The Beautifully Crafted Tragedy of Riza Hawkeye and Roy Mustang

[@laurenrogers]

BRAND NEW VIDEO ESSAY OUT!!! In which I give my unfiltered defense (as well as some small critiques) of the Ishval War arc and the characters central to it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5KukIOLfKyaf9U

[@spiritedrenee9895]

Also the real reason why Riza didn’t marry Roy is because she refuses to marry a man with such a bad mustache.😔

[@ashhabimran239]

I heard this theory somewhere that Ed actually drew that on the picture, and considering their relationship, I wouldn't be surprised

[@heywhat6676]

Royai is one of the very few couples everyone just collectively agrees to ship and I love it so much! Also- if you have to make a couple kiss or profess their feelings to show that they're in love, you're not doing it right. Royai makes it a lot harder to pick apart with the subtle things (and is more agonizing to watch) and the dynamic just makes it so much better. Just 10/10 relationship and great vid btw

[@Korrin69]

I literally find you on so many Royai comment sections omg

[@catalinaplaza7909]

I thought we all accepted as canon that that terrible mustache was Ed’s drawing over the photograph, because no matter what they lived together and how old they get, Ed and Roy would always annoy each other 👍

[@Cam-cc2ft]

You know Royai is good when I, someone who’s aromantic, ships them.

[@SingingSealRiana]

true ^^ that needs good writing intead or the usualy "boy meets girl and now kiss" shit media likes to pull

[@mylesdeleon5654]

@@SingingSealRiana Fr bro

[@BNRmatt]

It's a relationship built on mutual respect. Seems pretty universal.

[@solidghost1337]

Honestly that makes sense because their relationship isn't really romantic at all. It's so much deeper than that, romance almost feels like it would cheapen it.

[@higaiwokeru]

Whats aromantic

[@char-_]

Literally my fma Pinterest board is just them...

[@laurenrogers]

SAME HONESTLY

[@heywhat6676]

gurl saammee

[@char-_]

@@laurenrogers lol totally random but listen to “Lighthouse” by Patrick Watson it’s literally their song and I want to make a Royai animatic with it one day 😳

[@VilSchoenheitLover]

SAME

[@ilyzsue9184]

OMG SAME

[@jeangentry6656]

What I love about the Roy/Riza relationship is how unstated yet totally obvious it is. They don't need the "Will They, Won't They" drama- they have literally gone to war and lived and died for each other. Even if their relationship was solely platonic, they are clearly soulmates. Their bond is one that is stronger than romantic love, because that can die out. Theirs is the Eternal Flame. They'll be the death of each other, and they don't want it any other way. I know Christianity doesn't exist in the FMA Universe, but if any pairing embodies the phrase "for love is strong as death" found in Song of Solomon 8:6, it's them.

[@justasmltwngir1732]

Love that verse. Thank you for bringing it to mind

[@flyingfox3296]

That verse is perfect for Royai, thank you so much for sharing!

[@juliakra01]

"I could honestly do an entire essay on just [the tunnel scene] alone" YES PLEASE!!! I love these two so much! "Maybe their only happy ending is for them to face the firing squad together" this broke me

[@laurenrogers]

Maybe if I have time over the summer!!!

[@errormacrodylan6747]

I think the special thing about FMAB is it reminds me what it means to be human. I've always tended to lean and revisit series/shows/plays that make me feel that it's ok to be alive. This being a prime example. FMAB was a show my uncle showed me before he passed away and im glad I can spread the show to people like he did. Another piece of media that has always touched me through the years is Sam Raimis Spider-Man trilogy. I know the fan base can be wack but id highly recommend them. I highly doubt it'll touch you like it did me but maybe give it a shot if u haven't already. P.S great video dude. U took the words right out of my mouth. 👌

[@laurenrogers]

Oh my goodness I feel the exact same way! This is the exact thing that made Fullmetal Alchemist, LOST, Les Miserables and Lord of the Rings four of my absolute favorite stories of all time. I watched the first two Sam Raimi Spider-Man films FOREVER ago, but I should definitely give them another look!

[@errormacrodylan6747]

@@laurenrogers i still really need to check out LOST 😂 also just a wanting. Spider-Man 3 is defiantly a step down in quality and defiantly has it's flaws but I don't see it as a bad movie by any means. Just a somewhat disappointing one

[@nicolalobosco825]

I remember watching brotherhood and thinking the exact same thing, I was starting to doubt if living was only pointless pain, unchangeable injustice and just a farce we collectively decided, knowing or unknowingly, to take part in, but this anime gave me hope that the suffering, however big, can help change the world for the better

[@1notdeadfred]

19:07 As a fairly broken person who married another fairly broken person, I want to highlight this line. We don't fix each other, but encourage each other to fix ourselves to the best of our abilities. You mustn't exclusively cover for each others' weaknesses, but help each other handle those weaknesses for themselves. After all, sometimes your partner isn't there to help you. We both agree that she is Hawkeye and I am Mustang. We teach each other how to be better people. That is the epitome of trust and vulnerability.

[@laurenrogers]

This is one of the most beautiful comments I’ve ever gotten on my channel. Thank you for this.

[@jassielpeguero3373]

Their not toxic, they are intense. And thats very powerfully beautifull.

[@emmahardy5422]

I have watched episode 54 so many times, I have honestly lost track. Roy and Riza are by far the most honest and heartbreaking relationship I have ever seen in any TV show/movie/book, ect. It feels so real, so cruel, but also so beautiful. They have saved each other's lives both in combat and also through their words and actions off the battlefield. OTP of all OTPs, no question. Great video!

[@renylos5032]

Not gonna lie, "Nothing Else Matters" playing in the background from 14:15 really caught me off guard. (Big Metallica fan here) That being said, I love this video. I just got through the show and can now enjoy all of the sweet sweet essays, AMVs, comliations, etc. Being in a long distance relationship, I kinda feel for these 2. But what I love even more about them is their ability to work together. This should be the deifnition of the term "power couple". Top notch writing on that part. As well as this analysis, great job ^^.

[@Sofi_Botero_]

There's actually a scene in the series which shows him buying the flowers and hes not drunk I think Edit,:It's at the end of family portrait Like the very very end

[@laurenrogers]

THANK YOU

[@hhhhjjj9470]

What really? In fma or fmab?

[@hhhhjjj9470]

@@Sofi_Botero_ nvm i just saw it, wow i never knew abt this

[@flusel4949]

Yes! Roy bought the flowers from a flower seller, who is secretly a servant of the Armstrong family. While she was wrapping up all the flowers, he had a reason to listen to all the secret information she passed on from the Armstrongs. But I just KNOW that he was thinking “that’s the perfect excuse to call Hawkeye” during this conversation!

[@plecityt]

after rewatching this INCREDIBLE video essay, it makes me feel even more proud that I got riza's entire back tattoo--its huge but shes always been my hero, regardless of how broken she is. thank you for making this!!!

[@teresawang830]

Your analysis of Royai is so poignant and on point! Both Riza and Roy are such incredibly strong and principled characters, and their love, trust and care for each other is so apparent throughout the series. The way they are restraining themselves from openly expressing with their romantic feelings for each other, for they are drowning in their own guilt about their actions in Ishval and for a greater purpose of restoring their country, is a disciplined and mature reaction on their part. What a damn beautiful tragic love story 😭 I’m enthralled with Royai (they’re my OTP of OTPs) and am so glad to find a community of fellow Royai fans 🥰 looking forward to more videos/fics/songs!!

[@heywhat6676]

'Casual reminder that darkalina is toxic' This is when I just knew- You are my new favorite youtuber. Subscribed

[@carms1011]

In that last montage of all the characters during the finale, I always thought of that Royai photo as pretty positive. Like even though, they aren't together, Roy has achieved his goal and became the Fuhrer with Riza still beside him and keeping him grounded. I never thought to interpret it the way you did, so now I'm sobbing at 3 am about Royai again. Thanks and you've got yourself a subscriber now! 💕

[@YamiKisara]

Same. While not so lovey dovey as the Elric family, they're together as they've always been, and they're still 30-ish at the end of it all - while not ideal, they have at least five years to have that first child without any big problems. I can imagine Breda taking Riza's place as Mustang's assistant once she retires so they can actually elope - he was the sole reason the public stood behind Mustang's coup. And Riza's grandpa literally wants them to be together. He probably pulled a lot of strings to showcase their relationship in a really good light. If Breda continued with that PR, Riza would be a much beloved first lady. AND she's on great terms with Mrs. Bradley, who's also rather beloved by the public. I'm convinced it's all set up for them to eventually become a proper family. We just don't see it on screen, because we follow Ed's story, not Roy's.

[@sfedits6613]

Wow this is a great video essay!! I love Royai way too much too, and their relationship is honestly so very unique. It’s so well written that everybody is rooting for them through the series. Also, in the sub, Hawkeye refers to Mustang using a form of “you” that usually isn’t used to refer to a superior and it’s actually used for couples from the wife to husband (it’s pretty hard to explain but yeah.) Anyways, I loved this video and also the little references to other shows and stuff; it made this even better :)

[@laurenrogers]

YES THE ANATA UGHHHH

[@sfedits6613]

@@laurenrogers yep lol it’s so hard to explain though- I tried since I don’t speak/know Japanese too too well but it’s my first language.

[@thebasementweeb4909]

They're literally just the ultimate OTP.

[@kariistired7039]

Props to you for knowing how to make a video essay intriguing

[@laurenrogers]

I learned from the best

[@spiritedrenee9895]

“As much as they clearly care about each other they also prove to be the cause of each other’s suffering.” WHO’S CUTTING ONIONS IN HERE DAMN T_T

[@DJS12345678]

5:00 I apologize if I missed anyone else saying this, but I'm surprised no one has corrected this. Roy got the flowers from the Armstrong messenger and comically asks how he's going to get rid of them after receiving the message. It was like one scene before the Pride reveal during Episode 37.

[@laurenrogers]

Yeah I know! But I still feel like it doesn’t mean Nothing that the first person he thinks to give them to is Riza. Other people have pointed this out as well, this video is pretty old :)

[@TheSchokodragon]

Considering I'm going through a strong "shipping Royai until I get a heart attack"-phase after re-reading the manga right now, this essay couldn't have come at a better time. And you managed to balance out the comedy and analysis perfectly! As a non-native-speaker it was hard to figure out what you were saying in some spots because your voice was too quiet/the music too loud, so work on the balance of your audio (see what I did there?) and you're up there with Hiding in Public, Super Eyepatch Wolf and the other great anime essayists! And I may be able to comfort you a little about the tragedy of that last photo in the BroHo credits: they are not looking at each other, yeah, but where is Riza looking instead? Roy's back. After all they've been through they still honor their pact to give each other purpose, watch, protect and correct each other if things go south. And Riza's short hair might be a subtle compliment: she wore it like this when they were first crushing on each other as teens and only started growing it out after meeting Winry, who inspired her. The fact that she cut it short again might suggest that she did it for Roy, because that's how he met her and how he likes it ;) (the mustache can burn right where Shou Tucker is tho)

[@laurenrogers]

I LOVE BOTH OF THOSE KZbinRS, IT’S SUCH AN HONOR TO BE COMPARED TO THEM, and yeah, audio balancing is difficult with IMovie And yeah, I guess that is pretty comforting!

[@zachmurray101]

@@laurenrogers also speaking of Roy's moustache in the final photo, he didn't have that in the manga. He was clean shaven in the manga version of the picture. It's kinda implied that Ed drew the moustache onto the picture of Roy in the anime

[@laurenrogers]

@@zachmurray101 I knew that!!! I hope that’s the case

[@dulcemendoza3526]

@@laurenrogersI mean, when you think about it, it sounds like something Ed would do.

[@ekaterinakonovalova1377]

THIS SURE DID ELICIT EMOTIONS BRUH It's THE Royai essay, Lauren!!! I can't fangirl about this enough In all seriousness, I have heard most of these points already (from you, obviously) but you compiled them so well it was like experiencing their relationship for the first time! I was especially struck by the fact of the tunnel scene making Riza realize she doesn't want to die. Whatever one's label for their relationship is, they can't argue that it would be WORSE for them to be apart than together, for all the reasons you listed. Royai is really the perfect relationship to make into a story YOU need, happy ending or tragic ending, grand gestures or quiet affection - exactly because it's so tragic and understated to begin with! "When you're at the bottom, the only way to go is up".

[@ekaterinakonovalova1377]

P.S. the humorous parts were SO FREAKING FUNNY probably because they were relatable lmao. Did I mention that I adore not only the Royai insight in this, but also YOU - I don't know how to put it into words, but your remarks and reactions and the way you talk are amazing to watch and I wouldn't like this essay to be narrated by anyone else. AND THANK YOU FOR THE MENTION OMG, I'm so honored to have a hand in this!

[@laurenrogers]

@@ekaterinakonovalova1377 AHH THANK YOU THIS COMMENT MADE ME SO HAPPY

[@ekaterinakonovalova1377]

@@laurenrogers THAT'S JUST THE LEAST I COULD DO TO THANK YOU

[@flusel4949]

Okay, I’m legit crying right now! This was such a beautiful video essay! Really, it’s entertaining and funny (your comedic timing was perfect!), but also very deep and so heartbreaking (so basically like their relationship)! You perfectly described their relationship and what’s so great about them in just about 20 minutes and every single minute is pure gold! I especially loved how you elucidated how Roy AND Riza both came out of that traumatic tunnel scene stronger than ever, BECAUSE they‘ve built each other up. I‘ve struggled to put it into words myself before this video, but this scene was SO important for Riza as well, because she heard from Roy himself how important it is for her not to die. Not just as an order (for which there are very practical reasons to follow it), but because HE doesn’t want her to die (not because she is a valuable soldier and subordinate, but because of the beautiful yet broken person she is; in those few words they weren’t Colonel Mustang and Lieutenant Hawkeye but for a few moments they were simply Roy and Riza)! I don’t think the next scene, where she is close to dying due to her mortal wound, would be as impactful without the previous scene (she may have been under strict orders not to die and she truly wanted to follow them as well, but I think it was only after the envy incident that she fully realised that it’s not just that she CAN’T and SHOULDN’t die, but that she doesn’t WANT to die!). Furthermore, their choices being the thing that ultimately keeps them apart (and not any outside forces) was well illustrated by you! As far as I know the fraternisation laws only keep them from having a relationship, if they are subordinate and commanding officer. Riza could easily serve in another unit and work with him towards the same goal for a better future, but first this wouldn’t be as efficient as working in the same unit and second they couldn’t work together. They would spend considerably more time without each other than the way it is now. Not to mention that Riza feels responsible for keeping him on the right path, since she was the one giving him the power that could destroy that path and everything around them. Even if the fraternisation laws didn’t existed, I would doubt that they would be in a relationship, since that would make them seem pretty unprofessional and therefore would lower their chances of reaching their goals. But honestly, the whole essay was amazing!! I also loved the music you used! It was very fitting! Also, why use normal boring names for the specific parts, when you have so many beautiful Taylor Swift songs to chose from? And thank you so much for the mention at the end! I’ve always been and will be happy to help!

[@laurenrogers]

YES EXACTLY!!! Riza realizing she doesn’t WANT to die after the tunnel scene is something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough (and something they do super well in Delicate). I think pacing is really important to Royai, none of the big moments in their relationship would hit as hard as they do without the little stuff leading up to them! AND THANKS FOR RECOGNIZING THE MUSIC

[@flusel4949]

@@laurenrogers Absolutely! Not a single scene with those two is gratuitous (and I‘m not just saying this as a Royai fan who would pay money to see a movie of those two doing daily boring office work)! It’s not just big scenes like the lust fight that are important! Every time they interact (or act in general) we learn a little bit more about the nature of their relationship, sometimes we even get some foreshadowing and in the end it all leads up to the big emotional finale!

[@laurenrogers]

@@flusel4949 EXACTLY, and honestly same, they could literally just be doing mundane stuff and I would still love it

[@laurelfloral]

your point-that roy and riza could have been spared all the pain of war-blew my mind. i’ve been a fan since it was releasing in 2009 as a wee gorl, and it’s so refreshing (and depressing) to acknowledge that idea, lol. (: great analysis!

[@madeleinekhouri1655]

I’m so glad I decided to watch this!! Thank you for giving Royai the appreciation it deserves. I love Mustang and Hawkeye because you can tell how much they care for each other without needing an actual scene where they clearly profess their feelings for each other. I don’t see enough videos that go into depth analyzing their relationship. Plus this video essay was entertaining and funny and all around a great analysis!

[@ArcticZombie]

I absolutely love this ship. I guess in the 2003 version at least Roy touches her hair 😮‍💨

[@six5809]

Seeing more FMA content even NOWADAYS is so great! Keep it up, alright?

[@eztrix0342]

This was very well put, I love these two and honestly could talk about them for hours. I feel like we'd get along well haha

[@laurenrogers]

I’m sure we would!

[@bored_potato]

Shamelessly putting this but there's an amazing, amazing fic in Ao3 that it's almost easy to imagine that Arukawa herself wrote it. It's called Roy and Riza Observation Journal and I guarantee you, it's definitely one of the best Royai fics ever out there.

[@laurenrogers]

OOH

[@emmersksksksk]

I LOVE THAT ONE

[@VilSchoenheitLover]

Never would I be able to sit through a whole video essay, BUT THIS I SAT ALL THE WAY THROUGH AND REWATCHING LATER, I want to congratulate you on all the work on the essay btw! My love for Royai and this essay cannot be explained XD

[@laurenrogers]

Thank you!!! I’m so glad you loved it!

[@VilSchoenheitLover]

@@laurenrogers Thank you for making it! I really loved it!

[@garlic_kun]

I remember the time when I first fall in love with royai is in that one ep when Roy was flirting with "Elizabeth" on da phone, I laughed so hard lmao and I am not sad that they didn't marry each other as long as they are together in the end qwq

[@cornelia450]

This has kinda broken my heart. Beautifully done, though. Thank you for this relationship analysis! My favorite headcanon about the mustache (I can't remember where I heard it) is that it's a picture Winry put on their "loved ones" board that Ed drew a 'stache on. Only thought that makes it bearable. 😆

[@a_sentient_blob]

Goddamnit this is a blast from the past! FMAB was one of the first anime I watched back in middle school (I’m a few years out of college now and feeling old). I’ve loved their relationship since my first watch-through and now that I’m an adult it just hits *harder*. The only characters I can think of with a similar dynamic (though platonic) are Camilla & Palamedes from the Locked Tomb. Writing pairs like this is so tricky but damn does it wreck your audience’s emotions when done right. (Speaking of wrecking emotions - how dare you use the power of musical theater for evil! My heartstrings were not prepared to hear “Falling Slowly” at the end! 😭) All that to say - thanks for a trip down memory lane & an excellent breakdown of one of my favorite pairs of characters!

[@ssjronin3972]

I fell for you watching this.. your passion is admirable

[@queenberuthiel5469]

I am binge watching FMA 2003 and I'll watch FMA Brotherhood next. I've seen your Royai moments compilation video. Even though I just basically watched videos with spoilers, I really like your Royai content lol. I just feel like I would also love Royai. Thank you for introducing me to this ship 😂

[@ciscoralmazora289]

The closest epically tragic comparison to this may be the two warriors from "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon". 😕

[@YamiKisara]

It's a great video and I'm glad I found it and your channel, but lemme just say two (longwinded) things: 4:25 Riza hasn't been living in Central for that long when this happened, we can see her doorway is somewhat messy as well, so she clearly hasn't settled in properly yet. Let's also not forget she was moved on a really short notice. Like...she was visiting with Roy and learned she's staying. Seeing how Bradley works like a horse, being his asistant most likely meant she didn't have a chance to move her stuff from the East yet. And chances are she didn't really want to, either, because she only considered this a temporary state of affairs. I don't remember if they dive into it more in the manga, but I suppose it's safe to assume her living quarters are inside an apartment house owned by the military and intended to officers to live in (you know, lower ranking ones get free acomodation in the baracks, higher ranking ones get more privacy within the city - perhaps for a small fee - Roy probably lives in something similar, while Hughes most likely bought that big ass family apartment of theirs so his beloved girls aren't out of touch with regular people). People also used to have far less furniture and just stuff in general when we are used to nowadays. The fact that she, as a single person, has a two-bedroom apartment (at least) is already quite luxurious for the time period. It's probably intended for two, seeing how there are two chairs, but since she's the Führer's assistant, of course she'll have a better housing than other officers of her rank. And, frankly, what else would you like to have inside a kitchen? Fridges weren't invented yet. Though I completely agree the mood of the scene feels heavy - for good reason. Just look how the phone's placed on the edge of the shadow. It's supposed to symbolize Roy pulling her out of the darkness (quite literallly, since it's Pride we're talking about). As a side note: let's not forget Roy bought those flowers as thanks for the intel of that Armstrong woman who sold them. But yes, he absolutely wanted to shower RIza in them and it would've been hilarious if he simply knocked on her door and stuffed them all into her apartment (and how great would it have been if he stayed the night), but considering the part of the story at which it happened, that would've been untimely comedy. I bet he gave them to the girls at Madam Christmas' place instead, leaving them on the street would be a waste. 5:15 speaking of graveyards: men don't like to cry in front of an audience, ok? That's just how we're hardwired. And that's how Roy was during Hughes' funeral. The fact that he allows himself to then cry in front of Riza shows how much she means to him. Because he allows himself to be vulnerable when he's with her! Remember: he was alone at the grave, he could've cried as much as he wanted before Riza came to his side (and then pretend like his puffed up eyes are her imagination or whatever). But he didn't. He only allowed the tears to flow once she was with him. And that's what men do: we allow ourselves to be vulnerable only when we're alone with our significant other. (Of course there are times where you just don't care because something really terrible happened, but, as a rule, the above applies.) Also, I've noticed in two other videos (don't remember which, I've been lowkey binging your FMA stuff, absolutely love your chaotic energy!) you mention Roy's quote to Hughes, along the lines of how "he'll love a few people and those will love a few people and that'll gradually change the world". That seems to be a dub-only situation. In Japanese, he talks about "protecting his subordinates and they in turn protecting theirs, gradually making a change". Imho it's far less sopey than the American version and makes a lot more sense too, seeing how they're in the military. And he's willing to risk his life for all his subordinates, not just Riza (imho making him a much more wellrounded and realistic character). Bottom line is: I'd be careful using the dub version as an argument or a reference, because it's not what the scene was intended to be about. And if that one doesn't fly, people tend to toss everything else outta the window as well, regardless of how hard hitting a fact it might be.

[@andpeggy5448]

Thank you so much for doing all of this it's just amazing, and thank you so much for editing out that disgraceful thing at 10:42 I really appreciated that.

[@aroojamer4880]

Might have been the only this long fan video I have ever watched of anyone.You are definitely worth the watch.lol

[@nganptdinh]

Royai is one criminally underrated star-crossed relationship out there. Not just in the anime-manga world, though.

[@AllysonStorm]

Good analysis, I love Hawkeye and Mustang and they’ve been my favorite ship since 2006 (I still catch the feels for them and it’s 2022 so there’s that), and I’d less than arguably say Fullmetal is my favorite series of all time. So many good lessons, so many fleshed out characters (I can’t name one I don’t like; not even Envy, Kimbley, or Bradley because that’s how necessary they are to the story), and Hawkeye and Mustang being OTP used to be a pretty serious debate with weird dudebro naysayers claiming Hawkeye was just a trigger friendly bitch (yikes) until developed scenes from the manga and Brotherhood. (AKA the tunnel scene, Riza literally BEING Mustang’s eyes during the final battle after he lost his sight, etc.) The manga has so much more Royai content that you briefly touched on. Nowadays it’s pretty much widely accepted as canon after all of the discourse. Hiromu Arakawa saying that the only reason she couldn’t have them married by the end of the series due to the fact they couldn’t keep working together side by side because of their military regulations and obligations was a breath of fresh air for me and longtime Royai shippers. She finally acknowledged it and she stayed true to their characters - and what she said affirmed more to me that they’d eventually get a happy ending, not the doom of a firing squad. Sometimes I wish there was more Fullmetal. I was a monthly chapter reader who looked at the raw manga every month on zomgfta waiting for the chapters to be translated. I was depressed and heartbroken for A MONTH when chapter (I THINK) 107 was released after Hawkeye had her throat slit, because Arakawa left it on the cliffhanger that she was dead and there was a collection members of the fandom that were already mourning. Sometimes I wish there were just a handful of extra volumes focused exclusively on Hawkeye and Mustang - but I’m content with the way it ended and the way Arakawa left things unanswered, therefore giving fans the opportunity to speculate. It’s a very special series for that reason, in my opinion. I guess fans who think Hawkeye/Mustang is toxic don’t understand their deep and profound regret as soldiers unable to live regular lives until they have atoned for killing people. You brought up the paradox of how Hawkeye wouldn’t have joined the military because of Roy and vice versa, but they ultimately suffer together because of Riza’s father and alchemy in general. Arakawa’s world is pretty dark, but she gave Scar a redemption story. Roy and Riza continuing to work for a better future together is a wonderful ending for them, not toxic whatsoever, imo. Arakawa explaining that she couldn’t have them married because of military regulations is some PEAK Royai for me. Anyway, thank you for coming to my Royai diary. You’ve been a real patriot to the cause.

[@laurenrogers]

I WISH THERE WAS MORE OF THEM TOO 😭

[@virginiad.1911]

I feel like Ed and Al would be able to pull the two of them away from their near suicidal plans for the future. It’d be an interesting followup mini arc or something, hearing a more informed and mature continuation of Ed’s objections when he first heard about their plans from Riza. His whole deal w/ the 520 cenz promise was, in my mind, an effort to show Roy that his life has value. I feel like an older Ed, with the help of Al, Winry, and the crew, could convince them they deserve happiness.

[@laurenrogers]

This is the most heartwarming take 🥺

[@virginiad.1911]

@@laurenrogers I’m glad you think so! I mean, Ed was also part of pulling Roy back from the brink during “into the Inferno,” I think he could do that again to help them in the future. 🥲

[@karakostasj2979]

This is probably my favorite video on KZbin now

[@operaanimelover369]

Lauren, I too have been a huge shipper of Roy Mustang x Riza Hawkeye ever since I was a twelve-year-old sixth-grader at the earliest and thirteen-year-old seventh grader at the latest watching Fullmetal Alchemist 2003. They have been my number one OTP for the longest time, thanks to their nobility, amazing sexual tension, and overall beauty together.

[@JayJay-kj2kj]

The my chem song in the end

[@IchigoHinasaki]

this video is JUST in time for my recent re-obsession with Royai. Reading 'delicate' by lantur FULED me. Royai is one of my first anime ships I ever had and this video summed up the relationship so beautifully!!

[@laurenrogers]

OH MY GOODNESS I LOVE DELICATE ALMOST AS MUCH AS I LOVE FMAB ITSELF, THAT FIC IS A MASTERPIECE AND IT MADE ME WANT TO BE IN LOVE MORE tHAN ANYTHING I’VE EVER READ

[@AiNoMiko]

It’s a lovely essay, and I agree with a great deal of it. I just feel like you missed something kind of poignant when it comes to Riza’s character. Lack of respect for her own being aside, she never intends to go on without Roy. You can see this in a couple of places, the first being in the tunnels with Lust and she has no will to carry on after she believes him to have died, but more intensely and arguably more emotionally(to me) is in the tunnels at the end with Envy. I notice you didn’t touch on what she actually says to Roy after he asks what she intends to do after she shoots him. She states “… i have no intention of continuing on alone. After this battle is over I will end my life and take my secrets of flame alchemy that have led good men to madness.” She’s not worried about the possibility of a court marshal or life in prison because it has always been her intent to kill herself if she has to kill Roy, but he doesn’t know that. Until the point her gun is on him he doesn’t necessarily see the depths of her guilt for what she’s done in sharing her father’s secret. Requesting him to burn her back is one thing, but to learn his decisions so deeply affect her will to live? That’s got to be a gut punch no one ever expected. That’s why the “I can’t afford to lose you too…” quote from Roy hits me so hard in that scene. He loves her, and it would feel like he himself killed her if he continues on the path he was going down.

[@jeangentry6656]

Indeed, no doubt why he was so sorrowful when he apologized to her, to the point of admitting he was hurting her again, and specifically asking for her forgiveness, which he doesn't do for Ed or Scar. Her opinion of him is all that matters to him. As the video and the classic Nazareth song states, Love Hurts, and this is probably the best example of that. Roy's wrath is so bad that he doesn't care if he dies or who kills him, his own life doesn't matter anymore, neither do his goals or his morals. He loved Hughes so much he was willing to throw it all away to avenge him. So Riza puts her life in his hands and forces him to make an impossible choice- Her Life or His Revenge? What matters more to him? Because no matter what he chooses, he's losing something dear to him. Fortunately, he chooses Riza, which shows that he truly does love her. As he himself said, he can't lose her.

[@rupertofhentzau920]

Each one is the most important person in the others existence. Neither wants anyone else to love them.

[@armythatgoesmoomoo1148]

They things that make this ship toxic are things that can be fixed but both already made peace with the reality of their positions and lives and they continue to live. They dont complicate or make excuses for their actions, they accepted everything done and are willing to do what's necessary. In our world, it may be a sad ship but in their reality they may just be the best thing for eachother given their situation and positions as officials. They are a pairing that everyone can respect and understand automatically.

[@TotalTirpitz]

I have a little bit of a different angle on this. I am a smidge strange anyhow. As you probably know Hawkeye and Mustang are both references to military aircraft. GRUMMAN E2C Hawkeye (carrier early warning) and P-51/83 Mustang (Fighter). There are other characters who are references, such as Grumman but we'll get back to him. I find the selection of aircraft to be interesting; not 1-1 but the hawkeye does exist to warn other planes of threats and coordinate their actions, much as say Riza does throughout the show. During the Eclipse and the showdown with Gluttony, Hawkeye constantly keeps mustang informed and does what she can from a distance. Points for that. Mustang, it's a fighter goes as directed. But needs a word in their ear so they don't chase the enemy over the horizon and leaving their allies alone. Yes very surface level, but I nice touch I think. But I promised more on Grumman; Grumman is the company behind the E2C Hawkeye and in FMA Grumman is Riza's grandfather. While the E2C is a carrier early warning aircraft Grumman is far more famous for their line of carrier fighters. Say if you mixed a Mustang and a Grumman... Say the F-14 a fighter with it's own early warning. It's a bit silly but I think it maps quite nicely and gives a bit of thinking about how their kids may turn out.

[@TotalTirpitz]

Oh and Hayate is also an aircraft reference to the ki-83 Hayate.

[@archivist_13]

Damn thank you for this video, you really hit the nail on the head of why I like this relationship. Instant subscriber

[@willburddr7060]

I love the MCR going in the background, demolition lovers is a great track

[@snowleopardintroversion]

I have finally found someone as obsessed with royai as me. I have written and co-authored many fanfics myself and am still currently working on one thats super slow to update. They are my OTP. I put my hair up like Riza's for 5 years. I use Hawkeye as my false last name for many things. I have read and reread the manga many times, analyzing their relationship. I feel that Arakawa keeps us deliberately not knowing what happens to them. And a part of me will always hate that as i so desperately need to see them happy. Agghh

[@02loud]

Roy and Riza, forever my OTP, great vid.

[@anaionescu8913]

I'm also a sucker for picking apart scenes to uncover the subtext, and Royai scenes make my brain sound like one of those PCs from the 00s, running on Windows XP, trying to open up the browser AND MS Paint at the same time

[@blindbandit6802]

My friends, however few of them there are, either never watch anime or have the emotional range of a teaspoon. I just never got to talk about this beautiful tragedy of a relationship to anyone. I'm so glad to find someone who appreciates this as much as I do. So glad..

[@laurenrogers]

KNOW THE FEELING, do you have any thoughts about this beautiful ship that you’d like to share?

[@blindbandit6802]

@@laurenrogers *Edit: Looks like I rambled on a bit.* You've put together pretty much everything in this video essay. I'm in awe of how such a beautiful dynamic was created with such minimal display of affection. It really is something. There's this one thing about Roy putting the Queen in the wrong place that clicked for me. He puts his Queen in the King's place.. in his place; essentially saying her life means more to him than his own, that his game is over the moment he loses his Queen. This even comes back in Beyond the Inferno when he says I can't lose you. Then...I once watched/ read this.. don't remember exactly. It's about the tattoo on hawkeye's back and mustang's portal of truth. So, everyone's portal is personalised. Ed has a tree of life, family. Al has a symbol that essentially means purification. According to many cultures and religions, ultimate purification is through leaving one's physical body. So yeah.. Now back to the tattoo, the central transmutation circle is the same as on Roy's glove, and the rest are a bunch of Latin and symbols for fire.. all except the two snakes(/dragons) and the sun. Now snakes are symbols of water which has nothing to do with flame alchemy. But somewhere in alchemy, it can symbolise the union of the Red King and the White Queen. Sun being the Red King, coincidentally Roy's name can mean Red or King. White Queen represents Water, Moon.. that area. And when you take their personalities into account, Roy is of course the Red King.. impulsive and fiery, and Riza is the calculative and calm White Queen. So it kind of mirrors their relationship. Now the interesting part is that the symbol on Roy's portal is the tattoo without the transmutation circle and the Latin, basically just the snakes and the Sun. The love he has for her is engraved in his soul. It can be a bit of a stretch, but when it comes to these two, worth it.

[@laurenrogers]

@@blindbandit6802 UGH THE ANALYSIS OF ROY’S GATE NEVER FAILS TO MESS UP MY FEELINGS

[@damedesuka77]

I just watched Overly Sarcastic Productions Trope Talk video about "the right hand man" trope, in which they put Royai as the example. It made me crave for some Royai fix and voila, your video appears! They're my favorite pair/ship of all time. Trending anime titles comes and goes, but no one can surpass them even now. I don't care that they never officially got together, in fact it only makes their relationship more special. Thanks for making this!

[@laurenrogers]

I WATCHED THAT TOO AND I WAS SO HAPPY TO SEE THEM ON A MAINSTREAM CHANNEL

[@bee-vk3lr]

such a great analysis (and not to mention very personal call-out to me LMAO) but when you got to the concluding remarks and Falling Slowly started playing i absolutely LOST it. such a lovely tribute to one of the most beautiful ships i know 🥺

[@LinhThuy-hc8tk]

Love this video and the comments ♥️ I'm so relatable with every comment 🥺 Just subscribed ❤

[@plecityt]

Emotional DAMAGE!!! This video essay is EVERYTHING ive been saying to my (disinterested) friends FOR YEARS!!! Thank you for putting it together so damn beautiful(ly) ((get it, so damn beautiful like from the 03 fma scene... okay ill go home now

[@LavenderWhale]

Great analysis! I love these two so much and this channel is so underrated 🥺💗

[@laurenrogers]

THANK YOU 😭😭😭 I hope you check out some of my AMVs!!! It would really mean a lot

[@khloeg1649]

I have no words for this omg this is SO fucking good wtf I. I was losing my mind during the ENTIRE video I have so many emotions abt this. royai is like my most favorite ship ever like total otp I will die on the hill that they're absolutely canon and just. I agree with all of your points and just. you. YOU. we're the same person when it comes to how much we love royai, just,,, this video. this video is gonna live rent free in my head for the rest of my life

[@laurenrogers]

WOW THANK YOU!!! It always makes me so happy that my silly lil hyperfixation has brought people some joy. I have a ton of other royai content on this channel so please knock yourself out!!!

[@khloeg1649]

@@laurenrogers it's just so incredibly good, just the way you worded everything was insane. I'll definitely be checking out your other stuff. this was recommended to me randomly cuz I've been watching a lot of royai stuff lately and I enjoyed it so much my favorite part was this whole long section here. it nearly had me in tears honestly, you hit the nail on the head with this one. it's something I never realized myself, but it's so true " _there's a second, more heart-wrenching paradox to royai than the one I mentioned earlier. when you think about it, all of the suffering, all of the guilt, all of the trauma that these two characters have had to go through in these relatively short lifetimes, wouldn't have even happened if their paths had never crossed._ _it's because of the research tattooed on riza's back that roy was able to do so much damage in ishval, and it's at least partially because of roy's tragic idealism that riza was inspired to join the military along with him. the depth of her subsequent guilt is what causes her to ask roy to burn the research off her back, giving her severe physical scars, in addition to her already severe emotional ones._ _roy repeatedly has his feelings for riza used against him as a weakness, and riza very nearly has to put a bullet through roy's head due to him almost abandoning his humanity for the sake of vengeance, which would not only have been an emotional breaking point for her, but would have likely sentenced her to life in prison for killing her superior officer._ _as much as they very clearly care about each other, they also proved to be the unintentional, yet undeniable, cause of each other's suffering -- over. and over. and over._ _and this is why it is so soul-crushingly poignant in beyond the inferno when roy says these words to her -- "and you. I've done it again, I've hurt you. how foolish can one man be?" -- because deep down, he knows that it is her love for him, and his for her, that has inadvertently caused their lives to be so irreparably broken._ _and yet, they mean so much to each other that they continue to endure tragedy after tragedy, because their love is the very thing that enables them to keep on living._ " and also the bit where you talked abt how the real obstacle in the way of their happy ending isn't the anti fraternization laws, but rather their own guilt. omg, adjacent to that, yk the scene where she's talking w Bradley and making him tea after he makes her his assistant?? when he speaks to her abt how his life was all decided for him without his choice, but the one thing he did choose was his wife? how he gets to live out his life with someone he loves? riza seems to get really sad after this, and I always thought it was because she pitied him, but... it was pointed out to me that it actually could be because she knows he has the one thing she can't have. she loves roy, enough to marry him I'm sure, and she would love to, but she can't -- both because of the laws in place, and each of their own professionalism and deep guilt that's keeping them from even considering the possibility. it makes the scene so much sadder, knowing this, especially considering he probably knows how much she wants that, and is hanging it over her head -- considering he knows of roy's love for her there's just so many tiny details in this show that I don't pick up on even after watching it like over five times all the way through

[@laurenrogers]

@@khloeg1649 I’m so glad you appreciated that part!!! It’s one of the moments I’m proudest of of anything on my channel. And YES, that scene is something even I overlooked in my Royai Being Objectively Canon compilation, it’s such a brilliantly subtle moment of character development. I notice new things every time I watch FMA too, it’s truly the hyperfixation that keeps on giving!

[@levlevrevolution]

Love the mcr instrumental lmao, well done

[@GioNavas]

OH!! I love this so so much. So eloquently said. Truly highlights the absolute beautiful tragedy that is royai. Thank you for making it!!

[@laurenrogers]

AGH NOT THE CREATOR OF THE BEST SIX OF CROWS FAN SONG ON KZbin ACKNOWLEDGING ME AGAIN

[@GioNavas]

@@laurenrogers HHNNNHGg. LISTEN I LOVE YOUR ROYAI SONG OKAY SO THIS IS A VERY MUTUAL FEELING 😭😭

[@laurenrogers]

@@GioNavas EEK AND YOUR MHA SONGS TOO Not to be that KZbinr but have you seen any of my AMVs? As a small KZbinr it would mean a lot to me if you checked some of them out

[@GioNavas]

@@laurenrogers BRT!!

[@hooman9554]

hehehehehe... ok I'm here again for the 3rd time and this- Roy probably hates the dark, because it reminds him of being blind. Riza doesn't light the light because of Pride

[@tristanpanke2468]

Finally got around to watching Brotherhood a few months ago after it being constantly recommended to me. Now I'm trawling the web in search of more and more content, particularly things related to these two and their relationship. Love the video! You got yourself a sub!

[@laurenrogers]

Omg thanks so much! I have lots of AMVs and other FMA stuff on my channel too if you’re interested

[@tristanpanke2468]

@@laurenrogers So I've found! I've been binging a lot of your stuff today haha

[@-sbocciare2277]

THIS IS SO WELL DONE WOWOWOW i cant express my emotions adequately,,,everything is just stated so clearly and analyzed so deeply its BEAUTIFUL this is the full package right here also a+ for the editing bc its iconic

[@laurenrogers]

THANKS SO MUCH I’M SO GLAD YOU LIKED IT I’m extra proud of the Falling Slowly mini AMV at the end, and all of Part 3

[@Crystalpet13]

I got into FMA only a couple months ago and your video really kicked off my royai addiction 😭💞 They have me in a chokehold.

[@Weigazod]

7:44 Oh hey! That's a lot of RoyEd

[@Youworn]

Applauded irl at the end of this, great job 👏

[@sabe3933]

ROYAI IS LOVE, ROYAI IS LIFE 💕💖 OMG I'M FANGIRLING IN ALL THE VIDEO, AAAH THANK YOU!!! 😭😭😭

[@annar.5798]

The was so powerful! I have been shipping Royai for over 10 years.

[@-sbocciare2277]

7:47 WHY ARE THERE MORE ROYED FICS THAN EDWIN IM LITERALLY CALLING THE FBI AS WE SPEAK *sirens*

[@laurenrogers]

I see RoyEd stuff on Tumblr at least twice a week gosh this isn’t 2012 I thought we were better than this

[@grandengineernathan]

Me: watches Royai fanfics FBI: We can see you crying, but it's ok, we're crying too

[@blakeriley1600]

I know I'm like super late to this, but this video is so fantastic and perfect watch for Royai week! Also, you gotta make a AMV focused on Royai with Falling Slowly...just that short snippet at the end was amazing!

[@17thcentury_girl]

I'm not really a big shipper (more of an x reader 🤪) but the Royai ship is something I'm so obsessed with. This video was a good one!!

[@demarcuswilderness4864]

Arakawa said that they didn't marry, because if they marry , they will have to stop working together. So there's no any other reason . That means We CaN bE hApPy

[@kariistired7039]

YES BESTIEEEEEE

[@onlyonezenn6037]

I adore this video and I love your personality!! This is my otp and I love them beyond words

[@TheBananaIsDead5324]

I am so glad that I found someone who loves Royai as much as I do 😭 they are my comfort ship and for a long period of my life I fell out of fandoms and anime specifically. I spent 4 years of my life not knowing who I was and hiding away parts of me due to an abusive relationship. Then I finally was able to break free of that and find myself and embrace my interests. FMAB was the first anime I watched after 4 years of not watching any anime and I fell in love with it instantly. My current boyfriend introduced me to it and he supports all of my interests. Roy and Riza were always such important characters to me and watching their dynamic was so fun, heartbreaking, and exciting at the same time. This video was just what I needed to see 😭

[@laurenrogers]

Jessica, this is such a beautiful story, thank you so much for sharing it.

[@-sbocciare2277]

the metallica instrumental extended my lifespan

[@laurenrogers]

I KNEW THAT WOULD MAKE YOU HAPPY IM SO GLAD THEY DIDN’T COPYRIGHT STRIKE ME

[@alleahnia2489]

Brooo I just found your channel and I literally feel like I found a new friend

[@laurenrogers]

AWWW THANK YOU I LOVE MAKING NEW FRIENDS

[@grayrook8637]

Now personally I think tragic is a matter of perspective. I would sooner call it miraculous and beautiful that they have such a pure and abiding love for each other despite everything that stands in their way. It is also tragic, a thing can be multiple labels all at once. It just makes one think how our culture schools us to try and understand the most complex human experience of love into a simple box we can unpack. Roy and Riza are just not that easy, but love is still here in all it's complexity.

[@laurenrogers]

You are correct good commenter

[@astaroth_sasazaki_yt]

"But why?" The more important question is... "Why not?"

[@kaytamurray]

NOT ME FALLING BACK INTO ROY AND RIZA this vid was a lovely surprise

[@kaytamurray]

FINISHED THE VIDEO IM CRYING NOOOOKIOJKQXBASUDVOUHBWEDV

[@RevanaViv]

I just found your video and they are the reason why I am now your new sub ❤

[@lidiadiasdecastro4530]

The freaking T-Swift lyrics!!! "'tis the damn season fits so well!" I just know I'm about to jump into a royai/TS amv rabbit hole. I know it and I can't bring myself to care.

[@laurenrogers]

I have six of them on my channel muahaha

[@ernesttobler6014]

Your attention to detail is like, on a dark souls lore level.

[@laurenrogers]

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST COMMENTS IVE EVER GOTTWN THANK YOU

[@hooman9554]

Me: vibes peacefully to Falling Slowly Lauren: lol nope *oH WHO AM I KIDDING I'M GONNA BE ALONE FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE*-

[@sevvo728]

i really screamed like "NOO STAAAHP" when i saw the 3rd part's name

[@asingularcat8595]

Thank you for pointing out the atrocity of that moustache I found it traumatizing

[@hhhhjjj9470]

Good job this videos great!!

[@r.babylon2885]

What's their appeal? Relationship goals.

[@ghost.lounge]

actually!! while i love the idea of roy randomly getting riza some flowers, the actual reason he ended up with so many is bc the florist was a part of the armstrong family and was giving him information. he bought her entire stock to give her the time to tell him the intel! i reckon he said he was drunk was to prevent any prying ears from learning the truth of the situation

[@laurenrogers]

oHH that does make sense oops

[@laurenrogers]

ooh okay that does make sense! But then why would he say he was drunk?

[@ghost.lounge]

@@laurenrogers yeah lol it being directly after pride saying he'll always be watching riza, and also just roy being vv aware of phone lines being tapped (as we see when barry is on the phone with him), its vv likely that he considered civilian phone lines to be tapped!

[@laurenrogers]

@@ghost.lounge ooh good point!

[@laurenrogers]

@@ghost.lounge well no matter it’s not like we don’t have a crap ton of evidence in other areas

[@catsoka6759]

OMG WHEN I SAW ROY WITH A MUSTACHE I ACTUALLY CRY FOR A WHILE

[@luisafonseca3329]

You don't have an idea how much hurt me the fact that you put "demolitions lovers" from My Chemical Romance as a part of this video for Roy and Riza (and i kinda realize why, lol). That shit hurt me more than you can imagine. Thank you for the amazing video Lauren! Please keep on going with this beautiful ship!

[@laurenrogers]

“Know how much I want to show you you’re the only one, like a bed of roses there’s a dozen reasons in this gun…” it’s THEM OKAY And absolutely! There are a ton more AMVs and various fun videos where that came from (I’d especially love if you checked out the song I wrote inspired by them)

[@abbyg5794]

me watching fmab knowing very little about it going in, getting to the last episode, fully expecting hawkeye and mustang to get together by the end of the series: 😲🤡☠️😱😱