an: i've had this fic on the brain recently so been working on it bit by bit. now it's finally done! hope you enjoy!
song for this chapter: muse - uprising
1915
rise up and take the power back
it's time the fat cats had a heart attack
you know that their time is coming to an end
we have to unify and watch our flag ascend
Anxiety rumbled inside Riza's stomach uncomfortably. It would not leave her alone at all, becoming more relentless and vicious as the day progressed.
It had started when the news dropped that morning the Fuhrer's train had been derailed and attacked travelling back from the east. A few hours had passed since then, but her condition didn't improve. There were reports on various radio stations, claiming Colonel Mustang was an enemy and was staging a coup to overthrow Fuhrer Bradley.
Gunshots were heard towards the centre of the city. The streets were silent, everyone locked up inside and too afraid to venture out. There were panicked warnings across stations too, telling everyone to remain indoors until the military had wrapped up whatever was happening in Central.
'Wrapped up' either meant Roy's success or his doom.
Riza tried not to dwell on it too much despite hanging onto every word that came through on the news stations. It was a cruel form of torture, listening to it all and being unable to determine what was true or false. Was the military on Bradley's side controlling the reports? Were they trying to paint Roy a criminal? Riza didn't know. She knew his plan but plans change and are adapted in practice.
Hayate was as restless as she was. However he could sense her distress and recognised she needed some comfort.
Riza had been wringing her hands in her lap on the couch, eyes unseeing as she focussed her attention on the news programmes. He'd hopped up beside her, giving her a fright and making her jump. Hayate buried his muzzle into the gap between her forearm and leg, forcing himself gently into the space with a whine. Normally Riza would gently command him to get down off the furniture but today… It brought a smile to her face and she scooted him closer to her body, petting his fur as he sighed underneath her hands.
The ringing of the phone startled their quiet contemplation as they waited for any further news.
"Hello, Riza," Gracia greeted on the other side of the line.
Her shoulders relaxed, feeling tension evade from them. Despite it not being who she'd prefer to hear from at that moment, Riza was still pleased to hear from her friend. It was a welcome break from her own mind.
"Hello, Gracia."
"Hi, Aunt Riza!" an excited child's voice called over her mother, making Riza smile.
"Elicia says hello too," Gracia giggled.
"Hello, Elicia," Riza replied fondly.
Riza's stomach tightened, a deep yearning flooding her as she wished her children were at home with her too.
Mia was having a brilliant time in Xing. They'd visited two imperial palaces so far and Mia was brimming with excitement and knowledge on them, telling her parents all about it when she'd called on the phone. It just made Riza miss her more, wishing she was there with her and Maes to experience it with them.
"How are you doing?" Gracia's question interrupted her thoughts.
"I'm fine," she answered. It wasn't a complete lie. Physically, she was. Mentally… Well, there wasn't enough time for her to explain all of that and she didn't want to unload it all onto her friend.
"Good," Gracia replied. "I know things are… uncertain in Central Command at the moment," Gracia added tactfully before clearing her throat, "so I just wanted to call for a chat and see how you were doing."
A smile overtook Riza's features at the thoughtful gesture. Gracia had probably heard the same news as her but was still willing to look out for Riza as a friend. At least Riza knew she could count on her regardless of what happened.
"That's very kind of you. Thank you," Riza replied gratefully.
"It's no problem, Riza," was Gracia's warm reply.
The two of them chatted a while. Riza and Elicia got to talk for a little bit too. She asked Elicia about her day and what toys she was playing with. A tactical question because she'd need to get organised and buy Elicia's birthday present sometime soon.
Just as they were wrapping up there was a knock at Riza's door.
Gracia understood and offered a quick farewell, allowing Riza to answer her guest. Apprehension made her cautious as she approached, eyeing the shadow through the glass carefully before she opened the door. Riza wasn't expecting anyone, so was alert and wary. Given the circumstances and her husband's plans for the day, it was hard for her not to be.
"Riza."
She blinked at Roy standing before her, completely baffled.
His smile was wide, all his teeth on show. His eyes, instead of meeting her gaze with the softness she loved, looked harsh, almost leering at her. It took her aback. The difference in his usual demeanour was startling.
"Roy."
It was all she could manage to reply with. He… He shouldn't even be here. He should be elsewhere –
"I'm here to take you to Central Command. I thought about it and I'd prefer it if you were there with me instead of at home."
Something isn't right, Riza thought immediately.
Roy's smile wavered, falling just enough for him to look impatient despite giving her barely any time to reply.
This… This person wasn't Roy. Riza didn't know how or why that was possible, but it wasn't him. Her gut was screaming at her not to trust him.
Roy's impatience grew. His eyes tightened, but only slightly, a sign that whoever this was, they were annoyed by her lack of response and compliance.
One of the homunculi has skin made of carbon, Roy's voice echoed in her head. Another, the one that stabbed Havoc and I, could make long knives out of their fingers. One can change shape while another will eat almost everything – and I mean, almost everything.
Someone… One of the homunculi had stolen Roy's face and was using it in front of her, mocking Riza with his image.
"All right," she agreed finally. "Sorry, I just didn't expect to see you home so soon."
Roy shrugged carelessly. "Plans changed and Central Command is where I want you to be."
She tried not to frown. She really did. Whenever a plan was made, even his plans for today, her thoughts and wants were always considered. Riza was never 'forced' into anything based on what Roy desired.
He'd listened intently to her fears for the day, holding her close. He'd asked where she'd prefer to be - if she wanted to travel last minute to Xing with his mother or if she wanted to stay at home. Riza knew what Roy wanted her to do. He wanted her to leave so that she would be safe and out of harm's way. But he didn't voice it. It was her decision and he didn't want to sway her. She couldn't leave him though. They'd always agreed to look out for one another and Riza couldn't turn her back on him when he needed it the most. Despite not being actively involved in his plans, she still wanted to be present. Whether the aftermath of today would be good or bad, she still wanted to stay to see it through.
Roy hadn't promised that everything would be all right, because realistically he couldn't, but he did promise he'd fight tooth and nail to come back to her. That he always would. It meant more to Riza to hear that than for him to spout off false promises in an effort to make her feel better in the short-term. It reminded Riza of how he would always gravitate back to her, and vice versa.
Two soldiers approached up the path to their home, tearing Riza's attention away from her 'husband'. Their faces were stony and unforgiving as they stared at her, waiting for her to start moving.
"Who are these people?"
"Two men from my team," Roy dismissed, gesturing lazily over his shoulder. "They're extra protection for you. Are you ready to leave?"
So, now she wasn't even getting a chance to disagree.
Riza had never seen these men before either. If Roy really was sending someone on a protection detail, it would be someone she was familiar with, or at least someone she knew the name of.
These people were not here to protect her.
"I will be," she nodded slowly. "I just need to lock up."
She shouldn't go with them. Every instinct screamed at her not to, however another part of her whispered in her mind that she clearly had no choice. The silent officers had their hands on their weapon holsters. It was a reminder. A threat.
"Lock up?" The imposter echoed her words back to her in irritated confusion.
She nodded. "I won't be a moment," she reassured. "I would bring you in, but I've been painting so there's fresh paint everywhere. I wouldn't want it to get all over your uniforms," she smiled placidly, perfectly innocent as she closed the door on them without waiting for a reply.
One thing Riza was hoping for as she turned in a hurry, was that they'd respect the boundary she'd set by closing that door.
If they were here for her "protection" and she was to be used against Roy in some way, they wouldn't hurt her. Well, not yet anyway. That would have no impact on Roy right now. If they wanted to use her to get to him, whoever this was would wait until Roy could see her. The thought made her ill, but she had no choice. She could fight it, she could run, but she couldn't outrun bullets if they started firing. Plus, the homunculi had powers. There was no way for her to know what the one who'd stolen her husband's face was capable of.
Riza dived for the phone, but hesitated. There was no one to call. Roy wasn't in the office, neither was his team. Rebecca was out of office today. Gracia was just a civilian…
There was one person…
A piece of paper lay next to the phone with a name and phone number written on it. Roy had left it there the night before, explaining it was a direct line to one of his supporters in the East. They were high up in the military, he'd said, and would help if she needed anything today.
Riza shook her head as she stared at the name. She had no reason to believe her grandfather would help her. He'd known of her existence for years and had made no move to make contact. Still, it was an option… A way to possibly get through to Roy. A last ditch effort…
Riza felt she at least had to try.
"General Grumman," an aged voice greeted through the phone.
"General," Riza greeted, swallowing the extra saliva forming in her mouth. "General Grumman, my name is Riza Mustang. Née Hawkeye."
There was silence on the other side of the line.
"I'm very sorry to disturb you today, sir, however I was left this number by my husband, Colonel Mustang, should I need any assistance." There was still no reply from her grandfather. Taking a deep breath, she forged ahead, hoping he would offer her something. "I would like to ask one thing of you, if you wouldn't mind? It's for my husband's sake and I wouldn't bother you if it wasn't important. I know you are close with him, sir."
"What do you need?" His tone had changed completely, losing its professionalism, and reverting to a respectful but forlorn one.
Riza didn't spend too long analysing the nuances of his reply. She couldn't. There were far more important things for her to dwell on, especially when her grandfather had paid her no mind in the years she and Roy had been married. If Roy was a well-known "family man" around the office, then General Grumman was sure to have heard about her when he was Roy's direct superior. Her grandfather must have made the connection and yet had done nothing. Other factors may have come into play there, but Riza had no time to consider them. Getting a message to Roy was her top priority, not her grandfather.
"I need you to get a message to Colonel Mustang."
"What is it?" The General's tone was brisk. He snapped his fingers, demanding someone get him a pen and some paper.
"Tell him I'm on my way into town," she swallowed, looking back at her front door. "The escort has just arrived."
"Understood." There was movement on the other side of the line. She heard him bark an order but it was hard to make it out. "Is there anything else I can do for you, Mrs. Mustang? Anything you need?"
"That's all. I would really appreciate you passing that message on, sir," she added, stressing that fact and hoping he'd pick up on it.
There was an urgent knock at her front door. Riza's head snapped towards it, feeling the imposter's anger and annoyance as they banged on the door.
"Have a nice day, General," she swallowed. Riza hung up the phone without waiting for him to reply.
While shrugging on her jacket she whistled for Hayate to come. He appeared in an instant by her side, looking up at her expectantly. She bent low, clipping his lead onto his collar. Taking the deepest breath, Riza stood and braced herself to dive head first into the lion's den.
The imposter frowned once the door opened, affronted at having been kept waiting for so long, while the two soldiers stared at her, as stiff as statues. Paying them no heed, Riza pocketed her house key and looked at her 'husband' expectantly.
Hayate tugged on his lead, turning to growl loudly at Roy. He barked twice, taking up a defensive stance in front of her.
Her dog's behaviour solidified it for Riza. That was not her husband.
"What's wrong… boy?" Roy missed a beat, guessing the correct word to use when referring to Hayate, who just continued to bark.
Riza didn't try to quieten him either.
"I'm not sure," she replied innocently, glancing up at her 'husband'. "He normally loves you, Roy."
The imposter frowned down at the Shiba. He took one step forward and Hayate warned him to back right back up again with a snarl. Roy flinched, moving backwards. Riza almost smiled proudly at her dog.
"What's gotten into the mutt today," Roy muttered darkly underneath his breath.
Gripping the lead tightly and trying not to snap a reply, Riza gently hushed Hayate.
"Why does he have to come?" Roy's voice was full of disgust.
"I can't leave him alone all day," Riza replied simply with a shrug. "That wouldn't be very responsible pet ownership. You know that."
Roy turned his nose up Hayate, then proceeded to skirt around him as Hayate continued to growl. Riza probably should've quietened him again but it was far too entertaining to watch. Hayate had always been very protective of her and her family so if his instincts were telling him not to trust Roy, then Riza would believe it too.
"Keep him on a tight lead," Roy sniffed, storming over to the car without a backwards glance.
Riza glanced down at Hayate, noting how his stance was still protective, but his growling eased with the more distance Roy put between him and her.
"Yes, Sir," Riza muttered to herself.
Beginning to walk, she signalled for Hayate to follow. There was a moment of pause and Riza wondered if he'd go anywhere near the imposter again but Hayate trotted along obediently. He moved closer to Riza and hurried to walk one step ahead of her, putting himself between her and the imposter.
She loved their little Shiba with all of her heart every day. However, after that show and how protective he was being, her adoration for their dog swelled in her chest that little bit more.
The car stopped at a blockade. Soldiers were holding up traffic, waving for other soldiers to pass by and ignoring the yelling of irate drivers. 'Roy' was in the passenger seat, muttering under his breath while the soldier driving remained still, staring straight ahead with no emotion as he waited for the disruption to clear.
Riza's head turned at the sound of yells, confused but drawn to it, wondering what on earth the sudden commotion was for.
Then a gun went off. One single shot cracked through the angry shouting, silencing everyone.
That's when the panicked cries started.
People ran past the car window as Riza ducked in the back seat on instinct. Another gunshot sounded, followed by loud cracks and sudden flashes of light. It reminded Riza of alchemy but she didn't get a chance to dwell on that thought for too long. Hayate whined loudly in her ear. His legs were shaking and shifting restlessly on her lap as he pressed his muzzle against her neck in fear.
The sound of gunfire rattled within Riza's chest, making her feel ill. It was such a shock that she was frozen for the briefest of seconds, stuck as she tried to comprehend what was happening.
Risking lifting her head, Riza spotted the look of fury on Roy's face. One hand was braced on the dashboard, teeth clenched hard together as he cursed violently. The tips of his fingers changed in colour, taking on a hint of green as the imposter began to lose whatever control they had over Roy's form.
"Envy!"
A voice called through the sudden appearance of smoke and dust outside, but from her ducked position, Riza could see no one. She couldn't be sure, but they sounded young. Risking a further search, there was still nobody to be found. She couldn't see anything through the sudden gloom.
"Come out!" the newcomer commanded harshly.
The imposter snarled and glared ahead of them.
"You," they hissed, twisting her husband's features into a look of disgust. Then, their hand turned green and transformed shape completely.
Riza listened to her screaming instincts and made her move.
The soldier to Riza's left hadn't expected her to shove open the door and dive out of the stationary vehicle. People were still yelling and running away from the sound of whatever battle was raging in the streets. Riza ducked into the crowd hurriedly with Hayate in her arms, sprinting through it and bashing into others who damned her for being so clumsy. She didn't care. There was an out and Riza took it. The startling sound of Roy yelling at her with such ire almost froze her in fear, but Riza forged ahead.
That was not Roy.
Once through the throng of people, she slipped into an alleyway and stopped, panting heavily. Hands on knees, Riza's lungs heaved as she struggled to get the breath she needed. Her limbs were shaking from adrenaline, fear, and anger.
How dare that… homunculus imitate Roy. They hadn't even tried to appear sincere and like him. Riza had never been so insulted by that poor performance. They'd mocked her with his image -
Hayate quietly barked a warning. He took a step back, facing the thinning crowd of people she'd just ran through.
"Time to go, boy," Riza breathed, still struggling to gulp down enough oxygen. She willed herself to calm down and focus on the here and now, and not what had transpired with the homunculus. She was free from them at the moment but if they caught her it would not end well for Riza.
Her months of limited exercise due to the pregnancy and having a demanding infant in the house was taking its toll. Her breaths slowly became easier, but her heart rate remained sky high. Adrenaline and anger were fuelling the furious pumping of her heart, making Riza's first step unsteady.
Hayate remained tight to her side, scouting ahead with his nose. He never stopped or resisted the direction she was heading, so Riza took that as a good sign.
After escaping from the homunculus and the escort, Riza had no idea where to go. She knew of Roy and his team's plan, knew where they were rendezvousing at, but it would be difficult to pinpoint where exactly they were at certain times –
Tires screeching on concrete made Riza jerk back from the road in fright. Momentary terror gripped her heart, squeezing it tightly. Was this someone else to 'convince' her to go with them? Had the homunculus found her?
This was not a car though. Riza paused and eyed the ice cream truck that had halted in front of her. Her muscles coiled with energy, getting ready to turn and run if need be.
"Riza?!"
The sound of Rebecca Catalina's voice was not what Riza expected to hear that day, however it was the most welcome thing in the world after her flight from the car.
"Rebecca?"
"Get in!"
The door in the cab of the truck was thrown open. Riza didn't hesitate.
"What are you doing out on the streets?" Rebecca's tone was one of disbelief and worry as she pulled away, speeding down the street.
"What are you doing in Central? Shouldn't you be on a mission out east?"
"This is my mission." Her head jerked to the truck behind her.
Looking around, Riza blinked in surprise at the number of weapons that were loaded into the unsuspecting ice cream truck.
"Uh…"
There was a person in the back, too. A woman.
"Hi," she grinned, offering Riza a wave. Dark hair was cut short to her head, while a distinctive mole was placed upon her cheek, just underneath her eye.
"Riza, Maria Ross," Rebecca introduced hurriedly as she weaved through traffic. "Maria, Riza Mustang."
"Oh!" Riza exclaimed, recognition dawning on her. "Maria Ross," she repeated, seeing the woman nod in confirmation. "I'm glad you're safe. How was Xerxes?"
"Hot," she remarked dryly, "but a necessary journey. Xing was much more preferable though in temperature," she quipped with a wink.
"You didn't answer my question, Riza," Rebecca admonished. "What were you doing out in the streets?"
Hayate swayed on her lap, looking out the window excitedly as the city sped by. With hands buried in his fur, she rubbed his sides as she told the story of her morning.
"Wait, a homunculus?" Rebecca's mouth popped open in shock. "At your door?"
"I think so, because it wasn't Roy." Riza was adamant about that. "Hayate growled and barked at them enough though, didn't you boy?"
Reacting to her proud tone, Hayate sat a little taller and panted happily.
"He's a good boy," Rebecca cooed. "You're so lucky," she added, pouting.
"How come?" Her laugh was light.
"You get a good man, cute kids, and the best dog in the world!"
"Yes, but I don't get to run around the city, driving at top speed in an ice cream truck full of weapons," Riza countered playfully.
"Do you want to?" Rebecca chuckled to herself. "I can only imagine the look on Mustang's face when you show up as the driver."
It would be entertaining but Riza's stomach still tightened uncomfortably at the thought of having to explain what had happened that morning to him. She'd never hide it, but given his reaction to her meeting with Pride, it wouldn't be ideal to do it when he was supposed to be level-headed and calm while leading a rebellion.
"I can picture it well," Riza smirked, despite her discomfort.
They pulled up to the kerb suddenly.
"Quick, get into the back," Rebecca ordered.
Given the urgency of her tone, Riza wasted no time and held Hayate tight to her chest as she manoeuvred her way into the back of the truck, picking her way through boxes of weapons.
"Colonel Mustang!"
Riza's heart was in her throat as she waited to see him appear. Relief flooded each and every one of her limbs, thankful he was okay, and she could witness that confirmation with her own two eyes. Roy gawked up at Maria Ross, so did Breda, when she moved forward to reveal herself.
"I picked up a hitchhiker along the way as well," Rebecca quipped.
Breda glanced behind Maria, eyes growing wide when Rebecca waved over her shoulder to further back in the truck. Roy just stared in confusion at Rebecca.
"Riza?" Breda's half smirk was both of joy and surprise as he called over to her.
Roy's head snapped around after Breda spoke. His eyes scanned the truck frantically to look for her. Once settling on her form, he took one look at her face, instantly alert. His spine straightened as Riza let out a long breath.
"What are you doing here?" Breda's question was mirrored on all of their faces, joy quickly turning to alerted concern.
"Let's hop out for a minute," Rebecca suggested. "I could use a stretch of my legs."
Everyone did so, moving further away as Riza stepped down onto the concrete. She felt Hayate stiffen in her arms but she placed him down on the ground so she could talk to Roy.
He'd stepped back, giving them all space to step out of the vehicle, but didn't approach Riza. He remained put, studying her, trying to find a reason in his own mind why she would be in the truck with Rebecca and not at home.
"Can I talk to you?"
He nodded, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. Taking a deep breath, Riza approached with Hayate's lead in her hand. She was halted, though, when her dog dug his paws into the ground, tugging her back from him. No growl left his throat, but Hayate wasn't budging and was staring Roy down.
"Hayate?"
Riza held her breath, thinking of her last run in with 'Roy'.
"Is it really you?" Her question, despite being quiet, carried across the distance between them.
"What?" His confusion was genuine. Shifting his stance to face her fully, Roy's arm dropped to his side, hanging limp.
Out the corner of her eye, Riza saw Breda jerk his head at the other three soldiers, walking further out of earshot to give them some more privacy. It was much appreciated.
"Is it really you," she repeated, gripping Hayate's lead tighter.
The dog took a tentative step forward but still didn't growl. His nostrils were moving, sniffing, and testing the air.
"I…" He didn't know how to respond, which Riza thought was promising. Looking completely perplexed, Roy trailed off, unsure how to answer but wanting to be careful in his reply.
"What did you say to me?" She was desperate, the emotion clawing up her throat and forming a lump. She desperately wanted it to be him, but she wouldn't put herself at risk. She had to check. "Before you left last night, what did you promise?"
"That I would always return to you and the kids," was his instant reply. Roy didn't even miss a beat. It made Riza's heart soar and her muscles loosened with the reassurance. "You told me you'd hold me to that and to go off and save the world." A tiny smile tugged at his lips, softening his expression.
It was him.
Riza moved forward into his open and waiting arms. Hayate didn't put up any resistance either. A kiss was pressed to the top of her head as she squeezed him tightly.
"Thank you for answering my questions," she whispered against his uniform.
Hayate sniffed at Roy's legs and let out a quiet yip. His tail wagged happily before sitting down on the ground, satisfied that this was the real Roy.
"Can I ask what that was all about?" He was trying to remain casual, but she heard the strain in his voice.
Riza nodded and pulled away. "Hayate and I already had a run in with you today."
His head cocked to the side, not understanding. His lips parted to speak but no noise left him. Instead, Roy's mouth closed, still unable to comprehend her reply.
"It wasn't you."
"Well, I know that, but –" His face paled, mouth parted as realisation dawned on him. "Wait."
"It was someone pretending to be you. They had your face and your voice."
"Oh, shit."
Riza almost snorted in amusement at his mumbled response.
"I'm… I didn't… I didn't anticipate something like that happening."
"It's not your fault."
An appreciative smile was shot her way. "Are you okay, though?" Roy dipped his head, looking into both her eyes to try and discern if he could see anything in them to give away her true state of being.
"I'm fine," she placated with a gentle hand on his forearm. "We're fine. Hayate told me right away that it wasn't you."
Roy looked down at their pup. Seeing eyes on him, Hayate's tongue lolled from his mouth and his tail thumped on the ground. Roy's hands released Riza from his hold so he could lower to a crouch. Hayate stood, excitement on his face at the anticipation of getting attention from Roy.
"He's a good dog," Roy murmured, rubbing at Hayate's head. "The best dog in the world, actually."
"I've often thought that myself," Riza replied dryly.
"Thank you for protecting our family, Hayate." His tone was sincere as he gave Hayate another scratch behind the ear. The pup was pleased, his eyes closing appreciatively. "We all owe you a lot."
Hayate barked at them both, eyes sparkling with elation.
"I'm glad you're all right," Roy repeated, moving to stand. "Who was it? Do you know?"
"I don't," Riza replied honestly. "It was definitely a homunculus though. You said there was one who could change shape. It was you, Roy, but they didn't act like you."
"Envy, then," he muttered to himself.
Riza's mind jolted, remembering how someone had called that name before she fled the car.
"Was there anyone else?"
"Two vacant looking soldiers. They didn't speak," Riza replied.
"What did Envy want?"
"Me to go with them to Central Command."
Turning thoughtful, Roy considered her answer. "I didn't anticipate a plan such as this." His gaze turned away but Riza caught sight of his regret. "I'm sorry. I didn't think they'd stoop so low and do something like try and kidnap you."
Her stomach twisted at the phrase, but Roy was right.
"I thought you'd be safe at home," he sighed. His eyes closed briefly. "But if that's how they want to do things then I'm glad you're here." His expression softened, his tiny smile returning to tease the corner of his lips.
"I am too," she admitted. Riza reached forward and gripped his hand tightly.
Once again, she found a place in his arms, safe and secure.
"So, what's the plan, Colonel?" Riza pulled away from his embrace after kissing his cheek.
One of his eyebrows raised. "You already know the plan."
"I did," Riza agreed, "but now I'm involved. How can I help?"
"Well. I didn't really want to get you involved but if you're here we could use an extra set of hands." Twisting, he extracted a pistol from a holster around his waist. "I wasn't planning on using it but brought it just in case."
"You're giving me a gun?" Riza blinked at it.
"You were the deadliest shot I knew as a kid with that rifle of yours," Roy quipped playfully. "I know it's been a while though, so if you don't want to –"
Riza gently plucked the gun from Roy's open palm. It was examined carefully, and she weighed it in her grip. It nestled comfortably in her palm.
"Anything to help." Her reply was firm and determined. "And it's not been too long. Rebecca and I went shooting once before I found out I was pregnant with Maes."
"Is it just like riding a bike, then?"
Riza smirked at his jest. "We'll soon find out."
She lifted the gun to eye level, squinting to aim, feeling everything come rushing back to her from her childhood. She was back in that forest, the breeze gentle and tugging at her fringe. The birds overhead were chirping, oblivious to the young girl below hunting for survival.
"I think you'll be just fine," Roy smirked, watching her proudly.
"Sir!" Fuery called from a distance away, interrupting their conversation.
They both turned, seeing him holding a phone receiver away from his ear.
"I've got a call here for you from General Grumman, sir."
Riza's heart rose into her throat in anticipation.
"He's been trying to get through to us for a while. Apparently it's very urgent. It's regarding your family?" Fuery questioned that last part, looking over at Riza.
Roy shot her an alarmed look.
"I called him and asked to get a message to you," she explained, "when Envy showed up."
"Oh."
"Take it," she urged and nudged his arm gently. "I'll be here when you get back."
He shot her a smile before jogging over to Fuery to take the call.
So, her grandfather had come through for her after all. Riza let out a relieved breath, thankful he'd listened and done as she'd requested. Although she hadn't anticipated ending up with Roy anyway and so soon, it was still a relief to know the General was willing to help her.
She'd make sure to thank him if they ever crossed paths in the future.
