The Empath Alchemist {Edward Elric X Reader}

17

Edward and (Y/n) stared at Ling incredulously, unable to form the proper response. Upon taking in Ling's reluctant words, the first thing that crossed their minds was if that was even possible- for a Homunculus to die at the hands of a mortal. Lust, an artificial being capable of mass destruction, had been killed by a human being. How in the hell had Roy managed to kill her? They didn't even know that there was a way for Homunculi to get killed. It all felt so silly to think about, odd to even entertain the idea. (Y/n) almost believed that Ling was messing around with her, but the disturbed look on his face said otherwise. He must have seen it first hand, this exchange between the lustful Homunculus and her father.

This led the alchemists to their second thought- why was this such a bad thing? In fact, the more they pondered and digested the fact, the more they saw this as a success. It felt like humanity's first win against the horrid beings that lurked in the night, seeking to kill in order to gain. Lust's demise was a symbol of hope for Amestris! How could this have possibly been a bad thing?

Their last thought allowed them to realize that this, indeed was not just a bad thing- but a troublesome, and quite awful occurrence. There were a few reasons why Roy killing Lust was going to bring about a worse fate for the Elrics and (Y/n). Roy Mustang did not kill so freely. He didn't abuse his power and roam the streets, searching for some kind of way to release tension by lighting someone on fire. That being said, he wasn't entirely pure either. (Y/n) didn't know why Roy had been so different after returning from Ishval, but she assumed it had to do with the lives that he had been ordered to take. He was a soldier after all, she didn't expect his hands to be clean. Even so, she was completely unaware of just how much death and devastation he was the root of in the East. Past events aside, Roy knew when it was appropriate to use his fire alchemy and when it was not. The fact that he killed Lust proved that he was not in the right state of mind. He had been ordered specifically to stay still and to not stir up trouble. He'd done the exact opposite, far worse, actually. He'd killed one of Father's children, and (Y/n) couldn't fathom how he had been so reckless.

She shouldn't have been so surprised, though. She and Edward had both seen how his hatred was brewing, and it would have only been a matter of time before he lashed out irrationally. But this, though it proved his immense power and upper hand over one of Father's minions, was not something he should have taken pride in. His actions were careless, selfish, and downright psychopathic. 

Roy Mustang would have never sought out a fight with a Homunculus, knowing that his involvement would risk the life of someone the teens held dear to them. The more (Y/n) mulled over it, the more her heart broke. How could he have been so irresponsible? He wasn't the only one grieving the death of Maes Hughes. Hell, Gracia had lost a loving husband and Elicia had lost her own father. Why was Roy behaving in this manner, lashing out at everyone against him rather than seeking proper help? Why couldn't (Y/n) reach him to bring him back to his senses? He was so out of reach, no matter how far she stretched out her hand she'd grasp nothing but the weightless air as she desperately watched her father dig himself a grave.

(Y/n) knew she couldn't blame him for not knowing how to deal with the loss of his best friend. They'd known each other longer than she was a thought in his head. It was understandable that he'd be so upset, but this mindless anger was not going to get him anywhere. He was acting on rage rather than thinking with the big brain that was gifted to him. He was currently alone, surrounded by strangers in a cold atmosphere- being watched closely by the eyes of several Homunculi. He had no warmth, no love to hold onto. He must have felt so helpless, so alone. The anger that warmed his body was probably a much better feeling than that of the trepidations that attempted to haunt him in the ungodly hours of the morning. But... this wasn't right. Homunculus or not, Lust wasn't supposed to die. At least not at this time. He could've been killed himself if he hadn't been so fueled by anger. (Y/n) could have lost not one, but two people she loved within the span of two weeks. She recalled the orders he had given her before everything had gone to hell: Don't do anything stupid. Stay alive.