Title: Free Fall
Author: Spirix
Genre: Drama/Romance/Action
Rating: T for Teens
Pairing: Edward/Roy
Spoilers: A lot… ; This story is AU because it has both parts from the anime and manga.
Summary: Ed is given the ability to put Al back in his body but at a price that takes him from everything he has ever known. Forced to live in another world without alchemy he resigns to the fact that his previous life was a dream that he could no longer have.
Disclaimer: I hate this part; it just reminds me of my lack of owning such a great story.
Dedication: To everyone who loved my Bleach fanfics.
Suddenly I Know I'm Not Sleeping
Chapter Two
Pride
Edward woke up with a start. He could hear voices as he fell back into darkness. His entire body ached and screamed for attention. Was he dead? No, he hurt too much to be dead but not enough for him to be in hell. A place between would have to be the other world he currently lived in, but what for. Anyone he cared for here was gone. He was alone, again.
"Fullmetal Shrimp?"
The familiar voice washed over his flushed face. He couldn't open his eyes or even think. The bed he was in was bumping and jostling his very being. Edward could not seem to cool down. A second voiced boomed above him.
"He and you are to be sold as a set. I have a buyer in mind already. Fix him up for shipment of felt the grind of my whip!"
Ed tried to understand what that meant but was suddenly distracted by the cool gentle touch on his forehead. His bangs were pushed aside but Ed could still feel hair against his face. The only coherent explanation was that it was not his. The first voice spoke again.
"Even if you aren't him, it's nice to see a familiar face in this hell. It is still better than where I came from though. I wonder, you look like him but will you act like him? I haven't had fun in a long time."
The cool hand began to warm but was then replaced with a cold cloth. In absolute bliss Edward signed in relief as he could feel the steam release from his ears. He opened his eyes to see purple ones staring back at him. The abyss swallowed him once again but not before he heard one last word.
"Chibi?"
Edward was tired of constantly waking up in odd and alien places. He supposed it was an occupational hazard of one who travelled but it seemed he was doing a lot of involuntary travelling as of late. He shifted through his mind to try and remember what happened before the black velvet curtain took him. There were flames, shouts and a poison… Roy!
Ed sat bolt upright.
"Roy?! ROY?!"
He gazed around blindly. A part of Ed's mind told him his lover was dead but he needed to see it. Strong hands pushed him back against his firm flat bed. If he were in a calmer state he would have noticed it was but a sheet on the floor.
"Pipe down Chibi! You're going to make yourself sick! AGAIN!"
The voice punched through his panic. He knew that voice.
"…Envy?"
Knowing purple eyes trapped his. It was Envy! Not just a look alike but the one he knew from before. Edward didn't know whether to be happy of distressed. He still felt less than up to par and the other could easily kill him. But if Envy was here, than maybe he made it home. Ed couldn't tear his eyes away from the formidable opponent.
"Are you really you?"
Edward just raised his eyebrows at the question. He answered carefully.
"Who else would I be?"
"Prove it!"
"Well the last time I saw you was when we were inside of Gluttony. He made a faux gate that connected to the real Gate and now we are here."
The blonde couldn't help but notice the spark in those purple lamps. A small smile appeared on Envy's lips. Edward tried to remember if he had ever seen the green-haired guy smile, smirk yes but never a smile. He seemed genially happy for some reason.
"It's really you! Finally!! Someone I know."
Edward thought that his enemy might try to pounce him in glee for a moment but the man contained himself. He looked almost the same as before but with some subtle differences. He was taller now with a slightly more defined build. He still had his graceful curves but they were sun-kissed and well used. His hair wasn't in its signature headband but in a loose pony in his mid back with several pieces hanging about his face. His attire was completely different though. He wore a very rough and weathered blue poncho that gathered in sloppy stitching at his hips on either side. It was fraying and he had a cord for a belt. The blue, almost dress item just came down to his mid thigh. It was very dirty. Why on earth was he dressed like some impoverished slave?
Envy sat quietly while being inspected. Ed had at long last noticed the defining feature of the ensemble. Envy wore a metal "c" shaped ring around his neck. It was twisted wire with two ball ends. The skin around his elegant neck was chafed and red. His eyes widened. The Envy he knew would never allow his body to be abused as such.
"So you noticed mine, but what about your own?"
Ed looked at himself. He too had an abrasive collar and the same outfit for that matter. The only difference was that while Envy's was well worn, his still seemed relatively new, well as new as something used could be. The room surrounding them wasn't even a room. More of a pit full of the embodiment of despair and depression. Many other souls with hollow eyes wandered about or sat looking at nothing. Ed took note of how scarred and male everyone around him was.
"Haven't you guessed yet Chibi? You are a slave of Rome, just like the rest of us."
"Get up! Its market day you useless pieces of shit and rye. Hurry out of that pit unless you want to die! Hey Marcus?! Did you hear that?!? I rhymed!"
Edward was already awake but pretended for be just awaking for some sake he couldn't remember. He had been in the pit now for what felt like a month but apparently was only a week. He had counted the sunrises in the rough sand. Envy rustled close by. He hadn't talked to the man since he revealed their new status. It was all too much. Would he ever be able to grieve?
"Come on Chibi. If you look cute enough we might get lucky and be bought as pets. But if you keep frowning I doubt that."
"Pets?"
Ed choked out the words. He tied his hair back in a loose pony much like Envy's. He had not hair tie and didn't want it to get any dirtier than it already was. Envy had told him, even in his silence that Ed had been shot by an arrow through his shoulder in the middle of his resistance in the Canary and had come down with a vicious fever. Ed noted that the green-haired man left out the part about him nursing him back to help. Maybe he though Ed didn't know? Either way he tucked that piece of information away for later.
"Yeah, you know. Sex items. If we get a wealthy enough owner, we'll have pretty sweet lives, food, beds and the ability to be clean. I haven't been able to wash my hair in weeks. The ugly guy herding us said he had a buyer in mind. I hope it's not a sicko."
Ed shivered at the implications. He was no blushing virgin but the thoughts of being someone toy made his blood run cold. There must be a way out. He started to look around.
"Oh no, no, no, no. You're not going anywhere, Chibi. If you even try to escape they'll kill you. We may not be best friends but I'm reluctant to let the only other person here besides Mr. Ugly that can speak our language go. Who will I talk to?"
"Yourself for all I care. I refuse to be used!"
Ed whispered those words harshly for said Mr. Ugly had just entered their pit home with a glimmer in his eyes.
"Hey you two pretty boys. We got to get you looking presentable. General Gallus will be here soon to take a look at yous. Come along quietly so we can get the sink off ya."
Edward felt and hand place itself on his shoulder. He was surprised to find it belonged to Envy. Their eyes met briefly before the other turned away and ushered him forward. The sun nearly blinded Ed upon exiting the dark place he had spent the last seven days. There were cracks to see the sun but being out in its full intensity was almost too much. He barely noticed the manacles being attached to his wrists and ankle until he couldn't walk in full stride. The hand on his shoulder was also given the same treatment when it retreated.
The cleaning process was awful. He was literally hosed down with warm disgusting water. Rough hand scrubbed his once soft skin until it was red. The same hands poured this overly potent smelling soup into his long hair and gave it the same treatment as his skin. A small dagger appeared before his eyes as it expertly razored his bangs to their normal length at the tip of his chin. He could feel it tiding up the ends of his hip length hair so it was once again to his mid back. The dagger then was dragged across his face in a poor attempt to remove his stubble. He didn't have much but enough to have to shave. Soft grumbled told him Envy was getting the same handling.
"There! That should be good enough doncha think Marcus? Such odd colour hair… they'll fetch us a pretty price!"
Mr. Ugly was talking to his companion again as Ed made his way back to Envy. He still thought of the man as his enemy, but it was better a devil you know than a devil you don't. Envy was of the same opinion. They stood next to one another in their burlap blue outfits and awaited the next step of their selling. The two of them were lead into a noisy market. Ed whispered to Envy since they weren't allowed to talk.
"Ok so what's the deal with you?"
"I got caught a little bit under a year ago. I've been travelling al over the place for most of it. This is the first time I'm going to sold for real. Exciting isn't it Chibi?"
The sarcasm of that last statement was lost on Edward because he was too busy fuming. He wasn't short. He wanted to blow up but it was at that moment he was shoved onto a wooden platform, Envy in tow. The taller of the two bent down to whisper a simple something that he didn't intend to ignite his shorter companion.
"Ok Chibi, Showtime."
"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SHORT HE CAN'T EVEN BEEN SEEN ON A PLATFORM!!! MY NAME IS NOT CHIBI!!! YOU'VE CALLED ME THAT NOW SEVEN TIMES!!!!!"
Ed dove at the green-haired man, disregarding the audience gathered for their bidding. He was focused on his task of beating the taller of the two senseless. Envy would pay. He was vaguely aware of people shouting. He really wished he knew the language, but not at the moment. Envy was straddling him and pinning him down.
"Seven?! I only said it six times! Quit attacking me already, and learn to COUNT! Aren't you some prodigy genius squirt?!"
They rolled into a man in pristine white robes. The wrestled and the hit a poor older woman in the same clean robes. Were there no poor people in this crowd?
"It damn well was seven you bastard and you know it! You think just because you know me means you can call me whatever you like. I have a name you know!"
Ed was violently shaking his only companion when a loud crack sounded. A very fierce man in glossy brass armour came up to their squabble. He was very reflective and highly layered in a film of prestige and power. Ed just looked up at him wonder who exactly he was when Mr. Ugly appeared. Envy sat up while still under him. Ed quickly removed himself from the taller man's lap with a slight blush, barely visible. He had really lost it this time, damn his temper.
"You two are in luck. General Amandus Gallus has taken a liking to you both and is paying highly for you. He likes spirited, pretty slaves…"
Mr. Ugly took a sizable pouch of money from the glowing man and was gone before Ed could even register what was going on. The tall general bent down and raised his chin so they could see eye to eye. He spoke but Edward didn't understand it. Envy explained without much intrigue.
"He likes your eyes. They are the eyes of Apollo. And mine are like Nike apparently. This race has too many damn gods."
The General's house was huge. It had pools, libraries and many other luxuries you wouldn't expect a man of war to have. The house was full of pretty young women who tended his massive gardens and exotic pets. By the time they had arrived thought, there was no time to explore. Envy had said their new mater didn't require services of them until the following day so they were free to explore until the following evening.
Ed was apprehensive about it but there was nothing to do but wait. It wasn't as if he could run. The security was so tight he was surprised anyone at all was allowed into such a spacious mansion. Envy wasn't talking to him but to translate but he was fine with that. They weren't friends. They just suffered from lack of anyone else.
"You said seven didn't you?"
Edward stiffened at the sudden conversation. It was late at night and they shared a room. There were two very plain beds on either side of the room that didn't hold anything else. They were locked in the room for the night but would be let out come dawn. Ed had chosen the bed close to the small window and Envy hadn't challenged it.
"Yeah… I did."
"That means you were awake weren't you."
"Only half awake… but yeah."
Envy was staring at the ceiling. The soft splashed of rain carrier through the small opening behind Edward's head. The rain was singing but he closed himself off to it. He couldn't go out and join their song so he didn't want to hear it. He instead looked into his palms. The right one was completely healed now. He remembered Envy asking him how had had such bad burns on the whole inside of his hand. Pride never did answer him. Someday he might, but not tonight.
"Let's get some things straight. I am not your enemy here. I never was. We just happened to be on opposite sides of the same battle back in the other world, stupid Gluttony just had to eat us and send us here. If we are ever going to survive here you are going to have to change how you think of me. I'm not the same monster anymore. I'm human so treat me that way. Got it Chibi?"
"Fine but stop calling me that! I have a name-"
"But is that name still you?"
About to answer Ed was crippled with flashbacks. A cool dagger in his hands, blood spattered on his shirt, he was fighting off the man who had come to claim him. Roy's body lay off to the side and Noah wasn't quite gone yet. Could he really still be Edward Elric? When Noah left, he killed the six soldiers and injured several more before the arrow slowed him down. He went from protector to killer in seconds. That wasn't Edward Elric, but who was he now.
"I think you should be Pride, Chibi. The name suits you."
There was a long silence. Pride…? Somehow it clicked into place. He had a new life now and a part of him didn't want people to associate him with Edward Elric, the hero of the people. He couldn't stand to live in his own shadow.
"Pride… okay, fine but I doubt that's going to stick… but I have a question for you. Why did you look after me?"
"What?"
"When I had that fever, I remember you looking after me. Why?"
"I didn't."
"Liar."
Ed said it flatly. Envy answer with just as much lack of effort.
"Who was it you called out for?"
"What?"
"Chibi, don't act so stupid when we both know you aren't, even if you make me want to believe you sometimes. Who is Roy? Isn't that the name of that flame guy back in the other world?"
"It's not him."
"Then who-"
"Why did you look after me?"
"-is he?"
They both huffed and look in opposite directions. Ed was the first to break the darkening silence. The moon had shifted out of the window way. The room was in complete shadow.
"So is this how it's going to be Envy?"
"You tell me, Pride"
"I think its going to be a long ten years… well six now."
"Gate made you play too?"
"Yeah."
"Pride, do you think that princy boy is here too?"
"Probably. But we have more important things to worry about right now."
"Like what?"
"Like tomorrow night."
"Oh…"
"Yeah… oh."
"Dammit, Chibi!! PRIDE!!! Open this door!!"
Envy pounded on the door with both fists. Ed… of Pride as he thought of himself now sat in the dark. He had pushed one of their beds up against the door to the room. He felt dirty, like his body was covered in a grim that could never be cleaned. He'd done it; did that make him a whore? Pride thought about the first week he'd spent in the mansion. Envy had been called to duty first. Pride had thought little of him for going without a second thought. The Envy he knew would do nothing against his will without a fight.
While he was gone Pride was able to get to know the rest of the slaves in the household. He and Envy were the only two who were male. All the girls of various ages and colours thought the two to be quite the novelty. The Master, as they all called him, had gone to the slave market for a set of Arabian twins and had come back with him and Envy instead. Pride was surprised in how many were able to speak the same language as him.
In the back of his mind he could only think about the torment Envy was going through but he tried to push it back. Envy wasn't his friend. They were too enemies who were just tired of fighting. But the bad feeling wouldn't go away. Now, he too was stained, dirty and damaged. He wasn't beaten or even hurt, neither was Envy. The girl slaves told them they would live happy lives here if they only co-operate and don't cause a fuss. Until they had an escape plan, there was no real reason to stir things up. He couldn't wash the unclean feeling. He was officially some rich Roman's sex toy and an ancient time. He should write a book.
"Pride. I swear, if you don't open this door I'll break it in!"
Pride got up and strobe towards the small bed shoved against the door. He didn't want to let the other man in but felt there would only be trouble if he didn't. Envy stormed inside, bringing in with him a cloud of rage and distain. In two steps he closed the distance in between them and grabbed the front of Pride's robes. Their Master made certain all his pets looked good, so that meant nice clothing. Envy looked as if he wanted to say something but could not. He just clenched and unclenched his fists, maybe hoping the act alone would reveal his true thoughts.
"Envy, leave me alone. I don't care about whatever it is you have to say. Just go away."
"NO! You listen to me now. Got it! This is our life now so deal with it. I will not be stuck with some wimpy spoiled brat for the rest of our exile. Toughen up or I'll do it for you. Be happy we aren't going to be beaten or tortured! This is a good home and I want to keep it."
"Envy, we are being used!"
Envy drove him against the back of their door. Pride felt his feet leave the floor as his pony was squished into the back of his head. Golden eyes peered into purple ones. The fierce intensity of those plum pools burned for a moment before they became clouded and distant.
"I would rather be used as an object of pleasure then one of war. I'm tired Pride, tired of always fighting. Aren't you?"
"…yeah. But it's all I know."
"You could have fooled me. You have been so docile since we got here. There is a difference between being a fighter and being spirited. You have lost both. What happened to you?"
Pride looked somewhere to the left. He didn't feel like making eye contact or even struggling. Maybe he really had lost his will to do anything. Envy shook him into looking back up.
"Well? What happened to you?"
"I lost it all. I have no one now to protect or even to live for."
He kept his gaze even but that didn't stop the turmoil from stirring within him. The flames wrapped around his heart and he could feel his right palm ache with memories and grief. The only thing that kept him from hurling himself of something high was the game he was playing. He had to survive ten years or his sacrifice would be pointless. Price wanted to ask Envy why he was playing this game with Gate also but never felt initiating a conversation with the other man. Envy was human now so he aged too. It was weird to think of him in a non-threatening, enemy sense.
"Live for you Chibi, for you should be the only one that matters to you."
"I'm worthless. I can't even save one person."
"Who? That Roy you call out for when you sleep?"
Pride had had enough now. He unhooked the unbidden claws from his shirt and straightened his robes. He needed is own room. It was trying to be so close to Envy all the time. The guy seemed to always know the exact thing to say to get under his skin.
"I'm just here to serve out my time. I don't care about anything else but surviving long enough to ensure my sacrifice was worth it. Then… I don't know anymore."
Pride was sponging himself clean on a bench in the General's room. He never stayed after one of there sessions. Pride longed to just go back to his room and sleep. It had been a long month. He now knew how to speak the language everyone else did but besides that he didn't do much of anything. Eating and sleeping were his main pass times.
"Pride? Come back here for a moment."
He looked over at his master in disinterest. The man was a talented lover, even he even ventured to call him that, but he was just another person. Pride felt like he was running on just bare instincts. He never really let himself feel it. What was the point?
"What is it that you want? Why are you always so unhappy?"
"Is a slave supposed to be happy…Master?"
He added the end as an after thought. Pride had not been beaten yet but he didn't want to try his luck, since he had none. His hell was boring.
"I guess not. But certainly I can make this more…pleasurable for you. Is there anything you want, besides freedom of course?"
"Why do you care Master? I don't see why this concerns you. You still get what you want from me, regardless."
The other man sat up and scratched the back of his head. Pride still lacked interest in the situation. He only thought of his escape so he could be semi-alone. Envy usually waited up for him, not that he cared.
"I care because your lack of enthusiasm is very apparent. Not that I expected more. But I can't help but notice your complete lack of… what's the word? … spirit! What do you want from life? I know you weren't a slave that long before I purchased you. I'm curious as to who you were before."
"I was no one special if that's what you wondering."
Pride couldn't help but answer. This man was a good man, even if he owned around a hundred slaves. He kept having to remind himself of the time period he was in. Owning slaves was considered a proper thing. Not owning slaves was bad taste. Curiosity got the better of him as he elaborated on his comment.
"I worked with a theatre troupe for a year and before that I… was a scientist."
"Really! How did you end up in my generous care then?"
"You bought me."
"You know what I meant."
"I was captured when soldier burned down our theatre house."
He tired to keep down the flashbacks again. It was getting easier as time went by, but that only caused his heart to freeze a degree more. He really was losing everything, even his memories of losing everything. How depressing is that?
"Were you with that play house, Canary?"
"…yes."
"Oh then you may be able to help me. There were two mages with that group but we only found the body of one. Do you know who the other was?"
Pride just stared at the man. He was propped up on his elbows flashing on of his commanding and confident grins. The blonde was almost certain this man know he was the other mage but said nothing. He was being toyed with and refused to play.
"What is it you want Pride? That's such a silly name…"
An unearthly long pause follower where Pride thought about what it is he wanted. He wasn't even sure he wanted anything, and then navy-blue eyes scorched into his. Raven toughs brush against his forehead and warm fingertips brushed his check. The memory was over but the warmth remained.
"I want to be stronger. So that next time, I won't loose him."
"If you already lost him, isn't he gone?"
Those words rang like a bell in winter, crisp, clear and echoing.
"Come on Pride. Wake up. You forgot to block my flip-tuck-round house to your middle. It's my signature move! You must be pretty dazed to miss it!"
"Seven months?"
"What?"
"Did you say seven months earlier?"
Envy took up a more casual pose as he tried to remember what he said before performing his favourite gymnastic fighting move. He and Pride were sparring in the court yard. They had been receiving lessons in every type of fight for the past several months because their master thought it was kinky. Pride knew otherwise. Envy was all for it and took on every style with an enthusiasm and vigour that was infectious. Pride found himself enjoying the training. But now forgotten reality clouded his thoughts. If seven months have gone by since his enslavement then the longest day of the year had already passed.
Noah… if she made it to the other side then he should be there too now. The instructions for the array he gave her were fool proof. The only way it wouldn't work was if it wasn't used. Was she alright or did she just forget him? Neither thought gave him much comfort. In the midst of his thoughts Envy took it upon himself to wake Pride up… with a tackle.
"Wakie Wakie! Come on Pridie (Pry-dee)!"
"She forgot me. I'm still here. She must have forgotten me."
"What?"
Pride looked at Envy with sorrowful eyes. He couldn't believe she had left him in this world. Noah was like a sister to him. The time had long since come and gone for the layers between their worlds to thin enough to pass through. Pride sat down hard in the sand. It was the middle of day and lunch would be soon but he wasn't hungry. He and Envy were out the pavilion to practice what they had learned earlier that morning. They made good sparring partners.
Pride let his thoughts idly wandering over the green-haired man. They looked to be about the same age but Envy told him the he was physically younger. When the Gate gave him a human body he was allowed to pick the age. Envy had picked fifteen and from what Pride could gather, he was sixteen at that fateful choosing. Somehow the thoughts of his companion made him feel slightly better. That said person was sitting next to him with crossed legs. If anyone had told him he would be having moments like this with Envy before they both got sucked into the Gluttony Gate, he would have called them crazy. Now though, they were a pillar in their odd friendship, just sitting.
"You were talking about that singer girl weren't you? The one you sent in your place. I remember a while ago you said you sent her with a way to send you back. I guess it didn't work… Don't hate me Chibi but I'm kind of glad."
"….?"
"I like having you here. If you went back, I would be alone again."
Pride looked into those outlandish eyes. They maintained there contact for some time, until a breeze glided between them and tangled them in Envy's long intrusive hair. Getting it out of his face he couldn't help but laugh.
"Why do you keep it so damn long?"
The fountain in the background hummed and splashed invitingly, but Pride pushed it aside. He may be a mage now but using his abilities made him lonely. He had no one to share them with. While he had been looking at the fountain across the garden of blue flowers, Envy had gotten up. The wind was growing stronger and stronger around them. Pride's hair was ripped from its tied restrains and it too flowed about his head. Leaves and petals caressed his skin in passing. Envy was in the clearing of grass to his left, spinning about with a big grin on his face.
"If it were short Pridie, I wouldn't be able to enjoy its touch. I love the feel of my hair against my shoulders, my back, and my arms. It reminds me how great it is to be alive. Homunculi have no real sense of touch compared to humans. Did you know that? When I first got this body I was overwhelmed with feeling and sensation I almost couldn't take it. How can a person feel so much? Now I revel in it. The scents and tastes."
He took off his headband and continued to twirl. Pride smiled in spite of himself. It was amazing how something as simple as touch could mean the world to another. He looked down at his now flesh hand, remembering how there once was a time he could not feel with it. Turning it over, he examined his burn again. He no longer had finger prints in his right hand's finger, they were melted away.
"Pridie! Come over and live a little. I know for a fact you haven't had any fun in half a year!"
"I have!"
"Pfft, when oh depressing slave? I know life sucks but you know what? Hanging out with you while you're all sorry for yourself makes it worse. Come dance!"
Envy continued his solo in the spotlight, the man's favourite place to be. If Pride wasn't so pissed at the claim he doesn't know how to have fun, he may have noticed how the wind circled around Envy in a most unnatural way, but he didn't. His name was Pride for a reason. The blonde ran over to the other man and tackled him into the grass. Envy let out a small yip of surprise before parrying the shorter ones attacks. They playfully wrestled until the bells sounded. Envy stood up giggling shamelessly.
"Come on Chibi. Foods ready and I don't think you loosing is best for your crippled pride at the moment. Poor boy doesn't even know how to dance."
"I do too!"
"Then what was that? I don't recall dance being horizontal… unless you wanted to try another kind of dance."
Envy winked jokingly at Pride before dashing of towards the kitchens. They both had clean up duty afterwards. Pride simply clenched his teeth before following the playful other. He did too know how to have fun! An idea came to mind. He changed directions and headed for his master's study. Summer was coming.
"The Olympics? That Greek competition? Why on earth are you interested in that Pride? Any events you win your winnings are mine. Most slaves don't like entering for that reason. But hey if you want to I'm supportive. It is one of the only things a slave can do that a noble can also. Would you like me to enter you and Envy?"
"Yes Master. It's time we started having some fun around here. I'm tired of being bored and waiting for tomorrow. I have to live now with the life given to me."
The dark haired man smiled from his comfy chair. He shifted his robes and stood up to go to his desk. Even though those two were slaves, he respected them, which was rare. The little voice in his head was dying to know who they were before but they left those identities to scatter on deserted winds of change. There was something powerful and glorious lying beneath their skins, in their soul. He wondered not for the first time why they allowed themselves to become slaves, and even why they stayed that way. They never tried to escape, not once.
This must be some kind of penance for them.
"Very well, what events would you like to partake in? The games are in three months."
The crowds roared with a newfound vigour as Pride and Envy walked out into the field. They had easily become the people's favourite athletes, since they were signed up for every event. Envy complained the first couple of days about being over worked but Pride knew that if the man truly didn't want to be there, he wouldn't. So far they hadn't won anything but were consistently in the top ten. Envy came in third in grappling which surprised Pride but only mildly. The javelin throw was coming up and Pride couldn't help but boast a massive if not evil smile. He was great at this.
"So Pridie. You pumped?"
"Hell yes!"
"Good because I'm not in this event. You could only do one of the throwing events because they all happen at the same time. So I'm in the discus throw. It sounded like more fun when all the events were told to us. I get to throw plates at people."
Envy pranced around like an idiot for a moment before he realized something. He turned on Pride and poked him hard in the side.
"You have to cheer for me!"
"What are you 12?!"
"You are the first to go in yours and I am last in mine. So come and cheer for me when you're done. I've always wanted to have mobs of cheering fans. You're not much of a mob… well you're not much of a man either but you're noisy enough for two people so it should average out your cute little height problem!"
Pride was so made he didn't know what insult to attack first, so instead he tackled Envy into the sandy floor. Completely ignoring the thousands of people watching the various athletes stretch and practice before their events, Pride and Envy rolled around them in their mock fight. As always, Envy pinned him down from above. Pride could never seem to win these.
"Hey Pridie! I got Bronze in this event for a reason! Your name suits you all too well."
"Hey shut up Envy!"
A low moaning horn sounded that signified it was time to get up. Envy flipped off him with the ease of being a natural and practice before dashing off to his spot in the stadium like structure.
"Don't forget to cheer for me Chibi!"
"Fuck you!"
"Not today!!"
"ARRRGGHHH!!!"
Pride got up and ran full tilt to the other side of the open space to where the javelin throw would be. Usually those doing running events would get the outer perimeter but there were no running events today. They were all saved for the end for a big finish. He and Envy were to do the marathon then. The two were very eager for that particular one because they could compete side by each and their competitive streaks would kick into high gear.
It was Pride turn. He picked up the heavy javelin and though about how much he would love to ram it into his only friend. The man was insufferable. With that deep root desire for pain and retribution, Pride hurled the pike into the air. It sailed with a soft yet lethal whistle and landed outside the marked area on the ground. In fact, if almost hit a spectator sitting on the other side of the coliseum. Pride got two more throws and he thought it might be best to put them all in the same area so there would be no accidental deaths. His grouping was amazing and he even saw large beastly men have to use sword to dig them out of their targets.
The thunder of the mob chorused over his head and all around him. He spun and gave a triumphant war cry that echoed in the glory of the moment. He watched soul after soul try and better his shot but none came close, not even those in the army. He was the victor. The struggle to out do him was over long before Envy even had a turn. Pride was the gold medalist. Even if he would never touch the medal itself, it was worth it. The noise of the pleased spectators was addicting.
Splendour glazed he trotted over to Envy's event, grinning and whistling. It was a long walk across the open space. He received both glares and applauds as he passed through groups of other competitors. And Envy said he couldn't have fun. Bah! What did he know?
The man in question was three away from getting his turn. He held his very lean yet toned body in casual annoyance. His pale arms were crossed in front of his half exposed chest. They were allowed to where whatever they pleased so Envy made his outfit. Seamstress skills were some of many things they had learning by living with all those women who insisted on teaching them useful land practical things. Envy wore a white loose shirt that only covered the top half of his chest leaving his ripped stomach exposed to the world. It was sleeveless and ripple in the wind with its very open neck. Pride wondered why he even bothered wearing a shirt. His trademark skort somehow made its way dimensions and time to the purple-eyed wonder. This time however it was white also, with a black sash-belt. The knot on his hip had two long thin material pieces flowing out of it. The whole ensemble was quite alluring. Pride continued to look thinking his friend was preoccupied with judging his fellow disc hurlers.
He was mistaken.
"Chibi! You here to cheer on your favourite athlete?! I'm touched! Well maybe not… yet anyways!"
He really did hate Envy sometimes. No… not sometimes, all the time. Why was he such an unbridled flirt!? Every day. And night! He fumed and glared at the man now blowing him a kiss. What was he thinking, coming over here to see how his only friend was doing? He should just go and practice for the high jump tomorrow. Unheeding of his thoughts his body stayed rooted in place, eager to see the outcome of this affair. Envy was really good at throwing dishes…
"I'm almost about to start. You going to cheer Pridie?"
Pride nearly leaped out of his skin. How did the other get behind him? Pride made a silent vow never to daze off when thinking. It just leads to openings in his guard. Envy was standing entirely too close. Pride took a step forward and turned to look at the green-haired man. He glared his too common glare.
"Come on Chibi. You keep your face like that for two long and it will stick. I think you look prettier when you smile. It would be a shame to have to look at that mean face all the time."
"Envy-"
"Cheer for me."
"No-"
Envy tapped his noise gently.
"Cheer for me."
"No-"
Envy tapped him again in the same fashion. People around them had stopped to stare at the odd tactics of persuasion the lean but taller man was implementing. This pattern happened almost a dozen times before;
"FINE! I'll cheer, but only if you win!"
Envy blinked a moment then smiled. Pride still found it a bit odd to see his once enemy give him a genuine smile instead of a curl smirk but as of late he found he liked it. It was warming.
"I guess I'll have to win then. It better be enthusiastic because," Envy put a hand behind his neck and pulled him close so he could whisper into his ear, "I'll be winning this for you. I couldn't give a flying fuck about all this, but to hear you cheer my name, I'll beat them all into the ground."
And on that note he left to take his turn. He had a high score to beat. The raining champion looked like a bull and was probably full of it too according Envy's pervious assessment of him. Pride thought about what Envy had just said but all thoughts were shoved aside as Envy's disc flew through the air. Pride noticed the wind had died completely as if to watch the circle soar. It passed indent after indent in the ground that symbolized previous throws. It went well beyond until the ceramic disc shatter on the back of a man's helm that stood a very far distance away. There was a deafening silence everyone seemed afraid to break. Pride took side to side then let out his victory cry from his own match. It was infectious. Pride was a little jealous that he got a thunder of cheers while Envy got a hurricane but the feelings were quickly pushed aside when he became victim to a very energetic hug that made him struggle for breath.
"Did you see that!? Did you Pridie Boy! That thing is OUT OF HERE!!!"
Pride though he was going to be strangled. Envy was jumping up and down like an excited child howling like a wolf. Pride couldn't help himself. He joined in the canine bellows. If only there had been a moon, then the foolish picture would have been complete. They jumped and howled and playfully roughhoused. Pride thought it would be awkward being the only slave competing among all these free men but he didn't care. He wasn't as alone as he thought.
"I can't believe I just pulled that off! I planned on winning but not by that much."
Envy was now squeezing him and shaking him back and forth. Poor Pride was so robed of oxygen he couldn't do a thing to stop the rag-doll treatment he was being victim to. Seeing a window he leaped and flipped over Envy's head, using the man's shoulder for a boost. This almost worked until he was snatched out of the air and hugged again. Pride thought of the irony. Slave's capturing slaves.
"Envy! I can't breath!"
"HEY! WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, THROWING YOUR PITIFUL PLATE AT MY HEAD!! DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM SLAVE?!?! I AM THE SON OF SENATOR BRACUS!!!"
The man Envy had previous smashed his gold medal throw against stomped forward, strutting his self-appointed air of power and prestige. Envy was already walking towards him, ready for a fight as always. Even if the tanned idiot was slow and bulky, that bulk was about to kick Envy's ass. Pride saw the man unhook a whip from his belt and unfurl it. He refused to stand by and watch Envy be whipped. At the last second Pride dashed forward and took the lash on his forearm. He could feel the skin tear under the hard worked leather. It slithered with a snap back to its owner.
"You dare deny me what is my right slave? You two are worthless! Who is your master!! If I can't get satisfaction now then I will call on you later."
He snarled the word like the savage beast he was. Pride kept his fight stance in front of Envy, not letting the other out into harms way. He could feel the warm buzz of pain creeping into body but ignored it. Storm clouds gathered in his suppressed fury. The arm became dry and he could hear the crackle of lightening above, ready to strike. Pride hair was standing on end, or as much as it could, tied in its high pony. People began to back away from him in fright, all but one.
"Chibi, it's ok. Calm down."
Hands encircled him from behind under his arms. One was balled into a fist across his chest while the other was open on his stomach. The warmth of the embrace somehow cooled his ragging temper. The air became saturated and soon rain feel from quiet clouds. The heavy thick pearly drops plummeted all around them as everyone ran for cover somewhere dry. The rest of the day's events were cancelled.
The cool wet drops slid down Pride's face. He tried to piece himself together but couldn't. Flashes of when he lost Roy kept slamming into his fragile state of mind. The hands tightened around him, the balled fist opening into a flat hand. Pride sunk to his knees and Envy went down with him, half to support him emotionally, and half to support him literally. Pride was about to fall over.
"Chibi, what is it."
Pride choked out the words in between sobs. It was raining hard which he was thankful for. Envy surely wouldn't be able to see his tears he half hoped. He knew it was pointless though. The sporting area was completely deserted now.
"If you wan to cry then stop holding it in. No wonder you're so short. With everything bottle up it probably stunts your growth. Now what is it? I think you just snapped."
"He's dead… Roy is dead. I was right there and could do nothing… It was just like mom… and Al. I am always there but I can't do anything. I can't do anything. I can never do anything. Anything… anything… anything. I'm alone… alone… alone… alone… all alone…"
Pride fell forward onto his hand and knees and Envy let him. He tried desperately to regain his breathe as the rain came harder and harder. Pride knew the rain was his fault, being a water mage and all but he couldn't regain the control needed to soften his raw emotions affect on the sombre clouds. A hand placed itself gently under his chin, tilted his gaze into storm-cloud purple eyes.
"Was Roy the fire mage from the Canary?"
"How-"
"Because I know ok? Listen you need to calm down so I can fill you in on some things you need to know."
Sniffling softly he sat down before the green-haired man kneeling not far away. The thick forest locks were now flattened and smooth, framing the face behind the prettily. Little droplets collected themselves on long sweeping lashed the blinked slowly over those mysterious purple eyes. Pride was seeing Envy in a way he had never consider before. His wandering eyes made there way to his pale parted lips. They looked so moist and silky. They moved and Pride barely registered the words slipping between the twin petals.
"Roy was not just any fire mage. He was what is called a pillar. There are only four pillars existing in each generation. Normally when one dies their child becomes the next pillar of that element but that always isn't the case. When all four pillars are together, they can do anything. And I mean anything. Roy refused to be used so he was taken out of the picture so another fire pillar could be born. I think the higher ups thought that girl in the theatre troupe was Roy's child and that she would be the next flame wielder, but she has mysteriously disappeared from what I got."
"From where?"
"The man I lived with before I was captured. He was hiding me but it ended up costing him his life and me my freedom. You see Pride. You are the Water Pillar and I, I am the Wind Pillar."
"Roy said he was dying to protect me."
"He was. They knew one of members of your group had water powers but didn't know which. Roy was already well known and easy to identify but they needed him to find out who you were. So in dying they weren't able to find out who you were. I think they thought you would use your abilities to avenge him."
Pride looked at his burned palm. The once shiny skin was normal now but at times he could still feel the red-hot dagger Roy had used to cut himself for the array. The blade had been cast aside to rest among the tongues of flame. Pride saw the soldier and grabbed the blade without thinking, it searing in his flesh hand that was once automail. He forgot at times. He held to palm out for Envy's inspection.
"I did."
"You really loved him didn't you?"
"…yeah"
"You have to let go."
Envy was rubbing his thumb into the valley of Pride palm. The soothing circular motions were comforting Pride enough to stop the rain to a slight mist. Envy took his other hand a scooted closer.
"Pride. I know it hurts but you're not alone. Got that? I'm right here, if you would only see me."
Pride looked up to see the eyes he'd been looking into for the past over half a year closer than ever before. He could feel the warm breath brush across his wet face, making it even more sensitive to it. A hand brushed away the stray tears trails off each cheek in silence. It was as if the world had stopped moving. A snowflake fell onto Pride noise. A snowflake?
"I have a second non-pillar element too. Frost."
Envy proceeded to gently lick the said flake from its landing sight, barely touching Pride. The sweet gesture woke Pride up. He wasn't actually alone. He realised already that Envy was a friend but now Envy was so much more. He was… he was… he was here, right now. Pride gathered what was left of his tattered mental self and seriously thought about what the man with the purple lamps.
He was full of life and enjoyed filling it with different things. Pride learned this at the mansion when the girls offer to teach them things to fill the void of nothing else to do. Envy was dragging Pride all over the place, learning everything from how to embroider, which Pride was surprisingly good at, to how to kill a chicken properly without damaging the meat, Envy was good at that one. Envy dances to his won beat but doesn't mind taking someone along with him. Most of the flips and rolls Pride knew Envy had taught him. They were both very flexible and aerodynamic.
Somewhere between complaining about being a grown man and having to share a room like a child to being capoeira partners, the art of dance fighting, Pride had learn to care for the abnormally coloured man. Caring had stealthily turned into something more. Pride's heart raced.
"Let go. They call it falling for a reason. You fall to be caught."
Envy leaned in and pressed lips lightly on Pride's. Electricity coursed through their limbs as all the hairs on their bodies stood up on end. Pride felt the wind whip around and the air get moist once more. Envy's frost was quickly turning the droplets to intricate ice designs. Their magic's mingled and mixed in a flurry of weather and shocks. Pride was the first to pull away from their chaste yet thrilling kiss to catch his breath. He attempted to regain control of his connections in vain.
"No, don't… just… don't"
Envy whispered this before he pulled Pride in for another kiss. This one was less chaste than its predecessor. Pride's hands were buried in the forest growing from Envy's head. He massaged his nails into the available scalp, gaining a small grown in reply. Hand explored the folds of his standard white short robes. Unlike Envy he didn't see the need to make a team outfit. Hands cold from the frost found their way under his shirt and on his bare shoulders. They soon became exposed as the other drew them free of their white prison.
"Wait… Envy wait. Look where we are."
"Then let's move to somewhere else."
Pride stood up and pulled the other up with him. Luckily no one was still about as they snuck out the back and made their long way back to the mansion. They would have gotten their sooner if he hadn't been pushed up against a wall every couple of feet. But he was doing the same thing to Envy so he wasn't complaining. When the finally made their way to their shared bedroom it was only a matter of seconds before they picked up where the 1000 pit stops left off.
BANG BANG BANG.
"Envy, Pride! Quick, we have to get out of here! Senator Bracus has ordered Master to be executed for treason to Caesar. We have to leave before we are claimed by the state."
A frantic girl hammered at their door but there was no need. Envy and Pride were already on their way through the servant passages of the massive house, the girl on their heels. Smoke caked and smouldered in the air. Pride wondered how they missed the instantly recognizable sent of defeat upon entry but in all fairness they were distracted. Picking up supplies and more girls on the way the group headed for the foundations. The house was positioned by the sea so they could escape along the cliff through one of the many tunnels.
They got to the kitchen to grab food but it was a mistake. Soldier awaited them with drugged cloths. The last thing Pride saw before passing out was Envy hitting the floor.
Chapter Two End