Chapter 2! My goodness, I never thought I'd get this written...The amount of times I got distracted and left it was ridiculous. I've begun drawing a comic of this story which is on my DeviantArt account. It isn't the best of art but I'm proud of what I've done so far. This chapter won't have as much Ed and Al in it as he last chapter but there's a reason for that! _ _

Disclaimer: Nobody in FullMetal Alchemist belongs to me...*Weeps* Reiya is mine though! *Clutches Reiya to her*

"Automail."

Reiya hid her arm behind her back as quickly as she could. She couldn't banish the blush creeping up on her though, she was beyond embarrassed. She glared at the small feline trotting away, hoping that the death stare would bring her sleeve back.

How will I explain this...?

"Miss Reiya..." Alphonse's soft voice drew Reiya from her thoughts, directing her attention to him. Although she couldn't see his face, his eyes and tone of voice told her enough; he felt sorry for her.

"You're ashamed of it." Ed's statement cut through her, causing her to turn away from the brothers. How the elder of the two had read her face like a book, she would never know.

He's right...I'm ashamed and always have been...'He' worked so hard and I have only this to show for it...

Reiya hadn't noticed that Al had stood and was just before her, her shaking body compelling him to place a hand on her shoulder. Her reaction to it was to lean into the comfort given; clinging to what she could from the armour. Sobs slowly broke through the silence as Reiya gave in to her emotions.

Alphonse looked back to his brother for help, he knew that Ed wasn't the best at comforting others but he was unsure of what to do. When he made eye contact with the alchemist he was met with a gentle look, one of understanding and sympathy.

Looking away from his elder sibling, Al began to lead the young woman to the leather armchair. He made her sit down after coaxing her near enough to it, pushing the table with the abandoned drinks to the side. After seating himself in front of her on the floor he began to speak.

"Miss Reiya, automail is nothing to be ashamed of. It's perfectly normal, even brother has it." Reiya took in his words and tried to calm herself, talking deep, shaky breaths.

He's right, I shouldn't be ashamed but...Either way I shouldn't cry.

Reiya continued to take shaky breaths, determined to regain her composure. This continued on for several minutes until she succeeded in her task, slowly opening her blurry eyes to the small study.

"I'm sorry; I don't know what came over me." Reiya apologised. She forced a smile at Al and blinked abruptly as Ed came into view. He was holding an envelope towards her with an un-gloved hand. Al's words rang in her head as she stared at the shiny steel staring back at her.

That's...

"The colonel wanted us to give this to you, which is why we came over" Ed proceeded to drop the envelope on Reiya's lap, turning to leave after "C'mon Al, let's go."

"Brother, watch out!"

"Huh?" Ed turned to look at his brother, not before putting his foot down on something soft though.

"Mow!"

"Ack!" Ed fell to the floor as Eddy-Kins flew at his face, clinging to the side of his head with his claws, fur bristling in irritation. The two rolled around on the floor in a struggle for minutes while the Reiya and Al watched in amusement.

"I should have mentioned that little Eddy can turn feral when you stand on his tail." Reiya giggled. She didn't even know the kitten's reactions to situations after a day but felt like she needed to break the silence a bit. The blonde's curses continued to fill the room as he attempted to pull the feline from his face.

"Stupid cat!" The elder Elric finally managed to pry the kitten from his face leaving scratch marks along his scalp to his jaw. Holding the raging feline at arm's length Ed growled at it, looking at the other two occupants of the room. A smirk grew on his face as he formulated a plan. Al noticed the look in his brother's eyes and slowly backed away, leaving the confused Reiya where she was.

A scream erupted through the room as Reiya ducked from the flying kitten, glaring venomously at Ed. Reiya cautiously looked behind her to see Eddy-Kins trotting to the other end of the study, a sigh of relief escaping her.

"C'mon Al, we're leaving."

"Huh?" Reiya blinked as she turned back to the blonde and his brother standing at the entrance of the small study "So soon?"

"We only came to give you that envelope, nothing more." Ed said as he reached out to open the door.

"Oh, guess I might see you guys around then. Take care Al!" Reiya smiled and waved to the armour before he exited the room.

"Seeya."

Reiya listened out for the front door opening and closing. She sighed quietly to herself as silence set into the room. She wouldn't admit it but the small amount of company was nice. Glancing at the abandoned drinks she raised an eyebrow at the small feline trying to squeeze his face into the glasses.

"I don't think I'll ever understand you..."

"Stupid Roy, I'll kill him..."

Reiya had been wandering down the main shopping street of Central for over an hour. The details of the letter Roy had given her required her to do so. The one thing she hated most was shopping. She hated the effort that was needed to do such a simple task.

Next time I see Roy...I swear...

"Hey miss! You look like you'd like my stuff!" Reiya blinked and turned to where the voice had called out from. She was about to refuse but then noticed that a child was managing the small stall. She knew she wouldn't be able to get out of this one. She was a sucker for children.

Walking over to the small stall she smiled at the little boy, looking down to what he was selling. There was a range of pendants made from steel. Reiya took note of the transmutation symbols glinting at her, picking up one that was familiar to her.

"Those ones are cheaper than the rest." Reiya looked to the boy as he nodded. She looked back down at the transmutation circle in her hand and smiled to herself. She had already made up her mind to buy it. Looking through the rest she noticed a couple of other pendants that caught her eye and handed the three to the boy.

"I'll take these." The boy beamed brighter at the aspect of a sale. Reiya couldn't help but smile at him, she just wanted to scoop him up in her arms and take him home. She watched as the pendants were placed into a small bag and handed back to her, replacing the bag with the suitable amount of coins into his hand. Turning to move on she gave one last smile and a wave to the boy.

Continuing to meander through shops Reiya caught sight of her reflection in one of the windows. She moved closer and ran her fingers through her crimson bangs, scowling as she noticed it was fading at the tips and her roots were beginning to show. Moving with determination she headed in the general direction of a shop she visited frequently.

Seeing the sign to the small shop she sighed in relief. Sometimes she got lost looking for the small building, frustration growing whenever she had to visit it.

I still blame Roy.

Reiya read through the page of the journal in her hand slowly, taking in the smaller details. The messy handwriting filling the pages was hard to read but it was writing Reiya was accustomed to. Turning the next page she glanced over the title of the entry and frowned.

"Mow." Eddy-Kins pawed at his owner's leg in an attempt to gain her attention, orange tail swaying erratically in frustration.

"Yes, yes, I know. Just a couple more minutes ok?" Reiya gently petted Eddy-Kins' head before returning to the small journal in her hands. She winced as she felt the sharp claws of the feline dig into her ankles, instantly regretting putting her feet up on the small table in front of her.

"Mow!"

"Alright! Fine! Let's go." With a bang the small journal was slammed onto the table. Sighing in frustration she took her feet from the table and followed after the bouncing kitten. Deep inside she was grateful to the feline for interrupting her though, she had as much will to read the entry she'd come to as much as Ed drinking milk. Frowning at the pile of dishes that was growing next to her sink Reiya sighed again.

They'll have to wait.

Her bare feet were soundless on the kitchen tiles as she made her way to the fridge. Upon opening it she looked at the contents before reaching for what she was looking for: cat food. Almost tripping over the purring Eddy-Kins, Reiya kneeled down to his food bowl. She struggled to keep the ginger kitten away from the bowl as she filled it, the feline eager to eat.

"There, now stop complaining." Reiya glanced down at Eddy-Kins as he began to eat. A small smile formed on her face as she continued to watch him. The quiet ticking in the room drew her attention to the clock mounted above the kitchen door; her smile disintegrated.

Time to get going...

Heading out of the kitchen she took a right, walking past her study to the stairs ahead. Walking into the single room at the top Reiya began to undress. She purposely avoided looking into her full-length wall mirror as she reached inside her wardrobe for a black dress she knew was in there. Changing quickly she finally looked into the mirror and nodded to herself. The dress reached to just below her knees and was made of simple linen.

Reiya contemplated on tying her hair up but decided to leave it down. Nodding again to herself she headed back out of her room, taking her time down the stairs. She ignored the purring kitten as she reached the bottom, continuing on her way to the front door.

I wonder what he'd like this time.

Almost bumping into the front door Reiya gained her bearings. She slipped on her regular boots and had just finished fastening them up when she remembered something. Quickly dashing back into her study she picked a small bag up. Shifting between the three pendants she had bought just earlier she selected the one she wanted: the transmutation circle that had seemed so familiar to her. Pocketing it she returned to her front door where she bent down to be closer to Eddy-Kins.

"I'll just be a little while ok? Be good and don't break anything." Smiling to the kitten she stood and walked out the door. Staring at the door for a few seconds she sighed before walking determinedly towards her destination.

Paying no mind to those who were still wandering the streets doing last minute shopping Reiya allowed her thoughts to drift. Streets and shops of many kinds passed by unnoticed by the teen. Eventually she stopped and entered a particular store, a florist. A bell chimed as the door was opened, signalling a customer. Many flowers filled the room, scents and colours assaulting the eyes and noses of those who entered.

"Hey Reiya! It's been a while. How've you been?" The elderly woman at the counter caught her attention. She smiled as she walked closer, eying the different flowers up as she walked by them.

"I've been fine, just here for my usual. How's the shop doing?"

"Sales have been down; it's nothing to worry about though. I won't be able to keep up with it soon though; my back's starting to act up again. I'll have to start looking for an assistant to hire." The old woman spoke as she started to fix a small bouquet of daffodils. Reiya noticed that she still handled the flowers with the same tenderness that she had years ago.

"You know I wouldn't mind helping out if it's needed Mina, I could do with the extra money now anyways; got a kitten to look after along with myself." Reiya smiled as Mina returned behind the counter, placing the bouquet onto it.

"Oh! A kitten is it? I always thought you were more of a dog person myself. So tell me all about it." Reiya perched herself onto the counter as she began to speak, smiling widely.

"Well, he's a small, ginger little thing. I don't think he's a pedigree because he's so strange. He's got the most beautiful golden eyes; you wouldn't believe it unless you saw them. I decided to name him after someone who reminds me of him, try and guess the name." She beamed at Mina, leaning against her crossed legs as she looked at her.

"I don't think I'd be able to guess in a million years child, go ahead and tell me." Mina began to write on a small card as she waited for Reiya to continue speaking.

"I named him Eddy-Kins, after someone I know. Well, I don't really know him but I've talked to him some. He's short for his age but he has the same amazing eyes. You'd think that they were both the same person if it weren't for the fact that Edward was blonde and Eddy-Kins was a cat" Reiya chuckled to herself "The FullMetal Alchemist I named him after...I'm sure you know about him considering you keep up with that kind of stuff."

"You sound fond of him." Reiya blinked at the aging woman as she gave her a knowing look.

The teen couldn't ignore the look Mina was giving her, it made her wonder if she knew something she didn't "Who, Edward or the cat?"

"This Edward fellow." Mina couldn't help but chuckle at the expression given to her. The faces that were pulled at her never ceased to amuse her.

"No way! He's so inconsiderate! I hardly even know him, how could I be fond of him! Not to mention he's a midget! He's only ever kind to his brother."Reiya fumed.

"Maybe he reminds you of 'him' then" Mina placed the small card she had been writing on into the tie that was holding the bouquet of daffodils together "It's not often you take to strangers. It might be good for you to maybe get to know him."

Reiya watched as Mina placed the card "You really think so? He's a state alchemist, I don't want to get to know him and his brother just for them to die and leave me."

Mina shook her head. "You can't keep holding onto these insecurities your entire life child, you'd never get anywhere. You need to let go."

"I've tried Mina; I've tried so hard..." The teen lowered her head to hide her watering eyes from anyone who might see.

"All I can say is to let others in; you can't get over it with just me in your heart. Try to find some friends who can show you that there's more to life than just suffering."

Reiya tried to force her tears away, lifting her head to smile at the old woman. "You're right, you always are. I'll try to do that then. It wouldn't hurt to try at least."

"There we go, now go say hello to that delinquent. I'm sure he's missed you." Mina said. She smiled as she watched Reiya jump off the counter and grab the bouquet. She ignored the coins placed on the counter as she watched the teen begin to leave.

"And don't forget to smile; I'm sure 'he' wouldn't like to see you upset." Mina called out.

Turning for a last time to see the old woman Reiya smiled "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks."

The bell to the shop chimed once more as Reiya left. Standing outside the shop for a moment she took a deep breath, facing towards her destination. Taking the time to read the writing on the card her lips turned up into a smile, reading it aloud in her head.

'We miss you with all our hearts; don't be getting into trouble where you are now, Reiya and Mina.' Silly...

Forcing her feet to move she once again continued to her destination, cradling the daffodils in her arms carefully. Looking down at the flowers she couldn't help but notice that they were brighter than usual, rather than a golden yellow they were pale. Continuing to ponder the flowers Reiya almost walked past her destination, gathering her bearings before she walked too far ahead.

Reiya hesitated for a moment before walking into open area, purposely avoiding seeing the giant steel letters above the gate screaming 'Cemetery'. Walking past headstones that bore no relevance to her she bowed her head, her feet following a path they knew from experience. Stopping at a particular headstone she lifted her head to read over the inscription.

Drake Summers

1891-1913

Beloved brother and son

Kneeling down she gently placed the bouquet of daffodils at the base of the headstone. Her fingers lingered on the flowers as she made herself comfortable on the cold floor.

"I'm sorry I didn't come to visit on our last appointment, something came up" Reiya smiled "Not much to report really, just little things. First, I got a kitten. You would have loved him, he's so playful but he keeps tearing up my things. He's kind of like you if you don't count the whole being a cat thing." She averted her eyes from the grey stone slab.

"My automail's been playing up again, I'm thinking of getting it replaced. I hope you don't mind but my arm is pretty short compared to the other now."Reiya flexed the fingers of her right hand "I'll come back and show you my new arm after I get the money to get it done, then I can mount my old one just for you. It can sit just above the fireplace in my study, so I can see it every day."

Drawing her gaze back to the headstone she sighed "Other than that there isn't much else to say. I met a couple of guys, brothers. One's short and rude, the other likes to wear armour all the time. I think you would have mingled well with them though; they were state alchemists like you were. Oh, that reminds me."

Rummaging in her pocket she pulled out the transmutation circle pendant. "I bought this for you. I know it's the circle you used to use all the time so..." Reiya gently placed the small piece of metal on top of the headstone.

"Mina missed you; I talked to her before I came here. She seems to be having back problems again. You used to brighten her shop up more than her flowers ever could." Looking around her Reiya noticed that it had become slightly darker, the sun beginning to hide itself behind the distant buildings.

"Seems I'll have to cut my visit short for today. At least I made it this time eh?" Reiya chuckled quietly to herself, shivering slightly as a cool breeze swept past her.

"I'll talk to you next month then, and next time I'll come with more news to tell you." Smiling she traced her index finger along the 'D' of the inscription, standing afterwards. Staring at the dull stone for a moment she nodded to herself.

Goodbye.

Turning Reiya began to make her way back out of the cemetery, leaving behind the glinting pendant as a sign of her presence.

Phew, finally got that written. Not as long as the previous chapter but it was hard enough to pull out. The whole reason for this chapter is a bit of back story for my OC, I know it was probably boring but the future chapters probably won't be as bad x Was hard trying to find out what timeline FullMetal Alchemist was following too but I went by the whole WWII time of events considering that Conquerer of Shambala is set in it. Thanks to FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood I have a more accurate date of the timeline, hopefully it'll fit to the story better ^^

If I have the timeline's completely messed up please tell me ^^ I would much appreciate it.

Please review, criticism is much appreciated :