Hey! Sorry about the wait! Here's where the plot THICKENS. BUM BUM BUUUUMMMMM!
But before that, I wanted to get a few things off my chest. In case any of you are wondering, here is a list of which characters will be playing a which in this story:
Alphonse Elric - Madoka Kaname
Edward Elric - Homura Akemi
Winry Rockbell - Sayaka Miki
Roy Mustang - Mami Tomoe
Riza Hawkeye - Kyoko Sakura
Izumi Curtis - Kazuko Saotome
May Chang - Hitomi Shizuki
Maes Hughes - Kyosuke Kamijo(Kind of)
Also, as for Roy's magic circle, I was intending for it to be his flame alchemy circle, but you guys can imagine it however you want if you don't like that idea. I'm also intending for Alphonse's magic circle to be his blood seal and for Edward's magic circle to be his old alchemy circle with his coat's symbol included in the circle. As for Winry and Riza's magic circles, I haven't thought of a design yet, so if you guys want, if you can think of any illustration ideas for their magic circles and tell me about them, I would really appreciate it.
Thank you!
Later on that evening, Winry was at the hospital with her mother, Gracia Rockbell. They were both waiting outside a patient's room belonging to a man named Maes Hughes. Before they went in, the doctor came over to them and looked mainly at Gracia.
Doctor – Good evening, Rockbell-san.
Gracia – Good evening, Doctor.
Doctor – I don't wish to disturb your visit, but might I have a word with you for a moment?
Gracia – Oh, sure. Winry, you go say hello to Maes. This may take a while.
Winry – Okay. Thank you, Mom.
After Gracia walked away with the doctor, Winry slightly peered into Maes's room to see him sitting up in his bed, looking out the window. She then took a deep breath before she walked into the room. Maes turned his head towards Winry once he heard her come in and he smiled.
Maes – Winry! You came to see me! Is Gracia here as well?
Winry smiled.
Winry – Yes, she's just talking with the doctor.
Maes – So you came in for me to have you all to myself. What a sweet girl you are.
Winry's face turned slightly red out of embarrassment. Then she walked over to the chair next to Maes's bed and sat down.
Winry – How are you feeling?
Maes – What, your old man? I'm just fine. Especially now that I've seen your cute face.
Maes reached his hand out and rubbed Winry's head.
Winry – Of course. It's only been a week since the accident and you manage to act like it was nothing at all, Hughes-san.
Maes – A little car crash won't bring me down.
Winry smiled, then Maes smiled even more and began to blush as well.
Maes – Besides, now that I have my new sources of power, I definitely can't just keep lying here helplessly, making you and Gracia worry.
Winry looked confused.
Winry – What sources of power?
Maes held out a bunch of pictures of Winry when she was a baby.
Maes – These of course! You really were such a cute girl!
Winry's faced turned bright red.
Winry – Wh-where did you get those?!
Maes – I asked Gracia for them. And even for some pictures of her as well. You two were so cute, I just had to show these to all the sweet nurses who take care of me!
Winry then looked a bit annoyed but her face was still red.
Winry – W-what?! Hughes-san! I told you not to go bragging off to people about Mom and me! And of all things, you show them my baby pictures?! It's so embarrassing!
Maes put his hands to his cheeks and kept blushing.
Maes – But you're just so cute!
Winry – That doesn't give you any excuse!
Maes then smiled genuinely.
Maes – Sorry, Winry. But it's true.
Winry calmed down and looked at Maes confusedly again.
Maes – You and Gracia… are what give me my strength. You two are the only reason why I've made it this far, after all.
Winry blushed, then she smiled and closed her eyes, relaxing her body as Maes gently rubbed her head again. After a while, she exited his room to go find her mom so they could all talk together, but then she stopped once she came around the corner and overheard a tiny bit of what the doctor was telling Gracia. The news must have been terrible, because Winry's eyes automatically widened with horror.
More time had passed and Alphonse and Winry continued to go on patrols with Roy. This time, it was night and he was standing on top of a park light, once again transformed into his magical contractor outfit. Roy snapped his fingers and created another large musket, except this one was a bit smaller, had a different structure, and he was holding it instead of having it hover over him. Roy smirked, then his magic circle appeared underneath his feet and he manually fired his musket, which automatically destroyed the black spike ball cat creature he was aiming at. Once it was defeated, the musket turned back into flames and disappeared. The barrier then collapsed, turning back into the park area where it formed and Winry and Alphonse stood up from the benches they were hiding behind since the coast was clear. Winry was holding her wrench again, which had turned back to normal since the fight was over.
Winry – Nice shot, Mustang-san!
Roy – Thank you. Are you two all right?
Winry – Yeah.
Alphonse – That was so cool, Mustang-san!
Roy – Alphonse, this isn't a magic show. Don't forget that what we're doing here is very dangerous.
Alphonse and Winry – Right!
Roy changed back to his regular clothes and jumped down to the ground. Alphonse then noticed something.
Alphonse – It didn't drop any Grief Gears this time.
Kyubey – It's because that was only a wraith or witch's familiar – not a wraith or witch itself. Familiars don't carry Grief Gears.
Winry – Familiars? You mean those other creatures that lurk around in wraith and witch's labyrinths?
Kyubey – Yes.
Alphonse – Now that I think about it, we haven't been able to find many wraiths or witches lately.
Winry – That's true. If I'm getting this right, we've only encountered a few other familiars and one wraith this past week.
Roy – We can't ignore familiars, though. If allowed to develop, they'll become the same kind of wraith or witch they broke off from.
Roy then looked over at the clock sitting in the middle of the park.
Roy – It's getting late. We should go.
The three were then shown walking home together.
Roy – Have either of you two figured out what to wish for?
Winry shook her head and sighed.
Winry – What about you, Al?
Alphonse – No.
Roy – That's how it goes, once someone tells you to think hard about something.
Alphonse – What did you wish for, Mustang-san?
Roy stopped walking and stayed silent for a moment.
Alphonse – Oh, sorry! If it's too personal-
Roy – No, you see…
Flashbacks of battles and war were shown, and then it showed a badly injured Roy lying in a ditch along with a bunch of dead soldiers. He was barely conscious and he was breathing heavily, but then Kyubey's shadow appeared over him. Roy opened his eyes slightly, though they looked blank and grey as if he was blind. However, Roy seemed to sense Kyubey's presence in front of him, so he reached his arm out towards Kyubey as if he was pleading for help.
Roy – I didn't have the luxury of thinking about it first.
Back in the present, Roy was frowning slightly as he explained his story.
Roy – It was during the Eastern War… and I was caught in a bomb blast along with many of my comrades. The only reason I'm alive today… is because of that wish. However, though I was the only survivor in the blast, I still received many injuries and even lost my sight. I could use magic to fix my body and my eyes of course, but not without revealing my secret. As a result, once I was released from the hospital, my superiors retired me from my military position, believing I could no longer fight without my eyesight.
Alphonse and Winry looked at Roy sadly and shockingly.
Roy – It's not that I have any regrets. Even after leaving the military, I still had to fight. So, living here and now… is at least better than dying in that place. But… I knew many people who died in that war who probably deserved the chance to live just as much as I did. The fact that I couldn't do anything to save them still haunts me to this day.
Alphonse – No way.
Winry – That's terrible.
Roy – That's why I want those who do have the chance to think carefully before deciding. So they can have the choice I didn't have.
Roy then looked over at Alphonse and Winry, who still looked sad.
Roy – It's all right, you don't have to feel that way. It's all in the past after all. It's good that you two are taking your time to consider this.
Winry then thought of something.
Winry – Mustang-san… Does your wish have to be for yourself?
Roy – Huh?
Winry – For example… If there was someone who was in a worse situation than I am, can I use my wish to help him?
Alphonse – Are you talking about Hughes-san?
Winry looked embarrassed and she quickly turned around to face Alphonse.
Winry – I said it was an example!
Kyubey – There's no requirement that the wish's beneficiary be the contractor himself. There's even precedent for it already.
Roy – But it may not be the best idea. If you want to use your wish to grant someone else's, then it's even more important that you make sure you know what you're wishing for. Do you really want to do it for the sake of this person? Or do you just want to help this person so that he will be grateful to you? They sound similar, but they're completely different in truth.
Winry looked a bit shocked.
Alphonse – Mustang-san, that was a little harsh, wasn't it?
Roy – I'm sorry. But this really needs to be said now. If you go ahead with it without making certain first, you're sure to regret it later.
Winry was silent for a moment, then she gave a small smile.
Winry – Yeah, you're right. I wasn't thinking hard enough.
Roy – It really is a difficult decision. Like I said, there's no need to rush into it.
Kyubey – Though for me, the sooner you decide, the better.
Roy – I wouldn't do that if I were you, Kyubey. People don't listen to you if you pressure them to do things. Esspecially women. I speak from experience.
Alphonse and Winry laughed as the three continued on their way.
Back at Alphonse's house, he was shown lying on his bed awake, holding the notebook containing his magical contractor designs. Kyubey was sitting on a small pillow next to Alphonse.
Alphonse – It really isn't an easy decision, is it?
Kyubey – And considering my position, I can't rush you into deciding either. Suggesting wishes would also be against the rules.
Alphonse – So I guess just wishing to become a magical contractor wouldn't work, huh?
Alphonse opened up his notebook to the page with his designs. The sketch of his magical contractor outfit had been colored in a grayish/green color.
Kyubey – Is power for its own sake what you desire, Alphonse?
Alphonse – No, it's not that. I mean, everyone does tell me that I'm incredibly smart and really athletic… So it's not as if I don't have any talents. But then again… I'm kind of shy, and I usually have to rely on others for help a lot. So if I could just become someone as cool and helpful as Mustang-san… I'd be happy enough with just that.
Kyubey – If you became a magical contractor, Alphonse, you'd be much more powerful than Roy.
Alphonse looked at Kyubey curiously.
Kyubey – Though, of course, part of that depends on what kind of wish you make. Even I can't completely gauge how large the Soul Timer you'd create would be. I've never met another person with such enormous potential as you.
Alphonse looked a little surprised but then he smiled and laughed off Kyubey's claim.
Alphonse – Come on! You're teasing me, aren't you?
Kyubey – No…
Suddenly, there was a knock on Alphonse's door.
Trisha – Al? Are you awake? I'm home.
Alphonse – Yeah. Welcome home, Mom. You can come in.
Trisha opened the door and smiled as she peeked into the room.
Trisha – Sorry I'm home so late.
Alphonse – You really shouldn't overwork yourself, Mom.
Trisha – I'm sorry. I was just going to make myself some hot chocolate. Do you want some?
Alphonse smiled happily.
Alphonse – Sure!
Alphonse and Trisha went downstairs to the kitchen and sat down at the table once their hot chocolate was ready.
Alphonse – Hey Mom? I was wondering… Why do you love to work so much? I mean, it wasn't always your dream to work for Pinako-san, was it?
Trisha – Hmm… I guess it isn't so much that I enjoy working for Pinako… I think what I really like is trying my best for her.
Alphonse – Huh?
Trisha – Even though there are times when I encounter lots of tiring and unpleasant things… the same goes for Pinako as well. That's why I need to give her all the help she can get. Besides, the satisfactions I recieve from overcoming those challenges… are actually really precious to me.
Alphonse – Really?
Trisha – Yes. So even though working for Pinako wasn't necessarily my dream… I still enjoy the way I'm living my life now. It's possible to achieve your dreams in that way as well.
Alphonse – So the way you live your life can be your dream?
Trisha – Other people might have different opinions of it… But as for me, it's something I'm very proud of.
Alphonse smiled.
Alphonse – You truly are a wonderful person, Mom.
Trisha smiled.
Trisha – Thank you, Al.
Meanwhile, Roy was back at the park, patrolling for any wraiths or witches that he might have missed earlier. Suddenly, he seemed to sense something, so he put his Soul Timer away and looked around. Edward was then shown standing on the stone steps behind Roy.
Edward – You do understand, don't you? That you're leading innocent bystanders into real danger?
Roy continued to frown as he turned around to face Edward.
Roy – They were chosen by Kyubey. They're not innocent bystanders anymore.
Edward – You're trying to lead them so that they want to be magical contractors.
Roy – And I take it you don't like that?
Edward – No. I don't. Especially in the case of Alphonse Elric.
Roy grinned.
Roy – I see. It appears that you've noticed it as well… his incredible potential.
Edward's gaze started to harden even more.
Edward – He is the one person I absolutely cannot allow to make the contract.
Roy – Afraid that a magical contractor stronger than you will get in your way? That's the way a bullied child thinks.
Edward glared strongly at Roy, but he still kept his composure.
Edward – I really don't want to fight you.
Roy – Then let's make sure that our paths will never cross again. Tonight may be the last time that we settle this with words. Farewell, Fullmetal.
Roy turned around and left. Edward was then shown staring slightly down at the ground with his bangs covering his eyes. He then slightly gritted his teeth in both annoyance and disappointment.
The next day at the hospital, Winry was visiting Maes again, without her mom. She ran over to his room and opened the door, but he wasn't in his bed. Shortly after Winry closed the door, two nurses were shown walking down the hall towards her.
Nurse 1 – Oh, are you here to see Hughes-san?
Winry turned around to face the nurses.
Winry – Huh? Yeah.
Nurse 1 – I'm sorry, but he's in the middle of examinations right now. With his surgery coming up, we have to make sure he's in the best condition. I'm afraid we can't let any visitors inside to see him right now.
Winry looked a bit disappointed.
Winry – Oh, I see. Thank you.
Winry then turned around to leave and she secretly pouted since she couldn't see Maes. The nurses watched her as she left.
Nurse 2 – She and her mother come to see him quite often, don't they?
Nurse 1 – It's a big help. He's a difficult case, that man. I believe they're the encouragement he needed.
Nurse 2 – The girl's mother, she's Hughes-san's girlfriend isn't she? I heard that before the accident, they were engaged.
Nurse 1 – It's so sad. The injuries he received from the crash were bad enough. And the surgery scheduled for him is a very difficult process. Even from how much he's recovered… it's likely he won't live all the way through the procedure before it's finished.
Winry still looked a little disappointed even as she got out of the elevator. She walked over to Alphonse, who was waiting for her on one of the benches. Kyubey was also sitting on the bench next to him.
Winry – Sorry for the wait, Al.
Alphonse – Huh? Weren't you able to see Hughes-san today?
Winry – Apparently, he had some tests today. They want to be absolutely certain that he's ready for the surgery.
The two friends were then shown walking outside, exiting the hospital.
Winry – And after I came all the way here on my own free time without Mom too. It's not fair! Here I am, worried sick and they won't even give me the chance to see him as much as I can before its time!
Suddenly Alphonse stopped walking after noticing something on the wall of the building. Winry then stopped as well and turned back to him once she noticed that he was staring suspiciously at the wall.
Winry – Al? What's wrong?
Alphonse – There's something over there.
Alphonse, Winry, and Kyubey looked at the wall to see a set of Grief Gears pinned on the building by its point. The Grief Gears were pitch black as well was the aura surrounding them.
Kyubey – Grief Gears!
Alphonse and Winry quickly ran closer to the Grief Gears to get a better look.
Kyubey – They're about to hatch!
Alphonse – No way! Why here of all places…?
The Grief Gears started glowing and a black magical circle began hovering over them.
Kyubey – This isn't good. We have to get out of here! A labyrinth is about to open up here!
Winry – What?! Al, do you have Mustang-san's phone number on you?
Alphonse – No! Do you?
Winry – No. This isn't good… We'll have to go find him ourselves.
Alphonse – But, is it really a good idea to just leave? Maybe one of us should stay here and watch the gears?
Kyubey – That's too dangerous. Though there's still time before the wraith or witch emerges, once the labyrinth pulls you inside, you won't be able to leave it.
Winry – But, Al has a point! Once the labyrinth opens, we'll lose track of the wraith or witch in charge of it, won't we?
Winry thought about Maes.
Winry – I can't let that happen. Not here…
Kyubey – Even so, there's no guarantee that Roy will get here in time to save you.
Alphonse – Then, what do we do?
After a moment of silence, Kyubey leapt down from Alphonse's shoulder.
Kyubey – Alphonse, Winry, you two go on ahead. I'll keep an eye on the Grief Gears.
Alphonse and Winry – Huh?
Kyubey – Once Roy gets here, he'll be able to track my position using telepathy. So if I stay here and watch the Grief Gears, I'll be able to guide Roy… down the shortest path to me.
Winry – Are you sure about waiting by yourself, Kyubey?
Kyubey – I'll be fine. It's not like I haven't done this before, anyway.
Alphonse – Then, we'll find Mustang-san and bring him here as fast as we can! Let's go, Winry!
Winry – Yeah!
Alphonse and Winry dropped their school bags and ran off from the hospital. A bright light then flashed from the Grief Gears and once it settled down, Kyubey was gone. The inside of the labyrinth looked like a girl's tea party, familiars that looked like four different maids, once with red hair, another with blue hair, one with pink hair, and one with purple hair were scattered around the barrier. Kyubey was then shown sitting in front of a room that had iron bars at the entrance and a sign over it saying OPERATION IN PROGRESS. Behind the bars there was a table with sets of tea and cake on it along with six chairs surrounding the table. The Grief Gears were shown sitting in the middle of the table.
Kyubey – It really is a shame. If they had just decided upon a wish… I could've turned them into magical contractors right there and then. Oh well, there's no helping it now. We'll just have to wait a little longer.
Back at the hospital, Roy had just arrived with Alphonse and Winry following behind. The three of them looked towards the wall where the Grief Gears were pinned before. The gears were gone, but the crack in the wall was still there.
Roy – Here, right?
Roy held out his Soul Timer, which glowed and revealed the entrance of the barrier.
Roy – (Kyubey, what's the situation?)
Kyubey – (It's still okay. According to the labyrinth design, I'm pretty sure this one's a witch. It looks it isn't going to hatch just yet.)
Alphonse – (Are you really okay?)
Kyubey – (I'm fine. Right now, it'd be better not to use any large amounts of magic that might disturb the gears. There's no need to hurry, so come to me as quietly as you can.)
Roy – (I understand.)
The three entered the barrier and slowly walked through the labyrinth once they were inside.
Winry – Thank goodness we made it in time.
Roy – It's a good thing you two came to me as quickly as you did. This way, we won't have to worry about the witch getting a-
Roy stopped talking once he turned his head around since he noticed something. Alphonse and Winry turned around as well and saw Edward walking behind them.
Roy – I thought I told you I didn't want to see you again, Fullmetal.
Edward's gaze was soft this time.
Edward – I'll fight this one. You three should leave now.
Roy – I don't think so. Kyubey's waiting for us in there. Leaving you to hunt this prey gives you the perfect chance to finish him off as well.
Edward – Killing that thing now wouldn't accomplish anything for me. I'll make sure he comes out alive.
Roy – And you think that we'd trust you?
Roy held out his Soul Timer, which opened and flames quickly erupted from it in a flash of reddish/orange light. Edward gasped as the flames cornered all around him, giving him no chance of escaping. Edward used his arms to try to shield himself from the flames and his eyes were now clearly showing concern.
Edward – You idiot! This isn't the time for-
Roy – I don't want to hurt you, of course. But if you show any signs of movement, the flames will grow and further narrow your space.
Edward – This witch is not like the others!
Roy – If you behave yourself, I'll release you unharmed after we finish up here. Let's go, Alphonse, Winry.
Alphonse and Winry – R-right…
Edward's expression grew even more worried and he tried moving closer to warn them again.
Edward – Wai-!
Suddenly, the flames grew a bit bigger and started closing in, which caused Edward to move back and shield himself with his arms again. Roy walked on, but Alphonse and Winry looked back at Edward as they continued to follow Roy, both of them feeling a bit uneasy.
As the three made their way through the barrier, Roy made sure to check if the coast was clear from any familiars before moving along. Alphonse and Winry looked around their surroundings nervously since they weren't used to walking through a labyrinth without something coming to attack them.
Alphonse – Um… Mustang-san?
Roy – What is it?
Alphonse – I've been thinking really hard about all sorts of different wishes, and…
Winry – Did you finally decide on one, Al?
Alphonse – Yes. But it might be the naïve kind of wish that you wouldn't like, Mustang-san.
Roy – Well then, what is this naïve dream you want granted?
Alphonse – Well, I've always been really good at school and sports… so I thought that there really isn't any need to use my wish to try to improve myself in any way…
Winry then chuckled.
Winry – Of course not! I mean good? More like amazing! Al is a child prodigy, after all!
Roy – I see. Then do you not want to use your wish to benefit yourself in any way?
Alphonse – Well not exactly. I mean, I do feel happy when people compliment me for what I'm really good at… But, the truth is… I don't really take much pride in my talents.
Winry and Roy both seemed a bit startled.
Winry – What? Why not?
Alphonse – It's just that… Even though everyone tells me I'm amazing, everything I'm truly good at only benefits me, not anyone else. Sometimes I just wish I could use my talents in a way that helps other people, besides myself. But I'm not the kind of person who can do something like that. Sometimes I think I'll never be able to be of any use to anyone and I'll always have to ask others for help. Thinking about that makes me feel horrible.
Winry – Al…
Alphonse – But, when Winry and I met you, Mustang-san… you showed us what it's like to fight to save people. And when you told us that we might be able to do the same thing… it was one of the happiest things I've ever experienced in my life.
Winry smiled as she listened to Alphonse. Roy however, frowned and stayed extremely silent.
Alphonse – That's why, I think that if I just became a magical contractor, then that alone would filfill my dreams. If someone like me can actually help people and live my life with pride… then that's probably the only wish I would want granted.
Winry – What are you talking about, Al? I think that's a great dream.
Alphonse – You think so?
Winry – Yeah. To be honest, I was thinking the same thing.
Alphonse and Roy looked a little surprised.
Alphonse – What? You too, Winry?
Winry – Well yeah. I mean, I did want to think it through carefully at first, since it's such an important decision and all… But, in the end… I guess I just can't think of anything special enough to be worth such a huge chance. So I began thinking, maybe it would be enough if I was just a magical contractor like Mustang-san. After all, I do believe that fighting for the sake of others is definitely something I'd consider to be worth fighting for.
Alphonse – Winry…
Roy – It won't be easy, you know?
Alphonse and Winry turned their heads back towards Roy once he spoke.
Roy – You'll get injured, and you won't have time to go on dates or have fun with friends. I've seen you both with that small girl with those braids. You may not be able to hang around with her anymore, either.
Alphonse – Even so, after watching the way you keep doing your best…
Winry – That's right. I don't really care about all that stuff if it means doing what you do Mustang-san. We both really look up to you.
Roy then stopped walking, which made Alphonse and Winry stop as well.
Roy – What makes you think I'm a person worth looking up to?
Alphonse and Winry looked very surprised.
Roy – I bet you both didn't know… but even adults have it hard too. We only push ourselves and pretend to be cool. We also get hurt or scared, and yet there's no one we can talk to. All we can do is cry silently by ourselves. I'm not even that heroic. Sometimes my pride gets in the way and I purposefully act all highmighty in front of others, so I have a reputation for making enemies as well. The truth is, it isn't a good thing to be a magical contractor. Especially for children. And yet here I am… trying to encourage you two to become ones.
Alphonse and Winry stared at Roy, almost on the verge of tears as they understood his real feelings. Alphonse then smiled reassuringly.
Alphonse – I don't care if you think we're just children… you're not alone anymore, Mustang-san.
Winry – Al is right! Even if this is something we don't understand because we're kids… we want to stay by your side, Mustang-san. Especially when you truly need us.
Roy – You two… truly are good kids.
Roy turned around and kneeled down to Alphonse and Winry so that he was at eye level with them. Alphonse and Winry looked even more shocked once they saw the tears beginning to form in Roy's eyes.
Roy – Will you two really stand and fight with me from now on? Will you both really stay with me?
Alphonse and Winry both smiled, tears starting to form in their eyes as well.
Alphonse and Winry – Yes.
Alphonse – You're more than just our senior, Mustang-san.
Winry – You're our friend now.
Roy smiled and stood back up as he rubbed his eyes with his fingers, trying to regain his composure.
Roy – Now you two are really messing up my style. Some role model I'm supposed to be. I really just can't pull this off, can I?
Alphonse and Winry smiled.
Roy – But, it's not every day you can have a wish granted. So try to think of something you actually want. Even if it's something simple.
Winry – I guess so. It is a special chance, after all.
Roy – Well, you are still making a contract. You might as well get something out of it. You could wish to become a billionaire, or maybe to find true love. It can be anything you want.
Alphonse – Well…
Roy – Then, how about this? If either of you can't decide on a wish by the time I finish off this witch… we'll ask Kyubey to give us a huge feast with a fancy cake!
Alphonse and Winry – C-cake?!
Roy – Yeah! A much bigger and more extravagant cake than any old boring homemade one! We'll have a big celebration to commemorate the three of us becoming a magical contractor trio!
Alphonse – But, Mustang-san!
Winry – I don't think we could become magical contractors for a cake!
Roy – Then decide on a wish you really do want. How about those machine parts and tools you were talking about before, Winry?
Winry – Oh yeah! I can really use my wish for that?
The three once again began walking deeper into the labyrinth. Winry had a huge grin on her face and her eyes were sparkling again as she walked. Alphonse however, was deep in thought as he tried to think about his wish some more.
Alphonse – (I wonder, could I use my contract to help Mom and Dad get back together?)
Alphonse's eyes then widened as he realized something.
Alphonse – (Or maybe…? Why didn't I think of this before?! I could probably…!)
Roy smiled as he looked back at his two future juniors and current friends.
Kyubey – (Roy!)
Roy stopped again once he heard Kyubey. Back at the barrier's center, the lights on the sign turned off and the Grief Gears began to turn even faster as the magic circle from before appeared above them once again and a black aura began to arise from them.
Kyubey – (The Grief Gears are moving! They're going to hatch! Hurry!)
Back with Roy, Alphonse, and Winry, Roy grinned and held out his Soul Timer, which started to glow as he began his transformation.
Roy – All right! I understand! Today's a special day, so I'll finish it off fast!
Once Roy transformed he caught the attention of the familiars, causing them to start to gather towards the group. Roy snapped his fingers and placed another flame barrier around Alphonse and Winry with his magic circle standing underneath them. Then he flipped down towards the familiars, created multiple muskets and took his aim. Roy shot all the familiars that charged at him, reverting them to magical flower fragments. He kept creating more muskets and killed more familiars to clear the path for him and his friends.
Roy – (Weird, my body feels rather light. It's been so long since I've felt this happy during a fight. I'm not afraid of anything anymore.)
Roy landed back down to Alphonse and Winry, who were both smiling happily in amazement as they watched him fight. Roy then took Alphonse's hand, Alphonse took Winry's hand, and the three of them ran off together to get to the very center of the barrier.
Roy – (Because… I'm not alone anymore!)
The three friends opened the last door leading to the center of the labyrinth, which had party decorations set everywhere, millions of presents sitting by the walls, and a big purple table with a large tea set and lots of sweets set on top of it. Roy and the others saw Kyubey sitting on top of a few large present boxes that were close to the entrance and they quickly ran over to him.
Roy – We're here!
Kyubey – You're just in time. Be careful. It's coming!
The three looked straight ahead and put on serious faces as they watched the witch finally hatch. This witch was incredibly small, she looked like a small doll made out of yellow ribbons and was wearing a big yellow bonnet, a green apron dress, a yellow poncho tied with a rainbow ribbon, and striped tights. Once she came into view, she flew down and hovered over the tea table. Her runes magically appeared just above her head saying, Candeloro, The Dress-up Witch. She then quickly flew to her right side, avoiding a large blast of fire. Roy was then shown standing not too far away from the tea table, which was almost completely set on fire due to the fire blast. He was also holding up his right hand with his fingers in a finished snapping position.
Roy – Sorry to rain on your parade. But unfortunately, I'm not going to give you any time to stay!
Roy snapped again, creating more muskets, which he shot at Candeloro, but she continued to avoid each attack. However, he then snapped his fingers once more and a bunch of flames quickly surrounded Candeloro, trapping her. Roy then shot a few more muskets and finally hit the small witch.
Winry – You did it!
Roy grinned. Candeloro stopped moving due to the stun from his previous attacks, which gave him enough time to transform his small musket into an even bigger one. Roy's magic circle appeared beneath his feet once more and he held his giant musket up to take his aim.
Roy – Too easy.
Roy's big musket then grew even bigger and he fired it. The large, blazing fire bullet made direct contact with its target, however instead of completely destroying Candeloro, the attack easily ripped through her as if it had torn through cloth, which shocked Roy. The rest of Candeloro's body then unraveled, revealing itself to be a dummy of the witch made out of a bunch of ribbons. The ribbons then swiftly zoomed straight towards Roy, giving him no time to dodge, and wrapped themselves around his body, trapping and squeezing him tightly.
Roy – (No way! A trap?!)
Roy grimaced in slight pain as the ribbons continued to squeeze him tighter, then he looked up and his eyes widened with shock. Candeloro's real body had appeared, except for it was much larger than the witch's original size. Roy helplessly watched in shock as the giant witch charged straight at him and opened her large mouth, her jaws just inches away from his head. Alphonse and Winry gasped in horror as they watched Candeloro attack Roy. The large witch then bit down.
Back with Edward, the flames entrapping him suddenly died out. He walked closer and kneeled down to the tiny leftover flames that were quickly burning out and he stared at them in disbelief.
Edward – It can't be…
Roy's body was then shown dangling in the air, being held up by his head from Candeloro's mouth. The ribbons binding his body then disappeared and his Soul Timer was shown falling down to the ground, the chain was broken and the entire watch had lots of large cracks in it, most likely caused from the ribbons strong and tightening grip around Roy's waist. The orange and slightly broken watch finally hit the hard ground, causing it to completely shatter. Roy's clothes changed back to normal and Candeloro finally finished taking her first bite out of him, causing the rest of his body to fall to the ground. The large witch flew after the body once it hit the ground and she continued to eat what was left of it. Alphonse and Winry watched in complete shock and horror as they kept their eyes glued to the horrifying scene. No matter how much both of them wanted to look away, they just couldn't.
Kyubey – You two! Make a contract with me right now! Alphonse! Winry!
Alphonse and Winry huddled closer together, terrified out of their minds. Once Candeloro was finished eating, she looked up and stared straight at the two. Alphonse and Winry felt even more scared once they saw her looking at them.
Kyubey – Decide on a wish! Hurry!
Edward – That won't be necessary.
Kyubey, Alphonse, and Winry turned around once they heard Edward's voice, but once they looked away, Candeloro started charging at Alphonse and Winry, opening her mouth again so she could eat them as well. Alphonse and Winry quickly looked back towards Candeloro once they heard her begin to charge at them. The two then hugged each other tighter, shut their eyes, and screamed a little as they waited for their end. However, just then Edward jumped in from of them and held his armored arm out, creating a magical force field, which blocked away Candeloro. He glared at the witch strongly as he protected Alphonse and Winry.
Edward – Damn you. Keep away… from my classmates!
Edward's force field then glowed brighter and pushed back Candeloro. He then jumped onto the large tea table, directly facing the giant witch.
Edward – I'll be your next opponent.
Candeloro leaned forward and chomped her jaws down on Edward, but then she looked up in confusion as she saw him stand up at a farther distance in front of her. Alphonse and Winry watched the battle closely, both of them still in shock. Edward jumped further away from Candeloro and looked back at her, his eyes almost daring her to attack again. Candeloro seemed to accept his challenge as she quickly flew over and bit down again, but he once again reappeared in front of her. Candeloro kept attempting to eat Edward, but he continued to avoid her somehow. After taking one final bite, Candeloro actually did swallow something, but instead of a person, it turned out to be multiple bombs, which caused her to explode as soon as she swallowed. Edward then landed back on the tea table straight in front of Candeloro, completely unfazed as he watched her blow up. He glanced back at Alphonse and Winry and started walking towards them, undoing his transformation as he walked. Alphonse and Winry looked a bit scared as they watched Edward come closer to them, however his eyes had softened once again, which reassured them a little.
Edward – One moment later and you both would have been dead.
Edward stopped in his tracks once he got close enough to Alphonse and Winry. Back behind him, the Grief Gears had fallen down and landed on the tea table.
Edward – Burn this sight into your minds. This is what it means to be a magical contractor.
Alphonse and Winry, who were still shocked, began to cry as the truth of Roy's death began to roll through their heads. The labyrinth then started to disappear.
Once they were back at the hospital, Edward walked over to where the Grief Gears had landed and glared at them hardly as he picked them up.
Winry – You knew… didn't you?
Edward glanced over at Winry, softening his gaze a little once again. Winry didn't look mad, but she had big tears streaming down her face as she looked at Edward. Alphonse was still on his knees, crying while facing the ground.
Winry – You knew… about that witch. That's why… that's why you tried to stop us, right?! So why?! Why did it turn out like this?! Why did Mustang-san…? Why did this happen?!
Edward looked at Winry sympathetically.
Edward – I can't tell you that. This is just how Roy Mustang ended up losing his life. Nothing can change that.
Winry – But… it's unfair!
Edward began to walk forward but he stopped once he was at Winry and Alphonse's side.
Edward – I must also bear some responsibility for failing to prevent this from happening when I had the chance. I'm sorry for that.
Edward then walked away and left Winry and Alphonse alone so they could cry as much as they wanted over their lost friend.
And… It is done.
I know, (sniff) I'm sorry. But I had to do that. I'm so sorry… Whaaaaaa!(sarcastic crying / But really, I'm actually sad I had to do this.)
I decided to have both Alphonse and Winry go get Roy so that Winry's opinion about Edward wouldn't be as bad as Sayaka's was about Homura, because it was really Mami's death that made Sayaka so distrustful of her. The reason why I can't have Edward and Winry at each other's throats is because… I think you know the answer. Hint, hint(smirk.)
In this fic, Gracia is Winry's biological mother and Maes is her boyfriend. Gracia was married before, but due to untold circumstances we can assume that he's either dead or he left. Maes was in a car accident and got hurt really badly, which is why he is in the hospital. Elicia has not been born, reason for that is hinted later on in the story(Spoiler alert! - And will be revealed in this story's sequel. Yes, I am making a Rebellion version of this fic.)
I replaced Charlotte with Candeloro because Mami is a necessity to this fic's Rebellion story plot.(Another spoiler alert!) Also, since Soul Timers are also strapped to magical contractors' waists when they are transformed, Roy's death had to have happened a little differently than Mami's did.
Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Please review and tell me what you think!
