Happy Halloween, everyone! Hey, I made my deadline for once. This calls for a celebration!

Epic amounts of angst and all that other fun stuff in here. You might want a tissue or two handy for the end.

Roy bought a ticket for the first train out of Central.

He hadn't even bothered to change clothes, and judging from the startled look the ticketmaster gave him, he must have looked something awful. But he didn't really care- he knew if he went home, he'd find some way to put off doing what he was going to do.

So he boarded the train disheveled and soaking wet from the knee down.

The other passengers looked alarmed as he squelched his way down the aisle and into his private compartment. Roy was pretty sure some of them recognized him, despite the fact that he was out of uniform and quite unkempt.

Again, he didn't care. There were bigger things going on.

His hand was shoved deep into his pocket, fingers clenched around the circle. He could have sworn the thing was pulsing, as if the souls inside knew what he was going to do.

He reached his compartment and slammed the door shut, locking it behind him with a flick of his wrist. The sounds from the outside were muted, and Roy sighed in relief as he sank onto one of the benches. Even in the high-priced compartments, the seats were hard and uncomfortable, and the position he was sitting in was causing the disc to dig into his thigh.

Roy grunted in annoyance and pulled the small pendant out and tossing it onto the bench across from him. It landed with a soft thump as the train began moving.

He wasn't sure how long he stared at the disc, but when Roy looked up again, the train had left the city and was well into the countryside. If there were no interruptions, they'd be there by sunrise.

A brief flash of light brought Roy's attention back to the disc. A small spark erupted from the circle and it slowly expanded out into human form. The figure sat crossed-legged on the seat and Roy raised his eyebrows in surprise when he realized it was Ed staring back at him, and not Mithras.

"I thought you were mad at me," Roy said quietly. It certainly seemed like the blond was- his arms were crossed and he was glaring so hard it made Roy's eyes hurt just to look at it. And considering their argument earlier, Roy wouldn't have been surprised if Ed simply ignored him.

But Ed didn't ignore him, but he didn't answer the question, either. "Where the hell are we going?"he snapped, eyes flicking over to the window and back to Roy.

Roy leaned back in the seat. "The place where it all went to hell."

Ed scowled at Roy's cryptic answer and floated over to the window. His eyes followed the passing hills and the occasional farm. Then the ghost let out a hiss and whirled around, shoving his face into Roy's. "You asshole! You're going to Resembool?" he screeched, lips drawn so far back that Roy could count Ed's teeth. "You're bringing Al into this? What the hell is your problem, Mustang? He's had enough shit to deal with over the past couple of years!"

"Ed, calm down-"

"Don't tell me to calm down!" Ed howled.

"Someone will hear you, so shut up!" Roy snapped back. He didn't need to explain to a passing steward that he had a small metal object housing several thousand souls inside and that one of them was currently caught up in a fit of rage. "We're not going to Resembool. Al has nothing to do with this- he doesn't even know."

Edward snapped his mouth shut and planted his hands on his hips. "Fine. I'll ask you again- where are we going?"

Roy folded his arms and let a small smirk cross his face. "Consider it a surprise, Fullmetal."

The young alchemist gave him an incredulous look. "I don't like surprises," he muttered, floating back to the seat.

"Too bad."

The rest of the ride was silent.

Roy was so exhausted from the morning's events that he dozed off. He hadn't even realized he had until he jerked awake as a train slowed to a halt as it approached one of the stations. Outside the sun was setting and the bench across from him was empty.

It wasn't his stop, but Roy got up anyway, groggily rubbing his eyes. It had been hours since he had eaten, and if he was going to be performing alchemy, he needed all his strength. As a precaution, he returned the disc to his pocket before exiting the compartment. He was pretty sure nobody would have gotten in while he was gone, but it never hurt to be careful.

The dining car was vacant, due to the fact that most of the passengers had already gotten off at one of the earlier stops; not many people went as far east as he was going.

So the alchemist wedged himself in a corner booth and ate quietly. The circle was, once again, pushed up against his thigh, and the throbbing distracted him so much he couldn't remember what he had eaten.

Roy ended up wandering the train.

The locomotive was practically empty and with the sun completely set beyond the horizon, the hallways were dark. But that was good- he needed a chance to think.

He still couldn't believe what he was going to do. The General stopped at the back of the train and stared out at the landscape, eyes unfocused. The circle may be "hell" as Mithras had put it, but still…

He was going to fucking kill Edward.

Roy groaned and banged his head on the glass. This was just so messed up.

"You're such a hassle," he grumbled, shooting his pocket a dirty look.

Roy returned to the compartment and nodded off again; the combination of a stomach full of food and mental exhaustion catching up with him.

"Last stop! This is the last stop!"

The words snapped Roy out of his doze and he stumbled to his feet. A quick glance out the window proved that the call was correct- they had reached the end of the line and Roy's destination.

He checked his pocket for the disk and disembarked quickly- one of the perks of traveling without any luggage.

The station was empty and Roy shivered at a cool gust of air that blew across the small platform. But then he squared his shoulders and took his first steps towards Ishval.

He was headed towards the Savitri District.

Of all the places that had been destroyed during the war, Savitri had been hit the hardest, because one Flame Alchemist had been assigned to level the area. It was one of the few areas in Ishval with a water source, and had been the main farming area for the entire region.

That is, until he scorched the place so badly that even the soil was ruined.

It was quite a hike to the outskirts, and Roy trudged his way through the dunes, pointedly trying to not think about the last time he had been here. It took him several hours and the horizon was starting to lighten by the time the alchemist finally caught sight of the buildings.

His hunch that nobody had come back to the area was correct; nothing had been repaired and burn marks still coated most of the buildings and piles of rubble that littered the streets. Sand had been blown in and had filled in several of the houses, forming dunes up to the windows.

It was deserted, and that was how he wanted it.

Sure, it would have been a lot faster (and he wouldn't have as many blisters on his feet) if he had called for transportation when he arrived, but he didn't want all the political activity that would undoubtedly be generated nor did he want to be chased out by an angry Ishvalan mob with torches and stones.

Which, considering how unpopular he was in this area, wasn't all that unlikely.

And an audience was something he could do without.

He reached the main square of the abandoned city and slowly pulled the disc out of his pocket. The small sliver of moon reflected from its surface and Roy absently ran his thumb across the edge as he approached a large rock slab that had been dumped over into the walkway.

Roy had spent most of the train ride mulling over the circle he wanted to use, and while stonework wasn't his forte, he knew how to fix buildings and repair streets. He placed the disc on the rock, snatched up a charred stick and slowly began sketching the circle on the stone canvas.

"Mustang! Where are we?"

He jumped, startled, and smudged part of the design. "Dammit, Ed! I'm trying to draw a circle here!" he snapped, rubbing out the error with his thumb.

Ed, who had materialized without Roy's notice rolled his eyes. "Where are we? Give me an answer before I start throwing things at you."

Roy licked his lips. With Ed, that was not an empty threat. "Ishval," he replied quietly, bending back over the transmutation circle.

There was no reply. Out of the corner of his eye, Roy could see Ed wandering around the ruined plaza, silently taking in the destruction and the large streaks of burned stone. "This was your area wasn't it?"

Despite the fact that he knew the question was coming, Roy couldn't suppress his flinch. "Yes," he replied, keeping his bent and ignoring Ed as he approached Roy's side. The Flame could feel the boy's eyes on him, watching his strokes as he sketched. It would only be a matter of time before Edward recognized the circle.

The sharp intake of breath told Roy he had figured it out. "You don't want it?" he asked, looking up. He couldn't blame the kid if he didn't…

Ed stared at the circle for a moment before looking up and meeting Roy's eyes. "Honestly, I think it's the best idea you've had in a long time," he replied, a small smirk crossing his face.

Roy exhaled in relief and stepped back from the circle. He had been worried Ed would reject the idea- after all, nobody liked thinking of their souls being used as fuel.

After musing on his possibilities with the circle, Roy knew he had to destroy it, but to just destroy the circle seemed like a waste. Even though it was in another form, the disc was a real Philosopher's Stone, and could be used.

So Roy had finally settled on using the souls to start the rebuilding of Ishval.

"If this area is revitalized, the Ishvalans will have a way to feed themselves and will be able to live in the region again. Once that starts, it'll spread out from there across the entire desert," Roy explained. Ed made a grunt of agreement, eyes locked on the sketch of the circle. "Do you think I'm being selfish?"

Ed jerked his head up in surprise. "What?"

Roy looked away, arms crossed over his chest. "Do you think I'm using you as my redemption? You never had anything to do with Ishval, and yet you're going to be the one paying for it."

The ghost tilted his head and frowned. "Do you plan on taking credit for this transmutation and telling everyone you did it?"

"No." It was true, too. He had planned on completing the transmutation and leaving the area before anyone saw him.

Ed shrugged and put his hands on his hips. "See, you're not doing this for any kind of publicity or promotion, and in all honesty, I'd rather be used here than to fix the sewers or something." The alchemist jabbed a finger at the transmutation circle. "It's all correct- go ahead and activate it."

Roy unfolded his arms and flexed his fingers nervously. It had seemed like the best plan of action down in the sewers, but now that he was actually here and getting ready to do the deed, he found himself hesitating. "Ed…"

"Do it, Mustang," Ed hissed, obviously picking up on the General's hesitation. "We didn't come all this way for you chicken out!"

"But-!"

"We already had this discussion!" Ed's eyes had narrowed dangerously and Roy leaned back as Ed thrust himself closer. It seemed Ed's temper was even shorter and more explosive than normal, but being trapped in a Stone probably had that effect on people. "Think of the greater good, the needs of the many outweighing the needs of the few, saving the country, blah, blah, blah. Not me!" Roy's eyes crossed to see the finger that was jabbed authoritatively in his face. "You know you have to do it."

…Damn it all, the kid was right.

Roy squeezed his eyes shut and slammed his palms onto the circle before he had a chance to think himself out of it again. There was an instant surge of energy and a bright flash of light. He tentatively cracked open an eye as wind began to blow, kicking up a small twister of sand around the pair.

In the circle, the small disc started glowing, the transmutation circle etched on it lighting up to a glaring red. The piece of metal began to vibrate, rattling loudly against the stone. Next to him, Edward let out a low moan and covered his mouth like he was going to be ill.

Then the disc exploded, breaking into miniscule particles that were caught in the gusts of wind and pulled back towards the transmutation circle.

The pieces connected and there was a solid boom, accompanied by a shockwave that almost took Roy off his feet.

And then the screaming started.

Roy had thought the screaming he had heard at Ishval was terrible, but the shrieking that came tearing out of the souls sent chills down his spine and the fact that Ed was practically howling in agony, head clenched in his hands, made it the most terrible thing he had ever heard.

The souls themselves had finally escaped, flying out of the circle in a mass of black, bulbous shapes that made Roy's skin crawl. They split apart and darted across the city, dissolving into the alchemy and then into the structures with a blue flash of light that lit up the entire square. Roy watched silently, eyes wide with awe, as the buildings were rebuilt, the burn marks erased as if they had never happened.

"Thank you…"

Roy jerked in surprise, but whichever soul had spoken was gone, absorbed into the streams of alchemy.

"I told you being trapped in there was hell."

The alchemist glanced to the side to see Mithras, who was standing next to Ed. The younger alchemist still looked queasy, but the initial pain seemed to have passed.

Mithras smiled as several souls rocketed into a nearby fountain; the marble work repaired itself and a stream of water came bursting forth. He stepped forward so that he was next to Roy and placed a hand on the alchemist's shoulder. "I believe that I can speak for all of Xerxes when I thank you for this," he said. Then the ghost leaned in. "You did the right thing, whether you believe it or not," he whispered, eyes flicking over to Edward.

Roy blinked, and the man was gone.

The transmutation was nearing its end; most of the city was rebuilt, save for the temple at the center of the town.

Edward was suddenly at his shoulder. "It's almost your turn, isn't it?" Roy asked quietly, pointedly not making eye contact with the boy.

"Yeah." Ed's voice was flat and when Roy glanced over at him, he was staring intently at the temple. Being the last place left unfixed, it was the most likely destination for Ed's soul. "Look, Mustang, I'm not good at this sappy good-bye crap," he said, turning to face the other alchemist. "So thanks for doing this and being a huge bastard and all that." Edward crossed his arms. "Don't beat yourself up over this. Really, don't make Hawkeye waste bullets shooting you because you were spending all your time moping."

Roy smirked. "I'll be sure to keep all that in mind."

Ed huffed and stalked over to the circle, occupying the spot where Mithras had stood earlier. "You do that. I don't feel like coming back to haunt you."

It was then Roy noticed that Ed's outline had become fainter and his hair and clothing was being pulled towards the circle. For the life of him, Roy couldn't think of anything to say, so he bowed his head, focusing on finishing the transmutation.

He could feel Edward staring at him, but then the blond looked away, and, to Roy's horror, began to fade. The need to say something pressed into his chest like a physical weight and he raised his head again. "Edward!"

Ed glanced at him in surprise, almost completely sucked into the alchemy.

"I…" Roy mentally cursed. He didn't know what the hell he wanted to say. Now was his last chance, and his brain and tongue had completely betrayed him. "Just… good luck, Ed."

The blond stared at him before letting out a haughty snort and tossing his head. "Ha! I don't need any luck, especially from you, Colonel Bastard," he shot back, smirking.

Roy shut his eyes against the sudden flash of light and when he opened them again, Edward was gone.

The winds from the transmutation slowly died down as the light flickered out. The buildings, once again, stood tall and unblemished; the golden accents on the temple were practically glowing in the dawn light.

Roy fell to his knees, hands sliding off the circle and into the sand. He was covered in sweat and shaking from exhaustion due to the prolonged transmutation. It was easily the most taxing thing he'd ever done- both mentally and physically.

I did it… Roy shook his head in disbelief and ran a hand through his hair. Slowly, he raised his head and took in the newly rebuilt city. The stones on the streets were swept clear of sand and even the glass window panes in the houses had been repaired. In front of him, the stone slab was blank again; the force of the transmutation had actually removed the ashen circle.

With a grunt, Roy pushed himself to his feet. He staggered slightly, but managed to keep his balance, despite the fact that the world was spinning. The alchemist took a quick drink from the fountain (he wasn't stupid enough to go walking across the desert dehydrated) and made his way back out to the edge of the city.

It was done. Completely, this time.

As much as Roy felt the need to mourn, he knew it had to wait. Ed had made it quite clear that he didn't need to cling to the past- he had a country to reform and promises to keep.

At the top of one of the dunes, Roy paused, feeling the need for just one last look. He scowled, and then decided that one look wasn't going to do anything.

He took in the sight quietly- the rising sun, the restored homes, the working fountain, and the glowing temple, the-

Roy frowned and looked back at the temple. Something was off with one of the spires… He squinted, shielding his eyes against the sunlight, and sucked in a breath.

Sitting on top of one the foremost spire was a hunched stone gargoyle, fangs bared, malformed wings spread, with a face only Ed could love.

Roy blinked and, unbidden, the rains came.

I think I stared at this ending for at least an hour. I'm hoping it's up to snuff and worthy of being posted.

Thanks for reading this far, guys! Hopefully I'll be posting more for your enjoyment in the future.