#scriptumigni

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.

CRYSTAL THA T FUCKDISNG ICON

there were some other options but they weren’t as good

!!! the rwby eps have been so good honestly… and that kh trailer too! terra… clutches my heart

TIRED eyes reopen as he detects a familiar presence. he definitely hadn’t fallen asleep at his desk … again. the smell of coffee met him as she approached, two cups in hand; it was her words, though, that truly roused him to consciousness. 

“ hey … ” 

A moment is taken to gather his bearings, ridding himself of remaining lethargy. he smiles as she sets the prepared drink beside him – 

THE urgency was obvious as her gaze met his, a certain determination laced with anxiety in her eyes. he looked to her, similar emotions lurking beneath his smile. a nod was offered, a display of mutual trust.

“ right – ! ”

HER words ring true once again as he makes to sit forward, towards her. pain blossomed forth like the flames he cast – fitting, perhaps. the ashes of what was once a person ( or at least, what looked to be a person. in truth, she was hardly human ) laid scattered about. he had set her ablaze in vengeful ire, for hughes, for havoc, for everything. 

“ i’m … fine. ”

HIS gaze faltered from hers as he allowed for moment to regain some amount of strength. pain … he was not unfamiliar with it, though this particular type was new. minor burns he was well-versed in. this was far from minor. this sort of pain … she must have felt it, back then. after the war, after the horrors they’d both experienced and the terror he inflicted with ease. she did not wish for such power to fall to the wrong hands. perhaps he should have listened to his mentor, all those years ago … though change could hardly come from sitting idly by.

HE could feel the darkness eating away at his vision, lulling him to unconsciousness. he was loath to let himself fall into such a state – leaving would prove that much more difficult and he’d surely cause only worry …he struggled to find a more comfortable position, but moving was, in general, not such a wise idea. 

ALCHEMY hinged upon the sole rule of equivalent exchange – to gain, one must sacrifice. this was true for many things; money for goods, vitality for age and experience, time for knowledge. his sight for the truth. now as darkness cast its spell upon him and the starless night was evermore, he failed to see the likeness. just how equivalent was his eyes for a truth he cared not for? when it was not by free will but through the choices of another, can such an offering be truly equitable? 

HER words can still be heard, however. despite the shadow shroud he can find comfort in her voice and touch, as her hand reached his shoulder. worries are too formidable to be vanquished with such ease, though her presence lightens them some. a breath escaped as they took a moment, just a single link in time’s chain, to find whatever respite they could. it would be thereafter they would find themselves thrust into a fight betwixt a quasi-god and those who wished to stop him. it would be then he would have to place trust in her to watch his back, unable to return the gesture. it would be then the battle for freedom would finally end. but they would enjoy this moment, lost amongst a thousand others, in the eye of this hurricane that was their arena. a second of peace.