Everything's Not Lost

Chapter.5 – Is There Anybody Out There?

Roy rubbed his head. Despite the freezing cold weather, he could still feel sweat on his forehead. Roy concentrated, listening to every detail possible. He had heard the sound of a stream, and had wandered into the forest to find the stream. Roy turned his gaze upwards, looking at the night sky. The moon had lit the forest an ominous colour, sending shadows in every direction. Roy took a deep breath and continued searching for the stream. After 5 minutes of walking, Roy found it. He found himself atop a small hill overlooking the stream. He clambered down, stepping over to the stream. He dug into his pockets, taking out a hip flask and filling it with water. He then heard footsteps and immediately dropped the hip flask and took out his gun.

'Who goes there?' growled Mustang.

A figure appeared from the shadows, his hands raised above his head. He stepped forward into the moonlight, and Mustang looked at him. He was a short large man with short brown curly hair and a light beard. Mustang held up his gun.

'What's your business here?' he asked.

'I could ask the same of you!' said the man. Mustang cocked his gun, hoping to threaten him. The man stood back, holding up his hands again. Mustang grinned.

'I'll ask again, what are you doing here?'

'Minding my own business if you must know, and I beg of you to do the same,'

Mustang sighed, rubbing his head.

'What's your name then?' asked Mustang.

' Finn,'

'And what are you doing Finn?'

'I'm afraid I cannot say, for if I did it would mean my life…'

'Tell me anyway,' said Mustang. Finn took a deep breath and let it out.

'I'm a deserter… I've run away from my military platoon, yet I feel I don't deserve to be shot, so I'll thank you if you decide not too…'

'I'm not going to shoot you,' said Mustang.

'Oh… thank you…'

'I am a deserter too, but only cause my situation called for it. I'm trying to get back to Risemboul.'

'Risemboul?' exclaimed Finn, 'isn't that a bit far away?'

'It is, but it is highly important I get there,'

'I see, then why not take the boat down the river? It'll be there in the morning, but it should cut some time out from your journey…'

'A boat?'

'Yes, I could show you the way if you want… if you wouldn't mind helping me with something…'

'What exactly…' groaned Mustang

'I need protecting… There are people looking for me… ironically, same people who are looking for you… You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours, deal?'

Mustang thought about it for a moment. The last thing he needed was someone dragging him back, but then again… he wasn't familiar with this area, and could do with the help. After a few more moments he held out his hands.

'Deal' he said. Finn shook his hand, tremendously happy.

'Oh boy… thank you… you've no idea what this means to me!' he jumped forward, hugging Mustang. Mustang frowned, forcing him off of him.

'Get off…' he snarled, 'No need to get like that…'

'Sorry…'

'So, what time does this… boat come at?' asked Mustang. Finn thought for a moment.

'About 7 in the morning… I know a place we can haul up for the night though,'

Mustang watched as Finn walked away from the ravine. He turned around, beckoning to Mustang to follow him. Mustang stepped over, following Finn through the dark forest.