer since he’s gently grasping her chin to turn her head so the light will give him a better look.
“The stitches are fine despite the swelling,” he murmurs in a pleased tone.
As he gets up to throw the bandage away Kisa spies the vase on the table.
Staring in disbelief she mutters softly, “Those are Cooktown and Dancing Lady orchids and Ginger flowers! H-how?” her voice stumbles in confusion. “As far as I know those flowers only grow in Azambra.”
Maes smiles as he returns to sit next to her on the edge of the bed and opens the first aid kit.
“They still do only grow in Azambra,” he explains, taking out what he needs. “Elicia wanted to get you flowers to cheer you up and I saw them at the florist. I hadn’t seen them in years and the florist said he’s been able to get them again since Azambra has been liberated. I thought they’d mean more to you than roses.”
Kisa stares at the bouquet, her expression passive, but Maes can see the swirl of emotions raging in her eyes. The flowers mean more to her than a simple, sweet gesture.
Finally she softly states, “Thank you.”
He grins, saying, “You’re welcome, but you may not be thanking me in a moment.”
With a swab he gently applies the ointment to aid healing and minimize scarring.
While he works, he asks, “Are you feeling nauseas?”
“No,” she answers. Hesitantly she adds, “But I do need to go to the bathroom.”
Having just flicked the used swab into a nearby wastebasket, Maes pauses to turn back to her and incredulously gape.
“You and Kyo used to have to help me piss and crap in an old saucepan. Now you’re going to be bashful about asking to use the toilet?”
Kisa huffs indignantly, “It’s different now. We didn’t have a choice about the situation back then.”
Maes shakes his head while reaching up to place a fresh compress over the wound. Gently grasping her left wrist, he guides her hand to briefly hold it in place before starting to wind gauze around her head.
“It’s a lot easier if you just say what you need and stop worrying about burdening us,” he gently chides while he works. “Charades is fun, but I doubt your bladder and bowels will appreciate the time it’d take to guess you need to visit the bathroom.”
“Uncle!” Kisa snaps scandalized.
“It’s true,” he shrugs, nonchalantly. Securing the end of the wrap, he pauses to assess his work.
His gaze then drifts down to a still flushed Kisa.
“I’ll wheel you down to the bathroom. When you’re back in bed do you feel like trying to eat a little more soup since you missed lunch?”
Kisa considers it. “Probably.”
“Good,” he nods.
Rising to his feet he heads downstairs to retrieve the wheelchair. It’s too awkward for him to carry it, so he carefully drags it backwards up the stairs. Once it’s on the landing, he wheels the chair inside her room. Parking it next to the bed he eases her into it before wheeling her to the bathroom.
He does help her onto the toilet, avoiding looking anywhere inappropriate as much as possible before leaving briefly to switch places with Gracia so she can help Kisa if she needs it. Elicia is still splashing around in the tub, so he has fun lathering her hair up into long spikes and other weird shapes much to her amusement.
Gracia returns a short while later after Elicia has rinsed off and he’s helping her towel off.
“Kisa managed back into the wheelchair with my help,” Gracia surprises him. “I wheeled her back into the bedroom, but she doesn’t have the strength to help me get her into bed.”
Without a word, Maes promptly rises to his feet. Gracia takes over handling their daughter as he leaves. When he arrives at Kisa’s room he transfers her back into bed. After helping her settle in comfortably he heads downstairs to the kitchen. He takes the dish containing the soup out of the fridge and pours some of the contents into a saucepan, setting it on low before returning upstairs with three ice bags. Wrapping them in towels, he helps Kisa place them on her shoulder, hip and eye. Leaving her, he returns to the kitchen.
A half our later he’s walking back into the bedroom with a tray bearing Kisa’s food. Elicia is already in her pajamas and cuddled up against Kisa’s left side as the older girl reads to her. Kisa’s left arm is curled around Elicia who holds the book up for her, allowing her to turn the pages with her left hand. Gracia sits by Kisa’s hip listening. Putting the tray on the table, Maes eases behind Gracia and wraps his arms around her waist.
Kisa blushes at having a new addition to her audience and pauses to comment when her youngest listener protests.
“Why are you stopping? It’s the best part!”
“Sorry, Elicia,” Kisa immediately apologizes and continues reading much to Maes and Gracia’s amusement, which in turn annoys her slightly.
Maes thinks Kisa is a very good reader and apparently so does Elicia as she’s yawning heavily by the time she finishes the book.
“All right, bedtime for all little girls,” Maes announces, standing up.
Instead of protesting like she usually does, Elicia twists around in Kisa’s grasp and gently hugs the older girl around the neck.
“I’m glad you’re here and I’m going to go to bed so I can get up early to help you.”
Gently returning the hug, Kisa smiles softly when the little girl pulls back a little to look at her.
“I’d like that. I hope you have pleasant dreams.”
Elicia smiles as Maes eases her into his arms. She immediately cuddles into his neck while he carries her out of the room.
He returns minutes later to find Gracia chatting with Kisa while she eats. Grabbing the discarded icepacks he takes them to the kitchen, placing them back into the freezer for later use. When he enters the bedroom again, Gracia just finished giving Kisa her medication and both adults help her settle back into the bed.
Picking up the tray with the dirty dishes, he stands next to Gracia in the doorway.
“We’ll check on you later in case you need anything, Kisa.”
She nods and closes her eyes as Gracia gently pulls the door shut behind them.
Once the dishes are washed and put away, both adults settle on the sofa in the sitting room. Gracia cuddles into Maes’ side with a contented sigh.
“I’m sorry I can’t take any time off tomorrow to help you with Kisa,” he apologizes, breaking the silence a few minutes later.
“No one knew that she’d be injured today.”
“True, but it still isn’t fair I can’t be around to help.”
Tightening her grip around his waist, Gracia replies, “All you can do is your best to at least get home on time. We’ll manage tomorrow. Besides, from your description conditions were worse when Kisa and Kyo took care of you in Azambra.”
“They really were,” Maes replies softly. Glancing down he adds, “I think I just came up with a solution, though.”
At his wife’s inquisitive look he elaborates.
“Earlier I was thinking we could host a small dinner in a couple of weeks. I want to invite some of my co-workers as a way of introducing Kisa. Roy hasn’t formally met her, but she has met Denny, Maria and Riza. As it is, Maria and Denny are worried about her since they were there when she was arrested. Right now I was remembering how Ed and Al are supposed to be returning to Resembool within the next week or so. Maybe we can invite them and Winry and they can stay with us for a couple of weeks.”
“You’re going to take shameless advantage of the kids to help with Kisa,” Gracia frowns at him.
“Yup,” Maes grins. “Besides, they don’t know about Kisa. It’d be interesting to see her and Ed meet for the first time.”
Sighing heavily she points out, “Kisa only knows about Ed looking exactly like her. You never said you ever told her about Kyo being Al’s double.”
Maes stiffens as the realization hits him hard. Tightening his arms around Gracia, he kisses the top of her head.
“I’ll tell Kisa about Al. It didn’t occur to me to do it earlier, but I didn’t learn Al and Kyo were identical until I came back after the Promised Day.”
“I know,” Gracia pats his chest soothingly. “But it’s something you have to do before the boys arrive. That won’t be a pleasant shock to Kisa.”
“So you’re okay with the dinner party?”
“I’m fine with it,” she smiles while stretching to kiss him. “Although, the kids probably won’t appreciate being roped into helping with Kisa.”
“It’ll be fine,” he waves off. “Kisa needs to meet some kids her own age. However, I will make sure to tell her about Al tomorrow when I get home.”
“It’ll give her time to come to terms with the prospect of facing someone who looks just like Kyo.” The silence stretches out before she mentions, “She addressed me as ‘aunt’ earlier.”
“I wondered how long it would take,” he grins at his wife’s fond smile.
“You may have expected it, but it’s still a pleasant surprise nevertheless.”
“I knew she’d respect you that much immediately and not just because you’re my wife. I’m still surprised that she and Kyo both kept addressing me as ‘uncle’ despite the circumstances of how we met. Obviously Kyo was trying to placate me so I wouldn’t hurt his sister, but they continued even when the tables were turned and I was at their mercy.”
“You shouldn’t be surprised, Maes. It’s just as obvious you earned their respect.” She lets him think over her words before commenting, “She’s a very sweet girl. I can see why you were so worried about her and her brother, assuming he was like her.”
“Kyo was definitely the more outgoing of the two. He said what was on his mind and was very protective of her. She tends to suffer in silence.” Sighing, he adds, “I’m still not sure if that’s really her personality or learned s. However, she was far less likely to complain about anything than Kyo was. I wonder how long she had to survive without her protector. Even a month was probably too long,” he muses softly.
Frowning slightly, Gracia arches a delicate brow.
“From what you’ve described, Kisa’s a survivor.”
“She is,” he readily agrees, “but considering she tolerates a lot, that probably means she suffered a lot without Kyo being her defender. Maybe it was only for the time I was with them, but I never saw her defend herself.”
Gracia soothingly strokes his chest again, saying, “Kisa won’t suffer anymore, not if we have anything to do with it.”
Maes kisses the top of her head again as they cuddle further into each other’s arms, enjoying the comfortable silence stretching out around them.
The night passes uneventfully. Maes checks on Kisa periodically, waking her up around midnight to see if she needed to use the bathroom.
She did, but Maes doesn’t bother waking Gracia to help. Draping a towel over Kisa’s lap he lifts her onto the toilet before leaving the room briefly to give her some privacy. Afterward he returns her to bed. He makes sure she takes another does of her pain medication before leaving her alone again.
Later that morning he got up a earlier than he normally does. After waking Kisa and helping her use the bathroom again he then administers her medication. He vividly recalls the pain of a shoulder dislocation from the one and only time he was foolish enough to agree to spar with Armstrong. He can’t begin to imagine dealing with that plus a dislocated hip and fractured ribs, so he’s making absolutely sure she’s right on schedule with her pain medication.
He carries her downstairs and settles her onto the sofa. The previous night he and Gracia discussed it and agreed it’d be much easier for her to check on Kisa if she were downstairs. It also gives Kisa a change of scenery. She’ll have an easier time gazing out the windows instead of being cooped up inside her room.
As he’s draping the throw over the teen, Kisa comments, “It’s a good idea for me to be down here. It’ll makes it easier on Aunt Gracia since I’m being such a burden.”
Maes pauses in his fussing to glare in annoyance. Reaching up he firmly yanks on a strand of hair. Kisa grunts slightly in discomfort before glaring back while rubbing her scalp. Ignoring her glare, he disappears upstairs a couple of times to bring down the wheelchair as well as the vase with her flowers and her medicine.
Afterward he heads into the kitchen to help Gracia with breakfast, returning a half-hour later he gently rouses Kisa awake.
“Ready to eat?” he asks as bleary gold focuses on him.
She nods, prompting him to place her in the wheelchair and roll her into the kitchen.
While they eat, Kisa remains silent, listening to the comforting chatter of her host family. She doesn’t feel like she has anything worthwhile to contribute, but is simply enjoying her food too much to waste time talking, understanding now why Maes used to rhapsodize so much about Gracia’s cooking. Even simple dishes like the chicken soup she ate the night before and the oatmeal they’re having this morning is far better than any pathetic versions she had previously. Silently she agrees Gracia is a very good cook.
After breakfast, Maes leaves Kisa to sit in the kitchen while Gracia and Elicia clean up so he can shower. A half-hour later he reenters the room to see Kisa sipping tea while Gracia has her coffee as they chat. Elicia gets up from the table and races to hug his legs.
Kisa notices that Maes is wearing a regular suit and not his military uniform. Belatedly she recalls he wasn’t wearing his uniform yesterday when he picked her up from the medical wing.
Before she can ask, he asks her, “Do you want to lie out on the sofa or remain in the chair for now?”
Cocking her head slightly, Kisa considers it. “It might be easier if I stay in the chair. If I get tired, I’m certain I can manage onto the sofa to sleep.”
Maes nods and lifts Elicia into his arms. “Sounds good. I’m headed to work then.”
Gracia rises to her feet and wheels Kisa through the house. Parking the chair on the stoop just outside the front door she stands next to it so they can see Maes off. He kisses Elicia before setting her down and straightening up to kiss Gracia. Kisa is surprised when he leans down to kiss her forehead.
“Don’t be afraid to ask Gracia for help,” he insists, boring into her eye. “It’ll be easier on everyone if you do.”
Kisa blushes and silently nods. She’s stunned he kissed her like she’s a part of his family. Still wondering what it meant, she waves automatically with Gracia and Elicia as he gets into his car. If she’s going to eventually move into the refugee tenement, surely she’s going to be too busy supporting herself instead of coming around enough to be considered a part of their family. She wonders if maybe this his way of making her feel more welcomed, less a guest.
She doesn’t have long to contemplate those thoughts as Gracia wheels her back inside.
Maes’ entire day is thankfully uneventful. Except for a couple of interesting twists.
It starts when Riza follows him into Roy’s office for his daily ritual of annoying the brunet with the latest family photos.
Glancing over his shoulder as he steps inside the doorway he ignores Roy’s groan to quip, “Why Col. Hawkeye, I never knew you had such an interest in seeing pictures of my darling family like Gen. Mustang does.”
Ignoring Roy’s glare Riza admits, “To be honest, Gen. Hughes, I’m presently more interested in learning how Kisa is doing.”
Much to Roy’s relief, it’s enough to distract Maes from shoving the photos in his face.
“She’s doing okay, all things considered,” Maes smiles at the blonde. “She’s certainly in a lot of pain, but she slept the remainder of the day and all night without complication. Despite icing it, her left eye is nearly swollen shut and looks awful. At least the swelling didn’t affect the stitches. It goes without saying, but Gracia and Elicia took to her immediately.”
“I’m not surprised,” Riza smirks. “There hasn’t been a person Elicia has met that she hasn’t liked.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Maes shakes his head with a smirk. “She doesn’t like the dentist, for obvious reasons, and the balloon vendor at the park because he’s mean and smells bad.”
Riza grins as Roy shakes his head, asking, “Don’t you have work to do, Hughes, so you can go home on time?”
“I do,” Maes confirms with a nod. “But first I’ve got to show you the latest photos of Gracia and Elicia!”
Roy groans and slaps a hand to his face.
“Please don’t keep Gen. Mustang too long from his work,” Riza reminds Maes with a slight smile, eliciting a mock salute from the bearded man.
The rest of the day passes normally until Maria and Denny stop by to ask about Kisa. They chat with him by Sheska’s desk, intriguing the studious girl who valiantly tries not to eavesdrop.
Finally, Sheska can’t resist and asks, “Excuse me, but I heard a civilian was falsely arrested yesterday and assaulted by the arresting officers. Is that related to whom you’re talking about?”
Maes blinks before mentally slapping himself. This entire time Sheska has been doing so many things related to Kisa’s immigration from sorting the mail, forwarding certain calls from I & N and notarizing related documents and yet he never explained to her the reason why.
“I’m sorry, Sheska,” he apologizes sincerely. “I got so focused on bringing Kisa to Amestris that I took for granted even telling you about her.”
Without further preamble he recounts everything, knowing all three are fully aware of his hiding in the southeast. He tells them about his first meeting with Kyo and Kisa all the way through to his escape, leaving out certain details, like her and Kyo being informants, since that’s personal and it’s up to her to reveal them or not.
While he shares his incredible tale, Lt. Col. Armstrong joins his enthralled audience, hearing nearly the entire story. Maes has always been amazed at how stealthy such a big man could be. He doesn’t mind that Armstrong listens in uninvited since he trusts him implicitly. However, he’s not surprised it leads to the inevitable emotional outburst that sends the faint of heart diving under the nearest desk.
“The horrors humans are capable of inflicting upon one another to justify forcing their beliefs and ideologies on another!" Armstrong proclaims with fists clenched and copious amounts of righteous indignation. “It’s amazing how some children survive such tragedies to journey so far to start a new life!”
Tuning out his subsequent over inflated proclamations, Maes sighs wearily and rubs his forehead, waiting for the waterworks to finish before leaning down to coax Sheska out from under her desk. He gives Denny and Maria a few moments to recover from the shock while musing how lucky he is to have such an astute wife to talk him out of having a dinner party yesterday to welcome Kisa. The poor girl would’ve started crawling back to Azambra if she had been exposed to Armstrong.
Armstrong is a fine soldier and a good friend, but there are times Maes wishes the man’s personality weren’t so excessive.
His thoughts are interrupted when his ears catch Armstrong declaring, “I should call upon such a remarkable young girl at this very moment and express my marked admiration for her courage and determination!”
“No you won’t!” Maes cuts in sharply startling the mammoth man. Taking a slow, deep breath he explains, “Armstrong, you missed the part where I told Sheska about Kisa looking identical to Ed. Aside from her gender, she looks exactly like him and it gave her some horribly unexpected trouble yesterday.”
He proceeds to recount Kisa’s arrival all the way to how she ended up injured with Denny and Maria adding their own comments to give both Armstrong and Sheska the full story.
“That must’ve been horrible for Kisa,” Sheska mumbles behind her hand.
With trembling fists clenched at his sides, Armstrong is barely holding his rage.
“I’m appalled Gen. Hakuro would thoughtlessly order an arrest on baseless suspicion. Xenophobia is not enough of a reason. I’m incensed at Major Bison. I considered him to be of better character than that since the we often sparred together.”
“Don’t let it bother you too much, Armstrong,” Maes assures him. “Bison and Arjun are definitely getting what’s coming to them. If they aren’t drummed out of the military they may be sent to Briggs to be reformed by Gen. Armstrong and her crew.”
“Ah, a fitting punishment. They shall turn out better for it,” Armstrong nods, slightly mollified. “What of Gen. Hakuro’s involvement?”
“Not sure,” Maes admits with a sigh. “I think the Fuhrer is considering his options because I don’t think he wants to lose another general, not over this. Hakuro is paying for all of Kisa’s medical expenses, but I don’t think he’s going to get busted down a rank for this.”
“He should,” Maria grouses. “But I agree that’s not going to happen.”
“I want to suggest that he has to work with the Azambran refugees, but there’d be some confusion as to who’s getting punished in that instance,” Denny quips, prompting the others to laugh.
“What matters most is that Kisa is safe at home now and has been cleared of all suspicion,” Maes states.
“It must be difficult and scary to start over in a new country with no family or friends,” Sheska muses sympathetically.
“And that’s something I’m trying to change,” Maes grins, pointing in the air for emphasis. “Gracia and I decided to hold a small dinner party in a couple of weeks to start introducing Kisa to some of our closest friends. Nothing big. Probably just you guys from this office and Roy’s staff.” Crossing his arms, he pauses to pin Armstrong with a cold glare. “However, because of everything she’s been through, you are to keep strict control of your emotions, Armstrong, and not rhapsodize euphoric about how courageous she is, how strong willed she must be to survive, etcetera.”
Armstrong opens his mouth to protest, but Maes cuts him off.
“Kisa is very reserved and quiet. She’s also been through hell. If you come off too strong it’ll scare the shit out of her. Because of her experiences in recent years she could perceive your exuberance as an aggressive attack. You’re as big as Bison and he struck her for trying to rightfully ask what the charges against her were. Looking at it from her perspective, do you really think one of your outbursts will go over well?”
Armstrong considers it before quietly agreeing, “You’re right to be concerned. I am a total stranger to her and it’s likely such behavior wouldn’t go over so well. I take it for granted since everyone I know understands and readily accepts my behavior.”
Maria and Denny simultaneously arch incredulous brows and share a look, but say nothing.
Ignoring them Maes points out, “We have to keep in mind that Kisa’s cultural background is vastly different from ours. That’s not to say she wouldn’t be accepting of your naturally ebullient personality, but she’s going through a lot of adjustment right now, so chances are good it won’t go over well.”
Armstrong nods in understanding.
“I shall show some of the infamous Armstrong family restraint because I am eager to meet such a remarkable girl, but I do not wish to upset her.”
“Good,” Maes nods in acceptance. “Because I want Kisa to meet my closest friends and don’t wish to exclude you.”
Recognizing the tell tale signs in Armstrong’s face of the onset of another outburst Maes promptly hands Sheska a file.
“Sheska, please run this over to the archives. Take your time to make sure it’s filed correctly.”
“Yes, sir!” Sheska gratefully replies in a rush while fleeing from the office.
Maes turns to salute Maria and Denny.
“You two carry on. I need to get back to work if I want to leave early to help Gracia.”
Without further ado, or giving them a chance to answer, Maes shamelessly abandons the two to deal with Armstrong’s latest outburst as he firmly closes his office door behind him.
He grins as he hears Armstrong’s muffled voice proudly declare, “I am so honored to work with such fine officers!”
Then he hears Denny’s voice yell, “Run, Captain!”
Followed immediately by Maria’s yelling, “Don’t hug me, Colonel! That’s sexual harassment!”
When their voices fade Maes assumes Armstrong is giving chase. With a relieved sigh he moves over to settle behind his desk.
Diligently focusing on his paperwork, he succeeds in sneaking out of work early with Sheska’s diligent help. Plus, being it’s a Friday he’ll have the entire weekend to help take care of Kisa. Before leaving he sets up her appointment with Dr. Knox for the following Thursday and submitted a leave request for that day and Friday so he’d have a long weekend. Knox informs him that he’ll set up her physical therapy appointment to follow sometime afterward and would have a nurse call Monday to confirm the time.
Walking up the front steps when he arrives home he notices the shades to the front windows are drawn. The house is quiet when he steps inside. Crossing the foyer to his left he peeks inside the sitting room.
Kisa is stretched out on one of the sofas, partially propped up and covered by a quilt. She’s sound asleep and doesn’t stir when Maes quietly approaches to pull the quilt higher to her chin. Reaching up, he tenderly brushes a few stray locks of hair off her face before leaving to find Gracia and Elicia in the kitchen working on dinner and dessert.
“Daddy!” Elicia eagerly cries, racing into his arms.
He kisses her on the cheek while walking over to kiss Gracia on the mouth.
“You’re home early,” Gracia comments when they break for air.
“I was a good boy and hustled through my work so I could come home early,” he explains, setting Elicia down. “Dinner looks good.”
“I’m making a roast for dinner. I called our family doctor for some advice on a proper diet to help Kisa until her follow up. A roast has the proteins and vegetables her body desperately needs.” Reaching down, Gracia fondly strokes the top of Elicia’s head. “We just finished preparing it and I was about to put it into the oven.”
“Let me put it in for you, honey.”
Once he places the pan containing the roast into the oven, he heads upstairs to change. Returning several minutes later he finds Gracia and Elicia working on the large custard fruit tart for dessert. Taking a cutting board, he takes over cutting the fruit into pieces. Elicia helps Gracia begin preparing the crust and custard. As they work, he briefly recounts his day for them. When he finishes he asks about Kisa.
“She slept most of the day. We didn’t even have to be very quiet as she slept soundly.”
“Was it difficult for Kisa to use the bathroom?”
Gracia’s uncharacteristic sigh of frustration captures his complete attention and he stops working to listen.
“A couple of times I became distracted by something else and didn’t check on her for quite some time. It ended up being longer than reasonable for her to use the restroom or to take her pain medicine. Not once did she ask for anything to eat or drink. She merely apologized when I asked her why she didn’t call for me or Elicia.”
Shaking his head Maes mutters in frustration, “That girl.”
“I wouldn’t be so worried, but in Kisa’s condition holding her bladder for so long can’t be healthy. Plus, she’s unnecessarily lingering in pain when all she has to do is ask for another dose.”
“I’ll talk to her. I don’t want her landing in the hospital because she’s being stubborn.” Stepping over to Elicia is, he hefts her up onto the counter. Gazing into her eyes he explains, “I’m going to wake Kisa so she can go to the bathroom. Afterward, I’m closing the doors to talk to her. She might be embarrassed because I’ve got to scold her a little. I need you to stay and help Mommy and not interrupt us. Do you understand?”
Elicia solemnly nods then asks, “Please, don’t be too mad at Kisa, daddy. She’s trying not to bug anyone.”
Maes smiles reassuringly and kisses the top of her head.
“I’m not mad. I’m just worried, but she might think I’m mad, so I’ve got to explain it to her.”
“I promise to stay with mommy.”
“Good girl,” he replies, setting her back down and leaving the kitchen.
It takes a few tries to wake Kisa. A couple of times she dozes back off. Amused, he keeps trying. He might’ve been worried otherwise if the doctor hadn’t said to expect it.
Finally, a groggy Kisa opens a bleary eye. He smiles at her blank look and lack of recognition. Moments later awareness finally lights up her face as she smiles at him.
“I’m sorry for not hearing you, uncle,” she apologizes while trying to stifle a yawn.
“It can’t be helped,” Maes waves it off. “Would you like to go to the bathroom?”
She considers it before nodding and allows him to place her in the chair. It isn’t long until she’s sitting back on the sofa.
Easing next to her, Maes asks, “How are you feeling?”
“My hip and shoulder are hurting a little despite not moving very much.”
“Could that be due to the fact you didn’t call out to Gracia to ask for your pain medication?”
Surprised gold widens as Kisa blushes and looks away in shame. Sighing heavily, Maes slips down to the floor on one knee in front of her in order to dominate her field of vision as much as possible and prevent her from being able to avoid his gaze very well. her startled gaze snaps to him as he gently grasps her left hand while resting the other on the cushion next to her thigh.
“I’m trying to understand why you’re risking your health because you feel you’re being a burden when we’ve insisted you’re not,” he explains, boring into her eyes. “When you and Kyo took care of me in Azambra, you scolded me for trying to do the same thing. You said it was more respectful and showed my gratitude better if I allowed you two to take care of me properly.” A fond smile graces his lips. “It was embarrassing not being able to do the simplest things, but I understood the risks of pushing myself too far and had to swallow my pride and let you two kids take care of me. That’s why I don’t understand why you aren’t following your own words,” he finishes solemnly.
Kisa gapes in stunned shock and dismay. Her eye drops to his hand holding her maimed one. Her breath is ragged as she struggles to maintain control while Maes patiently waits for her to reply.
“It’s hard to accept help,” she softly explains, reluctantly raising her eye. “It used to drive my brothers crazy, but they didn’t understand. Whenever Kyo got sick, I’d get sick too and vice versa. However, recuperating was a luxury I wasn’t allowed. Mother said it was our duty to keep the household going no matter how bad we felt. Kyo could rest in bed and be fussed over, I couldn’t. I had to complete my chores and take care of him. I didn’t mind,” she fondly smiles for a brief moment before it drops again. “But sometimes I felt so sick I just wanted to lie down. If I did and got caught, I’d get punished. It was really hard sometimes.”
Her gaze drifts down to their hands again. Maes gives her all the time she needs and patiently waits for her to speak again.
“I remember once I just helped mother pull the linens off the clothesline. I was carrying the basket inside when I threw up on them. Mother was so mad. I got several lashes with a switch and then had to rewash all the sheets because my vomit coated the side of the folded stack.”
“Mother scolded me saying women have to work through whatever pain they’re feeling because their family depends on them.” A couple of tears fall from Kisa’s eye as her head drops lower. “I never could endure illness and pain as well as mother and Kyoko. It was just one more thing I couldn’t measure up to their standards.”
Kisa raises her eye again to look at Maes and attempts to smile.
“Every time I think of asking for help, I hear mother’s voice saying I’m being a shameful burden when I should be helping during my visit.”
Maes frowns at the word ‘visit’ but waits for her to finish.
“Aunt Gracia has enough to do and I’m just making it more difficult asking for anything when I can endure it. I didn’t do anything to cause my injuries, but I can’t become a burden on someone else.”
When it’s clear she finished Maes asks, “Do you really believe that?” Kisa tries avoiding his eyes, but he gently orders, “Look at me.” When she reluctantly does, he repeats, “Do you really believe that? Because how is forcing yourself to needlessly suffer when not feeling well helpful? Not only are you prolonging your illness, but you also risk spreading any contagious illnesses to others. I know you’re a practical girl, so can you really claim to believe that’s okay?”
When she doesn’t answer and continues looking guilty, Maes sighs heavily.
“I don’t agree with your mother.” Startled, her eye snaps to his firm gaze. “Your mother may have believed that and was able to work through her discomforts and illness, but you don’t have to believe in the same things. You’re your own person capable of forming your own beliefs. It’s okay if they differ from your mother’s.”
Kisa stares in shock, prompting him to sigh again.
“You don’t have to abandon what you’ve been taught, but you shouldn’t jeopardize your health either. Your mother isn’t here now and if you don’t want to feel like a burden you should work with us, letting us take care of you so you can recover faster.” Maes allows the silence to stretch out and his words to sink in before adding, “And you’re not a visitor or a guest.” Her head snaps up again and he bores into her eye, clearly emphasizing, “Gracia and I want you to live with us. We want you to become a part of our family.”
The blonde teen blinks stupidly, struggling to process his words.
“You can’t mean that?” she asks incredulously. Seeing he does, she protests, “I can’t impose on you! I thought I was staying temporarily!”
Maes cuts her off by gently slapping his hand over her mouth. Before he lifts his hand, he asks, “If our roles were reversed, what would you do?”
“But…” she begins, but is cut off by his arched brow. Reluctantly she admits, “I’d be insisting you stay with my family. Kyo would’ve nailed you to the floor by your trousers to keep you from leaving.”
“A bit extreme, but Kyo would’ve done that,” he grins. His smile softens as he adds, “You two did so much for me that I can’t begin to repay that debt. However, it’s not about repaying your kindness. I bonded with you both and always hoped you two would make it to Amestris someday and join my family. You’re here now and we would be honored if you continued living with us.”
Kisa considers it before surprising him with a glare, snapping, “That’s playing dirty, using family honor like that!”
Recovering, Maes quips, “Kyo did say you were used to fighting dirty with all the brothers you had.” Arching a brow, his gaze becomes pointed. “Besides, consider it payback for how you convinced me to leave you two behind at the borders.”
She glowers before biting out, “Are you also going to mention how we gave you extra food too?”
Maes brightens in realization, quipping, “I forgot about that!”
He chuckles at her growl. Yanking her hand out of his, Kisa huffs in irritation, which becomes worse when she realizes she can’t cross her arms, so she settles for tucking her good hand slightly between her thigh and the seat cushion before glowering off to the side. Smiling, Maes grabs her hand again.
“You don’t have to decide now.” Sullenly she looks at him. “If you really don’t want to live with us, we’ll set you up in your own apartment. You’re not being a burden. Family can never be a burden to each other and we already adopted you whether you like it or not. In fact, you’re our hero and we really would like the chance to get to know you better and take care of you. You’re more than welcome to take care of us in turn. It’s what family do for each other.”
Her expression softens into sadness as she looks down at their clasped hands.
“I’ve felt like nothing but a burden to those I loved for the longest time, are you sure you want me around?”
Maes nods firmly, “We wouldn’t fight so hard for you if we didn’t.”
Kisa quietly states, “It’s not like I have anywhere else to go. Well, anywhere that won’t expect me to start looking for a husband the following morning.” With a heavy sigh, she agrees, “Yes, I’ll live with you.”
Grinning, he stands up to lean over to kiss her forehead before settling next to her on the sofa and gently pulls her into a hug.
“You’re too young to get married in my opinion. Anyone who has a problem with that can talk to me.”
Kisa nods and tightens her one armed grip on him as best as she can. Moments later he breaks the silence.
“Now that we’ve got that out of the way, there’s something else I need to talk to you about.”
She raises her head to look at him.
“In a couple of weeks we’re going to have a small dinner party for some of our closest friends and my co-workers. You’ve already met Riza, Denny and Maria, but I thought it’d be a nice way to introduce you to everyone else as well.”
“I’ll still be healing from my injuries,” she frowns slightly in confusion.
“That’s part of the reason why I’m suggesting it because you’re not going to be able to get out much. Plus, after everything that happened yesterday, there’s no way in hell I want you near headquarters, not until things completely cool off with Hakuro. I don’t want to tempt fate.”
She agrees, quipping. “It’s a gamble I’m not interested in making. I don’t want to find out if it’s possible to dislocate both shoulders and hips at the same time.”
“True,” he chuckles in agreement. “We’ll probably have three guests staying with us around the time of the party.” She gives him a blank look, wondering why that was important to mention when he continues, “Two of them will be the Elric brothers.”
Kisa blinks in surprise.
“One of them is supposed to be my look-alike and the one everyone keeps confusing me for, right?”
“The older one, Edward,” Maes nods. “But there’s something I have to tell you regarding his younger brother Alphonse.”
Her brow creases in thought as Maes reaches into his shirt pocket to pull out a couple of photos.
She stuns him when she asks, “Are you talking about the fact Alphonse is Kyo’s look-alike?”
Maes gapes in shock for a few moments before stuttering, “H-how do you…?”
Smiling, she cuts him off, “I learned about Kyo’s look-alike when Izumi Curtis and her husband visited me at the transition camp in Dublith.”
He smiles in understanding and hands her the photos he pulled out.
As she studies the pictures he points out, “That was taken about a year ago when they briefly returned from their travels abroad for a visit.”
She’s still startled by the similarities between her and Kyo and the two young men in the photos, but can’t resist that twinge of irritation at knowing she looks exactly like another boy. Not a girl, a boy. She wonders if that means she’s very masculine looking or Edward is very feminine looking. Either way, she isn’t about to ask anyone, especially Maes. She’ll never live the embarrassment down.
Maes cuts into her thoughts stating, “We haven’t really had much of a chance to talk about your journey to Central.”
“It was fine,” she shrugs one shoulder while handing back the photos. “The Dublith transition camp was much better in comparison to the refugee camps, but, to be honest, they’re all still pretty much the same.”
“But your visit with Izumi and Sig Curtis made your stay in Dublith different, right?” he prods.
Kisa smiles fondly and nods, shifting her position into the corner where the armrest and backrest meets so she can face Maes better at a slight angle. He helps her adjust the pillows and quilt to get more comfortable. Once settled, she begins telling him about the stopover in Dublith.
“After we left the border city in Aerugo we had to switch trains twice before reaching Dublith. Some grumbled about the inconvenience of switching trains, but I didn’t care either way,” she shrugs again. “When we got there the transition camp was within walking distance of the train station, which was good since we had been traveling for over a week. It was a nice way to stretch our legs. Although, it would’ve been nice not to have armed soldiers guiding us along,” she sighs heavily. “Anyway, getting processed into the camp was typically chaotic. What was really different this time was we weren’t housed in tents but in an actual building.”
As she proceeds to describe the old, converted hotel, Maes’ heart aches to hear the elation in her voice at having her own room for the first time in her life and having access to running water again in the communal washrooms down the hall.
“I was cleared medically early on,” she continues, “But I had to remain in Dublith until there was a large enough group traveling to Central.”
Smiling warmly she pauses to think back on her brief time in Dublith.
- 5
- 6
- 7
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Chapter 1