Saying Goodbye

Chapter 4

Fullmetal Alchemist Roy x Ed

Rated M for Violence

The days passed with a very aggravating lack of events.

Ed passed his days talking with a few of the other officers and doing the general work such as patrolling the boarder, searching for any sign of Drachma attack and cleaning. He hated cleaning.

The most eventful it had gotten in the week and half since he had arrived was he was assigned to knock down the ice forming in the rafters. Some of the massive icicles were larger than his torso. He took a large steel rod and banged against them until they fell, then swept up the shattered fragments. He had quite a few close calls to being hit by falling blocks of ice but miraculously managed to emerge unscathed.

There was only two times where the skies were clear enough for the phone lines were useable and then time and privacy was very limited; everyone wanted the chance to call their loved ones. In Ed's collective ten minutes on the phone with Roy they simply exchanged information of what was happening on both of their ends, sappy lines and I love yous mixed their way into the conversation as well.

The nights were lonely and Ed had yet to adjust to the freezing temperatures throughout the base. He wore multiple layers of clothing below his uniform and slept that way despite how uncomfortable it was.

No news had passed the lines, telling of Drachma's movements, the reconnaissance team had yet to return since their departure a week ago. They were due back within the next couple of days. The fort was gearing up like there was going to be attack, weapons at the ready at all time and yet nothing happened, the various officers and soldiers seemed as relaxed as ever. Saying things such as "Drachma is just trying to scare us into making the first move" and "they always back down" but that didn't allow Ed to go home any earlier.

The recon team returned, bearing the news that the Drachma's encampment was within a mile of the fort and that they carried various weapon. All signs pointed to an attack, one that nobody wanted.

Rumors spread like wildfire, each time Ed heard it the number of Drachma forces grew until it was the entire army of the aggressive nation. After another week and a missing recon team they had their answer. Alarms sounded as soldiers spotted an approaching army of Drachma soldiers. Everyone armed themselves and stood atop the fortress wall, awaiting the start of war. These soldiers were trained to kill mercilessly and fight to the death if need be to protect Amestris from infiltration.

Edward hung back, weary of the current events. Luckily for him the alchemists were designated to stay in the fort to repair any damages as they occur, only to engage in battle if absolutely necessary. Ed didn't want to kill, he had never wanted to kill others and this was no exception, despite his aggressive nature he would rather solve issues diplomatically, or kicking their ass but never death.

Everyone watched the approaching army, some were excited for some long awaited action, others were like Edward, reluctant to engage in a war with a nation with matching military power. They got more and more anxious as the threat neared.

Then it all began, with a single shot ringing through the cold air.