Everything's Not Lost

Chapter.2 – Fog (Again)

A Cockerel crowed, sending out a screeching cry into the morning. A grey mist had settled over Risemboul, creating a dreary landscape.

Riza opened her eyes, finding herself staring at a photo of her husband. Tears attempting to swell up in her eyes, she reached out, putting the photo down on its face. Riza put her legs over the side of the bed, hauling herself off of it. She quickly slipped into her dressing gown, putting on some slippers too. She rushed out of her room, down the stairs and out of the house towards the mailbox. She opened the latch, her heart dropping at the sight of it being empty. She trudged back into the house, walking to the kitchen. She opened the drawers, searching for food. There was little food left in the house, and Riza didn't have much money left to buy any more. Riza sighed, thinking 'I can shoot a moving target, but I've completely lost the skills to look after myself…' Riza rubbed her head, walking upstairs and changing into something more comfortable. She went back downstairs, out of the house and into the grey mist. She walked along the dirt paths, finding herself on the main road. The houses were widely spaced out, with great big fields separating each house. Riza walked along the paths until she found herself coming close to a big yellow house. She walked up the path, passing the sign advertising auto-mail. She stepped over to the door, knocking on it 3 times. The door opened, and Riza saw an incredibly small woman looking up at her.

'Oh my…' said the small woman, 'Riza you look starved, please come in…'

Riza walked into the room, instantly feeling the warmth of the house. Pinako took her arm, leading her towards the table. She sat Riza down before walking into the Kitchen.

'Riza… what's happening?' called Pinako from the other room, 'Ever since…'

She stopped as she realised what she was about to say.

'It's ok Pinako, you can say it…'

'Ever since… Mustang left… you haven't been yourself. You used to be such a strong capable woman,'

'I know… But with everything going on… I just feel so… lost…'

Pinako reappeared, carrying a large steaming pot. She placed it on the table before walking back into the kitchen to get a bowl and a spoon. She placed the spoon in front of Riza. She then took the bowl, pouring some soup into it and handing it to Riza. Riza took the soup, eating it a little too quickly. The more she ate the more colour that seemed to appear in her face.

'Thank you so much Pinako…' she said.

'It's okay… but I am still concerned about you…'

Riza didn't answer, but instead kept on eating the soup.

'Hasn't Mustang been writing to you?'

'He did… but for the last year or so, he hasn't sent in any more letters… it makes me wonder… if…'

Riza didn't complete her sentence, but instead broke down, crying at the table. Pinako placed her hand on her back.

'There, there… it'll be okay…'

'Oh Pinako…' sobbed Riza, 'I still see him… lying there… covered in blood… I… I…'

Pinako rubbed her back, trying to comfort her.

'It wasn't your fault… and he was okay after…'

'But… I wasn't there in time then, and now if something's happened to him… I won't be there at all…'

'That won't happen, he'll come home, you'll see…'

'But… I don't know if I can cope with it…'

Pinako sighed; realising there was little she could say to help her.

'Finish off your soup, I promise everything will be okay…'

Riza finished up all the soup, feeling warmer inside. She stood up, thanking Pinako greatly for the meal, and leaving the house. Pinako rushed outside, giving her some change and telling her to buy some food. Riza thanked her again before walking down the dirt paths towards the main village. The village seemed desolate in the misty morning. Riza went over to a billboard in the middle of the village. The billboard was a memorial for fallen soldiers. Riza scanned the board, looking for any memoriam for Roy. She breathed a sigh of relief upon not finding one. She went over to the greengrocers, purchasing a variety of vegetables with Pinako's money. She left the village carrying a bag full of vegetables. Riza walked along the paths, back to her home. She looked to her left as she passed the ruins of the Elric house. She remembered as years ago, the two Elric brothers were in there, changing their fates forever. Riza walked on, finding herself at her front door. Just as she was about to open the lock, there was a cough from behind her. Riza turned around, finding a blonde-haired girl looking at her.

'Pinako said you're going through a bit of a rough patch, and she sent me over to come help you out.'

Riza looked at her oddly, not knowing what exactly to say. The girl laughed.

'What's wrong Riza, cat got your tongue?'

Riza shook her head, still not knowing what to say. The girl giggled.

'We have a spare room at our house; it'd be nice if you could come over. Pinako's leaving on a business trip, and I may need the help,'

Riza was still confused. After a while she managed to find the words to say, but all she managed was

'Uh…'

'Riza, just come over…'

Riza stepped away from her door, following the girl. She led her along the path and towards Pinako's house. When they got there, Pinako was outside, busying herself making sure her bag was shut tight. She hauled the bag over her shoulder, walking towards the girl.

'Thanks for taking care of everything Winry,' she said.

'Any time!' exclaimed Winry. Pinako laughed, walking away from the house.

'Make sure she helps around the house,' she called back. Winry and Riza watched as she disappeared into the mist.

'Right then! Time to get started,'

Before Riza could say anything, she found herself being dragged into the house. The house was clean, apart from the abundance of metal limbs lying on the tables.

'Tell me, Riza, do you know anything about automail?'

Riza shook her head, Winry laughed.

'Right, then we have a lot to get started!'