‘ you won’t lose me. ’ <3
TERROR grips his chest, throat, legs, rooting him in place. paralyzed by fear and held still by father’s lackeys. roy watches as they took a blade to riza’s neck, unable to move, unable to protect her or save her. unable to do what she’s done for him all this time. then she’s dropped atop the transmutation circle, life draining as her blood spilled forth. he grit his teeth, eyes cast aside at the sight. the image of her dying in front of him was not something he’d wished to carve into memory. a heavy sigh escaped him, unsure and uneasy. and then, with her last remaining strength, she reminds him of his past words. i can’t die. i’m under strict orders not to die. and she gives him a look; she’s telling him no matter what happens, do not stray from the path.
he promises her. alright. i won’t perform the transmutation.
then the conversation is interrupted, as allies appear just in time, and he’s given the chance to break free. in an instant he’s at her side, lifting her from the cold stone. adrenaline drowns out every other sound, distracting him from the red searing him, his clothes, the ground...
“ -- lieutenant! c’mon, stay with me... ”
her voice comes quiet, barely audible. you won’t lose me. and her eyes are locked to his for a single moment, a small yet steadfast smile touching her lips. she was promising him this time. he smiled back. just hearing her again was enough for relief to spark -- but it did not begin a steady blaze, as she fell back to unconsciousness, and panic quickly returned. death’s touch would not be bated by prayer; fate could not be bent and bowed to his will. what he needed was no miracle but a doctor, a person versed in medical alchemy. he was all but ready to attempt... something, anything to at least stabilize her...
-- when, as if to prove that fate did listen, a certain xingese princess offered to aid. riza’s breathing steadied, no longer within the grasp of the reaper. alive. he gave thanks, pulling her close. for just this moment, they were both safe, and silence seemed to fill the room. just for a moment... there was peace.












