The Shadows of the Past

by Golden Flame 611

When 17-year-old Riza, recently enrolled in the military academy, gets pregnant by Roy, she must make the difficult decision to separate from her baby to protect him from the military and the consequences of breaking the anti-fraternization law. Years later, unaware of her son's whereabouts, he would return to her as the Fullmetal Alchemist, Edward Elric. (Parental, Royai, EdWin)

23. Confrontations

A/N: Hi!

We continue with the Promised Day and, as you can imagine, this will be not exactly a good chapter for Roy D:

We hope that you enjoy the chapter and please, don't hesitate to share your comments, suggestions, hypotheses or anything about our story :)

Thank you for reading and special thanks to Drumboy100, shinho4869, Unknown entity328, Guest and dragonball256! 3

See you in two weeks!

Golden and Flame

Disclaimer: Fullmetal Alchemist characters don't belong to us. We are just having fun with them.

---

Chapter 23. Confrontations

Roy had lost track of time. From the moment they set out in search of the others, a heavy silence enveloped them all, interrupted only by the sound of the soles of their shoes hitting the ground. In all that time Edward never once turned back. Although in a way Roy wasn't sure what he should say to him, just being able to see his back after the whole incident was creating a huge knot in his stomach. With each passing minute, his hopes of fixing his mistake were getting smaller and smaller.

It was ironic to think that just hours before he had been dreaming of the possibility of pursuing a romantic relationship with Riza and searching for their son together when all this was over, and now he had Edward, his son, just a few steps away from him but with the feeling that a huge chasm had opened up between them preventing him from talking to and hugging his firstborn as he had wanted so much since he had learned of his existence.

At some point along the way, Riza tried to talk to him in a low voice trying to apologize and clarify what had happened regarding Ed, but Roy refused. He knew it was a talk they would have to have because, if he was honest, he felt some annoyance towards her for keeping the truth from him once again but he didn't feel emotionally ready for it. After what happened with Envy he was afraid that his emotions would bring out the worst in him again so he didn't want Riza to suffer the consequences of his actions again. Yes, to some extent he was upset with her but his love for her was still there. It pained him to see the guilty and sad look that Riza had not been able to hide at all but, in those moments, he could not find words of comfort for her when he too was suffering terribly.

After an indefinite time, Roy noticed that Ed's sure footsteps had been replaced by slightly slower steps and confused looks to the sides. At first he didn't think anything of it as his mind was full of thoughts related to what he had done but there came a point when he finally reacted and realized that, even though he hadn't checked his watch, it had surely been several minutes since Envy's death.

Not knowing whether to feel grateful or not for the situation, Roy inhaled deeply and began to take faster steps with the intention of getting ahead of Scar, who was still moving a few steps behind the blond, so that he could position himself next to Ed. However, his body acted before his mind came to a resolution. What should he say to him?

As soon as Ed noticed his presence, the boy glanced at him out of the corner of his eye and frowned but didn't utter a word. He kept walking with his eyes straight ahead, deciding not to look to the sides to avoid having to make eye contact with the Colonel.

This went on for a couple more minutes, until Roy sighed and was finally able to force his mouth to form words. "Are you lost, Ed?" fearing that the boy wouldn't answer him, Ed surprised him with his quick response.

"The only reason this is happening is because I had to come back to save your ass after the mess you got yourself into!" exclaimed Ed letting his annoyance get the better of him, finally turning to look at the Colonel.

Trying to maintain a neutral expression, Roy replied. "I never asked you to come."

His words caused Ed's annoyance and scowl to intensify. "What?! If Scar and I hadn't been there you would have crossed the line and turned into a beast!"

"Yes, I must admit that Scar had something to do with it." Ed was ready to retort but was stopped by the regretful look and sad smile that appeared on the Colonel's face. "But it was you and your mother that really brought me back to my senses." Ed's mouth hung slightly open not knowing how to respond to that, so Roy took the opportunity to add. "I would have preferred it if you hadn't seen me in that state, though. You needn't have come back."

Ed averted his gaze to the floor and snorted.

"Why did you come back, Ed?"

"Because I wanted to."

Unable to contain his curiosity and the little hope that was forming inside him, Roy persisted. "But why? I guess you're also here to face the leader of the homunculi so you had no reason to stray from your path."

"Whatever reason I had doesn't matter anymore." Replied the blond causing a pang in Roy's heart. "Besides..." Ed looked at him again, though now the frown on his face was less noticeable and some confusion was showing on his features. "why are you calling me 'Ed'?"

Letting himself get carried away in the typical manner in which they had previously treated each other, Roy replied. "Because that's your name."

"I know that, Colonel Obviousness." Ed said as he rolled his eyes. "The question here is why aren't you calling me 'Fullmetal'? I was pretty sure you weren't even able to remember my name."

Roy put a hand to the back of his neck. "Your name I've had etched in my mind since that day I met you on Resembool. But... I don't know, I guess I just got used to calling you by your nickname because it really describes you. You have a very strong will and determination." Looking at him affectionately, he added in a proud tone. "Your eyes have always burned with a very intense fire."

Ed was puzzled at the praise he received. "Ok, yeah whatever you say." He said downplaying the matter. "But you're still not answering my question."

Roy pulled his hand away from the back of his neck and tried to move it closer to the boy's shoulder. "I know I don't deserve you, but wouldn't it be weird if, as your father, I called you by your military nickname?"

Ed stopped abruptly to avoid Roy's touch, causing Scar and Riza, who had given them their space to talk, to stop while keeping the same distance. Ed and Roy stood a few steps away from what appeared to be the entrance to a room.

Ed shot a fiery glare at the Colonel, letting his fury come out. "Now you want to be my father? After you didn't give a shit that I came back because I was worried about you?" He snorted, as Roy's eyes filled with guilt. "I really shouldn't have bothered. If one father already left me behind I should have been prepared for the next one to do it at any time, right?" He said with annoyance though some pain was visible in his golden orbs. "You don't have to force yourself into a role you never wanted. Besides, this" He pointed to himself. "It's just going to be an inconvenience for your dates, isn't it? I don't think your women are going to love the idea of you having a son prowling around."

"Edward." Ed turned and met Riza's sad, regretful gaze. "He didn't know anything. I didn't get a chance to tell him I'd found you." The blonde took a step forward. "If you're going to blame anyone for what happened it should be me."

The expression on his mother's face, caused Ed to regret how harsh his words had been. Swallowing saliva, he turned to look at the Colonel, surprised to see that he had quickly run a hand down the left side of his face. Was he crying?

Still with confused thoughts, Ed asked in a doubtful voice. "Colonel?"

Roy averted his gaze for a moment to look at the Lieutenant. "Riza." He said with a sweetness Ed hadn't heard him use before. "You don't have to blame yourself, I hurt our son myself and I have to be the one to take care of this myself." He returned his gaze to the boy. "Edward." The blond tensed slightly. "I didn't know you were my son until you said so yourself, but that doesn't excuse my behavior towards you. I know you have suffered from the absence of those you thought were your parents." He closed his eyes for a moment remembering that conversation they had had when Ed went to visit him in the hospital. "I knew that and yet I pushed you away when all you wanted to do was help me because, believe it or not, you've always been much more than just a subordinate to me. But... I guess I did a bad job of showing how much I've cared about you all this time and on top of that I'm a failure as a father figure." He let out a self-deprecating laugh. "The first thing I should have done was apologize and all I did was drive you out of your mind. Forgive me... son."

Ed was stunned for a few seconds not knowing what to say. The mighty Flame Alchemist, his Commander in Chief, was looking at him with a mixture of regret and affection? There was no trace of his smug attitude and gestures to which he had become so accustomed in recent years. His gaze, although conflicted by the emotions of the day, seemed to be as sincere as that time when Roy went to visit him in the hospital when he broke his leg or those occasions when they were able to put aside their sarcastic and mocking way of treating each other to talk about serious and personal things. While his negative image of the Colonel as his father had worsened after the events with Envy, it was now slowly fading to be replaced by the expression Mustang now had, which was eerily similar to the one he had had in his dreams.

Ed bit his lower lip for a few seconds as he stared at the Colonel. Then he sighed and began to speak in a quieter, calmer voice. "I... do-"

The boy was interrupted by the sound of footsteps coming from the room near them. Roy noticed this and, after giving Ed one last apologetic look, turned towards the door while making sure his gloves were securely fastened on his hands. It took a little longer for the blond to react but, when he did, he mimicked the Colonel, moving into the defensive stance his sensei had taught him.

"Later." Ed muttered so that only Roy could hear.

Roy nodded and they both began to carefully move forward into the room, followed by Scar and Riza. The Lieutenant had also been left very worried and regretful about the conversation Roy and Ed couldn't finish but she had to remind herself that they were in the middle of the enemy's lair so they couldn't afford to let their guards down like that. Her guilt was haunting her but now she had to prioritize making sure everyone got out alive.

As soon as they entered the room and their eyes became accustomed to the dim light of the room, they could all see a figure crouched at the far end where they were standing.

The figure was covered by a lab coat, and as they looked at his face, they could tell that it was an old man wearing glasses and whose smile was adorned with a golden tooth.

"Oh, geez. This place is getting pretty crowded, isn't it? I've never much liked crowds." Said the mystery man in a calm voice before sitting up and putting his hands in his pockets.

Everyone got into a defensive stance as Ed transformed his automail into his usual sword. The man seemed to be very confident and didn't flinch at being outnumbered. After revealing to them that he had been one of the scientists who had helped create King Bradley, they discovered that his confidence lay in the dozen henchmen who appeared at a signal from him to protect him. Moreover, these minions were not like the mannequins they had faced before. These were humans who had received combat training for 60 years, which is why they had similar skills to Bradley.

The henchmen were quite fast so it was difficult to immobilize them. Scar had not managed to make contact with them to make use of his destructive alchemy; Riza had only grazed a couple of them with his bullets; Roy had to resort to his military training as the soldiers did not give him a chance to use his flames and he was afraid of burning his companions; and Ed was facing a man who was armed with a sword, which was restricting his movements quite a bit.

At some point in the combat, Riza saw the opportunity to shoot the doctor, when he was getting up again after having been crouching for the last few minutes, and she took it but, surprisingly, one of the soldiers stepped in and gave his life to save the life of that despicable man.

Seeing that Riza was again occupied by another of his henchmen, the doctor began to call out to some of the soldiers (who had a number by name). Roy and company were alarmed to see that these were positioned over a transmutation circle that the doctor had drawn at the time, but they could do nothing about it as each of them were being confronted by some of the remaining men.

As soon as they were in position, the doctor activated the circle causing the soldiers to give some space to Roy's group, but the energy that the transmutation was generating prevented them from approaching him.

The doctor soon explained that the circle was connected to the 5 alchemy labs in Central City. Ed was surprised and tried to analyze the circle to determine its effect, but because of the amount of energy it was expelling he could not distinguish the characters and symbols it contained but he knew its effect would not be any good.

The men who were facing them backed away as the transmutation energy was enough of a barrier to protect the doctor. Ed tried to approach but as soon as he took a step forward a large, strange eye appeared under his feet while black lines with small hands on their ends began to emerge from the ground around him.

"What the-!" Ed exclaimed but was interrupted by the black hands surrounding him and on top of that had begun to break down his body in the same way that had happened to him earlier when the gate of Truth had been involved.

"Edward!" Riza shouted stopping caring about what was happening around her to run towards where the boy was. She quickly covered the distance that separated them but, being only a few steps away from him, the energy surrounding the transmutation that was affecting Ed pushed her and made her fall a few meters away, leaving her on her knees on the ground, watching with helplessness and panic what was happening to her son. "Edward!"

Roy also tried to approach Ed, moving forward with long but slow steps because of the transmutation energy that was preventing him from reaching his destination. "Ed! Ed!" Fighting against the shockwave, he stood a few steps away from where the boy was and reached out a hand trying to touch him. "Ed!" At that moment the blond looked up at him. When they made eye contact, Roy wanted to give him words of encouragement and tell him that he would take care of saving him but, to Roy and Riza's horror, in that instant Ed's face was broken down and with that the transmutation was ended.

Ed had disappeared before their very eyes.

It took a few seconds for the reality to process in Riza's mind. She couldn't believe what had happened, but when she reacted, she quickly got up and then dropped down on the spot where Ed had disappeared, repeatedly pounding the ground with her fists.

"No! No! Edward! Where are you?! Edward!" She screamed in desperation as a tear escaped her.

Roy was stunned before he reacted. Noticing the emotional state Riza was in, he walked over to her without taking his eyes off the doctor and his minions, pointing one of his hands towards them. As soon as he was next to the blonde, he placed a trembling hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Riza gave the ground one last thump before raising her gaze to meet Roy's. In his black orbs she could see the desperation and worry he was also feeling, but a subtle flick of his eyes reminded her that they were not alone. As much as Riza wanted to send to hell all the formalities and restrictions she had self-imposed while working in the military, she understood that Roy was right. All those years of suffering and loneliness would be for nothing if the enemy discovered their connection to Edward.

As soon as he felt Riza move to stand up, Roy pulled his hand away from her shoulder and stared at the mysterious doctor. Perhaps he couldn't allow himself to express so openly the emotions that were sweeping through him but he couldn't help the palpable hatred that came through in his tone of voice when he finally addressed the subject. "What the hell did you do?!"

The doctor kept his hands in the pockets of his lab coat and smiled nonchalantly. "Don't be alarmed, you'll be with him and the others soon enough."

Roy and Riza felt some relief at the doctor's words. At least they knew their son was still alive, but now they would have to find out precisely what that man had done to him and where he had sent him.

Riza pointed her gun at the doctor while Roy did the same with his hand.

The doctor let out a short laugh. "Boy do they have energy." With his eyes askew he looked at Roy. "Don't be so impatient, Colonel. I assure you that very soon you will discover the effect of the transmutation I had to do."

Before Roy could snap his fingers, the doctor's henchmen returned to the attack, preventing him, Riza and Scar from directly confronting the man with the golden tooth.

The three continued to engage the soldiers for a few more minutes until they were pinned down by them.

With the same calm and carefree air as always, the doctor took a couple of steps closer to Roy so he could talk to him, revealing to him that he was the fifth sacrifice contemplated for that day, for which he required the Colonel to perform a human transmutation to fulfill his requirements. Roy refused and gave him a grim look when the doctor dared to mention Hughes. The doctor insisted some more but Roy wasn't about to give in. Thanks to the Elrics he knew of the dire consequences of attempting human transmutation. He knew how much those brothers were still suffering because of having done it... he was aware of how Ed's life, his son, had been affected by having tried it. He wasn't about to indulge those power-hungry narcissists when what he needed most was to be free of them in order to find his son and accomplish the mission he and his team hoped to accomplish that day.

Realizing the Colonel's firm resolve, the doctor's face became completely serious as he spoke. "I told you... we're running out of time."

At that moment Roy's heart seemed to freeze. Despite the distance that separated them, he could see perfectly the moment in which the soldier who had Riza immobilized, cut her neck with the sword he held in his hand. Riza fell to the ground as blood began to gush from her neck.

"Lieutenant!" Roy shouted unable to believe what was happening before his eyes.

In an attempt to slow down the rate at which the blood was flowing, Riza brought her right hand to her neck to press it over her wound.

"Lieutenant! Hold on! Can you hear me? Answer me, Lieutenant!" he shouted in complete bewilderment but Riza couldn't answer him as she focused on not losing consciousness. If she did she might not wake up again.

Roy tried to wriggle out of the grip of the men holding him without much success. "BASTARDS!" he shouted angrily.

The man who had cut Riza's neck dragged her into the transmutation circle carelessly, treating her as if she were a mere object.

"Lieutenant! Answer me!" insisted Roy desperately, trying to escape from his captors to help Riza.

"Well, what do you say we start with human transmutation? I wonder who you'll transmute... A family member? A friend? A lover?" Began the gold-toothed doctor calmly. "If this woman dies and you transmute her, that's valid too." He added casually.

Cold sweat ran down Roy's face as he didn't take his gaze off her body, feeling totally furious with himself for involving her and not being able to protect her.

"I won't die... I have orders... not to die." Riza said quietly and with effort. She was feeling weaker and weaker with each passing second, but she had to let Roy know that she wasn't going to give up yet, that she wouldn't make the same mistake as when they faced Lust.

"It's too bad things don't work out that way, miss." Replied the doctor before turning his gaze back to Mustang. "What are you going to do, Mustang? Your precious woman is dying. If you leave her, she'll keep bleeding to death but..." He pulled a small vial from inside his robe to show him. "I am a doctor who uses alchemy and even possesses a philosopher's stone. So what will be your choice?" he lowered his gaze to look at Riza. "Oh, she's very quiet, I wonder if she's dead." He said this last sentence as he looked at Roy giving him a wicked grin.

Roy startled at the word 'dead' and ducked his head. The fury he had felt with Envy was no match for the fury that was coursing through him at that very moment combined with despair, agony and fear. He desperately wanted to turn that damned doctor along with his henchmen to ashes so he could free himself, run to Riza and try to heal her. I can't lose you Riza, I can't imagine a life without you. I've already lost my brother, my humanity and probably my own son, but if I lose you too I would have no reason to go on living. I know human transmutation doesn't work... Ed and Al told me so, besides, if I do it, I'll probably throw away our work of the last few years, dooming the whole country... But... your life is worth that and more. I'm not afraid of what the truth can take away from me as long as it's not you. I have to make that damn transmutation. There's no choice, let alone time.

Riza could see the pain, the rage and the internal debate Roy was having. She had no doubt that he would be able to sacrifice everything for her and that was something she couldn't allow. She had to think of something but her concentration was waning. She knew that time was not playing in her favor and with every passing second she was feeling her life slipping away. Damn. Many times I thought I would die because I was aware that I deserved it for everything I did, but for the first time in a long time, I don't want to and even less now that I have found my son. I have to make sure he and Roy are okay. I can't leave without getting that matter settled. There has to be a way out... I can't leave Roy and Ed but most of all I can't let more people suffer because of my mediocre life.

Suddenly, something snapped her out of her thoughts. Riza sensed movement on the ceiling of the room and out of the corner of her eye she could see that the chimeras and the little girl she had seen earlier were there. They signaled her that they would take care of it. That's just what we need... reinforcements. She looked back at Roy, who was shaking slightly with his head down. Roy... I have to warn you and I must somehow prevent you from making that transmutation, no matter if I survive or not as long as I don't sacrifice more lives... even if I can never see you or our son again.

"Colonel..." Riza whispered.

Roy immediately raised his head so he could look Riza in the eyes.

"There is no need to perform the transmutation." Riza spoke softly again.

The Colonel watched her helplessly, gritting his teeth, trying to think of a way to save her.

"You'll do it, won't you, Mustang?" the doctor interjected.

Roy was trembling, so he momentarily closed his eyes clenching them tightly together with his jaw.

Riza opened her eyes and prayed for Roy to open his to meet her gaze. It hurt her to see him in that state and especially to put him in that situation again, asking him to do something he didn't want to do, just like she did when she asked him to burn her back. I'm sorry, Roy. She never wished to become an element that her enemies could use against him but now she had to stop them from getting the results they expected. A couple of seconds passed before Roy opened his eyes again to meet Riza's determined and pleading gaze.

"Roy, don't do this. You mustn't sacrifice an entire country for me. You know as well as I do that this fucker won't keep his end of the bargain. Please don't accede to his requests." She told him with her gaze, hoping he understood.

"Riza, please don't ask me to let you die. I can't. I need you."

When she didn't see the expected effect of her gaze on Roy, she made sure he was staring at her before moving her pupils to the far end of her eyes to point toward the ceiling. "Please, Roy, understand my message."

Roy froze as he got the message. Are there people waiting for the right moment to attack? Then what the hell is taking them so long?! He thought to himself.

Unwilling to wait for support from probable reinforcements, Roy again pleaded with his eyes. "There's no time, Riza. Please let me save you."

"Roy, please."

Although the words were not spoken aloud, their glances was more than enough and he had understood Riza's message. He squeezed his eyes shut and ducked his head again. I don't want to sacrifice her, not her. Damn it, Riza, why? Why do you always have to be the one who has to pay for my bullshit? Shit. If only I had stayed by your side instead of chasing my naive dreams. I should never have left your father's house. A second voice made itself heard in his mind to continue his internal debate. But you have to do her will, it's the least you can do after all the suffering you've caused her.

Roy inhaled deeply before speaking. "I understand."

"Oh, then you will." Replied the doctor complacently.

Roy raised his head and changed his gaze to one of complete determination. "I understand, Lieutenant. I will not do the human transmutation."

Hearing those words, Riza let out the air she didn't know she was holding and smiled slightly. He understood it.

The doctor stared at Roy with his mouth open. "You're abandoning her? How cruel of you."

"Abandoning her?" Roy snorted. "I don't wish to hear that from the bastard who uses all these Fuhrer candidates as mere pawns." Roy retorted.

"I fed them, gave them a first class education, gave them a purpose in life. They should be grateful." Said the doctor.

Maintaining his look of resolve and fury, Roy replied. "Believing that crap is what will seal your own downfall."

"What-?" Before he could finish his sentence the doctor was grabbed by the chimera's slime on the ceiling, to make way for all the other allies who began attacking the Führer candidates.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Roy attacked his oppressor to free himself and ran after the small vial containing the philosopher's stone that had fallen to the floor, which was rolling back and forth as it was accidentally kicked by everyone in the room. Seeing that it would take him longer to get it, he decided to change his plan and head towards Riza, brushing off the Führer candidates who were in his way by snapping his fingers. When he finally reached Riza he knelt down and gently took her in his arms.

"Lieutenant! Lieutenant, open your eyes!" Roy shouted at her in desperation. "Lieutenant! Hold on! Open your eyes!" Every second that passed without a response weighed heavier and heavier on Roy. He pulled her close to him to check her breathing and pulse, which were almost fading. Terror began to take hold of him, so he leaned toward her, still looking at her, so he could whisper to her, trying to keep his voice from cutting off and controlling the tears that were threatening to overflow. "Riza... please don't go... don't leave me... I know I don't deserve you but I can't see a life without you. Forgive all my stupid things but please don't leave me... I need you... I love you." He froze as he felt her breathing had slowed even more. I'm losing her. He was so engrossed with Riza that he didn't pay attention to his surroundings, but luckily one of the chimeras protected them when one of the doctor's henchmen tried to attack them.

"Lieutenant! Answer me!" Roy kept shouting in desperation, feeling her life slipping out of his own hands.

Riza, for her part, after hearing Roy say he would not do the transmutation, let herself be overcome by the weakness that haunted her from the loss of blood. She tried to fight as hard as possible but she had no strength left. She closed her eyes and a few seconds later she heard a great commotion in the room. Shortly after she felt Roy take her in his arms and scream at her, begging her to open her eyes. She tried, but she simply couldn't. She felt him move closer to her and whisper to her how much he needed her and how much he loved her. At that moment, her heart broke. She wished with all her might that she could open her eyes and tell him that she would be okay, but try as she might she could not. Roy, forgive me for everything I did, because it was my fault that we couldn't be the family we always wanted to be. For keeping Edward from you again... because of me I probably ruined the possibility of him accepting you in his life. I'm so sorry for not being able to keep my promise to protect you until you made it to the top. I love you like you can't imagine, Roy, both you and our son, though I'll never know if Edward would ever give me a chance to be his mother. At least my last breath will be in your arms, too bad this is the last time I will feel them.

May, who was trying to capture the vial containing the philosopher's stone without success, upon hearing the colonel's screams turned in their direction and realized the severity of Riza's wound. For a brief second she debated whether she should continue chasing the stone or whether she should help the Lieutenant. Quickly deciding on the second option, she ran towards their position.

"Let me help you!" May said to Roy when she reached his side.

She quickly drew a transmutation circle with Riza's blood and placed her kunais. She instructed Roy to place Riza in the middle of the circle, which he immediately obeyed, placing her very carefully. Once Riza was placed there, May activated the transmutation circle making the typical blue light appear. Once the transmutation was finished, Riza breathed a little more normally again letting out a slight groan of pain.

"Lieutenant!"

"I've stopped the bleeding for the moment but she still needs to see a doctor." May mentioned.

Immediately Roy took Riza in his arms again and pressed her tightly against his chest.

"Thank you! I owe you one." Roy replied without letting go of Riza.

Riza started to open her eyes, not being able to believe she could do it. "Colonel..." She whispered.

Roy peeled her off his chest a little to see her face.

"I'm sorry." Riza whispered.

"Don't talk, just rest." Roy said.

She ignored him. "My signal... you recognized it."

Roy saw her relieved to see that she was still alive and would recover. It was until that moment that he allowed himself to let out a sigh of relief and smiled slightly at her.

"We've been together for too long." Roy paused slightly. "Besides, the look on your face said that if I dared to perform human transmutation you would shoot me." Roy said with a slightly amused tone.

Riza looked into his eyes tenderly and smiled back, allowing herself to enjoy those few minutes of closeness after being so close to death.

"Hmm... If you keep hugging her this tight you're going to cause her wound to open up again." May whispered.

Listening to the girl and despite not wanting to stop clinging to Riza after he almost lost her, Roy reluctantly loosened his grip and stayed a couple of minutes longer by her side. At that moment he didn't care what anyone else said or what was going on around him, all that mattered was that Riza was still alive and that he wouldn't let anyone hurt her.

Slowly, Roy leaned into Riza's face. "Don't ever scare me like that again, please. I told you, I can't lose you." He whispered.

She smiled and looked at him with love and tenderness. At that moment she wanted to caress his face and kiss him, but she knew it wasn't the time or the place, not to mention it would be very inappropriate, more than it already was, but she understood why Roy didn't mind being with her like that no matter what anyone else saw or said.

"I can't lose you either." She replied softly.

He smiled and looked back at her, staying that way for a few more seconds before they both, with their gaze, decided they had to move on. They had to find Ed and stop the ringleader of this whole mess. Roy didn't want Riza to stay in the battle with those wounds, but knowing her there would be no way he could make her give up, much less when her son's life was in danger. He was worried about her but he swore to himself that he would protect her in the remainder of this fight and that he would find and bring Edward out alive. Although he was aware that the boy wanted nothing to do with him, he would do everything he could to get the two most important people in his life out alive and, if necessary, he would not hesitate to give his life for them.

With the help of May and the chimeras, the soldiers were neutralized so, after making sure that Riza was in a condition to stand up, Roy got up along with her carefully. The Colonel heard the girl mention something about the philosopher's stone but before he could ask her about it, King Bradley made his appearance placing himself right in front of the small vial containing the philosopher's stone previously held by the doctor.

The Führer's current appearance was quite the opposite of the image he had always maintained: his uniform jacket and black eye patch had been forgotten, what was once a white shirt had several cuts and huge blood stains, his hair was slightly messy and he had a serious look but with a dangerous gleam that denoted the capital sin he represented.

Despite his unkempt appearance, Bradley used his typical calm tone of voice to address Roy, telling him that he was sure that by that point he would have performed the expected human transmutation. When the black-haired man pointed out that he wouldn't because he had people who would support him and help him stay on track, Bradley smiled.

"I used to think you humans were incapable of learning from your mistakes." He began calmly. "But, considering your pathetically short lives, you've managed to surprise me. I have to admit that your refusal to behave as expected is really annoying."

Roy, who was still helping Riza to her feet, gave her shoulder a light squeeze before replying to the Fuhrer. "By this point it should no longer be a surprise that we don't meet your 'expectations'."

Bradley laughed a little before replying. "Somehow or another you'll end up helping us, Colonel." He said casually though the threat was evident in his words. "If you weren't able to do what we asked when your little bastard's mother was dying, I guess we'll have to resort to some other course of action."

Surprise flashed in Riza's eyes as Roy narrowed his in a threatening manner. "What are you talking about?"

Undeterred, Bradley replied. "Tell me, Colonel, how does it feel to be the last to know that your young subordinate is your own son?"

Everyone present (with the exception of Scar) turned to look at Roy and Riza, startled at the Führer's words. He hadn't said the name but it was more than obvious that he was talking about Edward Elric.

The hand that wasn't holding Riza clenched into a fist. "Since when and how do you know?" He asked in a threatening tone.

Turning to Riza, Bradley replied. "I'm disappointed in you, Lieutenant Hawkeye. I thought your sniper reflexes were the best in the current military and yet you allowed yourself to be followed just like that."

Riza recalled the night she had called Pinako and how, being just a few steps away from the phone booth she ended up using, she had felt watched. In a voice a little weak from recent blood loss and the shock of Bradley being aware of her kinship with Edward, she said. "So... was it you..."

"The one who noticed the not-so-subtle change in your behavior since those days? Yes. The one who followed you? No. Selim has been watching you for longer than you thought, Lieutenant, and it was thanks to your problems in maintaining your facade that I told him to do so myself since then. You gave yourself a lot of credit believing that your performance had been good enough to fool my gaze."

Riza made a memory and was finally able to identify that the strange feeling that night was exactly the same as the one she had felt a few days later when Selim had revealed himself as Pride. Back then her emotions had blinded her so much that she had completely forgotten about the incident but now she couldn't help but scold herself for having been so careless. Her biggest secret had come out and fallen into the worst possible hands.

Returning his gaze to Roy, Bradley continued. "I'm surprised, Colonel, that you can maintain so much confidence in a woman who has not ceased in disappointing you."

Roy glared at him angrily. "That's none of your business." Slipping a hand into his pocket to carefully switch gloves so he could extend his hand in the direction of the Führer, he added. "Who else knows?"

"Do you think you're in any position to ask questions?" He bent down and took the sword from one of the bodies.

Roy was about to retort when strange noises came from the pipes above. A few seconds later, Jerso fell from his position covered in blood and accompanied by the doctor covered in slime, putting everyone on alert.

It wasn't long before strange shadows began to descend bringing with them the homunculus Pride, who, from the condition of his clothing, appeared to have recently been in combat.

Realizing that they would now have to face two of the most powerful homunculi, Roy shot a quick glance at Riza then carefully separated from her, handing her over to Darius.

"Take care of her for me, please." He said as he prepared to launch his flames, but his actions were too slow for the incredible speed of King Bradley, who took advantage of the distraction to grab one more sword and approach Roy.

The Colonel tried to hit him with his flames but Bradley dodged it with ease and, in one swift movement, propelled himself to fall on top of him making sure to pin him to the ground by burying his blades in his palms.

Roy groaned in pain and Riza tried to get closer to him but Darius stopped her. "Colonel!" She exclaimed in concern.

To everyone's surprise, Pride pierced the doctor with one of his shadows holding him above where Roy and Bradley were. In just a few seconds he drew a complex transmutation circle around the Colonel, carefully securing Roy to the ground with shadows attached to his neck, waist and limbs.

Pride mentioned that they had no choice as they were running out of time and Bradley made it clear to Roy that it didn't matter if he wanted to do the human transmutation voluntarily or not. With the doctor's knowledge of alchemy and the circle Pride had drawn it was more than enough to carry it out, causing Roy to open the portal of Truth.

Roy tried to break free of the shadows that held him but it was impossible. He could not move an inch. Noticing this, Pride told Bradley that he could release him, which he did immediately and then stepped away from the circle while wiping away some blood that wanted to escape from his mouth after the effort.

Watching Roy closely, Bradley, said. "Hmm, I wonder what they'll take away from you."

Following the Fuhrer's words, Pride began the transmutation causing a couple of yelps from Roy.

Not caring about her condition, Riza pulled away from Darius and tried to approach Roy, but May stood in her way telling her that she could get caught in the middle of the transmutation.

"Colonel!" Riza exclaimed feeling her heart squeeze.

The energy that generated the transmutation was even more intense than the one that had caused Ed to vanish, so everyone present was momentarily blinded by that energy and by a wide curtain of smoke. They stayed that way until the light was relegated to just a couple of small residual rays and the smoke became less dense.

Fearing what she might find, Riza blinked a couple of times before focusing her eyes on the site where the transmutation had taken place. Naively believing that Roy might still be in the same place, she was terribly disappointed and even terrified at what she found there: apparently the doctor had been turned into a disgusting, deformed ball of flesh with a few extra faces.

Noticing Riza's worried look, Bradley spoke up. "Don't worry. Colonel Mustang should be with Father by now. Though I can't be sure that he still has all his limbs."

Riza glared angrily at Bradley but the homunculus' face was unfazed. From its movements, Riza could tell that the Führer was preparing to confront them, which caused further frustration in her at the helplessness she was feeling. The love of her life and her son were missing surely to be forced to somehow support the sinister plan of the homunculus' leader and she... there was nothing she could do. Bradley wouldn't let them off easy and Riza had been left without her weapons during the confrontation with the doctor's henchmen. Besides, as much as she didn't want to accept it, her body felt fatigued and heavy after losing so much blood.

Bradley wielded his two swords and took a couple of steps towards them. Riza wasn't sure what she could do in that situation but she wouldn't give the homunculus the pleasure of looking scared in front of him. She didn't know how but she had to get out of there alive, not because she feared for her own life but because she still had to find Roy and Edward, and make sure they were okay.

Her determination prevented her from paying full attention to Bradley's words, but when he referred to her as 'Mustang's dog', Riza gave him a hard look back, wanting him to understand that she hadn't given up.

The Fuhrer seemed to smile slightly at the look on Riza's face but that didn't stop him from striking a pose of imminent attack. "Well, who will be the chosen one?" dropping the remnants of his calm countenance to adopt an expression full of seriousness and anger, he continued. "Or will you all attack me together?"

---

After the unexpected transmutation that the mysterious doctor had initiated, Ed found himself abruptly transported into a huge room covered with pipes, gears and concrete columns. He had a strange sense of dèja vu but didn't think much of it as, almost immediately, he realized he was not alone. Izumi, his sensei, was also there and, apparently, had arrived in a similar way to him. Surprisingly, as he approached her and began to talk to her, Al also arrived in the same manner and fell a few feet away from where they were.

Ed tried to talk to Al but was interrupted when a strange voice made him turn in his direction meeting a black being covered with eyes and who, for some reason, had Hohenheim moderately absorbed inside his body, leaving only parts of him visible.

Ed and Izumi were puzzled at such a sight, but Hohenheim soon explained to them that this being was the one the homunculi called 'Father'. Ed was quite surprised since he had previously seen the homunculus looking virtually identical to Hohenheim and now it had an appearance quite similar to Pride's shadows.

As the homunculus spoke and smiled eerily, Ed glanced at Al and tried to get him to react but was startled to realize that his brother was not reacting. He began to call out to him more insistently a couple of times but there was no indication that Al was really there.

Could he be going through one of those episodes where his soul separates from his armor? Ed swallowed hard hoping that it was just that, a temporary thing, which would mean that his brother was, hopefully, okay. Winry had told him about what had been happening to Al over the last few months so now he could only hope that was all it was and not something even more serious.

Ed was debating whether he should check to see if the blood seal on Al's armor was damaged when a rumbling sound similar to the one that had caused his own arrival attracted his attention. He and Izumi looked toward the top of the room and, after a few seconds, they could see some sort of transmutation circle being generated to shortly thereafter throw Colonel Mustang.

Surprised at his unexpected arrival, Ed began to approach him as he called out to him. "Colonel?"

After the terrifying experience Roy had had entering his own portal of Truth, he was feeling quite out of sorts and exhausted both physically and mentally. He still felt an annoying burning in his hands from the wounds Bradley had inflicted with his swords and the fall had left his muscles sore. Also... there was a strange sensation that had taken over his eyes. It was as if he had strained his eyes more than he should have and he could feel slight pulsations in the outline of them. Feeling that it was too much effort to open them, he decided to rub his head (which had taken some of the impact during his fall) keeping his eyes closed. One step at a time.

As he reached his side Ed could notice the blood covering both of Roy's gloves which, unable to help himself, caused his concern to overtake the annoyance he had felt towards him, which he had not yet been able to fully appease.

Unable to disguise his concern, Ed spoke to him. "Are you all right, Colonel?"

"Ed?" Roy's great relief that his son was with him caused him to call his name once more as a brief smile escaped him. He opened his eyes for a moment to see him but the darkness around him was so intense that he decided to close them again as he tried to keep the headache that threatened to attack him at bay.

Despite his initial slip-up, Roy remembered that Ed seemed to have been less than comfortable with him calling him by his name, so he decided that he probably didn't deserve to call him in a way that denoted a closeness he hadn't earned, so he went back to his old habit. "Fullmetal?" The sound of cloth sliding on the floor made him assume Ed had squatted down near him. "Where are we?" he asked as he put a hand to his head.

"We're in the boss's lair." Unable to tear his gaze away from the blood covering Roy's gloves, Ed asked. "What happened to you, Colonel?"

Roy opened his eyes again trying to at least make out his son's silhouette, to no avail. Damn it, why is it so dark in here? Frustrated at not being able to see him, Roy answered. "I was pulled into a white void with nothing but a portal-"

Ed interrupted him. "A portal?!" Understanding perfectly what place Roy was referring to, the boy let his panic get the better of him knowing what seeing the Truth meant. "What did they take from you?!" without further ado, Ed pulled one of Roy's legs, causing the Colonel to fall straight face first to the ground. "Do you still have both legs and arms?" He asked as he inspected, somewhat roughly, the condition Roy was in.

Despite the rough treatment Ed was giving him, Roy smiled inwardly. Maybe it was just the sudden way they were reunited but he was almost sure to say that the boy was worried about him so maybe there was still a chance to get him back. If only there was some light and now he could make sure that Ed wasn't hurt...

As Ed dropped Roy's right arm and as the sound of his footsteps seemed to indicate that he had stepped back a bit, an uneasy feeling began to awaken inside the black-haired man. How was it possible that the boy seemed to have no doubts as he held and checked each of his limbs in the midst of that darkness?

Trying to look over his shoulder (assuming Ed hadn't strayed far from him), Roy said. "What's going on? Are you there, Fullmetal?"

"Huh?" Letting the Colonel incorporate himself enough to sit up, Ed stood in front of him, puzzled by his last question. "What are you talking about?"

"It's too dark in here, why are the lights out?" Ed's gasp of surprise made Roy start to come to a conclusion he really didn't want to come to. "I can't... see anything!" He exclaimed unable to keep some of the fear of reality he was feeling from showing in his tone.

Ed watched him with concern and horror. It's not possible... is it? You've got to be kidding me...

As if he could escape reality, Roy stood up and began to pace a bit. It's just the room. It can't be that I'm... blind... As a sad confirmation to his fears, Roy soon stumbled and fell hard to the floor.

Ed watched him intently on his brief walk, feeling his insides squeeze with every step the Colonel took, leaving him nearly out of breath as he saw Roy trip over an easily distinguishable pipe. Panic gripped his voice, making it sound almost like a whisper. "It can't be..."

As if his son's voice was the last confirmation he needed, Roy brought a hand to his face as he felt the thick beads of sweat running down his face. I'm blind... I'm blind... blind... How could he achieve his goal if he couldn't even dodge a damn pipe? How would he lead this country if he could never see its citizens again? He would no longer be able to look at Riza's beautiful face or his son's shining golden eyes... His heart squeezed intensely and he felt the air rush out of his lungs.

At that moment, Pride rejoiced at Roy's apparent blindness and it was not long before Father joined him, who gloated over the "justice" of Truth by pointing out the desire for each of their sacrifices and then highlighting the punishment they had received as payment for defying Truth.

Before anyone could reply, chunks of concrete and pipes fell from the ceiling of the room they were in, followed shortly thereafter by the little May and her panda. Making use of her ability to read ki, May quickly realized that the eye-covered being was the leader of the homunculi himself. She was determined to confront him but had to stop herself when she realized that Alphonse was there but not moving in the slightest. Ed told her that he had been unconscious since he had appeared there, so the girl approached the armor and started calling out to him trying to make him react somehow.

After a few failed attempts, May sighed and reluctantly moved to Ed's side. If Alphonse didn't return at that moment they at least had to make sure his armor was safe. However, just as she and Ed were getting into defense position, Al's armor gave a jolt and finally the red glow that was his eyes returned.

Ed was immensely relieved to see that Al was still with them. The latent danger that his soul would end up disconnecting completely from the armor was something that worried him so the faster they defeated the bearded bastard the better, so he could devote himself completely to retrieving his brother's body.

As soon as Al sat up and began to ask what was going on, Father began to grin mischievously, glad that he already had his five sacrifices. Ed and Izumi scowled at the homunculus and in that instant Al noticed that the Colonel was also there but as soon as he did he realized that something was wrong with him. Roy was sitting on the ground covering the upper part of his face with his hands, which were covered by bloody gloves. Confused, Al looked at his brother and could see that Ed was looking at the Colonel with concern.

Sensing Al's stare, Ed looked at him and sighed before speaking. "The Colonel... his eyes..." For some reason, the boy wasn't able to pronounce the word 'blind'. It was as if he wanted to run away from the reality that was affecting his progenitor.

However, a subtle exclamation of surprise from his brother, made him realize that he didn't need to specify. In addition, Izumi took advantage of the small respite the homunculus gave them to approach Roy and ask him questions about his vision.

When Roy confirmed that he couldn't see anything, Ed remembered that the Colonel had been in front of the portal of Truth, which made him feel a brief sense of disappointment combined with annoyance at the thought that Mustang had dared to do a human transmutation. But his discomfort towards Roy did not last long, as Roy himself asked him if he really believed he had done it. Despite the grayish look his orbs had taken on, the expression of frustration, confusion and a touch of fear made Ed realize that even himself couldn't really believe that the Colonel would do such a thing.

Noticing the exchange of words between the two, Pride stepped in and clarified that they had been the ones who had forced Roy to perform the human transmutation. After hearing that, Ed's fury was released for a moment, cursing and confronting Father by telling him that he couldn't be talking about the "justice" that Truth had exercised on all of them when the Colonel had been forced to perform the transmutation unlike Al, Izumi and him who had done it voluntarily. The homunculus paid it no mind but Ed had had enough of words. It was time to stop that bastard.

Almost in sync with him, Al moved into position to confront the enemy while Ed averted his gaze from the homunculus to meet that of his sensei. The boy glanced at her and then cast a glance at the Colonel to finally reconnect with Izumi's gaze. Although puzzled by this show of concern for his superior, Izumi understood what he wanted to ask of her and nodded her head ready to protect Roy while the Elrics began their attack.

Ed, Al and May began the attack, with the little girl determined to take on Father while the brothers dealt with Pride. However, after a few minutes, May was seriously injured by an attack from Father. Al went to help her while Ed focused on taking on the little homunculus. Despite Pride's hidden taunt that he had no chance against him because he was a small boy who always faced opponents bigger than him, Ed managed to easily guess his tricks and got into an advantageous position against him but was unable to continue since Father pulled out some kind of tentacles from his body and brought his four sacrifices within a few meters of him.

Just as he seemed to be getting into position, Greed appeared surprisingly attacking him from behind. For an instant it seemed that he had managed to stop him but Father soon spoke arrogantly letting him see that he knew he would arrive at any moment. Without giving him a chance to reply, the homunculus let Hohenheim out of his body (while keeping him just as immobilized as the others) and moved to the place where his chair rested so he could activate the transmutation circle that began on the table next to him.

The energy released by the transmutation was enormous. The room was filled with red rays that flashed with great intensity and grew with each passing second. Shortly thereafter, a strange eye appeared in the abdomen of each of them and they subsequently became unconscious.

All five (plus May, Xiao Mei and Greed) regained their senses at about the same time. Ed and Izumi coughed a couple of times before standing up, noticing in the process that a thick cloud of smoke covered practically the entire room.

It didn't take long for those present to realize that all the citizens of Amestris had been transformed into a philosopher's stone and it had been absorbed by Father to, in turn, acquire the power of a god. Everyone was overwhelmed to learn what had happened. So many dear people had been sacrificed...

Without even giving them a chance to fully assimilate what had happened, Father deactivated the use of alchemy and began to attack them with small but powerful balls of energy that he defined as suns. Their power was incredible but, surprisingly, Hohenheim managed to deal with them by creating a sort of protective barrier around them, although the damage he was taking was quickly visible as his hands seemed to be starting to run out of skin, without giving him enough time to regenerate the area.

Father wanted to attack them from the ground but May managed to form a transmutation circle to take advantage of his Alkahestry ability, which was perfect for repelling attacks coming from the ground but still required Hohenheim's frontal defense.

It was in those moments that Roy, who had been guided and supported by a woman he assumed to be the teacher the Elrics had come to mention to him on some occasions, became aware of a new voice he had not noticed before. It was the voice of a man who sounded a little older than he was but who seemed to know the enemy they were facing very well. At first he thought the enveloping darkness was confusing him but at that point he realized that there was someone else with them besides May and, from what he had heard, the one he was sure was the homunculus Greed. From what he figured, that mysterious man had to be one of the sacrifices used by Father. But who could he be?

Roy bit his lower lip in frustration. He was so confused. He wasn't even able to know for sure who was there fighting the enemy. The gusts of wind caused no doubt by the power of the alchemical energy were more than enough for Roy to realize that they were facing a critical situation and he... couldn't do anything. He felt completely useless. He had not been able to overcome the reality hit that meant his life would continue in an abyss of darkness until the last of his days but he was being filled with helplessness as he felt how the others were giving their best while he was not able to initiate the slightest flame for fear of erring and hurting his allies. There was a high possibility that Riza was trapped inside the philosopher's stone that monster had created... His son was struggling and he couldn't protect him like he was supposed to. Damn it. He clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.

Roy was brought out of his thoughts when the mysterious man accompanying them spoke again. From what he was saying, it seemed that at least something was going outside the homunculus' original plan and, when Father answered, Roy discovered that the unknown man's name was Hohenheim. The name gave him no further clues as to his identity but it was already progress to at least know the name of the person who was apparently making sure they were protected from the homunculus' attacks.

The verbal confrontation between Hohenheim and the homunculus went on for a few more moments until they reached a transcendental point: there was a way to return the souls to their original bodies. After a couple of words between the two, the plan to accomplish this began to be carried out and some sort of gasps began to be heard coming from Father before he let out a loud scream and a shockwave knocked him back a couple of steps. A few minutes later, Hohenheim declared that the souls of the Amestrians had returned to their bodies. Roy didn't know how it was that he was so sure of it but he was willing to believe him... He needed to believe his words.

Hohenheim argued with the homunculus some more and, having lost the souls he had just stolen from the Amestrians, Father decided to momentarily cease the attacks he was sending at them. Roy could not avoid a slight smile of satisfaction when he confirmed in that dialogue that the souls had returned to their owners. However, at that moment the sound of someone collapsing was heard and the word he heard next took his breath away.

"Dad!" Alphonse exclaimed as he undoubtedly made his way to Hohenheim, who had surely been the one to collapse.

At last he had the answer he had been searching for in the last few minutes. The unknown man was Al's father... and Ed's. He had been the one who had raised his son for the first few years of his life and then abandoned him. Roy's jaw tightened. He knew they were in the middle of a critical situation but his feelings were creating their own turmoil inside him. He couldn't see him but he was only a few feet away from the man who had promised Riza to take care of Edward and then a few years later had left him behind along with his own blood son and his wife. A few months ago, Ed had let her see the great contempt he had for the man and yet here they both were... working together. Plus now it turned out that Hohenheim had devised a plan that was good enough to foil the homunculus' main plan, in a way that neither of them had foreseen. Roy's paternal instinct wanted to make him forget the latter to beat the man for abandoning the Elrics but... how could he do that if even he, being Ed's biological father, had not fulfilled his role as a father figure to his son? The image of pain reflected in golden eyes came to his mind, reminding him that he himself had caused that pain and making him come to a harsh conclusion: he was no better than Hohenheim, in fact he felt far inferior to him. While Hohenheim had just saved millions of lives, his hands were stained by the blood of hundreds of Ishvalans he had burned years before.

Roy continued in that train of thought until the sound of a loud impact made him realize that the homunculus was attacking them again. Although he knew there was nothing he could do at the moment, he shook his head slightly to focus on the moment but what little concentration he was managing to regain was lost a few seconds later when he heard the words being shared by the Elrics... with his father.

"Hang on, Dad!" Alphonse exclaimed after the clanking of his armor indicated that he had moved.

"Come on, you bastard! Don't give up now!" shouted Ed. From the source of his voice, Roy was sure he was at Alphonse's side.

There was a brief pause before Hohenheim responded. "Well... I was always a failure as a father, but now you guys make me want to show off a little."

After a ripple of energy made him realize that Hohenheim was performing some sort of counterattack, Roy didn't pay attention to any more words. He felt... strange. Certainly Ed had not called Hohenheim 'dad' (as Roy inwardly feared) but his tone of voice seemed different from the one he had used when, some months before, he had spoken to him about his feelings regarding his father. It didn't have the same contempt that Roy had noticed back then and he didn't know how to feel about it. Should he take it as hope that Ed would forgive him for what had happened during the confrontation with Envy, or did it rather mean that, between the two of them, Ed preferred Hohenheim as a father?

Shortly thereafter two claps and the noise indicating that some transmutations had been performed brought Roy out of his stupor. Apparently the free use of alchemy had completely returned and Ed and Al quickly focused on offense. A few seconds later, Izumi told Roy to stay put and, taking a few steps forward, joined the attack.

Roy could only hear an immensity of noises coming from the ground as it was transformed through alchemy and the clash of concrete. The homunculus had gone silent but that was no impediment to his ability to respond to each of the attacks directed at him. Meanwhile Hohenheim indicated that they should continue at that pace until Father's philosopher's stone was depleted. Shortly thereafter, Roy heard a cry of Beware! from Greed and the next thing he knew his face had greeted the ground directly. He was about to complain when he could feel a rush of air above his head, which made him assume that Greed had saved him from a direct hit. He was grateful that somehow they all managed to keep him safe despite his current conditions but... Damn it! Why couldn't he shake the feeling that he had become a burden to them? He should be out there scorching the homunculus in a heartbeat instead of being unable to defend himself!

Not long after, the attacks stopped for a moment. Before Roy could ask what was going on, Hohenheim ended up answering him indirectly.

"He went to acquire more philosopher's stones!" A new noise typical of alchemy made him assume that the man had followed the homunculus. Surely to the main courtyard of the Central Command where dozens of soldiers were gathered.

"Let's go after him!" Izumi said energetically.

"Yes, sensei." Al replied.

Izumi walked up to Roy and placed a hand on his shoulder before speaking to him. "We need to get you to safety too."

Frustrated, Roy brought a hand up to his eyes. "I'm sorry... we're in the middle of the biggest crisis this country has ever seen and I'm completely useless. How pathetic of me!"

Izumi gave his shoulder a squeeze and said in a kind voice. "Take it easy. It can happen to all of us."

Roy couldn't give her an answer because of Al's worried voice. "Brother!"

"Ed!" Izumi exclaimed.

"Fullmetal?" Roy asked between concern and confusion. He couldn't figure out what precisely was going on.

"You go ahead!" Ed said in a slightly strained voice surely because of the effort he had to be putting in at those moments. "I still have unfinished business with this boy."

"Brother." Al said. Indecision evident in his tone.

"Come on, Al. We have to stop that guy." Izumi said in a firm voice that gave no room for a refusal from the younger Elric.

As imposing as her tone was, Roy wasn't about to give in so easily. "Wait! What's going on here?"

"My brother is confronting Pride."

Roy tried to wriggle out of Izumi's grip as he remembered what Riza had told him about that homunculus and what he himself had caught a glimpse of its abilities. The fear of that child hurting his son was growing exponentially. "We can't leave him alone, we have to help him!" Getting no response he shouted. "Fullmetal!"

"Go away, Colonel!" shouted Ed from where he stood.

This time Izumi put her arm around Roy's shoulders and pulled him to her side. The Colonel was surprised at the strength and ease with which she made that move. "We cannot allow that monster to dare to take any more lives." She said in a stern tone. "Besides Ed can do it. We have to trust in him."

Roy clenched his fists tightly. He knew Ed was a very skilled alchemist but he didn't have to risk his life against someone as dangerous as Pride. Roy should be the one protecting him and not, in a way, the other way around.

Unwilling to waste any more time, Izumi initiated a transmutation. "You better not lose, Ed." She said as they began to ascend.

"Yes, madam!" the blond replied.

Roy had no choice but to resign himself and let Izumi guide him, as he filled his mind with curses at himself for how helpless he felt in those moments.