Hello all, it has been forever since I've posted anything on here and a few months back I decided to participate in the FullMetal Alchemist 2016 Big Bang Challenge. This was a hard, fun challenge to do since I've always wanted to highlight parallels between these two characters.
I will be posting the chapters in complete succession.
I do have some one-shots I'm currently working on and I want to at least post another chapter or two of Second Generation of Sins as I see people are favoriting that story. With that story, I have to tinker the FMA world around the YGO characters.
Amestris was always known as a country with a promise to keep its people safe and assured them control. Over the years, its control has been tested time and time again. People were willing to throw their lives into the military because they believed a difference could be made.
Some of those people made their decisions based on what they valued the most. No one ever expected a soldier to make a full recovery. Many of the soldiers recalled the horrors they've witnessed from the Creta border wars all the way to the Ishvalan Civil War.
The Ishvalan Civil War was beyond anyone could've imagined. Roy Mustang learned how power was used to intimidate fear and he was sick of it. If the people of the country were supposed to feel safe, then using fear and political tactics did the job? Poison and blood have fueled the fires of the Ishvalan citizens as well as the prejudice towards them.
Roy wanted more than anything to have it all stop; a few people have wandered into his life in ways he didn't expect.
Maes Hughes was not that much of a hands-on soldier, he preferred to be off to the sidelines on a non-life-threatening level. He loved his girlfriend so much, he wanted to be the man she could depend on and future husband. On the same threshold, Riza Hawkeye had a few promises to fulfill such as her father's dying wish to never have another human learn flame alchemy. She also wanted to ensure one person's wish, to protect him and be on his side no matter what.
The blood-stained land of Ishval left its permanent scars, but time for most of them has played as a healing factor.
The citizens of Amestris walked their sidewalks back and forth with no care to wind. All of them were insured that their leader would do the right job and protect them no matter what.
Roy found himself lost in a thought on the outside skirts of the military center. Normally, he'd be procrastinating on important paperwork and then cursing himself later for why he didn't get it done in time. Well, he was given a good couple of moments to catch himself and just enjoy the scenery.
Sunshine streaked across clear, blue fountains and the ambience of nature around was just so soothing. It was only a few weeks after his best friend's funeral and the wound still had its mark. No matter how hard he tried to push it away, it slowly crawled back. Hughes, after everything we've been through since our younger years, it still doesn't make any sense. You were supposed to stay with me, help me get to the top and disassemble the corruption; I guess, I'll have to make that path myself.
Birds occasionally chirped and flew into the fountain to get a few sips of water. One particular bird caught Roy's attention. It struggled to land properly on the edge of the fountain and one of the wings looked partially damaged. Roy didn't want to see it struggle, with a few bandages and branches he was able to fix a make-shift cast for it. Feathers attempted to flap and the bird was genuinely curious about the item on its wing.
So often, we don't even think how the tiniest of actions can make a huge difference. Normally, you think you have to throw a boulder into a pond to get noticed; it's rather a series of pebbles that create ripples and the larger they grow, the stronger your message becomes. Maes, you believed in me to make small changes, I can't afford to put myself out there too much. I have to wait for the other pebbles to make their mark.
He wanted to, for just a moment, close his eyes and let the serene mood calm his nerves down. Roy Mustang was indeed titled as the Flame Alchemist, a man who could within a quick instant burn his enemies into ash. The smell of rotten flesh became familiar and his comrades grew accustomed to that fowl odor.
However, reality did come back and when he opened his eyes, Riza was right there in front of him.
"Sir?" With a calm tone that left her lips.
"Yes, Lieutenant?"
"You have some important paperwork to tend to; I know you would love to be out on a day like this, but I have to make sure it's done on time."
Bones cracked as the tranquil man stood up with one more stare out into the horizon. "After I'm done today, I think I'll go on a walk."
She inquired. "Where are you going?"
He looked down, gently kicked a pebble to the side. "I need to do something, I've been sitting around so much doing mundane tasks. I get antsy after a bit and need to let something out." His words still having that same relaxed tone, but a smile was there.
"Do you want me to join you? I've been dealing with Black Hayate a lot and I think I need a break of my own. I can have Rebecca watch him for a few."
"No need to do that, seriously. I'll be fine."
They knew each other very well; their goals and ambitions intertwined beautifully. They were willing to sacrifice their own lives in order to assure everyone else's safety. Riza and Roy had that deep bond that no one could ever sever; Riza was unlike anyone else who had the strength to go to hell and back to keep Roy on track.
While some others, had a different kind of way to keep people on track.
/
Insanity ran amok in Amestris; reports of Homunculi only fathomed in literature and an unknown lab that was only used for forgotten experiments. Roy had his run in with the female Homunculus named Lust. He for sure thought he would die from the blood loss, but he was more upset at the lost of a comrade ready to give up.
His recovery time in the hospital was a damper to his mood. Roy for sure wasn't that much of a person to sit down and do nothing. However, one person made an unexpected visit to the colonel. For a good week, Roy was forced by the hospital to stay in bed and rest.
All of the books couldn't keep Roy from getting out of bed, but when he heard a knock on a door he was genuinely surprised.
"Lieutenant, is that you?"
The door slowly opened and while he did see someone's blond hair, it wasn't her. Edward wanted to say hello.
"Hey Colonel, I heard from Alphonse that you would be here for a bit. After I repaired him, he told me what happened and I wanted to hear from you about your encounter with her. Last time I saw that Homunculus, it was back at the abandoned laboratory with another one."
Every word that came out of Edward's mouth was the truth, but Roy had another thing going on in his mind.
A few heavy breaths escaped, his gaze was more directed at the IV in his hand. "Edward, listen. These Homunculi, they aren't joking around and would be willing to kill anyone who stands in their way; so please, be very careful and look out for your loved ones."
"What do you mean? You just burnt her to a crisp right?"
"No, it took countless times for me to kill her. I was foolish to try to use her Philosopher's Stone to heal Havoc."
"Wait, you tried to separate the stone from her body?"
"Yes," His throat felt heavy and the pain on his abdomen occasionally spiked. "When Havoc was flanked and the stone was within my sight, I ripped it out of her."
Edward's eyes opened widely in shock. "That must've allowed Lust to stab you when you least expected it. You usually can anticipate the person's next move."
"Yep, and now I'm down a man."
The heavy door slowly started to creak, Edward and Roy were ready to argue but Edward made sure he stayed in his bed.
A blur of a blue uniform did walk past the door and it was a guest they weren't expecting whatsoever.
Both Roy and Edward looked at each other with a shocked and confused look on their faces. It was King Bradley of all people.
Quickly, Roy saluted to his leader and Edward almost followed in suit a couple of awkward seconds later.
"Fürher Bradley, what brings you here sir?" Roy asked plainly.
Edward wasn't entirely sure what would've been appropriate to say given the situation, but Bradley chuckled.
"At ease men, even if you're around me outside of the military base you can relax a little. In fact, my wife and I were planning for a get together at one of the local diners and anyone's welcome to join. Edward, what is the name of your childhood friend? If it's too short notice for her I understand."
"Um, Winry Rockbell sir. Why are you doing this, I'm just curious in all honesty?" Suddenly, Edward remembered something and quickly opened up his watch to check the time.
"You in a rush FullMetal?" his leader questioned.
"Well, just a little bit. I promised something for Alphonse and I don't want to keep him waiting for me."
"Well, my wife and I are celebrating our 30th anniversary of our marriage. She insisted about doing something, but I know when to let her have her way. I might be able to strike some people down with my sword, but my wife is someone I can't beat." Usually Bradley would keep his sword right by him, but he decided to take it off for a few. "Don't mind me, I just want to get away from my 'babysitters.' They act like my own shadow; it gets real annoying after awhile."
He slouched to the side on one of the chairs and let out a deep sigh. "Even though I'm capable of watching myself, I still have people watching over me just in case. That's the sort of thing when you become ruler of a country, making sure no one takes advantage of you."
The slightly awkward sensation slowly faded away from both Roy and Edward, but they were still cautious just in case.
Edward was blunt as usual, even in front of Bradley. "Listen, sir. I've gotta get going now. My train's leaving in a few and Alphonse would be pretty pissed with me if we missed it. So um, thanks. I guess?" He winked and smiled away as he bolted for the door.
Both of the older gentleman looked at each other and almost grinned at Edward's youth and charisma.
Another jolt of pain went through Roy's abdomen, but he did all he could to suppress it in front of his leader.
"Do you want me to leave?" Bradley was genuinely concerned about one of his top colonels.
Roy could only partially grunt, not even string a series of words together. "No, please," he had to pause due to the pain continually worsening, "Stay here as long as you like."
"There are only a few soldiers in this world who are willing to take on such extreme pain, while the others don't have the conviction or guts to through with it. Colonel Roy Mustang, there was a reason I made you the Flame Alchemist. Your dedication not just on your abilities, but to your other men and women are the reason why we have such a strong military."
The metallic hands of the clock ticked loudly and Bradley suddenly remembered where he needed to be. "Oh shoot, my wife's not going to be happy with me late. I promised her a lunch date and the last time I was late, well I was hearing it until the day was over."
Roy was both in hysterical shock and pain, but hearing his leader being talked to by his wife like that was hilarious. "Oh man, your wife sounds like she's in command a lot of the time."
"Well, she insists on certain things and I'm not much of a husband to argue with her over everything. Maybe some day you'll get to experience my pains, probably not the ones where your wife slaps you on your first date."
"Huh?!"
With the window slightly open, the old man was able to move quickly enough just to escape. "I'll see you Mustang when you're all healed up." He waved back and Roy lie down, letting the pain dissipate.
A gentle, calming breeze did come through the window and tussled his hair slightly. For a moment, he felt like he could have a genuine breather from the hectic military lifestyle. He was never much of a man to complain, that was why he signed up from the start. People need to be protected and being in a hospital bed was not helping whatsoever. He tugged at the sheets, his muscles tightening, but once again the cool wind had a soothing effect on him. Not many people saw Roy as a nature person, but from time to time he'd always took great pleasure from it.
A couple of hours went on by, a few nurses here and there checked up on the colonel. Some of them were just so beautiful, Roy couldn't help but charm them by their hair or their eyes. Every one of them blushed, but they had to carry on their job. However, Roy grew rather impatient and antsy, and one of the newest nurses took notice to it.
"Sir, are you looking to go outside for a bit? I can probably get permission from my supervisor if you want to." Her delicate tone matched her tiny frame while she tightly grasped his medical chart.
"Once I'm all healed up, then I'll take my walk. I shouldn't be this impatient. Sorry for making you feel so nervous."
"It's okay, honestly. I'll go talk to my supervisor to see if we can't get you out any earlier. Even though I'm a nurse in training, I can tell what my clients need and you need to be back with your friends."
Roy at that point didn't want to say it, but his smile did. While Roy was known by his colleagues for being a bit manipulative at times, they always had high remarks for how he treats them genuinely and honestly.
The nurse left his room to make some magic happened. She followed in suit with her supervisor.
"I heard from my nurse in training that you're ready to leave and I agree with her. Your wounds should heal fully as well as the pain subsiding within a few days. Let me just take a quick look then I'll get your uniform. Colonel Roy Mustang, you were very lucky that whatever stabbed you just missed any major organs. One centimeter more and you would've bled to death, but thankfully you did cauterize a part of the bleeding. Nice thinking there Mr. Flame Alchemist."
Roy wasn't sure if he wanted to chuckle or grimace, but he was thankful for the hospital and its staff. The nurse from before brought back his uniform, nicely pressed and cleaned.
Her supervisor checked thoroughly with Roy's sutures, scarred tissue showed the damage and Lust wouldn't be the only Homunculus he'd deal with.
/
Over the next few weeks, the Homunculi proved to be savvy and wormed their way through the streets. Outsiders from other countries learning the truth that Fürher Bradley is a Homunculus, although he managed to trick everyone with his human façade. A leader can be very good at leading his or her people on, whether for the better or worse. Roy and the others were still unknown about his true identity.
Ling Yao lost his servant's ability to protect him no matter what. She was willing to sacrifice her own arm to distract the wrathful Homunculus away. Lan Fan's blood and tears guarded Ling from possible death.
With quick thinking, Roy and Riza created the most crafty and devised plan to draw the Homunculi, and Gluttony fell into their clutches. However, they didn't want the largely sized monster to hear anything so they locked him up in one of the other abandoned warehouses. Riza and Roy knew what trouble they were getting into having this kind of creature contained, but they covered all of their bases with secretly deployed undercover agents. Roy was able to amass the kind of women who'd be willing to look out for him. In fact, his adopted mother had quite the bar in town and attracted a lot of "customers."
Warm liquor coated the Colonel's throat and his devilish smirk came through. Unbelievable, for once we have the upper hand with the Homunculi. Gluttony's contained and I've got my men to keep him stationary. I do not dare to mention anything near that thing. God knows what he's got lurking inside and Ling was certainly right about that.
Doors opened, various patrons came in and out. Gorgeous women who sat right next to Roy with their faces telling it all. One of the brunette customers held a small wad of money to slip right into his pocket.
"Well, Roy, you asked me to do a favor and I've got my girls to keep the public quiet, and in the end looks like you'll get to make a little bit of a profit." She winked to him and leaned a little more to him.
At that point, Roy may have had a little too much to drink, but even outside the military base he remained professional.
"Jessica, you know I cannot accept money like this. I paid you and your other sisters to help me; what kind of gentleman would I be if I were to take away your profits, hmm?"
More of Jessica's "sisters" came into the bar and Madame Christmas came out of her office. They all looked at one another with cute smiles on their faces and their bodies coyly laid against the counter.
"Well then ladies, have you come to tell me something that I need to know?"
Everyone one of them started to giggle until Jessica came back to him. "Listen, something big's going on within the city and I think Laura would be the best to tell you."
"Tell me what?" Roy inquired.
Laura was one of the shorter gals, but her personality was always charming. "While Madeleine and I were out the other day nearby one of the alleys, we noticed something bizarre. It almost smelled like eggs gone horribly wrong and bags were being tossed from the end of one car into what looked like an incinerator. Now, we can't be sure what bodies were in there, but we did see some guys in white lab coats. I have a feeling they used to be part of the military because some of the equipment in the back looks like something you don't see in a hospital often."
One of the photos definitely showcased an intricate pipeline of tubes and wires going into a machine. Blood partially stained some spots of it and a hand could be seen within proximity of the warehouse door. Whoever these people are, they've infiltrated the city and are fooling everybody. Nothing is what it seems, I've gotta uncover the real truth.
As I mentioned above, the rest of the chapters will be posted in quick succession so if you want to know how the story progresses it will all be there for you! I poured a lot of my heart into this and I hope the readers will see this.
Please R&R! ^w^