Roy/Ed 45 Themes
State Alchemist
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Hope. Hope and Duty. Those had been the reasons, that Edward did what he did. Those reasons no longer applied. They were no longer needed as excuses. Edward didn't have to do it any more. It was over now. Al had been restored. So, why was Ed still here.
Ed stood atop the roof of central looking out into the sleeping city. The stars shone brightly overhead, and all was quiet except for his still breathing. Al had left that very moring to return home, Winry would be there waiting. What Ed couldn't answer is why he hadn't gone with Al.
"Fullmetal," a voice questioned from behind.
"Flame," Ed calmly acknowledged.
Silence rose up once more as Roy came and stood beside Ed. They stayed like that until finally Ed broke the stillness.
"Why?" He asked the older man.
Although Roy knew what Ed asked, he decided to play along. "Why, what?" Roy asked.
"Why am I still here?"
The question hung in the air. It wavered in front of Roy demanding an answer, an honest answer.
"Why do you think your still here?"
Ed let Roy's question engulf him. Letting the words sink deep into his mind, heart and soul. Two words popped into his head. Hope and Duty.
"Hope and Duty," Ed whispered, letting the wind carry his words away.
"I'm here because I am a State Alchemist. Not because I have to be, or because I want to be. I just am."
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