Seto'sgal29: Yay for chapter 4! Just wanna say thanks to all my faithful reviewers, you guys make my day! In this chapter Roy and Riza meet, and then make out! I'm just kidding (that comes later ;). The beginning part of this chapter refers to that scene in episode 13 where Roy kills that Ishbalan boy (his flashback during his fight with Ed). Anywho, just an FYI. Now, enjoy this chappie!

Once Upon an Eastern Rebellion

By: Seto'sgal29

Chapter Four: Stranger

Major Roy Mustang's hands trembled as if he was being shaken by an earthquake. He felt the sweat pouring down is face, drenching him like a mid-summer rain. All his body was drenched in sweat, his uniform becoming damp. His breath was labored, his chest heaving up and down, faster and faster with each passing second. His eyes strained to stay focused, strained to keep from tearing up in the terrible heat, in the terrible circumstance.

Before him, kneeling five feet from him, a young Ishbalan boy, no more than 14 years of age, held his rifle close to him. His eyes were filled with shear terror, clutching his weapon as if it was a childhood blanket or stuffed animal, filled with memories and comfort. His whole body shook, he watched Roy with a hawk-like intensity. Under his breath, the child whimpered, the gun growing heavy in his hand. Then, in a lightening quick moment, the boy raised his gun, his finger tightening on the trigger. A horrible cry came from his lips. The stand off had come to an end. Roy's eyes widened.

God help me.

The whole thing ended in seconds, but to Roy, it was a lifetime. A blinding flash of light erupted from his fingers. A shadow, a blood covered wall.

This was Major Roy Mustang's first kill.

Sunset was always Riza's favorite time of day. It made everything seem more defined, larger than life. The beautiful yellows, reds, pinks, and sometimes if one was lucky, blues and purples. The world became nothing but silhouettes against a backdrop of color.

Riza smiled, war had taught her to appreciate the little things.

Ever since the day of the alchemists' arrival, Riza had been returning to the cliff overlooking the eastern road everyday after dinner to watch the sunset. In a world were nothing was for certain, it became her one predictable comfort.

Riza closed her eyes, only to have them be opened by the sound of running. In the corner of her eye, she saw a young man running toward the edge of the cliff, seemingly oblivious to her presence, even thought they were only about 50 feet from each other. The man stopped by a large rock and began to throw up. His face turned even paler than it already was, his forehead dripping with sweat, he was shaking terribly. Riza rose to her feet, she had no idea who this guy was, but as her fellow solider, she felt a responsibility to help him out. She walked to his side, fumbling through her coat to find a handkerchief.

"Here." She handed to him.

The young man looked up. Riza gasped, it was the State Alchemist from the other day, the Flame Alchemist.

He smiled sheepishly and grabbed the handkerchief, using it to wipe the remaining vomit from his mouth.

"Thanks, I didn't see ya there a second ago." He laughed. "The food here is killer, how do you eat this stuff?"

"You get used to it." Riza replied. She knew it wasn't the food that was giving his stomach troubles.

Flame got to his feet, extending his hand. "The name's Major Roy Mustang, also known as the…"

"Flame Alchemist, I saw you the first day you came." Riza interrupted. But she was quick to follow with a "Sir!" and a stiff-backed salute.

Roy laughed. "So you're the one, I thought you seemed familiar. You were standing on this cliff when our convoy came in, weren't ya?"

"Yes, Sir, I was."

Roy shifted uncomfortably.

"You don't have to call me Sir now, we're not on the battlefield; I'm still not quite used to it. By the way, you didn't tell me what your name was."

"Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Hawkeye, Si…I mean Flame Alchemist. But most people call me Riza."

Roy let out another laugh.

"Ah, just call me Roy, it's ok to be casual every now and then."

"But umm…Roy, it's against regulations to call a superior officer by his first name."

"Regulations? Who cares, right now it's just you and me, and I don't care if you call me Roy, so, go ahead."

Riza couldn't help but smile. This man was a fool, he would soon learn war was not casual, but for now, he was a breath of fresh air, of innocence. And, at this moment, that's just what she needed.

Roy studied her.

"Riza Hawkeye, that's a nice name."

"Thank you, I'm named after my grandmother."

"Well, I'll be damned, so am I!"

Riza couldn't help but laugh. Roy smiled, and began laughing right along side her.

"Well, I think I had best be heading back to the camp, I'm sure Colonel Gran is looking for me. You, ah, you come here often?" Roy inquired.

"Every night, after dinner."

Roy's eyes light up.

"Maybe, I'll catch ya later?"

Riza smiled.

"Maybe."

Roy turned and began to walk away, but suddenly stopped in his tracks. He turned, looking toward the young Sergeant, her face barely visible in the fading light.

"Sergeant, just out of curiosity, does it, umm, does it get any easier?"

She slowly closed her eyes.

"With all do respect Sir, no, it doesn't'."

Roy bent his head and Riza watched his figure fade as the last light of the sun descended toward the mountains.

It never gets any easier.

Seto'sgal29: Review and make me smile!