Aurum Potestas Est: Yeah, people always consider me evil. XD And about the 17, 000 words, well... never mind about that.

Lt. Hawkeye: A lot of people thinks this situation sucks. XD Yeah, I'll update as soon as I can.

Tsunade-Chan: XD Ah, I'm telling you. I can unconsciously make someone laugh... XD It's a gift maybe.

Fluff Freak: XD I knew this thing would work. XD

Mr. Kusagani: Thanks. Yeah, Ed's kinda smart. Not to mention resourceful. XD

Fullmetal Philosopher: Don't need to. He's got some lightning impact with him, right? But I don't want to kill Black Hayate with lightning now, don't I?

Mr. Kusagani: Many people think Envy and Lust are cute together. But other people think it's Greed... I say Envy! XD

tear drops of flaming darkness: Thanks. But I think I'm going through my Writer's Block again.

unexpection: ;;; Rrrright... yeah, I'll update as soon as possible.

Saun: XD I'm soooo evil. A lot of people tell me so. Thanks for your comment.

rizaanroy4ever: Sure... as long as you leave a review! XD Armstrong will be stored in the forbidden room... XD

World Conquerer: Thanks. Sure, I'll update for all of you.

rizahawkeye01: People always have to go to the hard questions in life... this is one of those. XD Yeah, I'll take the red and white wine thing to account once I'm older, k? Thanks, and sure. Yeah, nothing is perfect... NO fanfiction is perfect. And one more thing, R.M says hi and that he loves R.H.M forever and ever, for all eternity and even after the world ends. So sweet...

Shadow Dreamer 27: Thanks. And what's a Catch 22? ;;;

Cain's Angel-14: Yeah, yeah, sure. I'll write and type faster.

Mr. Kusagani: You just saw what happens to Ford. And yeah, everyone thinks the same for Obsession. XD It's obvious. WHO AGREES! XD

Chapter 14- Missing

8:55 PM

Winoa glanced at her Silver State Alchemist pocket watch. Time was ticking like the small needle of a compass whose movement is endless. It was a quiet misty night. It was too quiet; you could go crazy from the sound of the crickets in addition to the ticking. There was a chilly breeze in the air, slowly blowing mists of clouds towards the moon, which was pale and white as milk.

She and Ford stood in front of the Central Galleria Hall, ready. Ford wore a black tux, accompanied with a black tie and a gold watch. Winoa wore a silvery blue evening gown with an assortment of jewelry. Everyone currently present there was wondering where the two got their attire and HOW they actually got it. To some guesses, it was their ranks that gave them high salary pay.

"There he is." Ford pointed out. Winoa glanced at a car that drove towards a parking space. When it finally settled itself in its area, the door opened.

Roy emerged out of the car, wearing a tux similar to Ford's. The only difference was the ties since Roy was wearing a red one.

"Yo! Looking good, bro!" Ford cheered as he waved for him to come. A thumb's up sign was signaled in his other hand.

"Hm… you look…" she paused, searching for the right term. "Hot." She smirked in a way Ford and Roy would.

"Thanks. You didn't have to lend me one Ford. I had my own." Roy added, facing Ford. His brother laughed.

"Think nothing of it, little bro. That was a lucky tux I gave you. You'll need all the luck you need." Ford gave Roy a pat in the back as he said this. He grinned and Roy grinned back. "Thanks Ford." He replied.

The ball was grand. After a welcoming introductory speech from the Fuhrer, with his wife, the First Lady by his side, the ball began. Hughes and Havoc were there of course. Hughes stepped out triumphantly with his wife, Gracia, who smiled pleasantly in her lovely outfit. Havoc hitched the ride with Hughes however, coming out looking distraught. Roy could guess easily, said Second Lieutenant couldn't find a date.

"Yo! Hughes! Havoc!" Ford waved. The two looked at said Lieutenant General. Even Havoc managed a slight curve in his lips. He approached and the three with Roy, Winoa and Gracia began a conversation.

"Hey Hughes, where's Elysia?" Winoa asked. Hughes' smile turned to a wide, broad grin as if he was given all the candy in the world.

"Oh my darling Elysia!" Hughes exploded with glee, cuddling himself and pulling out numerous pictures. "I asked Uncle Falman to baby sit her since he wasn't coming. I'm sure he must be so happy to baby sit such a wonderful, smart, carefree daughter like my Elysia!" Hughes began presenting pictures of his daughter in front of Winoa. She was wondering how much she already missed Armstrong.

Ed and Al arrived as well, with Winry as their guest. Ed didn't seem all too enthusiastic about the ball but Winry was. The only reason he went: One, Al forced him. Two, the food and three, so he can have his chance with Winry.

Hughes and Gracia were already dancing around the dance floor. Havoc, Roy and Winoa were already in the Compliments area until Ford came. Havoc was looking more disheartened.

There were a lot of women crowding Ford, in a trance from his natural aura. Havoc whimpered and desperately turned to Winoa who seemed to be alone. Winoa was quietly drinking wine from her small glass. Roy smirked, finding this amusing.

"Uh… Winoa, I… well… I…" Havoc gulped, "Will you dance with me?" Havoc stammered nervously. Winoa made a small laugh.
"Havoc, you should have asked. No one asked me out to the ball." Winoa beamed. Havoc smiled and stretched his palm out. Winoa gratefully took it and the two headed for the dance floor.

Roy's amused grin converted to a worried expression. He glanced anxiously at his pocket watch. Ten 'o clock. Riza wasn't here. Maybe… Maybe…she had car problems. No, she could have walked. Did something happen to her? Maybe she was ambushed. Abducted, Kidnapped… Rape possibly. Roy made a shudder, the thought almost scaring the 'all-mighty-Flame Alchemist'. He made a silent curse. He should have offered to give her a ride! He felt so stupid! But…

"Roy?" Roy's face straightened and he tilted his head forward. Riza stood in front of him, looking slightly awkward and nervous. Probably because of the clothes she was wearing.

It was the evening gown designated to wear, ruby red that sparkled brilliantly. Her hair was down; a barrette with a red rose stuck to it clinging on to her hair in a comb. She wore earrings and bracelets that shook with each step she took.

"Riza?" Roy couldn't believe his eyes. He made a silent sigh of relief. She was safe.

"Sorry Taisa. I was… held up." She apologized. She glanced at the floor as she said this. Roy overlooked that.

"Uh… want some wine or punch or…" Roy was cut off when he felt like he was shoved aside. Roy turned to the asshole as if he was a bull that spotted the color red. But surprisingly, he saw Cain Fury adjusting his horn rimmed glasses.

"Ah! Sorry Taisa!" he apologized immediately to his superior. Roy's face straightened, finding it strange that the said Sergeant was here.

"Fury, weren't you off sick today?" Riza asked, sensing the suspicion. Fury shrugged and made a small laugh.

"I was sort of cured last minute. I didn't have any plans so here I am." He grinned in response as a child would if his or her parents allowed him or her out. He shot behind as if seeing someone from a distance.

"Oh, got to introduce someone." He strode off to his brother who seemed to be older. (AN: Abel! XD Get it? Cain and Abel! XD) He wore the designated attire and had raven black hair. At a glance, Roy's eyes narrowed. Something felt wrong here…

"Taisa…"

Roy's attention came back to Riza. She looked, from how Roy described it shortly, scared. Like a slave dreading his or her summoning from his or her cruel master.

"Riza, are you okay? You look…"

"No, I'm alright." She replied, shaking her head. Roy glanced at her in disbelief.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Roy. I just need to… get some fresh air outside…" Riza paused after each phrase hesitantly.

"Really? How's about I-" Roy slightly protested.

"No… I just need some privacy." She walked off, leaving Roy in a daze of confusion.

AN: End of this chapter! Let's see what happens next time! Oh... and leave a review... OR I'LL LET HUGHES SHOW HIS ENTIRE PHOTO ALBUM GALLERY! XD evil laugh