Bandit- I really needed to write a chapter. Stupid personal problems…
Ed- Looking for sympathy? Too bad, you won't get any from me.
Bandit- I know. And that's why there's a cliffy and no lemon for you! (smirks)
Ed- That's not fair!
Bandit- Looking for sympathy? Too bad! ;p
Disclaimer- If I owned them, why would a disclaimer be here? Hmmm?
(A/N) I haven't even looked at my reviews yet for motivation! That's a first. Well, this chapter is a bit more serious. The angst bunny decided to come visit me. Almost no fluff… (cries) Who knows? Maybe I'll work some in there…
"Well… this is different," Shayla commented. Unlike Ed's memory, with the beautiful forests and hills, this area was very… bleak. And dry. And red.
"What the hell is this?" Ed asked. His unease was apparent, and Roy remembered how much Ed despised deserts. "This isn't my memory."
They had landed on the very far outskirts of what looked like a deserted desert town, the wind blowing a sea of red and orange sand in all directions, creating a misty appearance. There was no noise, no people… All in all, it resembled a ghost town.
Roy didn't like this. It was too… familiar to him. He couldn't quite place it, but he knew this was his memory. How he knew wasn't important, but his instincts screamed at him to find the next portal and leave.
"I don't like this you guys," Shayla whispered. Roy wasn't the only one not liking the vibes from the town. "We shouldn't be here…"
"Mustang! What the hell you doing out here!" All three turned around, startled by whoever called Roy. A young man in a military suit ran up to Mustang, frowning deeply at the man. Roy felt his blood run cold. "If the Colonel catches you out here, even being a State Alchemist won't save your ass," he hissed.
"Roy, who is this?" Ed asked, not liking the way he'd said Colonel. Didn't he know Roy was one?
At the sound of Ed's voice, the man with messy blonde hair started and finally took a look at the other two companions. "And who are they? They certainly don't look I--"
"That's not important," Roy stated quickly, already knowing what the youth would say. It was obvious Shayla and Ed still had no idea where they were, and if possible, he'd like to keep it that way. The man shot Ed a wary look, and then an appreciative one at Shayla's figure.
"Can I at least know who the lovely lady is?" Shayla scowled at him, not in the mood to be courted. Roy chuckled dryly at her expression.
"Trust me, Musaki, she's a bit more than you can handle." The blonde waggled his eyebrows.
"I'll take it you know?" Shayla's left eye twitched in annoyance.
"He doesn't know shit, not that it's your business," She snapped. Musaki took a few steps back and stared her.
"You've got a lot of fire in ya…"
"Actually, the smaller one does…," Roy started and as if on cue, Ed began his ranting.
"I'M NOT SOME ITSY BITSY PIECE OF SAND YOU CAN GET STUCK BETWEEN YOUR TOES!" Musaki retreated behind Roy, feeling much safer there. Shayla took pity on the misinformed man, holding a tight grip on Ed's red jacket while he screeched and hollered.
"Ed, calm down. He's not worth mauling," Shayla said, even with the smirk evident. "We unfortunately need Roy."
"Maybe you need him, but I sure as hell don't!" Ed shouted, completely missing the hurt expression on Roy.
'I deserved that…'
"Mustang, what going on?" Musaki whispered. "Those people are really weird. And I doubt they're with the military…" Roy decided it was best not to tell him they were both State Alchemists. He doubted his former friend would be able to handle that news.
"Don't worry about it," Roy assured him. "They're not important right now. But you were telling me something about the Colonel?" Musaki didn't seem completely convinced, but shrugged it off.
"Yeah. That bastard said he needed to see you for something. Didn't tell me what, since I'm just a lowly soldier," He said sourly. "But it sounded important, and you know how Gran doesn't like to be kept waiting…"
"Wait! Did you say Gran?" Ed asked, attracting the two men's attention. Roy shot Ed a warning look, but the boy ignored it. "He's a Colonel?"
"Yeah… He's gonna lead us tonight for the big battle…" Ed paled significantly at the mention of this, and now he realized exactly where they were.
"Ed, take Shayla and go search for it," Roy commanded. Ed's dazed eyes looked up at him without focus. "Edward… I need you two to find it. I'll go with Musaki. Come get me afterwards, understood?" Shayla was still in the dark on the subject, but nodded her head in Ed's place and began dragging Ed away.
Knowing what the teen must be going through, Roy hoped Shayla would take care of him until he at least got over his shock. He was still struggling himself… especially since he knew what Gran wanted him for. The very idea sickened him. 'And here I thought I could leave my past behind me…'
Musaki eyed Roy again. His fellow soldier looked unusually pale. And who were those two? Granted, he didn't mind the woman being here, but that kid kinda freaked him out. And what were they doing here? 'Maybe they're backup for tonight,' he thought, but either way it wasn't his business. So as long as he got Roy to Gran, he didn't care. When he nodded at Roy, the raven man returned it and they began to head back to camp.
"Sir?" Ed's voice paused Roy. "What will you do?" 'So he knows as well…' That certainly made it harder on Mustang.
"……Come get me when you find it." Roy left the two standing alone.
"Ed, what's going on? Where are we?" Shayla and Ed resumed their walk, heading down to the ghost town. The way Roy had looked, like he was about to do something he truly regretted. She'd seen a lot of expressions in her life, but the one Roy was wearing… It made her nervous. And now Ed was going into shock on her… "Ed! What the hell is going on?" She walked in front of him and stopped, arms folded and glaring. "We're not searching for the portal until you talk."
He just stared at her, or more like through her. "Have you ever heard of the Ishbal Massacre?" Shayla sucked in her breath.
"Yes… not a lot…" She looked away. "I usually avoid the subject. Not really a history fan."
"That's where we are. I think this is the night before the attack by the State Alchemists."
"How can that be? This isn't any of our memories!" She shouted. "You guys weren't involved, right?" Ed shot her a questioning gaze.
"You don't know about Mustang, do you? I keep forgetting you came to Central about a year ago…" He sighed a spotted a rock nearby. "Come on. This will take a while." He walked over to the rock.
Shayla didn't want to follow. She didn't want to know. But she did walk after Ed, because her curiosity got the better of her. Around Central she'd heard about Roy being a war hero, or something of the sort, but refused to pay attention to it. She hadn't known him well at the time, and it didn't concern her anyways. The fact it was about the Ishbal Massacre never crossed her mind.
Ed waited patiently for Shayla to make her way over, watching her sit on the rough, gritty sand before starting. "You know about the people of Ishbal, right?" Shayla nodded. "They hate alchemy, since it goes against their culture and their god Ishbala, changing things from their natural form. They consider it evil, so it's obvious they didn't get along too well with everyone else. Protests sprung up, but it wasn't until a soldier accidentally killed an Ishbalan child that war broke out all over the Eastern region."
"A seven year war…" Shayla said to herself. Ed nodded.
"Yeah. In the final years of the war, the top dogs ordered the State Alchemists into it." Ed narrowed is eyes in disgust. "They wanted them to end the dispute quickly using alchemy and crush the Ishbalan resistance. And they used crystal enhancers to--"
"Wait. What enhancers?" Shayla looked up from the ground and snapped at him. "The alchemists had enhancers?" Ed was a bit surprised by Shayla's violent question, and just nodded his verification. "How could they?" Shayla whispered. "Ishbalans don't have that type of power…"
"A man named Marcoh came up with the crystals, but didn't want to use them. However, Gran ordered their use, saying it was the fastest way to end the war." Ed laughed ironically at this. "He probably just wanted a promotion."
"Gran." Shayla said his name with so much hate; it startled the golden haired teen.
"Shayla… are you okay?"
"I'm fine," She whispered stiffly. "Just finish."
"… With the crystals in their possession, the Ishbalans didn't stand a chance. Mothers, children, the elderly… everyone was slaughtered. And Roy…" Ed didn't want to finish, but Shayla guessed what he was about to say.
"Roy was apart of it, wasn't he?" Ed numbly nodded his head. "He set the village on fire? All those people were burned because of him?"
"He didn't kill all of them! And he was ordered to do it!" He shouted in Roy's defense, only to quiet down in anger and shame. "But yeah, he caused most of the fires, if that's what you're asking. With the enhancers, Roy and his flames were devastating…"
"…So that's it, huh? Roy Mustang, hero of the Eastern Rebellion…" The brunette smirked to herself, a pained look crossing her face. "Of course… How could I have not known?" She glanced up at Ed. "And that's where he's going right now? To get ready?" Ed winced and turned away. "Ed…?"
"No," Ed whispered. "He's going to Gran for something else… you see, there are these two doctors that treat anyone, whether they were Ishbalan or not. Gran's not too happy with that…"
"And?" She prompted.
"He's gonna order Roy to kill them." Ed closed his eyes and waited for Shayla to say something, but heard nothing. Finally, he peeked up at his friend. He'd expect her to at least cuss or rant…
Shayla stared at Ed with expressionless eyes, not betraying her true emotions. "So he's gonna go murder them?" Her tone was as stoic as her face.
"No. I don't think he would kill them again. I don't know why we're here, if it's to relive the past or not, but I know he wouldn't make that same mistake twice." Ed stared off into the town. "I trust him…" Shayla didn't reply, instead looking at the town with him, already seeing the jumping flames and screaming of the dead and dying in their minds.
"Ed…" Her voice broke his through his thoughts, and the teen gave Shayla his attention. She kept looking out over the village. "I don't know why we're here either, and it's obviously still just a memory. But I can't just sit here and watch all these innocent people die. It's wrong, and even though it won't affect our world, I'm gonna try to do something about it." She turned to him and gave Ed a smile. "So kid, you with me?"
Relieved to see her back in good spirits, Ed grinned. "You had the same idea as me. Sure, we'll be going up against all the top State Alchemists, but what the hell? Sounds fun to me." He stood up now, stretching out and watching Shayla out of the corner of his eyes. "Shayla?"
"Hmm?" The young woman had resumed her staring. "What?"
"You…" He hesitated a minute, "You do forgive Roy, right? He was ordered to do all those things, and I know he feels guilty about it…"
"………" Shayla didn't answer. In fact she refused to turn and look at him. With a sigh, she began walking toward the village. "Come on, Ed. Let's go."
Ed watched her back for a while longer, a sense of dread filling him at the lack of an answer, but decided he'd better not let it get to him. He'd ask her later.
The two stumbled down the small sandy hill, dodging jutting rocks and dusty winds before arriving at the edge of town. There was the same silence as before, if not for the fact it was more evident when actually in the village. All doors and windows were shut tightly, no commotion whatsoever. Only the wind and dust greeted the two alchemists.
"So," Ed started, "what's the plan?"
"Err… I didn't think that far…" Shayla shot him a sheepish grin. Ed groaned and rolled his eyes. "Hey! It was on the spur of the moment!"
The snap of a door shutting put them on high alert, trying to pinpoint the sound. But they saw no one.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" Ed shouted out.
"We come in peace!" Shayla added quickly. "We want to warn you of an attack!" The silence was their reply, so they continued deeper into the town.
"Please! You're all in danger!" Shayla cupped her hands around her mouth to amplify the sound. "The State Alchemists are going to attack tonight! You all need to get out of here!" Another door shut and she spun around quickly. "Who's there?"
"Who the hell are you two?" A tall man with piercing red eyes regarded them, ready to run if necessary. "And what's this of an attack?" Shayla heard Ed suck in a deep breath.
"Oh god…" All this memory hopping was really getting on Ed's nerves. 'I've seen too many people I'd rather not come in contact with again…' (1)
"I asked you a question." Not deeming them a threat, the dark skinned man stepped closer. "Either answer it or get lost. You're lucky I'm even talking to you. Anyone else just would've shot you on sight."
"Sorry sir, but the Alchemists are coming to attack tonight," Shayla explained. "They have enhancers, and if they use them against the town…" She trailed off. The young Ishbalan narrowed his eyes.
"Why should we trust you? It could be a trap for all I know. Trying to lure us out of our homes and right into the enemies grasp." He stared into her orange eyes and his own red ones narrowed down into slits.
Aware of his gaze, she closed her eyes. "I have no reason to betray you."
"Is that so?" He stared at her for a bit longer, then glanced at Edward. The teen refused to look away, almost daring the Ishbalan to say something offensive and piss him off.
After a while, the man finally nodded at the two. "Come inside. We shouldn't talk out here." Without another glance, he turned and swiftly walked back into his house. Shayla and Ed exchanged a look before following cautiously behind.
The home was very dark inside from the lack of sunlight allowed to enter. And with few furnishings, one couldn't tell it had been occupied by anyone. Only a small table in the middle, along with a bed on the left side wall and the remains of a meal; maybe a few pots and junk here and there.
They both jumped when the door snapped shut. Ed was already on the defense, hands ready to snap while Shayla repeatedly cursed the Dream Alchemist for taking her whip. Smirking at the two, the Ishbalan motioned for the table.
"Sit."
Still not trusting, they both did and kept their eyes on the host while he sat down as well. No one spoke for a while before the man spoke.
"You wasted you time coming here."
"What?" Ed snapped. "We can still get those people out of here! Don--"
"They won't leave?" Shayla interrupted Ed's tirade and shot him an aggravated look.
"Exactly." The man focused his attention on Shayla. "This place is one of the last strongholds against the military. We won't give it up so easily."
"But… So many people will die!" Shayla pleaded. "Can't you at least give the woman and children a chance?"
"We have weapons to defend ourselves, and if things look bleak, then yes, we'll evacuate them."
"That's not good enough!" Ed slammed his metal arm down on the clay table, causing it to crumble a little. "Don't you understand? You will all die if you don't leave! The State Alchemists--"
"Aren't you one?" The Ishbalan sneered. "Don't think I didn't see the watches you two carry." Ed abruptly stopped talking, not knowing what to say now. "And I don't expect you to understand how important this place is to us. Our God and creator, Ishbala, gave us this desert to live in, when no other living creatures would touch it. We thrive here, where we can pray and bless our God in peace. Without it, we are the outlaws, according to your society, where that practice of evil is allowed. I, and all the others, are willing to lay down our lives to defend what is ours and what we believe." He pointedly looked at Shayla when he said this.
"…So there's no way to convince you or the others, is there?" She asked softly. He shook his head.
"Trust me. It is pointless. Give up now and return to your homes." Shayla looked at him before closing her eyes and shaking her head in dismay. Ed glared heatedly at the man, thinking him stupid and stubborn. 'He'd risk his people for this place? What's wrong with him! Stupid idiot…'
"I'm still going to try," Ed declared and rose from his spot. "Come on Shayla." The woman didn't get up. "Shayla…"
"He's right Ed. There's no point." She clutched her hands into fists and stared up at him, a few tears shining in her eyes. "I thought maybe…" Not able to go on, she looked away. "It's hopeless, and I knew it. I was a fool to think otherwise…"
"But…" This wasn't the Shayla Ed knew. She never gave up on people in need. "How can you say that? Why are you agreeing with him!" Ed glared at her.
"Ed, believe me. If I could make them leave, I would. But they won't. Trust me, I know…"
"Mr. Elric! Miss Shayla! Is anyone there?" A familiar voice rang out from outside, and Ed ran to go open the door. The Ishbalan stopped him.
"What are you doing?" He hissed. Ed just pushed him out of the way and opened it. Outside in the blinding sun, an older man with tints of gray streaking his hair looked toward the opened door and rushed over.
"Are you Edward Elric?" He asked urgently. Ed couldn't believe it.
"Doctor Marcoh?" The man gasped at him in surprise.
"How do you know me?" He stepped away from the teen and the door, peeping in at the other occupants. At the sound of the name, Shayla started.
"You mean he's the one who created the amplifier crystals?" She asked. Once again, Marcoh took steps back and stared at them in wonder and fear.
"How do you know all this?" He demanded.
"Mustang told us," Ed said quickly, and hoped Marcoh bought it. That was the only good excuse he could think of.
Luckily for him, it worked and the man relaxed. "Sorry for being suspicious, but you can't be too careful." He made his way over, wary of the Ishbalan man. "I have news from Mustang. He told me to find you."
"What?" Ed started to worry. Roy wouldn't want alert other people of their presence…
"He's going to be killed tonight, before the State Alchemists go in and fight," Marcoh explained. "Because he refused to kill two doctors, he's been tried for treason and is to be shot down at sunset." Ed stared blankly at Marcoh, before running off in the direction the doctor came from. Shayla immediately chased after.
"No Ed!" She grabbed his arm before the boy got any farther. "You can't right now! You'll be killed!"
"No! Let me go!" Ed struggled and squirmed. "Roy! NO!" He fell to the ground, screaming curses and pounding on the earth. "ROY!"
"Ed, calm down." The woman rubbed her hand on his back, trying to sooth him. "It's okay. You'll get him back. It's not sunset yet. Just calm down first." Marcoh and the Ishbalan trailed behind, watching the two.
"Might I ask one question?" the dark skinned man asked. Marcoh turned toward him.
"Yes?"
"Were the two doctors the Rockbells?" Marcoh sighed and nodded slowly, looking distraught.
"Yes, but Gran killed them when Roy refused."
"I see…" The Ishbalan walked over to the alchemists on the ground. "I will help you get him back." Ed and Shayla looked up.
"What?" Shayla asked. "Why?"
"The Rockbells took care of many in this town that were wounded or otherwise. We owe many lives to them. If this Roy refused to kill them, he must have some conscious." He looked down at Ed. "I know you want to save these people, and you must trust me when I say they won't leave. But you tried to help us, so I will try and help you."
Ed was overcome by this and couldn't answer for a moment. 'I can't believe I'm teaming up with Scar…Without the scar and tattoo on his arm, I almost didn't recognize him…' (2) "Thank you," he managed at last.
"Musaki has also gathered some men who are hell bent on getting Mustang out as well," Marcoh stated. "Just maybe, if God's willing…"
"Alright." Ed picked himself off the ground and dusted off the sand from him clothes. Now more in control of his emotions, he was focused and hell bent on getting his… Colonel out. "We can do this." He turned to Marcoh. "Where is he to be executed?"
"Outside of this town," the doctor replied. "Then he's to be dumped here so it looks like he died in battle." Ed swore softly. 'Gran… you fuckin' bastard…'
"Alright. We'll wait there until dusk. Then when I see Roy…" He grinned up at his new companions. "Just let me worry about the technical stuff. You guys just worry about the shooters." The younger version of Scar nodded.
"Leave them to me."
"Good. Marcoh, I suggest you just stay out of the way. I don't want you getting into more trouble."
"Actually, I'm leaving." The doctor gazed at the ground shamefully. "I know I'll probably be called a traitor, but I can't go through with it all."
"Don't worry," Scar said. "I think it is for the best that you leave."
"Shayla?" Ed had finally noticed the woman walking away from the group. "Shayla!" She stopped and turned her head to signal she was listening. "Where are you going?" Guilt struck her momentarily, and all she could do was shake her head in dismay. "Shayla…?"
"I-- I'm so sorry, Ed." The whispered words almost didn't reach his ears before the orange eyed woman took off running.
"Shayla!"
"Well Mustang?" Colonel Gran stared down at the soldier. "I gave you an order." He nodded at the two trembling doctors. "Shot them."
Roy stared at the gun in his hand, struck by that sense of dejavu he'd been having since entering this memory world. 'Same model and everything…' He twisted it in his hand, examining every detail of it. The black color, the long barrel, the trigger with that slight bump in the middle…
"Mustang!" Gran glared at Roy. "I gave you a specific order! I expect results."
Looking up at the two doctors, Roy noted how much Winry resembled her mother. 'She got her eyes from her father, but everything else from her mother. She's going to be a very beautiful woman.' She already was actually, but in this world, she still had years to go. 'I bet she's already taller than Ed.' He smirked lightly at the thought.
"Colonel Gran!" Roy didn't need to turn and see who'd walked in. "They're doctors! They've done nothing wrong!" Marcoh glared hatefully at the tall man.
"This doesn't concern you, Marcoh," Gran spat and went back to glowering at Roy. "If you don't do as I say, Mustang, you'll be killed for treason."
"Treason…" Roy rolled the word over on his tongue and in his mind. 'Treason, eh?' "I understand, sir." He aimed the gun at the Rockbells, watching them quiver and hold each other in fear and anticipation. He smiled softly. 'How did I do this all those years ago?' "I'm afraid I'll have to be killed…"
These words shocked Gran and Marcoh. "What?" Gran sputtered. Roy then gave him his trademark smirk, and swung the gun to point at him.
"You heard me, Gran. You fuckin' bastard." He sneered at the expression on Gran's face, reveling in it. 'I've always wanted to say that.'
Gran recovered quickly and smirked back. "What's wrong, Mustang? Don't have the balls?" The smirk transformed into a grimace. "Well, that's too bad." Faster than most would give him credit for, Gran ran straight up to Mustang and veered quickly to the right and out of the line of fire. Before Roy could follow him, a huge fist sent him flying forward and he landed heavily on the floor. 'FUCK!'
"Hmm." Gran sneered at the sight of Roy obviously in pain. "You were always a thorn in my side, Mustang. But you just made things much easier for me." He picked up the gun, and aimed it at the intended targets. "Not only will I get rid of these traitors, I can get rid of you." He fired to four shots.
The screams of Winry's parents cut through Roy's soul and he cursed Gran to hell. 'NO! DAMN IT, NO!'
He could literally see the blood seeping from the wounds from when he'd done it, bits of their brains blown out of their heads, and the one picture of them with their daughter dancing behind his squeezed eyelids… 'They didn't deserve that…'
"Gran… you monster!" Marcoh stared at the fresh spilt blood in horror, not wanting to believe what he'd witnessed. "How could you?"
"Simple. I pulled the trigger. If I hadn't killed them, their patients would later kill my men. It was necessary." Gran dropped the gun to the floor and called in some guards. "Men, take Mustang here and get him ready for execution at sunset. He's a disgrace to the military." With a salute, the three men forced Roy to his feet and bound his arms with rope, drawing him to the doorway and near Marcoh.
"Elric… and Shayla…" Roy whispered under his breath. Marcoh heard it and looked at the accused man. "Ed Elric and Shayla. Tell them. They're near the town," he quietly told the doctor before stumbling through the door.
"I can't believe you two betted on whether or not I kissed Fury," Havoc grumbled to himself and shot Hughes an annoyed look. "You're lucky I can't kill you."
"And why's that?" Hughes asked, not looking up from the book in his lap.
"Because your wife would kill me, and then cook me in a soup or something like that." The smoker glanced over his shoulder. "I'm glad she's not home right now…"
"Mmmhmm."
"What the hell are you reading? You don't respond to anything!" Havoc threw a pillow across Hughes' living room, only to have it caught and tossed right back in his face. "Hey!"
"I have a daughter. She throws better than you." Hughes smiled sweetly. "Geeze, Havoc. Fury's not gonna want you if you're all flabby."
"Shut up!" His cheeks tinged pink. "I work out!"
"Yeah? Like when?" Hughes finally put the book down. "Come on. Humor me here."
"Uh… well, there was that one time I went to the gym…"
"And when was this?" Hughes shot him a knowing glance and Havoc hung his head in shame.
"About five years ago…" He didn't appreciate the roar of laughter that followed.
"I knew it! Face it man! Your abs are about as hard as Jell-O!" Hughes continued to snicker and snort.
"Jell-O can get hard!… if you leave it out in the sun long enough!" Havoc shouted. At this, the man with glasses raised an eyebrow.
"And how would you know that?" Havoc's cheeks toured red and he lowered his gaze.
"Ummm."
"Don't tell me. I don't think I want to know." With a sly grin, Hughes decided to bug Havoc some more. "So, you gonna put the moves on Fury?" Havoc twitched.
"I don't know. I think MAYBE he likes me… but I don't want to scare him off." He sighed into his hand. Havoc had long since told Hughes about his fascination with their fellow soldier, confiding into the man for support… most of the time. Or maybe it was because Hawkeye would hold him at gunpoint until he went up to Fury and confessed. "And I'm just about ready to throw my subtlety out the window, so I guess we'll see."
The front door opened then, revealing a very annoyed Hawkeye with a meek Fury close behind. All conversation ceased.
"Uh, what's Fury doing with you?" Havoc asked, trying to hide the fact he might be a tiny bit jealous. He'd just seen Hawkeye and Cain together. This of course was preposterous, but Havoc didn't give a crap. 'My Cain… Mine.'
"His car broke down, so I had to pick him up." She sat down next to Hughes on the couch, leaving no room for Fury to sit anywhere, since Havoc was on the chair. The smaller man sighed and plopped down on the floor. At least the rug was comfy…
Havoc would have none of that, though. "You can squeeze in next to me, Cain." Havoc scooted over a bit. "You're small enough."
Cain immediately turned bright red and felt a shiver go through him. 'He's using my name!' "No, I couldn't possibly do that, Ha--" The smoker cleared his throat and glared. "I mean Jean." He cheeks started to burn. "I don't--"
"Cain, stop being so selfless and get your ass over here." Well, he couldn't ignore that request. Still the color of cherries, Fury carefully made his way over and sat down as far away from Jean as possible. That was a bit hard, since no matter how small he was, half his body overlapped Havoc's anyway.
"S-sorry."
"Stop apologizing," Havoc said. "And I have an idea so we'll be more comfortable." Without warning, Havoc wrapped his arms around the man's waist and dragged him over so Fury was sitting on top of his lap. "That's better."
"I bet you Fury's face will explode," Hughes whispered to Hawkeye, who promptly elbowed him in the side. He also wanted to comment on the smug smile Havoc was now wearing.
"Hush. And you can't afford to lose any more money." When it seemed the two lovebirds were situated, Hawkeye spoke out loud. "Havoc, how is Ed doing?"
"Same as always. Breathing, but no moving." He was grinning like an idiot, his chin resting comfortably on top of Fury's black hair. She nodded then looked at Hughes.
"Shayla's the same, too. I haven't seen any movement from her."
"Good," she said. "Then at least they're still stable. The Colonel is fine as well." Eyeing the book Hughes had set aside, Hawkeye asked him another question. "How far have you gotten on that?"
"I've read all of it." His tone had gone solemn. "I sometimes wonder why I still work for the military if they have so many dirty secrets." Hawkeye raised a golden eyebrow.
"Was it that bad?"
"Hell yes. The things I've read in there… I can't believe it. If I hadn't experienced some strange things in my lifetime, I wouldn't believe a word of it." A strangled sound emerged from the couch, and both Hughes and Hawkeye stared at the two.
Fury was no longer red, instead a pasty white. Havoc, on the other hand, forced himself to smile at the other two, hand lightly stroking Fury's thigh. If Hughes hadn't thought it was about time those two got somewhere, he would've demanded they at least do that where he and Hawkeye couldn't witness the deed. Hawkeye decided it better if she didn't comment. Ever.
The smaller man on Havoc's lap currently struggled with his melting brain. 'Jean can't be doing this on purpose,' he told himself. 'I'm just imagining the entire thing!' Yes, then he was imagining that hand traveling upwards on his thigh…
At Hawkeye's fierce gaze, Havoc knew he'd better stop. 'I didn't realize I was this impatient. If I don't stop, Cain might not forgive me. I don't know if he even cares about me that way…' (3)That sobered him up nicely, and he quickly removed his hand, to Fury's disappointment and relief.
With the destraction over, Hawkeye resumed her conversation with Hughes. "So Hughes, what exactly was in that book?" The man shook his head.
"I'll let you read the book. I don't want to spoil the ending." Hughes snickered to himself at his terrible joke. At the blank stare he got, Hughes coughed loudly in his hand, missing the glare Havoc sent his way. "But I do know this. I need to contact Roy." All the other occupants jumped.
"Excuse me? I thought you said, 'I need to contact Roy.'," The blonde man looked at Hawkeye. "Is that what he said?"
"Sir, how is that possible? The Colonel's in a coma," Fury stated.
"Not quite. Don't worry. Hawkeye will explain everything to you after she's read the book." Getting up from his seat, Hughes walked over to Havoc and Fury. "Sorry Fury, but I got to steal Havoc for a moment."
The two exchanged a look before Fury slid off Havoc's lap to allow the taller man to stand. "Why do you need me?"
"I can't explain anything, but basically… I want you to teach me that one alchemic spell Mustang showed you."
"Alright, the sun's almost setting." The seven men seated in a circle outside, waiting patiently for dusk to hit. Ed was definitely the antsiest. Not only had Shayla abandoned them for some reason, but coupled with the possible chance Roy might actually… He shook his head, desperate to keep those thoughts out of his head. 'Damn you, Shayla! Why did you leave?'
As promised, Musaki had gathered four other men, most of them just wanting to wipe the smirk off Gran's face rather than save Roy. But at this point, Ed was in no condition to start complaining. As long as Roy got out of it alive, he really didn't care about anything else.
"So, Elric." Scar stared at the young man. "You said you would handle helping Mustang escape? And I am to… overwhelm the gunners, along with Gran." Ed nodded. It still astounded him that this man would one day try to kill him. 'Shame too. He actually likeable when not trying to blow your brains out.'
"That's about it. And we've already reviewed the plan, so no worries." He faced them all. "I appreciate what you're all doing…"
"Don't worry 'bout it," a friendly man with a rather large nose said. "We hate Gran, and personally, I can't wait. We never really followed the bastard anyway."
"And with your plan, we shouldn't get caught." Musaki grinned at him. "I have to admit, you're pretty resourceful."
"Quiet." Scar looked out toward the setting sun. "It's time." All ears listened carefully for the sound of footsteps. After a moment, Ed could start making out Gran's irritating voice. He nodded to all of his new accomplices.
"This is it. Don't get caught." A barrage of 'good lucks' and 'don't die' met his comment. He gave them one last smirk than everyone moved into position.
Roy didn't know what he was feeling. It was a strange combination of regret, anxiety, and peace. At the very least, he'd faced his past demons. And he knew he wouldn't have changed his decision, despite the fact he was going to die. Even with the knowledge that Winry's parents still lost their lives, there was the relief that the blood was no longer on his hands. But if there was something his mind wouldn't let him forget, it was Ed and Shayla. He'd never get to understand Shayla the way he wanted to, and now he'd never get to see how far his relationship with the boy would go. Those were his deepest regrets. Funny how with his demise approaching, he didn't really give a damn about becoming Fuhrer. He just wanted to see his friends again.
A rough push almost sent him spawling on the ground once more, but he managed to keep his balance. He was barely on his feet when hands grabbed him and pulled him backward, then the twilight vanished as a blindfold was put over his eyes.
"Well, Roy Mustang, it's been fun, you could say." Gran's voice irritated Roy's ears. "Any last requests before you die? Not that you'll get it." His hardy laugh echoed in the desert.
"Actually I do. Stop laughing." The laughted did stop, to Roy's relief, but a kick to his stomach took away any pleasure he could salvage from it.
"You won't think it's so funny when you're dead," Gran sneered close to his ear, shoving him backwards. "I'll enjoy watching you bleed to death." The man rounded on his gunners. "You are not to shoot him dead. Let's watch this traitor bleed slowly and scream." Roy winced. His damn mouth was always getting him into trouble.
'I won't scream.'
The clatter of rifles being picked up surrounded him, and finally the seriousness of his situation hit him straight on. He was going to die, and in his own memory. How messed up was that? He would never see Ed again… But despite this, Roy held himself high and proud, smirk in place. Damn it, if he was going to die, he'd at least look good doing it. 'So, this is it.'
"On my mark," Gran called. "Ready…"
"It's really going to end like this…'
"Aim…"
'Edward… I- I never got to say this but… I think I lo--'
"Good lord! What in blazes is going on?" Commotion exploded all around him, alarmed voices and screaming heard, and it suddenly occurred to Roy that he was having a hard time breathing. His lungs started to fill in with an excess amount of soil and sand, and he forced himself to keep coughing.
A clap behind his back was all he needed to know, and despite the sand, Roy grinned like crazy. Something pulled against his binds before he was able to rip away from the rope. He didn't get a chance to pull of his blindfold, instead being pulled by his hand toward who knows where, leaving the shouts and cursing behind them.
"Edward, this is the second time you've saved me. Guess I'm needed by you after all." A growl was his answer, and Roy grinned harder, if possible.
After a while of running in what Roy thought were circles (with that blindfold on, his sense of direction was thoroughly screwed up), the two finally stopped to catch their breath. Roy reached around to pull off his blindfold, discovering the sun's last rays poking out over the horizion. On the ground lay Ed on his back, eyes closed and still trying to recover from the run. Sitting down next to the teen, Roy ran a hand through the golden bangs.
"If not for the fact I've been convicted of treason, and am now a felon, this would be almost romantic." Ed opened one gold eye.
"You're something else, you know that? I heard what you said to Gran before he kicked you in the balls."
"Actually, he kicked me in stomach, if you want to get technical." Ed rolled his eyes at the comment.
"Who cares? It still hurt like a bitch, I'm sure." This Roy nodded at, rubbing his abdomen as if in apology for the long sprint. "But you just had to make it worse. You could have got a quick death, but no!"
"I wasn't going to die at all. You saved me." The hand playing with Ed's bangs started to trail down his face. "You always do." Ed began to blush, trying to muster up a glare and failing. And it didn't seem like Roy was joking for once in his life…
"Mu--… Roy… I-" Roy pressed his fingers to Ed's lips, starting to feel oddly sentimental. The boy always seemed to do that to him, bringing out that part of him that wanted quiet walks on the beach, candlelight dinners, tender kisses…
"Edward, thank you," Roy said seriously and watched the boy's eyes grow large. He removed his hand away, leaning his body over so his head was over Ed's. With his eyes, Roy silently asked Ed for permission.
Ed stared up at Roy, then let out a shuddering breath and closed his eyes. He tipped his head up slightly as an offering. The man didn't need to be told twice. Roy slowly lowered his head, letting the anticipation grow, already imagining the feel of Ed's soft lips on his own, finally able to have that one elusive kiss that started this wh--
"Keep looking! I don't care what you do, don't let him escape!" Roy's head snapped up, his fingers spasming with the need to fry something. 'I'm never gonna get my kiss.' And the fact it was Colonel Gran who interrupted only made it worse. That man was out to get him. Roy couldn't help but be happy that Scar would one day kill him. 'The only useful thing he'll do.'
Ed brought himself to a sitting position, still blushing and a similar expression of annoyance on his face. "Damn. I guess the sandstorm didn't quite work."
"Sandstorm? That's what you did?" Ed climbed to his feet and motioned for Roy to do the same.
"Yeah. I sent an alchemic wave down into the earth. This upset all the sand and soil on top, making one hell of a dust storm to get through. I was almost afraid I wouldn't find you in that thing." The two began heading in the opposite direction of the voices. "Then Scar and everyone else knocked out the gunners and kept them busy. And because of the sand, no one would be seen well enough to be identified."
"… You said Scar?" Ed nodded his head. "Scar's here?"
"I know. I had the same reaction. He doesn't have the scar and tattoo, and he's younger, but it's definitely him. Before looking for the portal, me and Shayla wanted to try and warn all the townfolk of the State Alchemists. Scar said that no one would leave because they love their land and religion too much." Remembering their conversation, Ed growled. "Stupid fools." Roy wasn't listening to that, though.
"Ed, where's Shayla?" The boy growled louder in anger and confusion.
"I don't know! She took off when we started talking about saving you…" Ed trailed off and didn't look Roy in the eye.
"You told her about the Ishbal Massacre?" Roy asked softly.
"…I thought it'd be better if she knew," Ed explained. "I didn't expect her to blame you so much. She was really upset when she heard you'd started all those fires and killed so many. But you were ordered to, so…"
"She has a right to hate me," Roy told him bitterly. "And it took me a long time to realize I should've stood up all those people."
"It was war." Roy shook his head.
"Maybe it was, but that's no reason we can't at least act like decent human beings. I'm ashamed to know I was ever apart of that, and I know I'll never fully atone for all the sins I did." With the voices of their pursures gone, Roy and Ed stopped walking. "I hope what I did today will help ease the burden a little."
"You did a great thing, and I'm sure Winry would be proud of it." Ed gave Roy a smile. "I know I'm proud…" Roy gave him a tiny smile back. He didn't need to tell the youth just how much that meant to him. "And Shayla should be too. I don't know what's wrong with her, but she'll see the truth in time."
"And we still need to find her. We can't leave without her." Ed suddenly stared at him. "What?" Roy asked uneasily.
"Shit. We can't leave. Shayla's more in tune with the portals than we are. We could search around forever and not find it." Roy swore as he realized the truth behind Ed's statement.
"I forgot about that. Do you have any idea of where she might have gone?" A sudden explosion boomed over the desert. Roy paled as he watched the pillar of smoke rise upwards from the town. Already, he could hear the screams of the victims rising along with the smoke as the Ishbalans prepared to face their imminent fate. "They're starting." A thousand nightmares sprang up in his mind, long dormant but now alive as Roy relived the worst day of his life.
A dreadful thought struck Ed, and he grabbed Roy by the shoulders. "Roy… what if Shayla's in the town?"
(1) Go ahead and guess who he is… ;p I bet you all know! (cackles evilly)
(2) (cackles louder) Cudo points for those of you who knew it was Scar! He wasn't supposed to be in this story, but he snuck in! (shakes head) My story has a life of its own…
(3) Bandit- How the hell can you NOT know? For God's sake, I'm practically throwing him in your lap, Havoc!
Havoc- Well, your damn story won't let us hook up yet! I'm trying my hardest to get him, and then you type something that makes it so I'm back in square one! (grumbles and grabs a cigarette)
I read Fury/Havoc drabbles for reference by Spade44! That girl is a drabble queen, so you should get down on your knees and worship. She basically invented the pairing, so if you want fluff, go read them! Because there was little fluff in this chapter! This was certainly darker than I intended to make it, but not too bad… right? RIGHT? (readers have disappeared). Err… Okay. But anyway, I know I screwed up Scar's personality, so sorry about that. I'm not perfect! (wails and runs away)
Anonymous- I'm a good writer? Yeah! I'm glad you think so. I know I'm not bad… but sometimes I feel I could do much better. Gah, oh well! And lookie! I updated very soon! Praise me!
Akumako- Shayla's just more in tune because I wanted her to be. I hate to say it, but I sorta spoil her sometimes because she's my first OC that I love… ;p
Orenji Yoh-chan- Don't belittle yourself! Your story kicks ass! And thank you for the praise! I luv the praise!
Asaka Kiseragi- True. Most everyone wanted Jessica to pay, but we can't all have what we want… And yes, I won't lie. I adore Shayla to pieces, cause her personality is actually mine. I'm shameless… I won't pelt you with objects!… I need to save my ammo for Ed and Roy when they try and use my bathroom for… unnecessary exercises… :p You love One Piece too? Yes! Another follower! Makes me happy!
arynna- Oh yes, lemons are MUCH better! ;p
AlchemistX- Yeah, it kinda starts off slow, but when you get going, you get into it! And Envy kicks ass! No question about that.
inuyashabooklover5188- I'm sorry! That stupid angst bunny wouldn't stop gnawing on me! (wails) But there was almost a kiss! Not quite, but almost! And you will like the next chapter even better, promise! ;p
RejectedAndLoved- I'm happy got someone's personality. I worry constantly over it. And yes, there is a reason Envy's helping. It's so simple, you'll be like 'that's it?'. And I will update as soon as possible to save you! (beats off other voice in your head… or is that your dad?)
Silent Vampiress- I like the angst relationship between Envy and Ed. Like how they would want each other, but because of their goals, it's hard to work out and Ed ends up being hurt. And Roy can be a major pain in the ass when he wants to…
Roy- I heard that…
Bandit- Shut up! Keep annoying me and no lemon for you!
kaori-chan- Envy's a guy in this, but Hughes never got to see his true form (in the series), so to hide himself (or just because he can be an ass) in my story Envy stays as Gracia when he's around Hughes. Just to taunt him. Hope I cleared that up for ya!
Loki and Co.- Yaoi makes the world go round!
alchemistgrl09- I'm talented! So much praise makes me feel all fuzzy inside! And is Dani your real name? Just wondering…
Hallahello- Yeah, but I thought it would be better for Roy to move on. And I love all my Ed/Roy moments! Keep reading!
Cloudia- Oh, that was one of my favorite parts. I love teasing the chibi!
Ed- WHO'S SHORT LIKE A B--
Bandit- Shut up!
LegacyRBluesummers- Sorry Smoke Alchemist… My Ed/Roy and Havoc/Fury moments seem to do that to people… (squeals as well)
Torii- I love fluff! I'm glad people like that part! It gave me chills… ;p
Yes! Another one done! Review and shower me with gifts and praise!
Roy- Wow, she's really subtle…