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After spending some time away...
Title: Starry Night
Author:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
okami_hu
Beta: NONE and please, keep that in mind
Rating: G
Genre: general
Pairing: none (some barely detectable hints of RoiAi)
Warnings: none
Author's Notes: Arakawa’s, not mine, thank the Goddess. It’s actually the follow-up of “Shadowed Sunlight”. If you haven’t read that, I wouldn’t recommend it. All you have to know is that Kimbley raped Hawkeye in that.
Major Goldberg nearly spurted his coffee on the papers laid out before him. After managing to swallow the hot, bitter liquid, he stared up at the young, blonde woman standing before his desk.
“Khm, that’s… a serious accusation, Sergeant… Sergeant…”
“Hawkeye, Sir,” Riza said firmly. “I’m aware of that, Sir.”
“Then, you know it well, that if this gets into the higher ups’ ears, there will be a court-martial? And if you can’t present some clear proof, like a reliable witness, you’ll be in danger. It is strictly forbidden to accuse a superior with unfounded charges.” He sighed and looked compassionately at the woman. “I have to tell you that Major Kimbley is renowned and feared by all the lower-ranked soldiers and even the officers won’t dare to mess with him. If what you say really happened… I’m truly sorry and I really understand your pain and anger but maybe you should let it go. For your own sake. I can remember hearing your name from Major Mustang; he praised your excellent marksmanship skills. You could have a nice career in the military; don’t let it be ruined by something like this. Please, Sergeant Hawkeye, reconsider it.”
Riza pressed her lips together and saluted firmly. “I’m sorry, Sir but I have to have my justice. I’ll look for witnesses. As soon as I find one, I’ll return and request the arrest of Major Kimbley.”
Goldberg stared into his mug sadly. He was sure it’s not even worth a try.
“Very well, Sergeant. Do your best and I promise, I’ll help you. You may go now.”
Hawkeye bowed and left.
That evening, she sat in her tent and she couldn’t stop crying from frustration and anger. She would never have believed this! That spineless lot!
Riza spent the day asking the soldiers, who saw or maybe heard, when Kimbley backed her into the tent and raped her. She clearly remembered a few faces but all she got was rejection. “Well, yeah but that’s Kimbley, for God’s sake! I can’t possibly give evidence what he did! He’d murder me! He’s crazy.” “Hawkeye, I’m sorry, I really am, he deserves to be hanged, but I won’t put my life at stake. The war is enough; I don’t want to die by Basque Gran’s hands!” “Hawkeye, forget about it. Try to lie flat and maybe he won’t do that again.”
Riza broke the nose of that last soldier. She still couldn’t believe. She joined the military to defend the country, to serve her homeland. She believed that since they have an enemy, the soldiers in the army stick together. If they hold grudges, the discipline suffers and then, they’d be easily defeated. You simply can’t beat up a companion. That’s not how it works. And the superiors are there to lead, to protect their men as well as they protect them; the officers have a responsibility for the soldiers. They shouldn’t treat them badly except when one deserves it. To rape a subordinate? What kind of sick idea is that??
In addition, the worst was yet to come. She was called into the Colonel’s tent in the afternoon. Colonel Trenton looked even more serious than he used to.
“It came to my attention,” he began “that you have some charges against Major Kimbley, Sergeant Hawkeye. Very serious charges.”
Riza glared at the Crimson Alchemist, who sat on a chair, casually as usual, and was grinning like a hyena.
“The case needs to be handled with the utmost care,” Colonel Trenton continued. “I don’t want any unsettling rumors in the camp, which may distract the soldiers’ mind. Sergeant Hawkeye, do you have any proof which could back up your accusation?”
“Not yet, Sir,” Riza said quickly, “but…”
“Colonel, we shouldn’t waste our time with things of such little importance,” Kimbley cut in. Trenton cocked an eyebrow.
“Major Kimbley, you’ve been accused with something very serious. You’re taking this far too lightly.”
The alchemist waved an array-marked hand nonchalantly. “I forgive Sergeant Hawkeye. What she claims to be the truth never happened actually, I could give my word. She might have had a dream or her nerves were playing tricks on her. However, that’s not a wonder, this war weights on the soul heavily. I’ve seen stronger, more stable men snap under the tension.” He stood up and stretched. Hawkeye got the sudden urge to take her gun and shot a fist-sized hole into the middle of his chest.
“Let’s forget about this little incident and move along. The enemy is silent; I can feel that they’re up to something. Please, Sir, let the poor Sergeant go with a warning. I’d never forgive myself if the best years of such a beautiful, young, and talented soldier were wasted in prison. And I’d like to ask permission to leave.”
”You’re dismissed, Major Kimbley,” Trenton nodded and as soon as the alchemist was out, he shot a glare to Hawkeye. “You should be thankful that the Major was so generous. In the future, reconsider it twice before you attempt to dishonor a valuable member of this glorious army. Dismissed!”
Hawkeye bowed deeply but she couldn’t utter a single word; her throat was too clenched.
The canvas flapped and somebody entered the tent. Riza swiftly wiped off her tears and turned to the newcomer with a murderous gaze. She recoiled though when she realized, it was the Flame Alchemist, Major Roy Mustang.
The young man looked compassionately at her. “May I sit down, Sergeant Hawkeye?”
Riza nodded, she didn’t even know why. Roy took a seat, and sighed.
“I heard about it, and I’m truly sorry. I know you told the truth. But the people here won’t try to oppose Kimbley. He’s a madman, who kills without regret. For him, it doesn’t matter, whom is he using for his spiteful alchemy.”
Mustang had a nice, soothing voice; it calmed Riza’s troubled nerves a little.
“I’ve never thought this could be possible,” she spoke up on a slightly trembling voice. “I believed in honor, and law. I was a fool, I can see it now.”
“Don’t condemn yourself,” Roy gently placed his gloved hand on the woman’s. “I used to be the same once. Then, I learned that this order isn’t perfect, far from it. I was forced to do terrible things, even betraying our own people.” He looked into the distance. “There was a point when I thought I can’t go on anymore but a friend helped me. Now, I’d like to be that friend for you.”
Riza blinked, blushing a little. Mustang was a very handsome man, graceful, and charismatic. His sincere words only added to his allure. “Thank you Sir, but why would you bother?”
Roy’s eyes shone seriously; flames danced beneath the dark orbs. “I need your help, Sergeant. You’re a strong fighter, skilled, and intelligent. I need such subordinates around me. I have plans… daring plans but without any help, I’d be lost. I need somebody to protect me from those bastards, who are like Kimbley. Somebody, who is brave enough and wants a change too. Somebody like you. I want you to join me once we return to Central.” He stood up and bowed deeply. “Please, become my faithful supporter.”
Hawkeye could only stare. Is this possible? A Major, a State Alchemist begging her to become one of his men?
She decided in a heartbeat. She knew she won’t regret her choice. She extended her hand and when Roy took it, Riza returned the squeeze firmly.
“It’ll be an honor to serve under you, Sir!”
~EnD~
Author:
okami_huBeta: NONE and please, keep that in mind
Rating: G
Genre: general
Pairing: none (some barely detectable hints of RoiAi)
Warnings: none
Author's Notes: Arakawa’s, not mine, thank the Goddess. It’s actually the follow-up of “Shadowed Sunlight”. If you haven’t read that, I wouldn’t recommend it. All you have to know is that Kimbley raped Hawkeye in that.
Major Goldberg nearly spurted his coffee on the papers laid out before him. After managing to swallow the hot, bitter liquid, he stared up at the young, blonde woman standing before his desk.
“Khm, that’s… a serious accusation, Sergeant… Sergeant…”
“Hawkeye, Sir,” Riza said firmly. “I’m aware of that, Sir.”
“Then, you know it well, that if this gets into the higher ups’ ears, there will be a court-martial? And if you can’t present some clear proof, like a reliable witness, you’ll be in danger. It is strictly forbidden to accuse a superior with unfounded charges.” He sighed and looked compassionately at the woman. “I have to tell you that Major Kimbley is renowned and feared by all the lower-ranked soldiers and even the officers won’t dare to mess with him. If what you say really happened… I’m truly sorry and I really understand your pain and anger but maybe you should let it go. For your own sake. I can remember hearing your name from Major Mustang; he praised your excellent marksmanship skills. You could have a nice career in the military; don’t let it be ruined by something like this. Please, Sergeant Hawkeye, reconsider it.”
Riza pressed her lips together and saluted firmly. “I’m sorry, Sir but I have to have my justice. I’ll look for witnesses. As soon as I find one, I’ll return and request the arrest of Major Kimbley.”
Goldberg stared into his mug sadly. He was sure it’s not even worth a try.
“Very well, Sergeant. Do your best and I promise, I’ll help you. You may go now.”
Hawkeye bowed and left.
That evening, she sat in her tent and she couldn’t stop crying from frustration and anger. She would never have believed this! That spineless lot!
Riza spent the day asking the soldiers, who saw or maybe heard, when Kimbley backed her into the tent and raped her. She clearly remembered a few faces but all she got was rejection. “Well, yeah but that’s Kimbley, for God’s sake! I can’t possibly give evidence what he did! He’d murder me! He’s crazy.” “Hawkeye, I’m sorry, I really am, he deserves to be hanged, but I won’t put my life at stake. The war is enough; I don’t want to die by Basque Gran’s hands!” “Hawkeye, forget about it. Try to lie flat and maybe he won’t do that again.”
Riza broke the nose of that last soldier. She still couldn’t believe. She joined the military to defend the country, to serve her homeland. She believed that since they have an enemy, the soldiers in the army stick together. If they hold grudges, the discipline suffers and then, they’d be easily defeated. You simply can’t beat up a companion. That’s not how it works. And the superiors are there to lead, to protect their men as well as they protect them; the officers have a responsibility for the soldiers. They shouldn’t treat them badly except when one deserves it. To rape a subordinate? What kind of sick idea is that??
In addition, the worst was yet to come. She was called into the Colonel’s tent in the afternoon. Colonel Trenton looked even more serious than he used to.
“It came to my attention,” he began “that you have some charges against Major Kimbley, Sergeant Hawkeye. Very serious charges.”
Riza glared at the Crimson Alchemist, who sat on a chair, casually as usual, and was grinning like a hyena.
“The case needs to be handled with the utmost care,” Colonel Trenton continued. “I don’t want any unsettling rumors in the camp, which may distract the soldiers’ mind. Sergeant Hawkeye, do you have any proof which could back up your accusation?”
“Not yet, Sir,” Riza said quickly, “but…”
“Colonel, we shouldn’t waste our time with things of such little importance,” Kimbley cut in. Trenton cocked an eyebrow.
“Major Kimbley, you’ve been accused with something very serious. You’re taking this far too lightly.”
The alchemist waved an array-marked hand nonchalantly. “I forgive Sergeant Hawkeye. What she claims to be the truth never happened actually, I could give my word. She might have had a dream or her nerves were playing tricks on her. However, that’s not a wonder, this war weights on the soul heavily. I’ve seen stronger, more stable men snap under the tension.” He stood up and stretched. Hawkeye got the sudden urge to take her gun and shot a fist-sized hole into the middle of his chest.
“Let’s forget about this little incident and move along. The enemy is silent; I can feel that they’re up to something. Please, Sir, let the poor Sergeant go with a warning. I’d never forgive myself if the best years of such a beautiful, young, and talented soldier were wasted in prison. And I’d like to ask permission to leave.”
”You’re dismissed, Major Kimbley,” Trenton nodded and as soon as the alchemist was out, he shot a glare to Hawkeye. “You should be thankful that the Major was so generous. In the future, reconsider it twice before you attempt to dishonor a valuable member of this glorious army. Dismissed!”
Hawkeye bowed deeply but she couldn’t utter a single word; her throat was too clenched.
The canvas flapped and somebody entered the tent. Riza swiftly wiped off her tears and turned to the newcomer with a murderous gaze. She recoiled though when she realized, it was the Flame Alchemist, Major Roy Mustang.
The young man looked compassionately at her. “May I sit down, Sergeant Hawkeye?”
Riza nodded, she didn’t even know why. Roy took a seat, and sighed.
“I heard about it, and I’m truly sorry. I know you told the truth. But the people here won’t try to oppose Kimbley. He’s a madman, who kills without regret. For him, it doesn’t matter, whom is he using for his spiteful alchemy.”
Mustang had a nice, soothing voice; it calmed Riza’s troubled nerves a little.
“I’ve never thought this could be possible,” she spoke up on a slightly trembling voice. “I believed in honor, and law. I was a fool, I can see it now.”
“Don’t condemn yourself,” Roy gently placed his gloved hand on the woman’s. “I used to be the same once. Then, I learned that this order isn’t perfect, far from it. I was forced to do terrible things, even betraying our own people.” He looked into the distance. “There was a point when I thought I can’t go on anymore but a friend helped me. Now, I’d like to be that friend for you.”
Riza blinked, blushing a little. Mustang was a very handsome man, graceful, and charismatic. His sincere words only added to his allure. “Thank you Sir, but why would you bother?”
Roy’s eyes shone seriously; flames danced beneath the dark orbs. “I need your help, Sergeant. You’re a strong fighter, skilled, and intelligent. I need such subordinates around me. I have plans… daring plans but without any help, I’d be lost. I need somebody to protect me from those bastards, who are like Kimbley. Somebody, who is brave enough and wants a change too. Somebody like you. I want you to join me once we return to Central.” He stood up and bowed deeply. “Please, become my faithful supporter.”
Hawkeye could only stare. Is this possible? A Major, a State Alchemist begging her to become one of his men?
She decided in a heartbeat. She knew she won’t regret her choice. She extended her hand and when Roy took it, Riza returned the squeeze firmly.
“It’ll be an honor to serve under you, Sir!”
~EnD~