Bandit- (walks into bathroom) WTF? Did I not tell you two you have to wait!
Ed- (blushes) I've gotten countless almost kisses. I want the real deal here!
Roy- (adjusts pants) I'm agreeing with Ed on this. I'm hot and horny. We want a lemon.
Bandit- I'm disinclined to acquiesce your request.
Ed- ………
Roy- ……… What?
Bandit- Means no. :p
Ed- There's no way you thought of that on your own.
Bandit- Good point. Damn Barbossa…
Disclaimer- Nope. Don't own it. And for any vultures aka greedy lawyers out there who recognized the top part, I don't own Barbossa. I'd rather own Jack Sparrow. (drools)
(A/N) Ahhh… the plot thickens! Finally, you guys get an explanation for some of the crap going on! And because I'm going on vacation, and you won't get another chapter for a week, this one's humongous! READ!
"If that was a joke, it wasn't fuckin' funny!" Ed hissed. He brought his blade back away from Roy, glaring savagely at the man. "I will never kill you!"
"Ed, Shayla will heal me. And then I can talk to the real one inside that white void! It's the best plan we've got," Roy argued. This was unfair of Roy, and he knew that; asking Ed to kill him when he knew how the boy felt. But he wasn't the only one on the line. Shayla was in danger too. "Think about Shayla. She's trapped in her own mind, Ed."
"Well, she's gonna stay trapped until we find a better plan! Shayla wouldn't want this either!"
Said woman was watching with interest. If the boy did kill Roy, then she would be able to heal again. And that's what she wanted. So she silently cheered the raven haired man on and closed her eyes all the way. The other Shayla was much less enthused with the prospect. 'It's official. Roy's off his rocker!' Growling at the whiteness ready to surround her, Shayla shouted as if her friends could hear her. 'I'm with Ed! Don't do it! Think of something else!'
"Ed, please understand. Do you think I want you to kill me?" Roy pleaded. He moved to cup Ed's cheek, but the boy slapped it away and continued to glare. The fierce rejection was unexpected, and Roy was hurt by it.
"Don't you try and butter me up! I said no, Roy! Nothing you say will change that!" He transmuted his arm back to normal in defiance. Roy's eyes hardened at this.
"Edward, you're being selfish!" He moved closer and loomed over Edward, trying to use his height to his advantage. "Are you even thinking about Shayla? Or us? We might never see our friends again because you're too stubborn to do what's right!" His words ripped through Ed, and the boy flinched slightly at the accusing tone. 'Is he right? Am I just being stubborn?' Ed questioned himself, looking at the ground. Would killing Roy really give them the chance they needed?
Roy sensed Ed's hesitation and kept up his verbal attack. "Or maybe you just don't care? Is Shayla that unimportant to you? Am I?" Ed looked up sharply.
"You know that's not the truth," Ed snapped. He knew Roy was doing this on purpose, but it wounded him anyway that the Colonel would question his loyalty. "I care about you guys! That's why I won't kill you!"
"But I'll come back!"
"You don't know for sure! And I refuse to have it on my conscience!" Ed folded his arms and looked away. "I won't do it."
"Edward…"
"I said fucking NO!"
"Fullmetal! I'm still your commanding officer!" Ed froze, and Roy felt a pang of guilt. That was hitting way below the belt, but he had no choice. The boy didn't want to listen to reason. "You do as I say, or return your watch." 'Please Ed. Just do it.'
Ed slowly turned his head, looking Roy directly in the eye. His shocked golden eyes didn't seem able to comprehend what had just been said. "Ro--" The man cut him off.
"Colonel Mustang."
Ed's face went blank as a sheet, but not before Roy saw the unmistakable pain and betrayal. His heart clenched, and Roy had never been more disgusted with himself. But he couldn't take the words back. "Please don't make me do this…" Ed whispered. "Please."
Roy said nothing, letting his expression speak for him. As Ed's lip trembled and he took steps back from him, Roy almost reached out to him. He wanted to so badly, to comfort Ed and tell him he was sorry, that he didn't have to. But that hadn't gotten him where he was today. No, backing down was out of the question. 'I'm sorry Ed.'
"You're serious, aren't you?" Ed asked. In truth, he didn't give a shit about being a State Alchemist. After all his travels, it didn't matter anymore. His name was famous, or infamous, depending on your perspective. And Al had his body back, the very reason he'd become a dog of the military. The only reason he was still in the military, besides the fact they were reluctant to let him go, was Roy. The Colonel always had his best interests at heart; that was obvious even to Ed. But it was their mutual respect that kept him in Mustang's unit. Now it was something else, something more deep that kept him close to the raven haired man, and Ed didn't want to give it up. Not before he had a chance to see where it would take them.
He knew Roy didn't care about the watch either, but that wasn't what Roy really asked him for. If Ed gave the watch back, he gave up Roy as well. The man's eyes told him that.
Ed clapped his hands and transmuted his arm back into a blade. Shayla smiled to herself and kept her eyes closed for the time being.
He closed his eyes in annoyance, idly curling a lock of red hair around his long finger. This was not going as planned.
First, that pipsqueak got away. The blame fell on him for that one, to his embarrassment. How was he to know the kid's spirit had that much power? No one had fought back for a very long time. He hadn't been ready…
Still, it was only a minor setback. The kid had no idea where this place was, nor how to get back to his body, and he planned to use it to his advantage. Fullmetal would be his soon enough.
But there were others here as well, and he knew the kid had found them. That Angel Alchemist, and the Flame Alchemist. They might cause problems, especially the man… If the memories were true, he would die trying to protect the brat.
The girl was nothing to laugh at either. The Dream Alchemist opened his eyes and stared at the portal in front of him. 'That's her alchemy leaking through… If she can use that much power…' Damn, he hated setbacks, minor or not.
And there was that other one that had entered the realm recently. The Dream Alchemist didn't bother with that one. He was no threat, so he'd let the man wander. It made no difference to him if the man became stuck in the realm.
Robert was the biggest problem of all, and the one he was upset over at the moment. The man was no match for him, but he knew too much. If he told Fullmetal and the others… 'Best not think about that outcome.' But maybe it wouldn't make a difference. The others in the realm didn't trust Robert anymore than they trusted him. It could still work out. There was no need to over evaluate yet.
'No. My plan will work. I'll have Fullmetal's body, and Robert will finally be out of my way.' A cruel smile curled up on his face. "Yes, my dear friend. I know exactly what I'll do with you…" The others could wait. Right now, he had to pay Robert a visit. Oh, yes…
Ed didn't meet Roy's eyes, instead staring at his blade. With it… he had to kill Roy, run him through. Just like Gran had done not a few hours before. 'Does that make me as bad as him? Am I no better? Can I even kill him?' The metal gleamed silently, giving him no answer, but promising to do the job if that became Ed's decision.
"Fullmetal. This is the last time I'll say it. Kill me. That's an order." Roy kept his eyes on Ed's haunted expression and pushed away another wave of hopelessness. It needed to be done. The fact that Shayla was patiently waiting for his demise surprised Roy to no end. She could've already killed them all and brought them back again, but she choose to watch quietly.
A soft choking noise came from the boy, and he finally looked at Roy, pleading with his eyes. Despite his stony resolution, Roy felt himself slipping. It became a struggle to keep his mask in place. 'Damn his eyes!' He wanted to look away, but if he did that, Ed would know how unsure Roy was as well. And then there would be no way to get him to agree.
"Please… no." Ed whispered, his eyes filling with tears. It almost broke Roy. Almost.
The man held out his hand. "If you can't follow orders, Fullmetal…" His voice was as icy as he could make it. If Ed did give him the watch… well, he hadn't thought that far. He only hoped Ed was as loyal as he claimed to be.
Ed backed away from the outstretched hand like it was a viper. Once again, he glanced at his blade, contemplating how easily it could end Roy's life.
Maybe he had the wrong idea. Roy was trusting him to come through, and he was letting the man down. 'Maybe this is the only way.' He wanted to leave this memory as much as Roy did, and Shayla was counting on them to free her. And even if the people here were nothing more than memories, Ed didn't wish for them to suffer an endless cycle through life and death because of Shayla's alchemic induced mind. And Roy would come back. He'd been brought back before, and Ed didn't doubt the power Shayla possessed. So why was he so against killing him? Roy would hold no ill will against; the man was actually asking for it. So why?
'Because I can still see him with Gran's blade poking out his back, and his eyes showing how beaten he really was, how he gave up. And when Shayla pulled him off the knife…' Ed blinked his tears back. 'The bastard wasn't moving at all. He was dead. Dead. And I don't think I could go through it again, especially if I'm the one who takes his life.'
But he could do it. He could kill Roy if it came down to it, run him through, slit his throat, do it with any weapon at any time. And that was the real reason why he didn't want to take the Colonel's life.
"Fullmetal." The sound of Roy's voice broke Ed out of his thoughts. He hadn't noticed the man had come to stand right in front of him, arm stretched out. "If you don't do what I order, then I'll relieve you of the watch." His eyes fell on the silver chain sticking out of Ed's pocket from his pants. "Your choice. The blade or the watch." He watched Ed closely, waiting for an answer or any sign that would tell him what he'd decided.
In depression and desperation, Ed lowered his head, staring at the sand, then his blade. The seconds ticked by slowly, neither of them making a sound. Shayla also kept quiet, though the inner voice was screaming obscenities at her friends. 'Ed! Don't do it! Please!'
When Ed's head came up, Roy almost breathed a sigh of relief. Ed's expression was one of defeat and acceptance, what he'd been praying for. 'You made the right choice, Ed.'
"I know you don't want to, but you can do this, Ed. It'll be fine," Roy assured him and lowered his arm.
"Yes… I can kill you," Ed whispered. Another painful jolt went through Roy. Not only did the words sting more than he thought, but his voice was so… hollow. "I can kill you." His golden eyes met Roy's dark ones.
Ed grabbed his watch and threw it at the Colonel's feet.
"That doesn't mean I will."
In any other situation, Ed would've howled and laughed at the shell shocked expression on Roy's face. The man was completely floored by the action. But this was no laughing matter, mainly with what he was going to do next.
He took a few steps back, watching Roy finally look from the watch at his feet to his face. Ed offered him a tiny smile, letting Roy no he didn't hold a grudge for the shit he'd been put through. "I won't kill you, Roy. Not now, not ever." With that, he placed the tip of his blade against his neck, right along the cut Gran had given him.
"No! Edward, don't you do this!" Roy lunged for him, but it was already too late. Ed gave him a full blown grin, then swiftly drew the blade along his throat, blood immediately spilling out. A gurgling sound came out, and Ed's eyes glazed over with pain and death. His entire body twitched in reaction, before slumping forward and crashing forward into Roy's arms. (1)
"ED!" Roy fell to the ground, trying to keep his tears in with Ed still in his arms. "DAMN YOU!" His body convulsed into dry sobs and he clutched to the boy, unnoticing of both the plan and the blood staining his uniform. "Damn you…" He said brokenly. 'It was supposed to be me, not you Ed! Never you…' If he'd known that's what Ed was up to… Not able to hold back, he let the tears fall on Ed's face, cradling the boy gently. "Why?" All he got as a reply was that dead grin on his face.
Shayla started walking again, not really surprised with the outcome. It didn't matter anyway. She now had someone to heal, and that was all she cared about. And as an added bonus, the rebellious part of her was finally silent, probably mourning the loss of Ed. In her depression, she was less likely to fight back. She would be dealt with after he was healed.
Roy heard the footfalls, but refused to move. He didn't want to. Everything inside of him was numb, and all he could feel was the lifeless body in his arms. His right hand stroked Ed's hair, letting his fingers comb through the mess, while his left hand gently lifted Ed's chin. More blood gushed out, splattering the both of them, but it didn't register to either. 'Even like this, you're still beautiful…' He kissed Ed's forehead and tucked the boy's head under his own, rocking them both back and forth. His breaths began to come out in short pants as the rising alchemic energy swelled in the air, but he wouldn't move away. 'It's my fault he did this, so I deserve this.' It never occurred to Roy that he could take his own life. Ed wouldn't let him, and using that as a threat would have been too much, even for him.
But if he had killed himself, it would be Ed in his place, crying over his dead body and in a miserable pain that can't be cured. In the end, Ed had suffered the least with a quick death, while leaving Roy to deal with the mental and emotion anguish. 'Equivalent exchange in a way…' Roy had to smile at that. 'Always that rule.' His eyes closed, and the whiteness sprang up.
"Do not worry," Shayla said tenderly, her voice coming closer. "I shall heal him, and then you."
The light pressed against his mind, and Roy felt himself slowly losing his senses. There was only the alchemy. His body went slack, and both he and Ed slumped to the ground, the boy still spooned against his chest. 'Shayla!'
'YOU BASTARD! I SHOULD HANG YOU UP BY YOUR BALLS FOR THAT STUNT YOU PULLED!' The white light flashed, and Roy felt anger being bombarded at him from all directions. 'ED'S DEAD, YOU ASS!' Shayla screamed.
'I'll let you do whatever you want later! Ed gave us this chance, so we can't waste it!' Anger was soon replaced by determination, and Roy could just picture the woman's orange eyes, glowing like embers.
'Right. I thought up a plan when Ed killed himself, so listen carefully. You might not realize this, but when I heal someone in this memory, I release all the alchemy stored inside myself. So there's a brief point where I'm helpless. Because you're so close to my body, you'll feel the alchemy shift away as well and be able to move. Grab the crystal that's in my right hand. You only get one chance, because if you mess up, I guarantee the alchemic happy part of my mind will keep you dead.'
'So if I mess up, we all die.'
'You'll be dead, Ed will be stuck in a never ending circle of life and death, and I'll probably be sucked into the alchemy, thus becoming like the rest of my mind.'
'So no worries?'
'None whatsoever.' If Roy could've grinned, he would. It felt nice being able to talk the old Shayla again. 'Get ready. I'm about to heal Ed.'
Roy waited stiffly, trying to feel for his arm so he'd be ready. But it was impossible at the moment. The light actually thickened as it got ready for its release, and Roy was caught, losing himself more in the whiteness. 'Shayla!'
Then he could see, his eyes staring over the top of Ed's head. Shayla kneeled in front of him with her eyes open, white pupils glowing eerily, and her expression one of intense concentration. Her left hand lay on Ed's neck, the wound already healed. At first Roy felt a leap of happiness, but then cursed himself for wasting his first precious second.
Reaching out blindly, Roy grabbed the right arm and yanked it closer with his left hand. White eyes shot up, completely caught off guard as her hand was thrust in Roy's face. Her grip accidentally loosened on the amplifier, and the red crystal peeked out from the confines of her hand. But the alchemic rush was already on its way back; Roy could feel the air shift towards them.
"No…"
His right hand forced its way into Shayla's grip, ready to grab the crystal away. Slim fingers began to curl around it, the power pulsing in his palm.
Then the world went white. Roy felt all ties with his body be cut off as his mind was engulfed by Shayla's alchemy. 'NO! Shayla, I didn't get it!'
'Ro-- Y-- yo--- id!' The girl's voice wavered, as did the white void, Roy's vision starting to switch from lightness to the dark of night rapidly. Finally, the darkness won, and a huge rush of sound and feeling hit him. The first that registered was the crystal in his hands. He dropped it quickly.
"Roy! Yes you did!" A tremendous hug crushed the air out of his lungs, and Roy gasped loudly. "Oops. Guess you need to breathe." Shayla released her friend and stood up, surveying everything around them. "I never thought I'd like the sounds of guns as much as I do now…"
To make sure the whiteness was really gone, Roy closed his eyes a few times, but he only saw the backs of his eyelids. "We actually did it," He whispered to himself. It had been such a long shot chance.
"Yeah, we did." Shayla looked down. "How's Ed?" She smirked to herself as the man quickly turned Ed on his back and shook him. "Relax. I'm sure he's fine."
Roy didn't listen to her. "Ed? Ed!" The boy's head rocked back and forth from the force of the shakes, but he didn't move otherwise. "Ed! Wake up!" The urgency in his tone started to get to Shayla, so she bent down again to inspect him.
"He's breathing fine, Roy. I'll bet he's just tired." She gave him a pointed glare. "You keep shaking him like that, and he'll bite off your head."
"Right now I don't care."
"You should, bastard." A blonde brow furrowed in annoyance. "I'm getting a headache."
At the sound of Ed's voice, both Shayla and Roy breathed a sigh of relief. The man went back to hugging the boy, and Shayla just smirked. 'If those two aren't in love now, I'll eat that amplifier crystal.' That thought brought back some unpleasant feelings. Her mind was back to normal, and her need to heal was like it had always been: there, but not overpowering. 'And that's how it should be.' The crystal was still laying on the ground where Roy had dropped it, but she didn't dare pick it up. She could go back into relapse for all she knew. Better she get far away from it.
So deciding to give them some privacy, even though she did want to eavesdrop, Shayla left to check out the temple and maybe even find Scar. The superstitious idiot was probably hiding somewhere.
Noticing Shayla's departure, Roy stared at the golden hair right below his chin. 'I should apologize… but….' Would Ed be willing to forgive him? He'd really been brutal on the teen, hitting him where it hurt the most. He'd even threatened their new relationship. It made him sick to his stomach knowing he'd said all those things… True, he hadn't meant any of it, but that fact didn't mean he could take it back. 'I don't deserve him anymore. Or maybe I never deserved him in the first place…'
"Stop thinking so hard. You're making me anxious…" Ed grumbled without opening his eyes. Roy smiled at that and stroked Ed's hair, but he could comply with the command. Taking a deep breath, Roy decided it was time to get it over with. 'Maybe we can at least be friends still.' But that was wishful thinking.
"Edward… I'm sor--"
"Don't."
"… But--"
"Just don't."
"Ed, I owe you an apology."
"You don't owe me shit." Roy growled at the boy's stubbornness. 'He never makes this easy.' He lifted Ed's chin so he could look at his face. Slowly, golden eyes reluctantly opened, annoyance shining in them. "Do I need to spell it out for you?"
"Did dying destroy your brain cells? Do you even remember what I said to you? Ed, I challenged your loyalty and…," He took another breath. "Our relationship…" Ed said nothing for a second, instead just looking at the Colonel.
"You blow everything out of proportion, bastard. Did you mean any of those things?" The question caught Roy off guard. That wasn't what he'd been expecting…
"No. I didn't mean any of it," He confessed.
"See? It was an act. And I don't see why you're so upset. It's no different from when you usually piss me off to get what you want." Ed shook his head out of Roy's grasp and burrowed back into the man's chest. "You worry too much. I don't hate you. And if a stupid apology means that much to you, I forgive you. Ok?" The words were somewhat muffled, but Roy heard them anyways. And he couldn't describe the exhilaration he felt.
Roy hugged to boy closer to him. "I still don't think I deserve to be forgiven."
"If you bring this up one more time, I will skewer you. Stupid bastard Colonel…" Roy chuckled in his throat.
"Somehow you know how to make me feel better, you brat." Ed's head popped back up in anger.
"Brat? At least I'm not a bastard!"
"Child."
"Egotistical Geezer!"
Roy's eyes narrowed into slits. "Did you just call me old?"
"Now why would I say something like that?" Ed smirked at the death glare he got. "You're not old, you're just…" Ed pretended to think for a moment. "You're just past your prime, that's all." Now fully into their game, Ed made a show of examining Roy's hair. "Ummm… I think I see a gray hair…" Ed now poked the man's chest. "And we're letting ourselves go, aren't we? I hope those aren't your pecks. Feel more like boobs to me."
"If anyone has boobs, that'd be you Ed. You're the one who grows your hair long." Grinning down at him, Roy yanked the silky tresses. Ed yelped at the treatment, his face turning red.
"I do not look like a girl!"
"Could've fooled me. And that red coat of yours is always hiding your body. Got something to hide?"
"There's nothing wrong with my coat!"
"And then there's your hei--" Ed grabbed a handful of hair and pulled Roy's head down, ignoring the wince on the man's face.
"If you even think about saying anything regarding my you-know-what, I'll stick something up your ass, and I promise you won't enjoy it," He hissed. A very… disturbing image popped in Roy's mind, and he shuddered in fear.
"Would it be stupid if I asked what exactly what you'd stick up my a--"
"Do you want me to demonstrate?" Roy shook a negative. Looking pleased, Ed let go of the man's hair.
Saying he felt disgruntled was an understatement, but he deserved it. Besides, Roy would do anything to put a smile on Ed's face anyway… even if it ended up in bodily disfigurement on his part. 'Shit. What the hell have I gotten myself into? I just had togo after the one with a temper…'
Roy's thoughts were interrupted when an unexpected stampede of people came pouring out of the temple just then, their screams a mixture of bewilderment and relief. Confused, Ed and Roy quickly got on their feet and moved out the way before they were trampled to death.
"What? I thought all the people were already out the temple." Ed mused.
"Shayla. She must've healed the entire building…" Roy shook his head in amazement. "It's a good thing all that power is gone."
"Why do you say that?" Roy glanced down at Ed, hesitating.
"The military doesn't like alchemists who have too much power. And if Shayla could do all these things in real life… Do you honestly think Stanford would let her live?" Silence met his question. "Exactly."
"Then I guess it's a good thing she's back to normal," Ed finally answered. The very thought of Shayla being killed because of her power… but what about him? "Roy, I'm considered pretty powerful in my own right. So far, no one's threatened me… Why's that?" Roy smiled sadly, and Ed became more suspicious. "Roy…"
"Because you have a very big weakness, and the military knows they can exploit it when needed."
"Weakness?" Ed frowned. "What weakness?"
"Do you really have to ask?" It took a while, but realization dawned on the teen's face.
"Al… and Winry… and everyone else..."
"I'm afraid you don't know the inner workings of the military, Ed. That's the reason I want to become Fuhrer." A pained look came across his face. "So that I can put a stop to it all." Ed watched him quietly, before clapping the man on the back and grinning.
"Don't worry, Colonel. We'll all get you up there."
"Ah. So you're gonna help me now?"
"Of course! Hughes can only do so much, especially when he's busy taking all those damn pictures." Roy laughed at that, then returned Ed's smile.
"Thank you, Edward. Now, let's find that woman and get out of here."
"Kayamna." Scar nodded as the woman approached. He wasn't surprised that she'd found him hiding behind the temple. "I must say, I'm impressed with your power." Shayla growled at him.
"I told you not to call me that!"
"It's your name."
"It's the name your damn people gave me." Scar raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. "And that wasn't my real power. The amplifier accidentally increased it tenfold. It almost took over me."
"Use any excuse you want, but it was still your power. The amplifier just gave you the opportunity to tap into it."
"This is alchemy, not magic. There's no power to tap into." They were interrupted by the sudden stampede of feet and hollers coming from within the temple. All the previous aggravation seeped out of her, and she sighed happily. "At least they're okay."
"Thanks to your power."
Now she sighed in irritation. "Do we need to keep arguing about this?"
"You can't keep denying who you are, kayamna. Maybe this alchemy isn't magic, but you've still have alarming potential with it. No one else can perform the things you can." Shayla ran a hand through her slightly frizzy hair, but didn't deny what the Ishbalan said. "You are what the State Alchemists would call a prodigy."
"No, that's Ed."
"There can be more than one."
"Alright! I get it!" Shayla forced the tears back into her eyes, not wanting to appear weak in from of him. "It's not my fault I can do these things! I never wanted to be able to do all of this!"
"Then why do you still?"
"… I… made a promise to two people. And I'll be damned if I break it now." Her orange eyes glowed in the darkness, and Scar was momentarily stunned by them. "There's no turning back for me," She whispered.
"… You should tell them. They deserve to know," Scar stated.
"They're the only friends I have. I can't lose them… even for the truth."
"Then you hide from the truth."
"So be it."
"Shayla!" The woman turned around in alarm, but relaxed once she realized it was only Ed. "We need to leave! The temple's gonna collapse!" At the same moment, a thunderous crack exploded from said building, more smoke pouring out.
"Oh shit!" Shayla ran after Ed, not giving Scar another glance. "We have to hurry!"
"They deserve the truth, kayamna!" The statement chased Shayla all the way to the entrance, echoing in her mind. 'I can't give them the truth…' She would run from it as long as she could.
"Shayla!" Roy grabbed her arm, pulling her up the stairs to the temple and into the gray void. "You can daydream later, let's go!"
The first inner chamber was clouded heavily with smoke, almost as thick as the alchemic buzz Shayla had produced. The roar of the fire was deafening, and if Shayla had let go of Roy's arm, she was sure she'd lose them. "Roy!" Shayla coughed out. "Where's Ed?" The amount of smoke would kill them if they didn't get out soon.
"Right in front of you!" Ed's voice called out. "The fire hasn't blocked the inner sanctuary yet, but there's so much smoke, I don't think we'll be able to find the portal!"
"I can! Roy, follow Ed's voice!" Soon her arm was pulled, Roy and Ed shouting things at each other. She didn't pay attention, not with Scar's words still occupying her thoughts.
They deserve the truth, kayamna.
'How can I tell them the truth when I hate to admit it?' A bout of coughing broke her from her thinking, the smoke even thicker than previously. Her eyes stung immensely, and she relied only on Roy's guidance and her sense of hearing. But those wouldn't do her much good. She could hear the building starting to give, the support beams too weak and charred to hold it up. Plus the crackling of the flames wasn't helping.
"Shayla! What now?" Roy asked. His voice was heavily muffled, even though he stood inches away from her. "I can't see!"
"You have to find the huge statue! The one of Ishbala! The portal's in front of it!" Suddenly, Roy let go of Shayla's arm, leaving her helpless. "Roy!" She reached out, grabbing nothing but smoke and air. Searing heat pushed against her back, and she moved away from it. "Where are you!" Panic flooded her, and her breaths turned ragged, more smoke going into her lungs. 'Oh no… I'm gonna di--'
A hand grabbed her ankle, and Shayla almost screamed, but inhaling too many fumes caused her to cough again. "Shayla?"
"Roy, what are you doing on the floor? You scared the shit out of me!" The man stood up and grabbed her arm again.
"Smoke rises, so I looked for the statue's feet!" He pulled her sharply to the right, shouting for Ed. Shayla chanced opening her eyes, and they started to water profusely. She shut them again and hoped Roy was running in the right direction.
Another loud crack forced its way to her ears, followed by a groaning noise. Booming noises sounded off everywhere as the support beams finally gave in to the weight and fire of the temple. Chunks of stone flew down from the ceiling, almost crashing down on the trio. "You guys, the building!"
Abruptly they stopped, but Shayla still felt the heat and smoke around her. "Shayla, I can't find it! You said right in front of the statue?" The creaking grew louder, and the fires flicked and twirled in desperate need for more oxygen.
"I don't feel it either!" Ed shouted, his voice frantic.
Ignoring her dizzy state, Shayla took a chance and shook herself from Roy's grip, ignoring the cry of protest she got. She slid to the floor and opened her eyes. The smoke was not much better near the ground, but it was enough. She saw the shimmering portal near their feet, only a few meters away. "Go directly to your right, and keep running! You'll fly through it!"
A shuffle of feet made their way toward the portal, and Shayla watched as two sets of legs disappeared in an instant. 'Good, they got out.' Weakly, she stood on her feet, the smoke once watering her eyes. Making her way to the portal as well, large slabs of the temple kept falling at an alarming rate, smashing dangerously close to her. Her body swayed from exhaustion and stress. 'Come on! Don't give up! Just a bit more!'
An acute pain in her leg said otherwise, and Shayla crashed down to the sooty floor, her goal only inches away. She screamed loudly as her ankle was crushed beneath a fallen piece of rubble. Tears fell and dried up on her face, and she pulled wildly, struggling to get her foot free. The slab wasn't very big, but already tired and drained, she could do little at the moment.
"No…" She whispered. 'I can't die. Not yet…' Darkness clouded the sides of her vision, the portal shimmering brightly amongst the fire and smoke, promising her freedom.
"Mother… I won't die…"
"She hasn't come out, Roy." Ed paced in the black abyss, looking nervously at the portal. "She should be out by now."
"It's only been a minute. Time might be different in there. For all we know, ten seconds could've gone by," Roy reassured, but he was as worried as Ed. The woman should've been right behind them, but she had yet to appear.
The tension rapidly mounted, and after a few more seconds, Ed snapped. "That's it. I'm going back in there." Roy jumped in front of the boy.
"No! We don't know what will happen if we go back in there!" Ed pushed at Roy.
"Well, it's better than waiting here! What if she's trapped?" The man grabbed both his arms, refusing to let Ed get away.
"Ed…"
"I'm not losing her again!"
"Ed! Calm down!" Wriggling wildly, Ed fought against Roy grip. "Ed, we can't do anything more right now except hope she comes out soon!"
"Bastard, let me go!"
"Would you two stop fighting? I'm getting a headache." Shayla rolled her eyes good naturally, resisting the urge to laugh at their faces. "Don't look so happy to see me."
"Shayla!" Ed removed himself from Roy's slack arms and ran over to her. "What the hell were you doing? You should've been out right after us!" Shayla smiled at him, pointing to her ankle.
"I was, but then I broke my ankle." She watched in amusement as Ed eyed her perfectly healed ankle, then look at her quizzically. "It's kinda hard to explain…"
"Ed, where's your watch?" Roy asked. The mention of his State Alchemist watch caused Ed to panic.
"Oh damn! I forgot it back in the memory!"
"No you didn't. It's right there." Shayla pointed to the silver chain peeking out of Ed's pocket.
"But how…"
"We're not sure, but when we leave a memory, we don't keep any injuries we suffered. And anything we lost is regained back here," Roy explained.
"So it's kind of like everything's reset once we return to this abyss…" Ed mused. Shayla nodded at his words.
"Pretty much."
"But still, how did you get out?" Roy asked. "If your ankle was broken…" Turning her gaze to the portal, Shayla sighed softly.
"Scar… He… followed us to the temple. When a piece of debris fell on my ankle, he picked it up and helped me to the portal."
"Wait. Scar knew about the portal?" Ed shook his head in disbelief. "How?"
"I…"
"What are you doing, you stupid Ishbalan! You need to leave here!"
"You're using your magic to leave? Fine, I will help you. I wish you luck, kayamna. I'm sure you'll keep your promises."
"The building's collapsing! Please go!"
"Never lose your fire, kayamna of the moon."
"Shayla? Did you hear what I said?" She shook herself out of her own personal memories.
"Huh?"
"What happened to Scar?" Roy prompted. He already knew, given Shayla's expression, but he still wanted to make sure. The woman was silent, staring off into the darkness, before she started to walk off.
"The building collapsed as soon as he pushed me in," She replied.
Ed exchanged a glance with Roy, neither deciding to comment. Instead, they followed the woman silently.
The trio walked quietly, no one speaking a word. Ed worried about his female friend. He'd never seen her so… down before. Scar's death was effecting her more than he'd thought. And worse, he knew nothing he said would help her.
Similar thoughts ran through Roy's head. He wasn't sure if it was Scar's death that had upset her. That, after all, wasn't the real Scar. And the two definitely didn't get along, as far as he could tell, especially when Scar called her a… kayamna, or something close to that. He was tempted to ask what it meant, but decided he'd save it for later. It obviously had to deal with the woman's past, and Roy had enough dirty secrets to know not to go digging.
"Should we go through this one?" Shayla asked. She'd stopped in front of what must've been another portal. All Roy and Ed saw was a faint glimmer, barely noticeable to them.
"Doesn't matter to me," Ed replied.
At that, Shayla turned around and glared. "You said that last time, and look where we ended up!" Ed flinched away from the tone, a bit put off.
"Ed was just giving an honest answer, Shayla."
She rounded on Roy. "Well sorry for being snappish, but I'm sick of this place! We don't know how long we've been in here, and we don't know how to get the fuck out! I just want to go home!"
"And you think we don't?" Ed snapped. "I don't know what's your problem, but you don't have to take it out on us!"
"You don't even have any idea what I'm going through!"
"Well we would if you bothered to tell us!" Ed yelled back.
Roy stepped in between the feuding companions.
"Stop it. Arguing won't get us anywhere, and you know it."
"Well, she still has no right to yell at us just because she's the reason Scar died," Ed muttered quietly, but Shayla heard it. Her eyes widened in shock before filling to the brim with tears. Without another word, she ran into the portal, not bothering to wait for the others.
"Ed, you have absolutely no finesse when it comes to women," Roy sighed, and massaged his temples.
"What? She had it coming. And it was the truth!"
"But she has a point. We don't know what's wrong with her." Ed just snorted, refusing to see Roy's point.
"And that's her fault, isn't it?"
"Do you like talking about your travels when you searched for the Philosopher's Stone? Or what happened to your mother?" Roy stared down Ed's fearsome glare, waiting for him to come to his senses. "You haven't told her all about yourself, Ed. So don't you dare blame her. And just the fact she's a woman makes it different. She's more prone to fits than we are. Didn't you learn anything from your friend Winry?" Sheepishly, Ed turned his eyes away.
"Okay, I get it. I need to apologize… But so does she!"
"Ed, I've learned three universal truths throughout my life. One: War will always be ugly. Two: Love hurts. Three: Women are mysterious beings that can, and will, make a man's life a raging hell."
Ed stared at him blankly. "… And?"
Roy laughed silently. "Just apologize, Ed. Trust me." Bringing the conversation to an end, the Colonel motioned to the portal and walked in himself. Ed shook his head, still not getting what he'd been told, but deciding it was better if he did apologize. Shayla certainly could make his life hell if she wanted to, that was for sure.
Shayla heard Ed and Roy come through the portal, but said nothing to them. She instead kept her attention focused in front of the scene before her. 'What's going on?'
"Shayla?" Ed called out. Surveying his new surroundings, Ed was disappointed it wasn't daytime. The moon was out, casting its glow on the world, and the sky was littered with bright stars. They seemed to have landed in a patch of bushes, right near a sidewalk and street. A lone light post lit up the street, and also a phone booth right next to it. "Shayla?"
"Shh!" Shayla stuck a hand in the air to show them where she was, indicating for them to be quiet. Roy found her behavior odd, but said nothing and nodded his head in Shayla's direction so Ed would follow.
The two found Shayla kneeling on the dirt, arranging a few leaves so she could see across the street. Looking up at the two, she frowned then yanked them both down with her. "Don't make a sound!" She murmured, then turned back to the street. Ed glanced at Roy, who nodded his head at him. Taking a deep breath, he broke the silence.
"Shayla… I'm sorry for that earlier comment…" She turned to him, wondering if she should yell at him for speaking or thank him for the apology. Finally deciding he was serious about it, she gave Ed a small smile and waved it off.
"I owe you the apology. I was just being bitchy." After Ed returned the grin, she punched him on his left arm. "Now shut up!"
Roy snickered as Ed rubbed his bruised muscle, finding the entire situation hilarious. Shayla turned a glare on him as well. He immediately stopped, giving an innocent expression. Ed punched him in the chest.
"Shit! What was that for?"
"Just because you're a bastard."
"Would you both kindly shut the hell up!" Shayla hissed. Both men froze on the spot, turning to the enraged woman. "They're gonna hear you!"
"Who's 'they'?" Ed whispered. Shifting a few leaves and twigs out of his way, Ed searched for whatever Shayla was seeing. It didn't take him long to find it.
"Is that… Hughes?" (A/N) Ed and Roy- NO CLIFFYS! Bandit- I wasn't gonna! Jeeze…
At the mention of his best friend, Roy nudged his way next to Ed and took a look. "Hughes is here?"
"Does that mean this is his memory?" Ed asked.
"Not necessarily. One of us could remember Hughes, that's all," Roy answered, his eyes still on the man.
Hughes was standing alone, talking to a young woman hidden in the shadows, obviously upset about something. His stance was rigid, and Roy could barely make out the unnoticeable gesture he used when bringing out his knives. 'This isn't my memory. I know that much…'
"Who's the woman?" Shayla questioned.
"Don't know… wait. She reminds me of Ross."
Roy shot Ed a look. "Ross? The woman with the mole under her left eye?"
"That's her. It could be my memory, since I had the most contact with her… but I don't remember this at all." Ed peered closer. "But that's her, alright."
"I've never seen her, so that counts me out," Shayla stated.
Ross stepped out of the shadows, an odd smirk on her face. Hughes was saying something, and pointing at her face, then all of the sudden lunged. If they'd blinked, the would've missed Hughes' attack. The woman swayed and then fell backward, with blood flying in all directions. Hughes stared at her, his face full of anger and hate.
"What the hell!" Ed's statement agreed with Shayla and Roy's stunned expressions.
"Well, I guess that answers it then. This isn't our memory." Roy made a move to get out of the bushes, but Shayla stopped him.
"Wait. I just want to see what happens. We don't know for sure whose memory this is, and Hughes might not recognize me."
"Oh no…" Both of them looked over at Ed, who had gone white as a sheet.
"What's wrong, Ed?" Shayla let go of Roy just as a bright flash erupted through the bushes. "What was that ?" She went back to watching Hughes and Ross, only to see the woman replaced by Gracia, a gun gleaming in her outstretched hand. Hughes backed away from her, hands balled into fists, but not really looking surprised, even though his wife was about to gun him down. "Where did Gracia come from… Oh, shit! She's gonna shoot him!"
Roy bolted, busting out of his hiding place. Immediately he snapped a few times at Gracia, the woman looking surprised and extremely pissed now that she saw she had an audience. Cursing at her luck, the woman dodged the attacks and ran from sight.
Shayla and Ed had already made it to Hughes side, the man staring at all of them with a dazed expression. "Uh…"
"Hughes," Shayla said slowly, "do you recognize me?" Hughes blinked a few times, then gave her a full blown grin.
"Well of course I do, Shayla! Gods, I'm glad I found you guys!" With a squeal, Shayla lunched herself at him, giving Hughes a death hug.
"Hughes! I can't believe you're here! I've missed you, ya picture happy freak!" Hughes laughed and returned the hug, swinging the woman in the air a few times. Finally he set her down and turned to Ed.
"Good to see ya, Lieutenant Colonel!" Ed grinned up at him. "Seems like forever, doesn't it?"
"You betcha. Hey, have you gotten taller?" Ed's grin turned sour at the comment.
"Oh shut up about my height!" Hughes took a step back, chuckling at the reaction.
"Still a lot of bite, I see…" Roy walked up the man, inspecting him quietly before looking him in the face.
"Maes, what are you doing here?" His answer was being pulled into a hug, the force practically crushing his smaller frame. "HUGHES!"
"Roy! My savior! You chased off the shape shifter to save my life!" Hughes cried, ignoring the protests and struggles, spinning the man around like he'd done with Shayla. Nearby, Shayla and Ed howled in laughter at the sight. "I feel so loved! My lovely wife and daughter thank you from the bottom of their cute little hearts!" (2)
"HUGHES!" Roy sputtered, face red as Ed's jacket. "PUT ME DOWN, YOU IDIOT!" Ed clutched onto Shayla's arm, tears running down his cheeks as he hooted at the Colonel in such an awkward position.
"I really want a camera!" Shayla choked out, and both of them tumbled to the ground in hysterics.
"My sides!" Ed gasped.
"DAMN YOU HUGHES! I'LL FRY YOUR ASS!" Knowing he'd make good on his threat, Hughes set him on the ground. Roy pushed him away, looking ready to fry him anyway, but Hughes put his arms up in surrender, still snickering to himself.
"Leave him alone, Roy," Shayla chuckled, both her and Ed recovering. "He just missed you."
Roy glared at Hughes. "You did it on purpose," he accused. The man with glasses didn't deny it, instead shrugging his shoulders.
"I am glad to see you guys," Hughes said, turning serious. "I got some rather important information you'd like to know."
"Good, but first, how did you get in here?" Shayla asked. "Was it another accident?" Hughes shook his head.
"No. I got here using alchemy." All three of his friends gawked.
"You… used alchemy?" Roy asked disbelievingly. Hughes puffed out his chest in pride.
"Yep. Had Havoc teach me that one for light."
"But… why?" The very thought of Hughes using alchemy… as if the man wasn't enough trouble with his camera. "You didn't burn anything, did you?" That got a glare aimed at Roy.
"No! I did it perfectly fine, thank you!" He sniffed. "And I needed the array because it's how you get into the realm."
"The secret is alchemy?" Shayla asked.
"Actually, you need a certain type of array that's invisible when drawn, so if you mess up, then you don't know what you did wrong. But after a body's in tune with the realm, any alchemic device used on that person will send you here."
"…Hughes, just start at the beginning," Roy advised.
Nodding to himself, Hughes stayed silent for a moment, then continued. "Alright. First off, we're in a place that connects the body with your memories and thoughts and dreams. It can only be accessed through a certain array, like I said, and after a body is connected here, any array can be used to access this place."
"So you're saying…" Shayla struggled to find the right words. "That Ed was connected to this place when he was attacked by the Dream Alchemist, and because I used my alchemy on him, it sent my mind here as well?" Hughes nodded.
"That's it."
"Then what about me?" Roy asked. "I didn't use alchemy."
"Your gloves, I'd guess." Hughes pointed to Roy's hand. "It's got an array on it, so it works."
"But I only touched Shayla's arm."
"Her body was connected to the realm when you touched her. That's why you got sucked in as well," Hughes stated. Shayla's eyes widened in realization.
"So you used the array you learned on one of us, and your mind got sent here too? So does this mean our bodies are okay?"
"We're all in a comatose. Otherwise we're fine," Hughes reassured. "The only reason our bodies are alive is because our souls are alive here. If you die in here, then your bodies are shut off as well. Or if all bodies are cut off from the realm." Shayla, Roy and Ed exchanged looks.
"Umm… if we die then come back in this place, is there a chance we can get back to our bodies?" Ed asked sheepishly. Slowly, Hughes nodded.
"As long as you're not the only one connected to the realm so it stays open…" He glanced at them all suspiciously. "Why?"
"Well… Ed's died. Twice," Shayla answered.
"And I was dead once," Roy stated. Hughes blinked.
"Don't tell me how, 'cause my brain can't take it yet."
"Good answer. Now, is there any way to leave this… realm?" Ed asked.
"Yeah. That's the reason I came. You guys would be wandering around here forever if I didn't tell you. I'm sure you've come into contact with the portals around here." Everyone nodded. "Well, there are special portals that lead directly back to our bodies. We just need to find them."
"How?" Shayla asked. "I didn't even know we could go into our dreams here. We've only encountered memories so far."
"That's because memories are easier to assess. They stay with you forever, while thoughts are fleeting and don't last. Dreams you can enter, but the fade sometimes, unless it's a really strong one. But anyway, only the owner of the body can find this type of portal."
"Makes sense," Ed mused.
"I got a question. How is it that we can get hurt in a memory, but when we go back to that black abyss, we're completely healed?" Hughes turned to Shayla.
"Because it's a memory. None of these things really happen, so it's like everything's reset when you leave. This was supposed to be the reason this type of alchemy was made, so people could experience their memories again, but let's just say some alchemists found a better use for going to the realm."
"Body hopping," Roy assumed.
"Yeah. If you can find the portal to another's body, you can take over. Only catch is you have to kill the original soul, or it won't work."
"So that's how our killer did it. He used the alchemy to create this realm, then he kills the original soul and takes over the body. Probably forces the weaker soul to point out the door to their body," Ed mused.
"Not quite," Hughes said. "He doesn't create this place. If what I read from the book is correct, this place has always been here. Sorta like a different dimension that only souls can reach."
"So humans basically stumbled on this place? Sounds like us," Shayla grumbled. "You know how far back we used the realm?"
"Nope. It had to be at least seventy years, if not more."
"Why do you say that?" Roy asked. Hughes sighed, getting tired of all the explaining.
"Because seventy years ago, ten guys, including one alchemist, died from an unknown cause. Their eyeballs were blown up."
"Only one alchemist?" Roy prompted.
"Yeah. He was convicted of treason against the current Fuhrer. I'm guessing it had to do with the forbidden alchemy."
"Whoa whoa whoa!" Ed waved his hands in the air. "Did you just say forbidden?"
"Did I leave that part out?" Hughes asked himself, scratching his head. "But yeah, using alchemy to go to the realm is considered forbidden. But not many know about this place anyway, so I'm sure you haven't heard of it."
"I didn't know about it," Roy complained.
"Hey, neither did I until I read this one book that Gra-- err…" Hughes laughed nervously, choosing to ignore the looks he got. "It's nothing important."
"Like hell it isn't. What have you guys been doing while I've been… on leave?" Roy asked.
"Saving your ass, you ungrateful bastard."
Roy glared at his best friend. "I think you should elaborate."
"Just so you know, Roy, you really are on leave. Shayla, you're dead. And so is Ed. Stanford was busy while you guys were out of action."
"That fuckin' prick!" Shayla hissed, stomping her foot childishly. "Pisses me off!"
"We had to fake Shayla and Ed's death. If your bodies die, then you're stuck here. And we took a trip to the Fuhrer's private library." The shock was clear on Roy's face.
"He let you in there?"
"I didn't say that…"
"Please tell me you didn't get caught!"
Hughes waved off the question. "Nah. That's where I got the book telling about all the little goodies in the realm."
"You're all impossible." A smile started to form on Roy's face. "And I'm certain Stanford pissed Hawkeye off enough that she wants to get rid of him."
"Hey! You're the one who ordered it!" Hughes yelled. "We're following orders! Plus, it's not like we haven't done this before."
"I can't believe I have suicidal people as friends," Shayla breathed. "I'm so proud right now." Hughes walked over and clapped her on the back.
"Welcome to insanity. Population- everyone in contact with Roy Mustang. Spread the love."
"You're all nuts," Roy scoffed.
"You're the ringleader," Ed answered. As the two continued bickering, Hughes nudged Shayla and nodded his head in their direction. The woman smirked and waggled her eyebrows in reply.
"About damn time," Hughes whispered. "I was starting to think I'd never be the best man."
"And I still want to wear that dress," Shayla confessed.
"The red one that brings out your eyes?"
"That's the one." They snickered softly and watched their best friends fight.
"Who's gonna wear the dress?" Hughes asked her.
"Ed. Hands down. Roy would just look like a damn fool. Would be funny though…"
"I'll take pictures."
"You better. And we're so gonna mail them out."
"Shayla, that's evil… I love it!"
"Christmas cards!"
"… But what if they don't?"
Shayla snorted at him. "I'll shove them in a closet if I have to."
"Thata girl! I knew I was rubbing off!" (3)
"… So that's everything?" Havoc took a deep hit from the cigarette hanging from his mouth, trying to calm his nerves. "From the way you say it, sounds like they'll never get out."
"I doubt it," Stanford stated. "Not with your Dream Alchemist blocking the way."
"What should we do?" Fury asked quietly. The whole situation had dampened his mood, knowing that he might never see his friends again.
"Not much you can do. Just continue your rebellion and put Stanford out of office." The fake Fuhrer grinned. "And because I'm so damn nice, I'll help you guys out." Hawkeye narrowed her eyes at him.
"What's the catch?" She asked.
"None. I just love causing treason. Very entertaining. And Stanford is a dumbass anyway." Stanford smirked at them all, before turning serious. "I'll give you all a little hint though. If they don't come back in a week, I suggest you kill them." Everyone stiffened at the words, Hawkeye going as far to bring her gun back out again.
"You. Do not. Touch. Them." She hissed. The tall man's eyes narrowed into slits, not appreciating the tone.
"I'm trying to do you pathetic humans a favor. Were you deaf the entire time I explained everything to you? You know what the Dream Alchemist wants!"
"Roy and the others will stop him," Havoc spoke up. "They're not pushovers."
"Yeah," Fury piped in. "With Hughes there to explain everything, I'm sure they'll be fine."
Stanford shook his head in pure disgust and made for the doorway. "Fine. But don't blame me when you bring about the end of the world as you know it!" He growled, before leaving them all to their own thoughts.
(1) (stares at the story) I must have an alter ego or something, because I did not plan that! Where in seven hells did it come from? (looks over shoulder) I'm now officially afraid.
(2) Laugh my skinny ass off! I luv Hughes!
(3) I luv the dialog!
I'm so tired right now. I stayed up all night typing this, so be very happy! I'm going to Kansas for a reunion, and I might as well be traveling back in time. No computers… which means no chapter for a week, maybe two. Sorry!
Marii- Wow, this is the longest review I've ever gotten! Yay! And don't worry about not reviewing all this time. As long as you're enjoying the story, I'm happy… but you can certainly review anyway! ;p I made you cry? Wow, you really got into the story! As for my control, it's being tested daily by Ed and Roy, who can't seem to keep their hands off each other… (sighs and hears hentai noises in the kitchen) Bravely I struggle on…
alchemistgrl09- Don't worry about it. Just review when you can! You still love it? (throws out recently stolen plushies)
Uniasus- (cowers in a corner from Uniasus's wrath)
Hallahello- Nah. I love the bastard, but when it comes down to Ed or Roy… well… What can I say?
Seeker Carter- I know! I love that part! Seeing a sentimental Ed is cute!
Akumako- Yeah, that's the vision I had when I wrote it. And I'm sorry, but you grabbed the wrong guy. (Kills Ed and runs)
Nika- I have more followers! (cackles) And Ed didn't kill Roy… he just killed himself.
RejectedAndLoved- Yes Gran had it coming. I was waiting to kill the bastard off! You think I captured their emotions well? Yes! (dances in circles) And I'm happy for such a long review. Makes me write faster! ;p
Shingo-sama- Well he could… that doesn't mean he's gonna… fufufufu….
rebellion2fate- Your Roy is safe! But Ed kinda got caught in the crossfire… fufufufufu…
Anonymous- I'm surprised myself I haven't run out of ideas. I'm just lucky!
arynna- Oh, you're gonna find out all about Shayla in the next chapter…
Asaka Kiseragi- NO! I spelled liar wrong! (cries) Ah, I'll live. And I'm glad you nick pick. Keeps me on my toes! ;p Yes, hunt down David Moo and castrate him!… With a blunt knife!… A JAGGED blunt knife! I'm so evil… And yes, I want your journal name. Mine's plushiebandit. Imagine that…
Shadow Vampiress- I won't kill Roy! I'll kill Ed instead, 'cause I love him! (gets strange stare) … What?
Orenji Yoh-chan- Yes you will. I bet you liked this chapter, right? RIGHT? Hehehe…
Basser- Sorry. I killed Ed instead. I'm sure you don't mind. :p Sounded like magic? Yes, I suppose it did kinda, but what can I say? And Al is with Winry. I don't think I really explained where he went… Oops.
Roxie Faye- You're my beta! (points at her) HEY EVERYONE! SHE'S MY BETA! (throws random assortment of cookies at her) And Ed would have a hard time killing Roy. That's why he didn't! I love twists in a plot… ;p And your comments helped! Thank you!
Torii- Yes, naughty Envy! Leave Fury alone!… with Havoc! … No, you can't join them! (throws pot at Envy)
inuyashabooklover5188- I'm sure you went ballistic when Ed killed himself. Am I right? (grins) Thought so.
LegacyRBsummers- (laughs) Holy shitballs and rice? Oh, god that's funny!
Ed- (reads story) Let me get this straight. We ask for a lemon, and you have me commit suicide? How did you get from lemon to suicide!
Roy- I'm now a firm believer in split personalities… And damn, Bandit's hates Ed.
Bandit- Chances are she hates you as well, Roy… And I'm perfectly sane! I don't have another personality!
Ed- Whatever. (looks at reviewers) Just review, please.
(A/N) And just so you have something to look forward to, the next chapter is about Shayla's mysterious past… Oh yeah! Review!