Fullmetal Alchemist (Archer->Kimberly) [week 3, prompt 5]
Title: Good Soldier Author: Laylah Rating: worksafe with dubious hero worship Word Count: 200 Summary: They're told this will be the last night of the war.
They're told this will be the last night of the war. Archer regrets it, at least in part -- it's too soon, for him. He won't miss the desert, but he wishes he'd had a chance to make a name for himself and earn promotion past lieutenant.
Still, he can't complain too much. His platoon is stationed on a ridge over the remains of Ishvar's capital, and from here he can watch the alchemists work. It's breathtaking, the power, the brilliance of their enhanced ability.
"Shit," Abrams says, to Archer's left. He points down the slope, to the blossoming line of explosions that cut off the rebels' escape route. "That's him, isn't it?"
"Kimberly," Archer agrees. "Yes." His heart feels tight in his chest, giddy, thrilled. Major Kimberly is their alchemist, everything a good soldier should be, and it's made Archer proud to lead his support team. He's focused, unflinching, quick to grasp the tactical nuances of a situation and comfortable with his command. He carves a path toward the city center, and the ground rumbles with his attacks.
Archer clutches his rifle tighter, breath held in anticipation, and imagines that somewhere in the battle's din he can hear Kimberly's laughter.