Author's note: So, this chapter didn't turn out to be nearly as long as I thought it was going to be. But, regardless, I think you all will enjoy it. Yes, I am thinking there will be only 1 or 2 more chapters guys. Unless I get some brilliant idea for something to add to this. So be prepared, and please enjoy! =)
The surprise attack from Roy had actually caught Pride off guard, and the colonel relished in his triumphant and successful entrance. The dark-haired man examined his unfamiliar surroundings, trying to devise a strategy that would ultimately get everyone out alive; all except Pride.
Relief spread rapidly throughout his entire being at the sight of Edward being alive. But it was soon replaced with rage. The younger alchemist was completely utterly beaten and battered. bruises, scars, and bleeding wounds covered his body. Roy gritted his teeth and clenched his fists together tightly; restraining himself from making a reckless move that could cost everyone their lives.
"Let them go Pride, or I promise, there will be pain much sooner than intended for you." Roy warned boldly.
"Ah, so the Flame Alchemist has come out to play! How wonderful! I was told you died Colonel Mustang. And when I told little Edward over here, well, let's just say he didn't take the news very good." The man snickered.
Roy's heart hurt at the comment. Not only had Pride caused physical pain to Edward, he had caused him emotional pain as well. He couldn't even imagine what Ed might have gone through. As far as he knew, the golden-eyed teen had feelings for him in return. And if Roy had been told the blonde was dead, his world would have spiraled out of control. He probably wouldn't have been able to function properly without Ed in his world. Living a couple days, simply unsure if Edward was alive or not, was torture enough. Being told he was actually dead would have crushed him. But regardless of being told such heartbreaking news, Ed still pushed through, clinging to whatever life he had left; which was probably more than Roy could ever do.
"Seems like you supplied Fullmetal with false information. Because here I am Pride, alive and still breathing." He paused, a thoughtful look appeared on his face, "Oh, and Pride," the man stared at Roy more intensely than before at the sound of his name again, "before you even think about attacking me with you stone-fuled shadows, remember that I know you're useless in well-lit areas. And too bad for you that my specialty is fire, which I can make very bright." He threatened in a light tone.
The colonel could se the slight hesitation on the evil bastard's face, and he let a small smirk slip. But no sooner did his smirk occur, that Pride began to laugh, "Silly colonel, what makes you think that you're my target? I have plenty more in this room. Are you willing to gamble the speed of your flames with the speed of my shadows? And even if you wanted to chance it, how are you supposed to anticipate who I will attack?" he finished, grinning ear-to-ear; seemingly very proud of his logic.
Worry briefly flashed for a split second on Roy/s face as his eyes almost unnoticeably darted first to Edward, then to the rest of his command.
The maniacal laughing continued as Pride spoke again, "Ah, so the most important one in the room to the almighty Roy Mustang is little Edward Elric; the equally loved and known Fullmetal Alchemist. I admit, I'm not surprised. From seeing the boy's reaction to your supposed death, and my henchmen's account of your failed rescue attempt, I could only assume that there was something of some sort of significance between you two. But now it's clear to me," it was Pride's turn to smirk in triumph, "you care for the boy. And he cares for you. But oh no, let me guess? It's the type of caring that would get you into trouble with the mili-"
"ENOUGH!" Roy snarled.
"Hit a nerve did I?" he chuckled, "Well, now I know who to harm that will cause you the most amount of suffering."
Roy's mind was whirling as he tried to figure out his plan of attack fast. But as he frantically tried to throw together a make-shift strategy, a picture out of his worst nightmares sprung to life. Without even blinking, Pride stuck Ed sharply in his flesh arm. He watched shock spring to life inside of the blonde's usually fierce and sure eyes. Roy winced at the pain-filled scream that left Edward's mouth. The sound reminded him of his saddening dreams where one, or both, Elrics would end up dying; and where he was helpless to save either of them.
"How does it feel Mustang? To know that the pain he is in right now is your entire fault. You could not save him in the first place, and now during your second attempt you've become the reason once again why this dear boy has gotten hurt." An evil fire began to light up in Pride's black eyes as he continued to enjoy his own words and voice, "How does it feel Roy?! Tell me! Beg for me to not kill him in front of you!" he began to rant insanely.
"Burn in hell." Roy told him darkly.
And with those words said, flames erupted from beneath Pride; raging fiercely.
"FIRE!" Riza roared.
Bullets began to hit the center of the flames that engulfed the homunculus. It was now his turn to feel pain; to scream in agony.
Fingers continuously clicking, Roy looked to Hughes, "Hughes!"
His friend looked back, waiting for his order.
"Go get Fullmetal! He's too close to Pride! He hollered over the sound of the fire and firing guns.
Maes nodded, his green eyes filled with determination, not wanting to fail his commanding officer, and his friend.
"Be careful!" Roy shouted last second as the man with the glasses was already halfway to Ed's position.
Roy alerted the others of what Hughes was up to, and they began to fire more carefully, in order not to hit either their comrade or Edward. After informing his subordinates of what Maes was doing, Roy made sure to aim his flames even more precisely than before; confining them to an even smaller perimeter around Pride. He watched Hughes intently, while still snapping his fingers toward the screaming homunculus. His friend had finally reached the tied-down blonde, and was cutting the restraints from his wrists with his always-handy knives. Black eyes continued to watch as Ed very slowly sat up from the table he had previously been bound to. But in that split second of the colonel paying the slightest more attention to Ed than Pride, he slowed his onslaught of flames, which gave the vengeful creature its chance to strike back.
Without warning, the dark-haired colonel had no time to react as Pride's shadow spear came barreling towards him. He shut his eyes, bracing for the inevitable impact that was only split seconds away from hitting him. He knew his flames wouldn't be quick enough, so he kept his black eyes shut; waiting for the deathly shadows to pierce his chest; but it didn't happen. Slowly, and unsurely, Roy opened his dark eyes, only to see Pride doubled over. A spear that was not Pride's own protruded from his chest. But instead of seeing the regenerative red sparks of healing coming from the homunculus, blood soaked his clothes. Edward stood next to Maes, panting like he had just done a strenuous workout.
"Ah. So you exhausted the stone's regenerative powers. I didn't expect them to die out so soon." Pride said slowly, through labored breathing, "Congratulations colonel. You won. And it looks like you saved the boy." He fell down to the ground, still gasping for air and clinging to his pitiful life, he continued to speak, "Edward Elric, it seems you have killed me again." He mustered to say before closing his eyes one last time and finally letting death take him.
After Pride's final words were spoken, Roy bolted over the burnt ground to Edwards and Hughes, eager to make sure the pair were alright. He stopped in front of them, slightly out of breath from his short run because of how excited, relieved, and anxious he was about the events that had just unfolded in front of him only moments before.
"Ed, was that you who just saved me?"
The blonde looked completely exhausted, but he still smiled, as he answered, "Well I couldn't let the bastard kill you could I? I couldn't let my best chance of survival die. So, I clapped my hands together and hurled a spear to stop him. Looks like I have pretty good aim doesn't it?" he smirked teasingly.
Roy could only stare at the blonde alchemist in amazement that he was still alive and standing before him. By some miracle, he noticed Hughes had slipped away towards the others to give them some privacy. He continued to return the golden gaze that always mesmerized him. He couldn't believe it still. They had done it. They has saved Ed, and Al. And he was still alive too, by some crazy twist of fate.
"I'm so happy you're alive." Roy said as he pulled Ed into a loving embrace, as if they stayed this way, nothing could harm them, and nothing would go wrong.
Ed looked up at Roy, and he could see that the blonde looked just as relieved to see him. In fact, he looked overjoyed, and if Mustang hadn't known better, he could have sworn there was the faintest hint of tears in those beautiful golden eyes.
Roy felt Edward pull himself closer to him, burying his face in his shoulder, "I thought I lost you. I-I thought I would never see you again. And it would have been my fault that you died." He confessed sadly.
"I thought I lost you."
"Roy?" Edward began unsurely as he unburied his face from the older man's shoulder.
"Ed?" he responded nervously.
"I-I love you."
Roy's heart leapt from his chest at the sudden confession. He swelled with joy. He stared lovingly at the younger man. And without even thinking, Roy did what he knew felt right, he leaned in and met Ed's lips with his own. It was like the kiss allowed him to taste the true depths of the blonde's emotions and feelings; and he hoped his were conveyed just as clearly. After finally pulling away, all the dark-haired man could do was search Edward's face for his reaction.
"What? No I love you back Colonel?" he teased.
Mustang leaned in again, this time gently placing their foreheads together, "I love you too Edward Elric."
A triumphant smirk spread across the teen's face, and it made Roy smile like an idiot.
:Come on, you need to get to the hospital. You don't look so hot."
"But Roy, you don't think I'm hot?" Ed teased again.
"Oh shut up." Was his only response as he gave him another quick kiss. He then led them out to the others, so they could all head back to the hospital.
Author's note: I love comments and reviews! So I would appreciate you letting me know what you thought! Thanks for reading guys! =)