There's a super-long author's note at the end of this that I hope you read. Anyway, enjoy this last theme, and (as always) the disclaimer applies.

Supernova

Supernova: a stellar explosion that marks the death of a star. The elements that are emitted from these explosions become the building blocks for the new stars and planetary systems that are created by the supernovae's shockwaves. It is only through supernovae that the elements necessary for life can be brought into and spread throughout the universe. The light emitted from these explosions can last for months and shine brighter than an entire galaxy.

Roy and Riza had spent their entire lives working toward change. At first, they only wished to make the lives of the masses better and allow everyone to live in happiness. They wanted the struggles of the many to become the triumphs of all. In order to do this, they knew they would need the military's power. What the military proved to be, however, changed their plans drastically.

After killing thousands, they resolved to make sure the next generation would never have to deal with such atrocities—that those after them could live in blissful ignorance of the torments of war. They wanted to atone for their sins, and to do that, they needed to work from the inside. There would be no giving up for either of them, no resigning from their posts in a vain attempt to seem repentant to the public (it would not work; the public knew too much about them—only because they were praised as heroes were their heads not sought by the citizens of their own country). They recognized the need to change the political structure and remove from power those who abused their positions. The truth needed to be revealed, even if meant their own demonization and possible execution.

Then, they discovered the conspiracy of the homunculi and the one called Father. This only reinforced their desire to change the military from the inside. Only by foiling the homunculi's plans and clearing the corrupt from power could they begin to implement the grand design of change they wished to see.

After the many years they spent in Ishval beyond the Promised Day, they finally reached the top. However, they knew that they could not make all the changes they wanted to overnight. In fact, it would take them the rest of their lives to complete. But they knew that the changes they started would shine brightly for decades and become a stepping stone on which others could continue their legacy. They would provide the necessary elements for the next generations to build upon. Through their actions, others could experience the miracle of happiness they so desperately believed they did not deserve. They worked tirelessly to make sure that atrocities such as Ishval would never again be committed to the Amestrian people. When they died and their lives were analyzed, their selfless actions were praised among historians and scholars alike.

No matter what happened to them along their crooked and broken path, they always kept their end goal in sight, never ceasing to put others ahead of themselves and allow them the opportunity to shine as brightly as they. As humans upon this short walk of life, there can be no more noble deed.

I realize that the connection between supernovae and the characters is tenuous at best, but I hope you were able to see that I was trying to get at what I think is the true power of Royai. While their story certainly contains a tale of subtle (and forbidden!) love, it more predominantly tells a tale of devotion to one's ideals and goals. At the end of the day, Roy and Riza are not concerned with whether or not they can get married—they are concerned about whether they are moving toward their goals of atonement and betterment of the nation. This is sort of dynamic that I hope I portrayed in this final installment of my drabble/one-shot series.

Fun fact: The elements that are emitted and spread throughout the universe by supernovae were lovingly referred to as "star poop" by my high school astronomy teacher. The more you know. XD But you can now rest assured in the knowledge that everything we know (including ourselves) is made of star poop. You've got ancient stars' atoms in you, making up the composition of your body. That's pretty freakin' cool.

Man, I love astronomy. But not as much as I love you guys! *cheesy grin for a cheesy line* Thanks so much for taking the time to read, review, favorite, and alert! It's made me so happy. Every time I got a review, favorite, or alert, I squealed like a little girl. Basically, I squealed a lot during the course of this. So thank you so very much for all the virtual love.

Best wishes to you all,

WanderingTroubadour

P.S. I may edit some of these themes and might even replace a couple. It depends on how much time/motivation I have, but with the overloaded course schedule I have this semester, I don't how realistic that will be. So keep on the lookout if you want. :)