A/N this is the last chapter for this ff. I will be writing a sequel I promise. Now enjoy the chapter.

Roy's POV

I stood glaring at each man ready to defend myself if necessary. My left hand had already pulled on my glove in preparation for battle. I didn't want to hurt my fellow soldiers but I would defend myself as necessary. A sharp angry yell came from behind," Oi! What are you doing?" I turned to see Hughes standing there. With him blocking my escape route I would likely have to fight my way out. The group of men in front of me grinned at each other before turning them on Hughes. They said," Come on Hughes. Help us reach this wannabe alchemist what it means to be a soldier."

I knew that even if we had some peace Hughes wouldn't risk the hatred of his fellow soldiers for me. Hughes moved closer as they did boxing me in. It would be dangerous to use flame alchemy in such a situation. When Hughes was close enough he whispered so that only I could hear," Ready, Roy?" My eyes grew wide as I realized what he going to do.

I spun on my heel punching out my hand in an open palm strike. It hit the soldier closest to me in the throat sending him sprawling to the ground. Hughes had struck the closest to him in the chest. He went to the ground with the man. The third and last man moved as if to attack Hughes.

I intercepted him forcing his arm up and with my free hand to strike him in the kidney. I turned to kick the guy that Hughes was fighting with when the first guy attacked me again. I dodged his attack twisting in turning waiting for an opening. He became off balance as he struck high and I ducked under it. Before he could regain his balance I swept his leg out from under him sending him crashing to the ground. I planted my foot on his chest to keep him from rising noticing that Hughes had dealt with his as well.

I said looking at each of them in turn," Don't try this again. I may look like a weakling but I just proved that no matter my looks I am a soldier same as you. If you try this again I will burn you alive." Hughes put a calming hand on my shoulder to stop my rant. He said," Come on, Roy they are worth it."

His hand steered me towards the barracks. While I wanted to keep ranting at them I knew he was right. We went back to the barracks where he decided we needed to decompress over a game of uno. We played well into the night neither of us willing to let the other win. After that night our friendship grew and three days later the call I had been dreading came. A lieutenant called my room and said," Major Mustang, the General wants to see you right away."

I holstered my weapon and pulled on my glove before checking the mirror to make sure I was presentable. Over the last week and a half the main thing that they taught me besides rifle shots had been my appearance. I had to look like a proper soldier. I went straight to the command where I wasn't surprised to find in the General's office two other alchemists. The General said," Come in Roy. Now that all of you are here I can get to why. You alchemists are the chosen group to be the next ones to be deployed. Pack your things and be at the station in two hours. Good luck alchemist."

We snapped a salute before heading off to our separate dorms. My stuff had been packed since I had been given the warning. I went to where Hughes room knowing that he would likely still be in at this hour. I knocked on the door and it opened revealing Hughes with his uniform jacket open.

He blinked in confusion when he realized who I was. He asked looking over my shoulder checking that I was alone," Roy what are you doing here? We still have an hour before breakfast." I said," Hu... No Maes I'm not going to make it for our usual breakfast."

Maes asked now looking worried," Roy what's going on?" I said smiling sadly at him," I'm being deployed Maes. This is the last time that I will see you until you're deployment."

Maes said after a moment," I'll go with you to the station them. I can miss one day of training for my best friend." Before I could protest he had already pushed me out of his doorway and down the hall. We stopped barely long enough to grab my bags. He sat with me not saying anything just giving his silent support.