AN: Don't worry, I'm still here! I've just had a busy couple of weeks.
I hope this chapter makes it worth the wait. I'm slowly making these chapters longer each time :P
Now, onward with the plot!
ROY
Roy almost fell off the couch when he heard a scream. He woke with a start, forgetting where he had fallen asleep for a moment. He caught himself on the edge of the seat before he could fall. He jumped up in an instant and searched the room for any signs of danger. Another scream sounded and his gaze snapped to the bed. Elizabeth twisted in the sheets as a nightmare gripped her. His legs caught in his blanket as he practically sprinted over to her. He had the impossibly strong urge to help her, to ease her suffering.
"Elizabeth," he called lightly, not wanting to startle her too much. She became noticeably more distressed as he called her name. Opting for silence instead he reached out to shake her shoulder, only for her forearm to make contact with his wrist. He hissed in pain, drawing his hands away quickly. She continued to struggle against the sheets which her legs were tangled up in.
"No!" she shouted. He cringed at the sudden change in volume. "Let me go back," she sobbed. "I can't leave him," she whimpered.
"Elizabeth! Wake up!" he called over her cries. "It's just a dream." His words seemed to reach her as her actions slowed for a moment. He took his chance and climbed into the bed beside her. Wrapping one arm around her shoulder and placing another on the opposite shoulder he drew her closer to him. Elizabeth became frantic again at the sudden restraint.
"Eilzabeth," he soothed. "It's me, Roy. You are having a nightmare. You need to wake up." Her actions slowed again at the sound of his voice. Slowly she began to wake. He felt her tears wet his shirt slowly as he held her close. "It was just a dream," Roy repeated over and over. He stroked her hair in an effort to comfort her. His shirt became increasingly wet as she continued to cry.
"I know I'm not the person you want to hear this from but I am here for you," he murmured into her ear. She just gripped him tighter and cried harder. Roy remained still until she had calmed down and fallen asleep again, exhausted. He considered extracting himself from her tight hold and moving back to the couch. However he couldn't bring himself to do it. Not after that outburst. Until Elizabeth told him to leave, he would stay by her side and provide what little comfort he could.
He moved Elizabeth's head from his chest to her pillow. He made sure she was covered with the sheet and remade the bed, lying on top of the sheet. The bed had more than enough room for the two of them, so he made sure to keep his distance. He was nothing but a gentleman, but he wanted to be close just in case. He didn't want her to experience that nightmare alone again. As he studied her for a short time he finally noticed the dark shadows under her eyes. His heart constricted slightly upon realisation. This nightmare must be a regular occurrence. He grasped her hand lightly as it lay on the pillow next to her. After a few moments Elizabeth's hand twitched and gripped his tighter.
When Roy awoke Elizabeth was gone. He grew concerned for a second, before he heard the sound of running water. The bathroom door was shut. Roy considered waiting until Elizabeth returned to the main room to talk to her, but decided against it. Riza never openly spoke about her inner thoughts and feelings and Roy figured Elizabeth would be the same. If she came to him to talk about what happened during the night then he would be happy to discuss it with her. Roy knew not to push her though. He entered the walk-in closet to get his clothes ready for the day. It would also give Elizabeth some privacy, should she need it.
He picked out a pair of plain black trousers and a white shirt. Amelia had mentioned the pair of them would have to make an appearance to the public today so he picked out the most expensive looking jacket. It was a rich blue colour, with a gold trim along the lapels. The jacket itself didn't zip up, it remained open. Roy searched the various drawers for a tie, but there were none. He felt underdressed for attending the King and Queen's court. Roy made a mental note to ask Elizabeth her opinion when they were both ready.
After a few minutes he heard a door open with a quiet creak and footsteps crossing the carpeted floor. Rather than leave the room, Roy waited to see what Elizabeth would do. He didn't want to walk in on her while she was getting ready. The door across the room closed softly. Roy poked his head out the room slowly to see the main room was empty. Taking the clothes he had just picked out he entered the bathroom and quickly showered.
When he left the bathroom he spotted Elizabeth waiting for him in front of the low fire. Her golden hair was braided again, her usual style Roy had deduced, and it ran down the length of her back, stopping above her lower back. When she noticed Roy's approach she stood with a small smile. He needn't have worried about feeling underdressed as Elizabeth wore a similar outfit to him. She also wore a pair of plain black trousers and white shirt. Both hugged her figure nicely and Roy tried not to stare, but it was difficult. Her jacket was the same colour and design as his, bit longer in length. It reached about mid-thigh, whereas his sat around his hips.
"Good morning," he greeted with a smile. "We match." He watched amused as her brow furrowed sli1ghtly in confusion. Realisation dawned on her as she noticed his jacket.
"I suppose we do, yes. Good morning."
"Do I need to go and change? I feel a bit underdressed to go to the King and Queen's court."
He watched as her gaze looked him up and down. "No, that outfit will suffice. Those clothes are perfect for the court, although it might not seem it. With us both being Captains in the guard it shows we are ready to battle if necessary." She readjusted his jacket so it sat better. "Although the jacket is a bit too fancy for battle, it can easily be discarded if need be."
"Well, that gives me a bit more confidence."
Elizabeth paused in checking his clothing and smiled up at him. It was a small one, but lovely nonetheless. "Do not worry, Roy. You will be fine today. The two of us are really only there for show." Great he thought. Today sounds exciting. "We should go and get some breakfast. Mother and Father will be waiting for us." She picked up a belt from the seat she had just vacated and wrapped it around her waist. Her sword sat on her right hip. Elizabeth looked fearsome when she was armed.
Roy's eyes widened in realisation as she picked up one final piece of clothing from the seat. "These are yours, I guess. I forgot to bring you them yesterday." Elizabeth handed him two familiar white gloves with red thread embroidered into the back of the hand.
"Where did you get these?" he asked in wonder. I didn't have these on me when we went to the bar that night. How did she find them?
"They were yours. These gloves aided your magical abilities and enhanced your powers. They give you greater control over your chosen elemental magic; fire."
To say Roy was surprised was an understatement. The gloves were the last thing he expected to see. However, the familiarity was comforting. Well, this is a parallel universe so it makes sense they would be here.
"Are you ok?" Elizabeth asked after he was silent for a few moments.
"Yeah. It's just a surprise to see these here, that's all."
"You have these gloves in your world too."
Roy nodded. "It helps me with my alchemy. It cuts out a few steps of the process. I don't need to draw a circle."
"Draw a circle?" Elizabeth echoed.
"Yes. In order to perform alchemy a transmutation circle needs to be drawn. With it readily available on my gloves, it only takes me a few seconds to perform alchemy, rather than draw a full circle." Elizabeth still seemed slightly lost after his explanation. "I can explain it further later, if you'd like?"
"I must admit, I am interested in your alchemy. I will certainly take you up on the offer. But for now, let's eat."
When the pair arrived in the dining hall Berthold and Amelia were already there, alongside a new, but familiar face. Rebecca Catalina sat facing the door as they entered. She looked up and smiled as she spotted Elizabeth, standing to give her friend a hug. However, her smile immediately dropped from her face, replaced by shock. She stopped in her tracks with her arms still held up in a frozen hug. Elizabeth quickly returned her gesture and quietly whispered "I'll explain later," in her ear.
"He's alive!" she exclaimed as she continued to gawk at Roy. "But… how? What happened?"
"It is a long story Rebecca," Elizabeth explained. "I'll explain everything later." Rebecca nodded slowly and returned to her seat at the same pace.
"It is a miracle, isn't it?" Amelia commented, smiling as both Elizabeth and Roy took their seats at the table.
"Yes, quite." Rebecca replied. She didn't seem angry about his sudden appearance, just shocked, which was a relief. "Sorry, I stared at you Mustang," she apologised. "I just didn't expect to see you standing there."
"It's all right. I'm getting used to it," he joked with a smile.
Breakfast went by quickly. Rebecca updated the royal family on the various happenings at the Mage College. "I've taken in two new apprentices," she announced, proudly.
"That is excellent news Rebecca," Berthold replied. "I am glad it is still attracting newcomers."
"There is no need to worry about that My Lord. Every week we get at least two or more newcomers. Our numbers are steadily increasing."
"Excellent." It was odd to see Berthold smiling proudly. It was odd to see him smile full stop. It was a nice change though, Roy supposed, compared to the sullen look he always had when Roy was young.
"What are their names?" Amelia asked.
"Edward and Alphonse Elric. Two brothers all the way from the East." Roy choked loudly on his water as he heard the names. Today is just full of surprises.
"Are you all right, Roy?" Amelia asked concerned. Every pair of eyes was on him as he tried to quickly recover.
"Sorry, yes. Please continue Catalina." Before she did so, she paused, giving him a strange look. He wasn't surprised. His behaviour probably seemed slightly odd.
"I've brought them with me on this trip. They are eager to explore the country and improve their abilities. I hope you do not mind, but I would like to give them the opportunity to explore the royal library My Lord."
"Of course. That won't be a problem. I look forward to meeting them," Berthold replied.
"Dear, we should be getting to court." Amelia reminded him of the time as she pushed her plate away from her, indicating she was finished. Staff made their way to the table and began clearing away dishes and cutlery.
"Of course. I look forward to seeing you again, as well as your apprentices. If you will excuse us, we must attend court for the day."
"I will bring them tomorrow for breakfast. Elizabeth, I will meet you afterwards?"
"Yes. We have much to discuss."
Berthold nodded and looked to Elizabeth. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes Father." When she stood, Roy followed. He had noticed Berthold offer Amelia his arm to walk to the throne room. He followed suit and offered his to Elizabeth. She rose her eyebrow slightly and he shrugged in response. With an almost inaudible sigh and small smile she slipped her hand through his arm and they walked behind the King and Queen.
Attending court was as boring as Roy expected. He realised it was necessary, but the petty squabbles and trivial problems seemed to befit local law enforcement rather than the royal family. Elizabeth was right, the pair of them were just really for show. Although, Elizabeth did offer her father counsel on various matters. Roy, however, just remained silent and standing. He grew bored and irritated at those who just gawked at him. Various women tried to catch his attention from the front row, but he just offered them a small smile and avoided eye contact for the remainder of the day.
After a few hours, the court was closed for the day. Roy's feet ached and his back protested whenever he moved from standing still for hours.
"Did you survive?" Elizabeth asked him quietly as they retreated into the castle. He caught her amused look and groaned quietly. He rolled his shoulders a few times to loosen them off. There were a few satisfying pops, providing him with some relief.
"Barely. How do you manage to do that day in and day out?" he whispered back.
"I don't need to do it every day. And with years and years of practice."
"Wow. Lucky you," he deadpanned.
"That should be the only time you have to do it, if we are successful."
"I don't mean to sound insensitive, but good." She chuckled lightly at his reply.
"We are going to meet with Rebecca after lunch. Hopefully we will get you some answers." He perked up slightly at the news. He was anxious to get back home. He had often wondered what had happened in his absence. Did time work differently? If he returned would it have even been like he was gone? If time was the same, would everyone presume him dead? He worried about Riza. Throughout their years in the military she had mentioned once or twice that if he was gone she would have no reason to keep on living. The thought almost gave him a panic attack there and then, but he didn't dwell on it long. He needed to focus all that energy on finding answers and getting back. Hopefully Rebecca would be able to give him answers.
After they had ate Elizabeth directed Roy back to the library. She would go and collect Catalina while he started researching again.
"I hopefully won't be too long, but it might be best to start searching again. I have no doubt Rebecca will have many questions and will want answers right away."
"I can imagine. No problem, I'll get started."
Roy estimated she had been gone for over an hour before she returned with Catalina and the Elric brothers in tow. Roy was relieved to see Alphonse in his own body. He didn't know if the sequence of events was the same here, but it was heart-warming to see him in his own body, especially after everything the pair had been through as Roy knew him.
"Mustang, this is Edward Elric," Catalina motioned to the older brother he looked around him at the numerous bookshelves in wonder, not paying attention. "And this is Alphonse Elric."
"A pleasure to meet you boys." He offered his hand to Alphonse, not expecting much of a reaction from Edward, who was already drifting away towards the bookshelf next to him. Not much changes then, he thought, amused.
"The pleasure is all ours, Sir," Alphonse greeted. He nervously looked between Roy and his brother before quietly calling him over.
"Yeah, yeah," Ed replied, too focussed on the book in his hands. "Nice to meet you," he mumbled. Roy laughed quietly at the older brother's behaviour. Alphonse's face went red as he apologised and scurried over to his brother, scolding him.
"Something you are used to?" Elizabeth questioned.
"You have no idea."
"All right Mustang," Rebecca announced. She took the seat next to Elizabeth as she prepared to grill him. "What's the story?"
Roy started his story from the beginning, when he woke up in the forest. He mentioned he had been out the night before, just in case it might help with figuring out what had happened. As he continued Rebecca became more and more interested, intercepting with questions now and again. Even Edward had turned his attention to him and was listening intently. He also told the small group about his world and what it was like. He mentioned both similarities and differences. The three mages seemed particularly interested in alchemy.
"It is similar to magic?" Catalina asked.
"From what I have seen, yes."
"Can you still perform it?"
Roy paused. He hadn't had a chance to even try it yet. "I don't know, honestly. I haven't had a chance to try it."
"You could do it now. It is flame alchemy you specialise in, yes?" When he nodded Catalina stood and extinguished the fire beside them. She motioned to the fireplace, expecting him to light it.
Roy nodded and focussed on manipulating the oxygen in the room. He mentally pictured a trail running from his hand to the still smoking wood. Exhaling slowly, he snapped and a streak of flame shot towards the fire. He effortlessly lit the fire so it was roaring once again. Catalina jumped back in surprise from the sudden heat. Edward's eyes widened in response while Alphonse gasped quietly.
"Amazing," Alphonse commented in wonder.
"I must admit, I haven't seen anything like that before Mustang," Ed commented, somewhat begrudgingly.
"Very interesting," Catalina commented as she hurried back to the table to make some notes. "You manipulate the elements in the room to create something new?"
"Yes. I increase the density of the oxygen around my target, making it volatile. From there I can make a pathway of oxygen the spark from my ignition gloves can travel along. That's the basics of it anyway."
"Interesting," Catalina repeated, trailing off again as she scribbled away. "Can you tell me more about it?"
"Perhaps we should save this for another time," Elizabeth interjected. "We need your help Rebecca."
"Right, of course. Sorry, I got carried away there."
"It's not a problem," Elizabeth reassured her friend. "Have you ever heard of teleportation between two worlds?"
"Is that even possible?" Edward asked.
The brunette thought for a moment before answering. "It is not impossible Ed, and I have heard of it, but there have only ever been a few cases where it has worked." She reached for her bag on the floor and lifted out a large, heavy, leather bound book. She skimmed through it before stopping on a page. Roy moved to stand behind her so he could see what was written on the old pages. "This is Mage's Tome. It is a guidebook on the different types of widely known magic," she explained. The page was titled "Alteration Magic: Telekinesis". "The telekinesis spell is the closest thing Mages use related to teleportation, and even that is quite a stretch from what you are looking for. Teleportation itself is not widely known. There are only a few mages alive who know how it works and its existence." Roy's face fell slightly when he heard the news. Getting home was going to take a while.
"However," Catalina continued. "Mages who work with souls can transport them to a different dimension. Granted, those are ethereal beings and not a living human. Whether they are able to do it with the human body or not has yet to be seen." She paused again as she leaned back in her seat in thought.
"What about the library at the College?" Ed asked. He seemed very interested in this topic of conversation.
"That is exactly what I was thinking. The Mage College has an extensive library which I am sure will include information on teleportation, whether it is simple, like moving a single object, or complex, such as between worlds."
"Well," Alphonse piped up for the first time. "He got here somehow. There has to be a way to get back."
"That's exactly it Alphonse," Catalina agreed. "If there is a path in then there is definitely a path out of this world. It is just a matter of finding it and understanding how it works."
"That's good news," Elizabeth commented. "Will you return to search, or would you like us to go with you?"
Catalina shook her head. "That won't be necessary. There are a number of scholars there who can research for me. A few owe me a favour anyway. Do you know of Maes Hughes?" Roy paled as he heard the name, the pain from the past washing over him.
Oblivious to Roy's reaction, Elizabeth answered Catalina. "Yes. He is a highly regarded scholar with the College, and a personal friend."
"Yes, and somebody I would trust with my life. I will contact him and ask him to pass on any information he finds. He works quickly. I expect he could be here in two days to assist us."
"Excellent. We're finally getting somewhere," Elizabeth smiled softly. She turned to Roy and her smile fell as she saw his pale features. "Roy, are you all right?" She reached out and put her hand on his arm. He jumped as if he had been in a dream and pulled away quickly. Hughes is alive was the only thing swirling through his mind. The pain of his death had washed over him. At least Elizabeth and I have something in common now, he thought bitterly.
"Yeah, sorry," he mumbled. He took a deep breath before replying. "Thank you, Catalina, for all your help. I'm truly grateful."
"Not a problem Mustang. I am happy to help out friend."
"I'm glad we are getting somewhere," he agreed with Elizabeth.
"I think we should alert my team," she announced. "We will need all the help we can get to pull this off. They also have the right to know what is going on. Roy was their Captain too."
Roy nodded in agreement.
"We can discuss this further tomorrow. Let's rest up tonight and return with fresh heads." Each member of the group agreed and retired for the night. Roy's mind was going a mile a minute though. His best friend was alive, yes, but in this world. He hoped he was still with Gracia and Elicia and living happily. He was anxious to see Hughes, however apprehensive as well. After all, the Hughes he knew had died all those years ago. Seeing him would be a reminder of his own failure to protect his friends. At least now he had a clear idea of what Elizabeth had, and still was, going through.
