Bandit- Okay, I'm sad.
Ed- And why is that? Writer's Block?
Bandit- No, I finally know what happens at the end of the series, and my story has so many stinking mistakes! (wails)
Ed- You gonna change it?
Bandit- Hell no! It's not changing! I'll just go with the flow and hope for the best. :p
Disclaimer- Is there a chance I have amnesia and don't know I own it? Yes? Maybe? Probably… not. Damn…
(A/N) The FLUFF is coming! The FLUFF is coming! Bring you toothbrushes, because you WILL get cavities! (runs in circles) THE FLUFF IS COMING!
Roy stared at the young version of Ed from across the table.
He stared back.
This continued on for a while until Roy got tired of it and turned away for a moment. He was not good with kids. Finally his curiosity got the better of him. He glanced back at Edward.
The kid was making all kinds of faces at him, stretching out his face and sticking his fingers in his nose. As soon as Roy looked at him, he put on his most innocent face. Roy just stared at him.
Ed stared back, and stuck out his tongue. Roy growled, scaring Ed a little. Then the kid copied the growl, but it came out as more of a squeak. Roy snickered, and Ed started to pout, glaring at the man.
Shayla shook her head and muttered, "Even at this age, they're still going at it. Men…"
"Edward be nice," Trisha scolded her oldest child, bringing in a plate of food she had managed to scrape up for her guests. "That nice man saved you and Alphonse." Ed recoiled from the scolding tone, now feeling guilty, but kept right on staring at Roy.
Roy got fed up and stuck out his tongue, earning a giggle from Alphonse, who sat in Shayla's lap. Shayla shook her head again. "Colonel Mustang is sticking his tongue out at a six year old. The picture of maturity."
"Oh!" Trisha brought the food over, keeping it away from Edward who was already reaching out for it. "You're a Colonel? I didn't know we had such guests here!" She smiled kindly at them, and then looked at Shayla. "Are you in the military, Miss Shayla?"
"Kinda. I'm a State Alchemist." That got a gasp out of Trisha.
"Alchemists? Both of you?" Roy nodded, feeling uncomfortable all of the sudden.
"My husband was an alchemist…" Trisha smiled to herself as she sat down next to Roy. "He was very good at it, I think… always making flowers for me…" She blushed slightly at the thought, seemingly lost in her own memories for the moment. "Ed and Al are both practicing alchemy. Just like their father…"
"No!" Ed shouted at his mother, jumping from the table. "I'm not like him! I'm nothing like him! He abandoned us!"
"Edward! We have guests!" Trisha exclaimed. Ed backed down, knowing he'd hurt his mother's feelings and made a dash for the door. 'Even now he has quite the temper,' Roy thought to himself. 'Should have seen that coming…'
"I'm so sorry," Trisha whispered. "Ed don't think very kindly of his father and tends to lash out. He means well, he just…" She sighed and put her head in her hands. "It's difficult to explain."
"It's alright. You don't need to tell us anything," Shayla said comfortingly.
Al seemed torn between abandoning his comfy seat on Shayla and going after his temperamental brother. So he did neither, instead whimpering loudly and peeking out at Roy, silently begging him to go after Ed.
'You have got to be kidding me!' Roy pointed looked the other way, only to have Shayla kick him under the table.
"Roy, why don't you go after Edward? He might respond better to you. I can already tell he likes you." She smiled at him, promising pain if he didn't agree. Trisha looked up at the two and smiled.
"Are you two married? You make such a cute couple." The reaction was the same for the both of them. Shayla stared at Roy like he was a foreign disease, and Roy wrinkled his nose. Trisha giggled. "I guess not, then. I didn't mean to embarrass you two."
"Don't worry about it," Shayla said quickly. "Roy and I don't mind. Besides, he's fed up with me anyhow. He'll just go and get Ed." Trisha looked at him, pleading with her eyes.
"Would you please? It would be good for him… I'd really appreciate it…" Roy sighed and gave in. If they were both going to push at him, he might as well.
"I'll go find him. He's probably back at that clearing." Made his way to the door.
"Have fun!" Shayla, Trisha, and Al all giggled at the orange eyed woman's comment. Roy never felt so happy to be out of one room. 'This is once again another reason I never want a wife. Especially not her.'
Roy walked outside, not feeling up to this. He was having trouble dealing with the teen Ed, with the kiss and all. How was he going to win over the kid version? Not to mention it felt awkward being around Ed at this age.
He made his way down the long strip of earth from Trisha's house, once again noticing the tranquility and quiet of the town. It reminded him almost of his first visit here, only without the rain and terror. Roy didn't feel right being here, in this place, like he was intruding on something he didn't know anything about. 'Messing with the past, almost.'
There were some men nearby plowing their fields, getting ready to plant the first crop. Roy decided he'd better ask them where Ed went, since he'd not yet seen the blonde haired boy.
"Excuse me." The two men looked up from the work and politely nodded at Roy. "Have you seen a small child, with blonde hair and gold eyes?"
"Ah. Ya mean Ed?" Farmer number one asked. "Sorry. Haven't seen that rascal lately."
"You try his house? It's right behind ya." Farmer two told him.
"No. You see, I came from there. I'm looking for Ed as a favor for his mother."
"Oh, well," the first farmer put down his plow and scratched his head. "I'd go ask lil Winry then. That gal almost always knows where Ed is."
Farmer two spit in the field before pointing to a house in the distance near the forest. "That's her house. She lives with her grandma and parents. If they don' know where he is, then ya might as well wait for him to come back home."
Roy looked at the Rockbell's house and nodded to the men. "Thank you for your help." He began to walk away.
"Hey!" Farmer two called out to him. "Nice uniform… ya in the military? State Alchemist?" Roy paused for a moment.
"No. I'm just a soldier." Both farmers nodded, seeming pleased with the answer.
"Right. Take care, stranger."
'I have a feeling it's a good thing I didn't mention my rank,' Roy thought as he climbed up the slightly steep slope to Winry's house.
A feeling of dread began to from in the pit of his stomach. He prayed he'd be lucky and only see the girl, instead of facing the parents. Another sense of dejavu got him. He remembered walking up this way, when a terrible storm ripped across the land, and he had kept going, determined to make amends with his guilt. It depressed him, knowing he never got his chance. 'I was too scared. I'm always too scared.' It wasn't like he couldn't. He knew who Winry was, even if they didn't talk much. That wasn't the point. Any day, he could call her up and beg forgiveness for his past actions. But when it came down to it, he'd rather let those ghosts lie in secret instead of digging them up.
As he made his way up, he heard a giggle, probably female from the sound. He glanced around him and saw a little blonde girl in pigtails and a daisy dress, playing with a dog that had an automail leg. If he hadn't seen it before he would have been intrigued. Roy stopped and watched Winry play, not wanting to startle her.
The dog saw him first and started growling out a warning. Winry turned around and stared up at him, before coming a bit closer. "Who aw you? Do you wanna see my parwents?" Roy smiled at her, trying to look friendly.
"Actually, I need to find Ed. His mother is looking for him and she wanted me to bring him home." Winry giggled cutely before answering.
"He's at da secwet place!" Deciding Roy was safe enough, she closed the distance and pointed a pudgy finger to the forest near them. "When he's sad or being a meany, he goes dere!" Winry suddenly got a sad face and tugged on Roy's sleeve until he bent down. "He went dere when his daddy left," she whispered, thinking it was a very important piece of information.
Roy felt a smile tug at his lips. Winry was really a cute little girl. "I'll try and cheer him up, okay?" Winry cheered and gave him a hug around his neck.
"Yay! You can be his new daddy! Den he and Al won't be sad no more!" Roy gently untangled the girl's arms from around him and stood up.
'Ed's dad? I'm lusting after him. No, I don't think that will work.' He of course didn't say this out loud, instead smiling again at the child and promising he'd think about her proposal
He thanked her, and continued on his way, with Winry waving goodbye, her pigtails waving along with her.
"Edward was… a remarkable alchemist. One of our most accomplished, without a doubt." Stanford's voice rang out in the packed field, where many alchemists stood packed together, watching the casket fall into the ground. "He was always willing to put his life on the line to help out this country, this way of life, his friends… He died on the line of duty, to save one of our own and we shall not forget his actions. He is to be honored today as a hero." Havoc rolled his eyes. 'Ed would hate this funeral. I doubt he'd want to be remembered as a hero.' A fly landed on his nose, and he cursed his luck. 'I hate this.' He glanced out the corner of his eye, trying to see how Fury was holding out.
The shorter man was struggling to keep his eyes open, his glasses starting to travel down the bridge of his nose. Havoc longed to adjust them for him. It seemed to be bugging him. 'And I'd like any excuse to help him out.'
Hughes, on the other hand, seemed stiffer than Havoc had seen him in a long time. He stared out blankly, not even watching the casket being lowered. 'He sure looks serious for a fake funeral.' But then, Hughes had never told them what the plan for Ed was. Just called him last night and ordered him to take Ed's body to his apartment. Aside from being brief, Hughes had sounded… scared. Not screaming or anything like that, but the distant voice of someone going into shock. Havoc studied him some more, until he caught Hughes eyes. The green eyes sparkled with amusement before focusing back up front. 'Or I could be wrong…'
Hawkeye was her usual self, back straight and eyes forward. She actually looked like she was listening to the speech, boring as it was. Or maybe it was boring because Havoc already knew their friends were fine.
As Hawkeye predicted, Stanford had allowed Roy time off, and even excused him from the funeral. She never said what words were exchanged, but from the glares the Fuhrer kept sending her way, Havoc wished he'd been there. Any chance to see Stanford knocked of his way too high throne was a form of entertainment.
Shayla's death was also a success. Fury had come through with the toxin from his plant (did he say it was foxglove?), and Shayla did look indeed dead. (1) He even started to worry maybe the drink had worked too well. But she was fine at the Hughes home, breathing and everything. And in favor of Ed's funeral, Stanford practically suggested they bury her in some random backyard. Havoc growled softly to himself. Gods, that man had no compassion. Their Fuhrer had looked ready to piss himself in relief since Shayla's demise. 'I can't wait til we dethrone that buttmonkey…' (2)
But he couldn't figure out Ed. He knew Ed was safe, but Havoc had looked in the casket… Either Hughes got a damn good dummy, or there was something he wasn't telling everyone.
"I ask that we all bow our heads in prayer, and bless Ed on to his next life. I know he will do great things wherever he goes, just like he did in this life." The ceremony over, everyone saluted one last time to honor Ed. Havoc felt a surge of relief, and began to stretch his legs discreetly. After all, he was to be mourning a fallen comrade.
"Edward, I know you're there. I'm coming to join you." Roy called out to Ed just before he entered the clearing from before, so the boy would have time to react. When he got there, Ed was staring out into the small pond, ignoring Roy. "Mind telling me why you ran out like that?" The boy hugged his knees to his chest and buried his head.
"Go away." Ed mumbled. "I don't like you."
"Well, I don't like you either, but your mom is worried about you." He sat down next to Ed and copied his position, knees up to his chin. "So, you gonna come back with me?"
"Are you really a State Alchemist?" Roy decided he'd let the conversation turn. 'It might get him in a better mood…'
"Yes I am."
"You don't look like one." Roy's right eye twitched.
"And how is a State Alchemist supposed to look like?" Ed brought his head up enough so he could give Roy a glance.
"Anything but you." He giggled when he saw Roy twitch again.
"So a State Alchemist would look like you, Ed? You're kinda small…" As if on cue, Ed uncurled and lashed out on Roy, his tiny fists throwing punches at any body parts they could reach.
"DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME SHORT! I'M GONNA BE TALLER THAN YOU ONE DAY, YOU MEANY ALCHEMIST!" Roy dodged the vicious attacks before finally holding down Ed's hands. The little shrimp knew how to throw a lefty, that was for sure.
"Hey! You're gonna hurt yourself." 'And me,' he silently added. "I won't call you short anymore." Ed stopped squirming in Roy's grip, but gave him a fierce glare, or what he thought was fierce. It actually looked painfully cute, but Roy knew better than to tease him at the moment. "You'll grow. Just give it time." 'I really shouldn't lie like that.'
"Dad used to call me short," Ed said quietly, barely above a whisper. Roy dropped his hands, and Ed went back to the fetal position. "He did it to tease me, saying I'd never grow and would small and weak like this forever. He drank milk all the time. I hate him and I hate milk."
'So that's why he won't drink it…' Roy never once thought there was a connection between Ed's dislike of milk and his father. Or how anyone calling him short brought back the pain of his father's betrayal to his family. It made him realize just how much Ed despised his father. To the point he'd lash out at any reminder of him.
They both sat in silence, Ed staring back out at the pond and Roy staring at Ed. He seemed sad but determined to hide it from Roy.
"You know, Edward. You don't have to drink milk to be taller or stronger. There are other ways." Ed averted his eyes from the pond and stared at Mustang. Roy stared back.
They both stuck out their tongues at the same time.
Ed burst into peals of laughter, his mood lifting, and Roy smirked at him. He was damn proud of himself. He could do something right when he needed to.
When he calmed down, Ed scooted closer to Roy and looked up at him. "What type of alchemy can you do?"
"Well," Roy brought out his ignition gloves, "I usually like to use this. It creates a spark, and then I use alchemy to basically create flames in the air." Roy didn't worry about Ed not getting what he said. He could tell even at this age the kid knew his stuff.
"So could I create a flame?" Roy thought about that for a minute.
"I don't think so." Ed's face fell. "But I could show you how I do it." The golden eyed boy nodded quickly, almost quivering with excitement. Roy found his enthusiasm endearing. 'God, he's adorable. I can't wait to tease him about it.'
Roy carefully slipped on a glove, letting Ed get a good look at the array drawn on there before gathering Ed in his arms. "Ready?" He felt the child's head nod. "Alright." He did his best to do a small snap, not wanting to set the forest on fire.
A ball of flames leapt out in front of them over the water, and Ed squealed in delight. "Oh! Do it again!" He cried. Roy did it one more time, and Ed reached out, trying to touch the flames.
"No Edward!" Roy grabbed Ed's hand before the child could burn himself. "You should know better! I won't do it again if you try and reach out to it." Ed's lower lip trembled and he glared up at Mustang.
"You're mean," he accused, and tried to escape the man's hug. Roy felt a pang of guilt. 'How is it I feel guilty and I didn't do anything wrong?' He gently held on to Ed, hoping the kid wouldn't start punching again.
"I don't want you to get hurt Ed. And why did you reach out anyway? You know fire can hurt you." Ed continued struggling.
"I don't need you to boss me around! You're not my dad! I can take care of myself and I don't need anyone!" Roy growled in his throat and tightened his grip.
"Ed, you're still young. Of course you need people to take care of you. And what about your mom and brother? Don't you need them?" Ed didn't answer right away, still trying to fight Roy, but in the end exhaustion won out and he slumped against Roy's chest. "Are you gonna stop fighting me?" Ed nodded weakly and mumbled something. "Huh? What did you say?"
"Mom's always sad because of me… I look like dad, so she sometimes starts to cry when she looks at me. And Al doesn't need me either. He's got Winry." Ed curled into a ball and started to cry. "No one needs me. So I don't need them."
Roy wrapped his arms around the small body, running his hands through the golden hair. He didn't like Ed feeling like this. This was probably the most vulnerable he'd seen him since the first time he'd met Ed, only a few years in the future from this time. "Edward, you know that's not true. There are a lot of people that need you." Ed sniffed and glared at Roy.
"Nah uh! Like who?"
"There's your mother. Do you know how sad she'd be if you were gone? Even sadder than when your dad left. You remind her of your dad, and that's like having him there in the house, too. If you're gone, she loses you both." Ed quieted a bit to think about what Roy just said. "And there's your brother. Who's gonna take care of him if your gone? Winry is his friend, not his sister. He looks up to you. Do you know how sad he was when he thought you were dead this morning?" Ed shook his head.
"Al was sad?"
"Yeah. He was crying out for you." Ed frowned and started to think.
"Well, that's only two people! So what? No one else needs me." The kid smirked, happy he'd proven Roy wrong.
'Oh, well two can play this game, Ed.'
"But there are people you're gonna meet. And they'll all need you. It might be two people right now, but one day it could be two hundred." Golden eyes widened comically.
"Really?"
"Mmmhmm." Roy kept stroking Ed's hair. "So Ed, there are gonna be lots of people who will need you." 'Like me…' "And you'll need some of them, so don't cry over it anymore."
"… You promise?" Ed whispered. Roy smiled fondly at him and gave him a tight hug.
"I promise, Ed." (3)
The night was wet and cold, like a soggy tissue. Hughes mumbled to himself and rubbed his hands vigorously to keep them warm. He stealthily made his way to Ed's grave, already knowing what he'd find.
The ground had been torn up, the newly formed dirt clots everywhere, circling around a small hole. When he looked down, he could see splinters of wood from the coffin. Hughes shuddered.
'No wonder I almost died. I was up against something that could escape a coffin fifteen feet in the ground.'
A brisk wind played across the field. Hughes tightened his jacket and grabbed the shovel he'd brought. 'Right. Time to get to work.'
Thirty minutes later, Hughes surveyed his handiwork, pleased with himself. You almost couldn't tell the ground had been dug up, then refilled. 'Not too shabby.'
"Hmmm… You work quick." Hughes stiffened and resisted the urge to pull out his knives. He hadn't even heard Gracia come up.
"Making sure I don't mess up?"
"You could say that." Gracia strolled up to him and studied Hughes' work. "Not bad. I'm impressed."
"Thanks," Hughes said uneasily. It felt wrong to be talking to his would be killer like they were old friends. "Was the coffin too stuffy?"
"Actually, kind of comfy. They sure know how to treat a dead body." Gracia laughed, the rich sound flying over the field and into the wind. It brought a chill through Hughes' spine. "The wood was on the weak side though. I got out almost immediately."
"Good to know," Hughes stated. He looked around quickly, checking to make sure they were alone. "So why did you help us? Just because of Ed?"
"I've already told you. I don't like your new Fuhrer. He's a weak fool, and it annoys me." Gracia's eyes shone in the moonlight. "So I want him dead. Besides, I've been a good girl for way too long. It's about time I had some fun."
"What did Ed do that made you owe him a favor?" Gracia smiled at him before turning and walking away.
"Oh, and don't bother looking for me. When I feel you need my help again, I'll look for you. Say hi to your wife for me." Hughes stared at the retreating back. 'At least I'm still alive.' He glanced at the site of Ed's grave, then looked back for Gracia.
She was gone.
Roy turned his head skyward and glanced at the passing clouds. It looked ready to rain. 'I really need to get him back home.' Ed had decided a nap was in order after their little talk, and proceeded to make Roy his personal pillow, his head burrowed in Roy's jacket. He didn't mind it. In fact, Roy was enjoying himself. 'Now, if only I could do this with the older version.'
That thought gave way to another one he'd put on hold ever since he'd gotten here. Where was he? And what was this place? It was obviously Ed's hometown, but Roy doubted it was the real place. Trisha was alive, Ed and Al were kids…
'Is this a dream of some sort? Maybe a memory?' Roy honestly didn't know, and it frustrated him to no end.
And then there was the question of getting out. Roy did like it here, and spending time with Ed (no matter what age) was always welcome, but… he needed to find the red haired man. That was the only lead he had right now. And he still needed to clear things up with Ed. The real Ed.
'I will forever hate myself for that stunt I pulled.' He shook his head and grunted. 'So stupid…'
The movement caused Ed to stir, and the tired boy pulled his head out of Roy's jacket, blinking his tired eyes. He yawned adorably before giving Roy a tiny smile which Roy returned. "Awake now?"
Ed nodded and took a look around him, forgetting where they were. But he made no move to get off of Roy's lap. Instead he snuggled against Roy again, causing the man to start blushing.
'And of course my mind wants to go to the gutter.'
"Mister Mustang?" Roy looked down at Ed, blush now under control.
"Yes, Ed?" The boy hesitated, not sure how his new friend would take it.
"Umm… do you like it here?"
"Yes…" Roy answered warily. This probably wouldn't end well…
"… Do you like me and my mom?" Warnings went of in Roy's head. 'I didn't want this to happen.'
"Yes I do, but I can't stay here Ed."
"Why not!" Ed moved against his chest so he faced Roy, wide awake now. "If you like it here, and you like my mom, you should stay!" Ed blushed and looked away. "You could be me and Al's new dad." The words of Winry came back to Roy and echoed in his mind.
"You can be his new daddy! Den he and Al won't be sad no more!"
Ed began to whimper when Roy didn't reply. "You don't like me, do you?" he asked sorrowfully.
"No Ed. That's not it at all." 'You have no idea how much I like you.' "But," he struggled to find the right words. "I have to get back to someone special to me. I did a stupid thing, and I need to apologize."
"…You need this person?"
"Yes. I need him very much." And it was true. He might avoid the "l" word for now, but he needed Edward in his life. And he wanted to go back to him.
Ed began to consider Roy's words. "Does he need you?" He finally asked.
'He knows exactly what questions I don't want him to ask.'
"I don't know, Ed," Roy whispered softly. "Maybe he doesn't need me at all, and maybe he does. But I want to find out."
"Okay." Ed sighed quietly. "I guess you have to leave then. But if he doesn't need you, will you come back?" Ed asked hopefully.
"I have a better idea." Roy stood up and put Ed down on his feet, then began to dig in his pocket until he produced a silver watch. "See this?" Ed nodded. "This is what you get if you become a State Alchemist." Ed reached out hesitantly before running his tiny hands over it.
"It's really smooth!"
Roy bent down so he was eye level with the boy. He opened up Ed's right hand and placed the watch inside before curling the small fingers around it. Ed watched in wide eyed surprise. "I want you to keep it for me," Roy said. "I'll need it back though, so when you get bigger and stronger, come to Central." He smiled. "Then we'll definitely see each other again."
Ed gazed up at Roy, then back at the watch, now holding it in both his hands like a priceless treasure. His grip tightened and he looked back up, determination set in gold. "I'm gonna be a State Alchemist. Me and Al," he declared. "Then we can be together… right?"
"Right." Roy ruffled the boy's silk fine hair. "We can be together." (4)
Night had begun to set in, and a mist of fireflies light up the clearing, giving the place an ethereal glow. The air above the water seemed to shimmer with the dim light. Ed laughed as one firefly landed on his nose, shaking his head wildly to get it off, hair flying around him. Roy snickered at him, before sweeping the boy up on to his shoulders. Ed squealed in delight.
"Come on, Ed. Your mom needs you at home." Ed nodded, even if Roy couldn't see it, still holding the watch tightly in his hands.
"Well, where were you, Maes?" Hughes stopped short, smiling guiltily at his wife standing in the stairway. 'Well, there's one plan that failed today…'
"Err… Hey, honey! I was gonna get a quick drink…" Gracia raised an eyebrow and Hughes winced. 'Oh yeah. No more lying… Damn it.' "I had to see through the plan for Ed." She smiled at him.
"I can buy that story." She began to go back upstairs. "Try and leave the door to our room closed the next time you sneak out, dear. It's more convincing." Hughes snickered to himself. He loved that woman.
"You coming to bed, Maes?" The tone she used caused Hughes to scramble up those stairs at lightning speed. Oh, he really loved that woman.
'Daddy's getting some tonight!' (5)
"I'm sorry you have to leave, especially at night," Trisha said sadly. Both Alphonse and Edward stood next to her in the doorway, seeing off their new friends.
Al began to cry softly, getting one last hug from Shayla. "Aww… don't cry Al. I'll see you soon, I promise." Al nodded and smiled at her.
"I will miss you, Shaywa."
Ed watched his brother's exchange before walking up to Roy shyly. He waited patiently for him to kneel down. "Yes Ed?"
Ed launched himself in Roy's arms, startling the man. Never the less, Roy returned the hug, starting to feel a little wetness around the corner of his eyes, but suppressed it. "I'll miss you too, Ed."
"I love you." Roy stiffened, the words causing a freeze up in his brain and body. 'He's a kid, Roy! Don't lose it! He doesn't mean it that way!' He forced himself to relax, taking many deep breaths. He rocked Ed and him back and forth, until he got his bearings. He peered at the kid's face.
"Ed… I-," 'I can't say it. Not even to him…' Ed waited for the words, expecting them. He was a child after all, and an 'I love you' was always returned. Roy hugged him again, hiding his face in his golden hair.
'It's okay. He's a kid. He deserves to hear it.' He took another deep breath, inhaling Ed's scent. 'He smells like spices…' It was relaxing, and his previous fear began to disappear
"I'm gonna be a State Alchemist… And then we can be together… right?"
'Right, Ed. And then we can be together.'
"I love you too, Ed," he whispered, feeling a few tears seep out and glad Shayla wasn't watching. She'd never let him live it down.
Ed grinned up at Roy's confession and gave him a quick kiss on the nose. (6)Roy thought he was gonna die from the number of shocks he was getting today. Ed giggled at the look on Roy's face, finally getting one up on the Colonel, even if he would never know.
"Come on, Roy. I got some info about the red haired guy." The sound of Shayla's voice brought Roy back to life, and he quickly stood up, blushing like a madman.
"Right," he said quickly, hiding his face from her prying eyes. "Well, we better head off." The two began the way back to the forest, with Ed, Trisha, and Al wishing them luck.
"Thank you for finding Ed, Mister Mustang! And thank you Miss Shayla!"
"Bye Bye Shaywa!"
"I promise I'll be the best alchemist in the world! And then I can come see you!"
'I know you will Ed. And I'll wait for you.'
(A/N) I could be cruel and end it there, but I'm feeling generous, so let us go on!
"So, what did you gossip about with Trisha?"
"Oh, the usual. The red haired man actually being spotted here, her talking about her husband disappearing, me talking about you being as straight as circle…"
"WHAT!"
"Don't speak so softly. I don't think they heard you in Central." Shayla rubbed her abused ear and glared. "Trying to make me go deaf here? And I was kidding if you didn't know."
"I… am not… gay!" Roy grounded out between clenched teeth. Shayla shrugged.
"My mistake. I guess you're a bi guy." Roy decided it was better than being considered homosexual, and left the argument at that. "By the way, what were you and Ed doing for so long? He better still be an innocent…"
"You are a sick minded woman. He's a kid! Even I don't go that low." Shayla shot him a suspicious glance.
"If you say so… but…" she smiled deviously, "what was with the kiss he gave you? That was so cute I almost gagged." Roy turned bright pink at the mention of the kiss.
'My first kiss with Ed, and he's the one who gives it to me.'
"Did his mother see it?"
"Yep. She just smiled." Roy wanted to die. 'And in front of his own mother. I never thought that would happen.' "But I think she was happy. You really worked some magic on him, from the looks of things."
"How so?"
"He just seemed… happier. I won't pry, but I think you really said something good to Ed. A first for you," she gave him a bright smile. "But you're working on it, so no harm done."
The continued on deeper into the forest, dodging the various branches and shrubs in their way until they made it to the clearing again, Roy's third time and Shayla's second. Roy walked over to the pond and stopped.
"What's wrong Roy? Why are we here?"
"Because this is where our portal is." He picked up a rock by the edge of the pond and threw it directly over. It disappeared, causing the air to flinch and waver before settling.
"How'd you know?" Shayla asked as she walked up beside him.
"I'd been staring at it when Ed fell asleep. He obviously didn't know it existed." Roy looked at her. "Ready to jump?"
"Whenever you are." They nodded and made a leap, tumbling through the invisible vortex, and landed in the dark abyss.
Shayla glanced behind her and noticed the portal was more noticeable than before. You could actually see it moving now, swaying back in forth to its own rhythm.
"Let's get going. I have a feeling there will be a lot more portals in this place if we look," Roy said.
"I know," Shayla replied as they started to walk. "Hey, didn't you give Ed your watch? I saw it in his hands."
"Yes. I know."
"Check to see if you have it."
"Why? It's not there," Roy snapped, getting annoyed.
"Please. I just have a hunch." The raven haired man sighed and reached into his pocket. His eyes widened as he pulled out his silver watch. "So you do have it. Thought so."
"What is going on, Shayla?"
"I'm not sure," Shayla started, "but I think we weren't really there with Ed and Trisha and Alphonse."
"How's that possible, though? We just got done talking with them."
"I know, but I feel if we went back, they wouldn't know who we were. It's like we visited…"
"A memory," Roy finished softly. "It was a memory of Ed's." Of course. That's all it was. He never really got to see Ed as a child, and Ed never confessed his love to him. It was all nothing more than a dream at best. He'd known it, in a way, but that didn't make it hurt any less.
Shayla watched Roy, feeling sorry for him. She didn't know what happened between Roy and Ed in the clearing, but it was hurting him now, so it must have been important to him. 'The man can't catch a break…'
'No, he can't.' Shayla gasped and spun around, startling Roy out of his depression
"What is it?"
"I heard something." Shayla brought out her whip and readied it. "A voice talking to me."
"I don't hear anything, Shayla."
'I bet you can now.' Roy almost jumped. That had sounded right by his ear. Roy was glad he had on his gloves.
"Where are you?" Shayla snarled, pushing her back up against Roy's. "Show yourself, coward!"
'If that's what you really want…'
He materialized out of nowhere, walking to them leisurely and whistling to himself. His blood red hair bounced slightly as he walked, green eyes glowing like a cat's in the dead of night. He smiled at the two. "Well, hello there."
"It's you!" Shayla turned to face him. "Your that guy we saw from before!"
"We want to know where this is, and who you are," Roy demanded.
"Are you sure you saw me?" The man asked Shayla. "I don't remember seeing you."
"I'm not stupid." Shayla snapped her whip to the side. "I suggest you start answering our questions."
The man now ignored Shayla in favor of Roy's questions. "You want to know where you are, and who I am? Well, sorry, but you don't always get what you want, Flame Alchemist." He grinned as he watched Roy go on the defensive. "And what are you to do if I refuse to answer you questions?"
"I'm in favor of beating the snot out of you," Shayla stated and aimed her whip at him. The tip sailed through the air, a perfect shot at his face. The brunette smirked to herself. 'Perfect.'
"Far from it, my Angel Alchemist." The man took a step up and grabbed the tip out of the air, yanking it and sending Shayla flying in front of her. She landed on her front side, not hurt but shocked beyond belief.
'But how? There's no way he could do that…'
"It's simple, really. You are both in my domain, and I make the rules now." He stuck out his hand, a much bigger version of Shayla's whip appearing in it. He tugged on Shayla's whip, bring her closer since she still wouldn't let go of her weapon. "I'll give you an up close demonstration." He twirled his new weapon and lashed out with it, the whip flying out at a much faster speed than Shayla's, clearly the superior one.
And Shayla could only lay there, stunned, as she watched with horrified eyes, the tip of her favorite weapon aimed at her face.
She couldn't even get her scream out.
(1) Thanx to Moerae for that foxglove hint!
(2) arynna, thanks for the name. (busts into laughter) Buttmonkey!
(3) (gushes over the cuteness) FLUFF!
(4) (dies from fluff attack)
(5) I… don't know why that's in there, but the idea made me giggle like mad, so in it went. (shrugs) Hey, I want to laugh too! Even if it is pointless!
(6) (dies from another fluff induced heart attack)
What is it with me and updating so soon? I must be obsessed or something… oh well! This was by far my most favorite chapter! I squealed through most of it. I'm such a typical fan girl… Shout out time!
Alexia- You like the cliffys? A person after my own heart! And as I say, I always update soon.
Inuyashabooklover5188- Wow, that's a interesting name there! And don't poke me please! I'll update (dodges poking) Ouch! Stop that!
Basser- Yes! I love food! And now that I think about it, this reminds me of Kingdom Hearts as well… uh oh. (yells at lawyers) I DON'T OWN KH EITHER, SO BACK OFF! And Roy getting smacked by the key blade… there's an idea right there! Lol
Loki and Co.- Don't worry. I confuse myself. And yes, more will be revealed if you keep reviewing! (sniffs the air) Is that pocky?
Elain Elric- I have a feeling you will be screaming again at the end of this chapter… (runs and hides)
Akumako- I'm already out of school so that's why I update so fast. My mom threatens my computer time if I don't do the dishes… (sweatdrops) And it makes me happy someone thinks my story is awesome. Thanx!
Moerae- Nope, not Ed's mind. But very good guess! And I used your theory on the foxglove. Hope you don't mind!
Dea Lunae- Ahhh… I can't say it was Envy, but then I'm not gonna say it wasn't… (shifty look) Sorry for confusing you dear, and Ed doesn't have a son! I won't shift things that much… I think. X3 I love pocky! (gobbles it up)
Shingo- Sama- One update coming up! Here you are!
Uniasus- Can't tell ya nothing, but don't die on me! All your brains are popping on the floor! (slips and slides) ARGH!
Daft Bugger- You think it's original? Yes! I was aiming for that! Thanx for the review!
Seeker Carter- Oh, writer's block sucks ass. I'm glad I only got it then and it didn't last long! And the world needs cliffys, my dear, so I shall keep providing them. It keeps you comin' back:p
Asphalt Angel- You know, I love your name. Just needed to tell you that. And I caught an teacher off guard? (does a dance) I rock! My writing's getting better! Thanx for reviewing!
LegacyRBluesummers- The fluff in this chapter will make you squeal. It made me! ;p
Torii- Why is Envy helping? Err… (calls to Roy) Why is Envy helping?
Roy- Don't ask me! You're writing this story!
Bandit- Oh yeah. Umm… review? (smiles nervously)
What do you guys usually do after you read my story? Yep. Just keep them coming! My ego's becoming the size of Jupiter. (gets a pin to pop it)