Author's Note:
:: :: denotes words spoken in Xingese instead of Amestrian. It was simpler than constantly referring to them dropping in and out of the different languages and it shows up properly with 's formatting limitations!
This is another multi-chapter posted story. If you don't see more than one chapter, I haven't posted the others yet.
October 2nd, 1950
Edward couldn't believe his luck. He'd heard through the grapevine that Xing had sent an invitation to Amestris to send a diplomatic delegation to the Xing capital to open full diplomatic negotiations for the first time in almost fifteen years. With his and Ethan's plans to try and make a trip to Xing, it was the perfect way to get to Xing for their research trip and go legitimately for work related reasons. Really, it was better to go on a mission like that, since they were more likely to get assistance that way! He hurried upstairs to Breda's office as soon as he heard the news.
"What can I do for you, Ed?" Breda asked when he came into the man's office.
Ed nodded curtly and got right to the point. "I heard about the Xing delegation. I'd like to be on it."
He thought Breda's eyes were going to pop out of his head. "I'm sorry, Ed. I already gave it to Roy and Alphonse this morning."
Alphonse? Ed's enthusiasm dropped like a rock. Al hadn't said anything to him! "Why didn't you talk to me?" he asked a little hurt, and more than a little annoyed.
Breda shrugged. "Because, frankly, I figured this was the last assignment you'd want, considering."
Ed shook his head. Of course; this was about the war. "Oh, come on, Breda. That was over nine years ago."
"So you're telling me you want to go to Xing, despite the fact they held you captive, tortured you, and nearly killed you?"
"A couple of people did that," Ed replied pointedly, forcing himself to keep calm, to sound reasonable. If he lost it, he knew he had no chance. "It wasn't sanctioned by their government. Besides, this is perfect timing. Ethan and I were planning a research trip to Xing anyway."
"Ethan; You want to bring your son?" Breda sounded like he really thought Ed had gone mad.
"We've both been learning the language," Ed nodded, "To research their medical alchemy more directly. There's nothing of much use left in Amestris. We need to go to the source. This would be a great opportunity to improve things for the people here too in other ways."
"And you don't think the Xing will take it badly if I send the one man in our country with the most right to hate their guts in as part of a diplomatic envoy?" Breda asked skeptically.
Ed grinned broadly. "I think that having me, of all people, willing to walk right into the heart of their country and negotiate in peace might give exactly the opposite message. After all, if I can forgive what was done…." He held his hands out, palms up, leaving the rest open, and he shrugged. If he could forgive them, than it made quite a strong statement about Amestris in his mind.
Breda shook his head. "I still think you're nuts, Ed, but you make a good point, and we could certainly use a couple more people who speak the language. I'm sending two real diplomats that the Assembly has picked as well, so there should be time for this research of yours. I'm not sure how long the mission's going to be though; probably a couple of months."
"No problem," Ed chuckled. Okay, so Winry might not like the idea. He could work around that! She knew he had been planning to take a trip to Xing at some point with Ethan anyway. "That should be plenty of time. So I take it that's a yes?"
Breda sighed and shrugged. "I'd never send you alone, or as the primary diplomat on this mission. Of course," he smirked. "I probably wouldn't send you for primary relations with anyone except the Ishballans at this point since they actually trust you. Still, you make some good points and with Roy and Al along I'm not too worried about things getting out of hand. But are you sure you want to do this, Ed?" He looked concerned, and Ed knew it was friendly concern more than professional. Breda was one of the few who knew the full extent of the horrors Ed had been put through and what it had cost him over the years.
"I'm sure," Ed replied confidently. Wanted to; definitely. Was he ready for it was another question entirely, but that wasn't what Breda had asked, so he didn't have to answer it. "What happened was a long time ago and we're all well and long past it. Really, I'm looking forward to meeting the new Emperor and establishing a good relationship with them again." It would avoid another mess like the last war. Really, given what Lin Yao had been able to pull together on his own, Ed had no interest in ever taking on the entire Xing army! "And, of course, there's the alchemy, the culture, the food…"
Breda snorted. "Some things never change. All right, Ed, you're in. You can tell Al and Roy you're joining the party; Ethan too. If sending you is a sign that things are forgiven, you bringing your son certainly won't hurt that."
"I'll handle that," Ed nodded. "When are we leaving?"
"Monday of next week," Breda replied. "You'll be taking the train as far as it goes, then caravanning across the desert by military trucks along the old trade route. Nothing particularly flashy, but it will get you there without getting completely fried."
"Is that a shrimp joke?" Ed eyed him warily, though it was more for show.
Breda was momentarily surprised. Then he laughed. "No. I didn't live this long by being dumb," he grinned. "But I know the last thing you want with auto-mail is to have it out in the hot son all day anymore than out in frigid temperatures."
That was certainly true. One of the few reasons Ed had continued to wear long sleeves, even in the desert, was because it kept the metal from heating up quite as much as it did in direct sunlight. He'd rather sweat than deal with burning along the edges of his ports, or not being able to touch anything with his right hand. "I appreciate the consideration," he replied, knowing that since he was added late that really had nothing to do with it. "We'll be ready to go. Thanks, Breda."
"Thank me when you get back," Breda replied. "If you end up back in therapy after this I'll probably get the blame from all sides for letting you go."
"Doubtful," Ed shook his head. "If there's one thing people have gotten good at, it's letting me take the blame for my own mistakes." He had been expecting skepticism, and he was expecting more when he told Al, Roy, and especially Winry about this.
Alphonse rode home with his brother that afternoon. Elicia had the car and they were all having dinner at Ed's that night. He was stunned when Ed told him about half way home, "By the way. I talked to Breda today. Ethan and I are coming on the mission to Xing."
"What!" Al stared over at his brother. "I mean… why, Ed?" He hadn't mentioned the mission to Ed that morning after he and Roy had talked to Breda. He had known Ed would be annoyed with not at least being offered the opportunity to go; but he hadn't expected Ed to find out immediately, or to actually talk Breda into letting him go! What was Breda thinking?
Ed frowned, apparently having expected the response. "It's perfect timing really," he replied, shrugging. He never took his eyes from the road. "Ethan's ready, and I'm as close as I'll ever be, for that little research trip we've been talking about for a few months. This fixes my little problem of needing to get the time off and gets all expenses paid too!"
Al groaned inwardly. This was why he hadn't mentioned it to Ed. Really, he had figured it would be another couple of years before Ed's attempts at that trip came to fruition, or if he just gave up and Ethan went with someone else or on his own. "Who'll cover classes if we're both gone?" Al asked, hoping to find a way to derail this quickly. He knew his brother, and he couldn't imagine that Edward going to Xing would be a good idea.
"Well I talked to Armstrong," Ed replied. "And he said you'd already got Matthias covering your share of things while you're gone, since he already does some of the classes anyway. Miriam's got her end, so no worries there. Alex said he'd cover any of the necessary paperwork end. He knows it as well as you or I do. And there are plenty of folks we've trained who can cover what's left. I talked to Kane about assigning a couple of experienced people to cover the rest." He shrugged, unfazed. Obviously he had already thought this through.
"That's good," Al replied lamely. "Are you sure this is a good idea?"
"I've already answered that question today more times than I care to recount," Ed looked irritated. "Yes. I happen to think this is a good idea, and a great opportunity I'm not about to miss because everyone thinks I need a nursemaid. I've been on other missions since then. This one won't be any different." He pulled into the driveway and turned off the car. "It's all about the research for me anyway. Being a demonstration of good will doesn't hurt our cause any."
Was he trying to convince everyone else of that or himself? Al shook his head as they both got out and headed for the door. "I know there's something else, Brother, another reason, and I think I can guess what it is. You don't have to do this."
Ed unlocked the door and opened it. "No, but I want to."
"I don't think you should go."
"It's not your decision, Alphonse."
Al closed the door behind them. "Are you trying to prove something to yourself, or to everyone else?"
"I'm not trying to prove anything," Ed countered, glaring at him before turning around.
"Liar."
"Look, it's none of your business," Ed pointed out.
Al shook his head. "It's my mission. That makes it my business."
Ed snorted and crossed his arms. "What are you going to do, tell Breda not to let me go?"
"Go where?" Winry asked, sticking her head out of her workshop.
Oh great, Al thought, this was going to get interesting fast!
Edward didn't answer immediately. Instead he turned around. "Hey, Ethan!" He bellowed up the stairs. "Get down here!"
Winry stepped completely into the entryway hall. "Go where Edward?" she asked more firmly.
"What is it, Dad?" Ethan asked, appearing at the top of the stairs.
Ed grinned broadly. "Pack your bags. We're going to Xing!"
Ethan's eyes went wide, and the teenager whooped loudly. "You mean it? That's awesome!"
Al braced for the explosion.
"Xing!" Winry stared at Ed first then gave Al a really sharp look that had him take a step backwards even though this wasn't his fault! Al shrugged, looked annoyed, and hoped she realized this was something he was not behind. Winry was in Ed's face in a heartbeat. "Since when are you going to Xing?"
"Since Breda's sending me along on a diplomatic mission with Al and Roy," Ed replied, remaining surprisingly cool in the face of his enraged wife. "He said Ethan could come too. We discussed a trip to Xing sometime anyway. You remember."
"I remember saying I'd consider thinking about letting you go," Winry countered, face flushed. "I never agreed that this was a good idea, Edward!" Her glare went back to Al as well when Ed mentioned his name.
"Well it's done now," Ed replied firmly. "We leave this coming Monday. Stop glaring at Alphonse. He hates the idea too, so you can both be pissed together. It's perfectly safe, and I'll finally be able to finish the book and be done with it." His tone was so even, Al could tell he had to be holding in his emotions. But which ones? Once Ed had learned to control his temper, it was a lot harder to tell sometimes.
"So you made this decision without even asking me?" Winry wasn't about to back down. If anything, her voice was getting louder!
Ethan was still standing on the stairs, eyes wide as he watched his parents square off; but more with the curiosity of a teenager who was used to his parents' fiery temperaments.
"Should I go?" Al asked. He suddenly had the strong desire to be elsewhere. Maybe he should call Elicia and suggest they eat at home tonight or something and leave Edward and Winry to work this out.
"Don't be dumb, Al," Ed was still meeting Winry's gaze evenly as he spoke. "Everyone will be here soon anyway."
As if to rescue Ed from further argument, the doorbell rang.
Edward knew the discussion wasn't over. Fortunately, Winry didn't make a big deal out of it again during dinner in front of everybody. Neither did Al as they outlined what they would be doing for the family. Elicia took the news better than Winry; but then, she had no reason to be mad at Al for it.
Ed had expected Winry to be furious so it was no surprise that she was; and she had every right to be. Still, she was a little calmer when she brought it up again as they were getting ready for bed.
"Why didn't you ask me, Edward?" she asked quietly, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
Ed sighed as he pulled off his shirt over his head. "Because there wasn't time, Winry. I went to talk to Breda as soon as I found out. He'd already given the assignment to Alphonse and Roy, and Al hadn't said a word to me about it. It was sheer luck I heard about it before it was too late."
"Did you think maybe no one told you on purpose?" Winry replied.
Ed snorted and turned to look at her. "I know they did," he replied, frowning. "And I think that everyone's being overly concerned about nothing. I don't like the idea that everything thinks they know what's best for me better than I do."
"But why reopen old wounds, Ed?" Winry asked, obviously trying to understand.
Ed sighed and sat down next to her on the bed. If he was going to get her support in this, than he was going to have to be honest. And really, if he didn't have her okay, there was no way he'd risk their relationship over any mission. He laid one hand on hers on the coverlet and looked into her eyes. "I'm not trying to reopen old wounds, Winry. I'm trying to heal them up for good. I wasn't ready before, but I have to face those last specters. I don't hate Xing; the people, the country even, did nothing to hurt me. That was the actions of three people. It was one man's desperate decisions that brought war to us again. I don't hate the Xing; but because of that I fear them, even though I know there's no rational reason for it. When that's gone, I'll be able to really put it behind me."
"And you can't find a better way to do that?" Winry frowned. "If this goes well they'll send a delegation in return won't they? Couldn't you do that here at home?"
"Where it's safe?" Ed finished her unspoken thought, and Winry nodded. "I really don't think there's any danger in going, Winry, and I promised Ethan this trip sometime. There won't be a better opportunity. This is peace time. We've been communicating with Xing for several years now, and merchant trade has returned, however minimal, with no interruptions or problems. I wouldn't go if I honestly thought this would be dangerous."
Winry looked like she wasn't sure she believed him. "I wish you'd told me before you how felt," she said finally.
"To what purpose?" He smiled gently, trying to smooth things over. "It's not something I've been obsessing about for years or anything. It's just something that still comes up from time to time. The best way to erase the nightmares, the bad memories, is to make new ones that counter-act them, and make friends."
"If that didn't sound so sensible, I'd be sure you'd lost your mind," Winry sighed, shaking her head. "I still don't like it, Ed. But if Breda said he'd send you and Ethan along, I won't stop you."
"Will you still be here when I get back?" Perhaps it was a stupid question, but Ed would rather ask than worry!
Winry snorted and looked annoyed. "Of course I will. Just, please, be careful. I'd really rather not have this turn into a situation where I have to say 'I told you so' later."
Ed pulled her against him before she could object and hugged her tightly. "I love you."
Winry hesitated a moment, then he felt her arms go around him as well. "I love you too, Edward. I'm not sure what I'll do for a couple of months without you around."
"Worry, work, and finally get around to all the things you want to do without having to worry about anyone else," Ed chuckled in her ear. "I'll try and send word if I can, but I don't know how likely I am to have access to wire or decent mail service. I have no idea how long that takes."
"If anything happens to you or Ethan I'll hold Roy and Al responsible," Winry replied.
Ed smiled, and sat back a little so he could see her face. "We'll be fine. Have a little faith in me, okay?"
Winry smirked. "It's not you I don't have faith in." She shrugged then, and seemed to falter a little. "I guess, I just don't really trust the Xing either after what happened. I was so furious at them for what they did to you and now… even knowing it wasn't their government I'm still bitter and I feel guilty for it."
"Then you understand why I have to go," Ed stroked her hair gently with his left hand, his fingers entangling briefly in the silky softness. "I think this will be good for both of us; the whole family maybe, in a way. At least, I hope so."
Winry kissed him then, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck.
"I should get you mad at me more often," Ed chuckled without separating from her.
Winry didn't let go. "If you're going to be gone for months, than I don't want to waste a moment if the time until you leave."
That was a sentiment Ed could understand!
October 7th, 1950
The week passed quickly in a flurry of packing and making final arrangements. While there were two other diplomatic envoys along at the assistance of the assembly, and a security detail to keep an eye on them, there was no doubt that Roy would be the one the Emperor of Xing was most likely to want to talk to! Alphonse knew he was secondary in that, but he knew some of the language from years of studying so he knew he would be useful. In the past week he had managed to help Roy brush up on some of the basic phrases.
The day before they left Breda called them in to his office for final instructions. Or at least, that's what he'd told them! Al wasn't sure what to do when Breda motioned him forward, scowling. He approached and stood at attention.
"There's something you will do before you leave, Brigadier General Elric," Breda said firmly. "Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sir," Al replied, wondering just what this was about. Behind him, he could hear Roy and Ed shift their feet, and he wondered if they had any idea what was going on! "What is it you want me to do?"
Breda stuck his arm out, holding something out with a look that said 'take this.' Al reached out his hand and let the item fall into it. He looked down, and thought his eyes might pop out of his head as he looked at the small metal star shaped pins in his hand. "You will accept a promotion to Major General," Breda replied, smirking smugly.
Al blinked, staring for a moment. He had turned down this offer from Roy several times over the years. After all, he'd been handed Brigadier General without ever having officially served in the military! It was more than enough for one lifetime, and he had liked where he was at; where really, his only superior officers had been Ed and Roy anyway as far as Alchemists went,
This time, it seemed they weren't giving him a choice! Ed sniggered, and he thought he heard Roy stifle a chuckle. Al sighed and reached up, pinning a star on each shoulder next to the ones that were already there; two star general. "Thank you, Sir," he replied, saluting when he was finished. "Is that all, Sir?" Hell, it was more than enough! But he didn't say that.
"That should do it," Breda replied then he laughed. "It's been far too long in coming."
"Amen to that," Roy barked a laugh behind him, and Al turned to see his brother and his friend grinning like idiots.
"Did you two know about this?" Al asked accusingly, though he couldn't stop smiling either.
"Of course," Roy smirked.
"I might have heard something to that effect," Ed shrugged oh-too-casually. "It's about time, Al!"
Al shrugged and laughed. "Now I just have to tell Elicia!"
October 8th, 1950
Alphonse hugged Elicia and the kids goodbye at the train station that morning. He knew Will wished he could go as well, but he couldn't afford to skip that much school, not with his plans to go to college. Alyse hugged him as tightly as Elicia did.
"Have a good trip," Elicia said and gave him one last kiss before he picked up his suitcase and boarded the train.
Al glanced over as he got on and saw Edward and Winry having a similar exchange. Winry looked tense, but she hugged Ed tightly and they were talking quietly. Ethan had already boarded the train, as had Roy, who had apparently said his goodbyes to Riza in private at home.
The four alchemists were given a berth together and settled in. It was always interesting to travel with the others. It was rare to see Roy out of uniform. For this mission though, the uniform was unnecessary. So they were all – save Ethan – in regular business appropriate clothes. Ed always reminded Al of their time on the other side of the Gate in these instances; in pressed pants, white long sleeved button down collared shirt, and a vest. The only real difference was that he wore his red coat over it all, instead of something more traditional. Roy's suits were always darker, charcoal grays or black. Al preferred lighter colors; tans, grays, creams. Ethan looked like a pretty typical teenager for the moment, in black jeans, and a white t-shirt underneath his green coat and his hair pulled back in its usual short tail. Al knew Winry had packed Ethan more respectable clothes, but for now he looked a lot like Ed used to; sprawled out on the seat in his corner of the berth, to the right of the door with his knees up and his nose buried in a book.
Roy was on the same bench, up against the window reading the paper.
Al had the other window spot, across from Roy. He watched as they pulled out of the Central train station and headed East.
It was only about a half an hour into the trip when Ed stretched, put down the book he had been engrossed in, and stood. "I think I'm going to head down to the dining car."
"Starting in early, Fullmetal?" Roy snorted without looking up.
Ed shrugged. "I want a cup of coffee. Anybody else want anything?"
"I'm good." Ethan never looked up from his book. The cover labeled it a book on Xing customs.
Roy just shook his head.
"I'll go," Al stood up. It would be nice to sit and talk and watch the view. He and Ed hadn't traveled together for a long time; the chance to hang out by themselves would be pleasant.
The two brothers headed down to the dining car and got a table. Al got a cup of tea, and Ed ordered coffee and a cheese danish. "We were a little rushed this morning," he commented crossly at Al's amused glance.
Al chuckled. "Did I say anything?"
Ed shrugged. "You might as well have. You're pretty easy to read."
"You are too," Al replied easilym "At least, most of the time." He knew his brother, and while he had given up trying to talk Ed out of this trip days ago, he still didn't like it.
"Look, if you're going to get onto me again about this you can go back to the car and leave me out of the discussion," Ed commented frowning.
Al sighed. "Ed, when was the last time you had Xing take-out?"
Ed rolled his eyes. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"It makes a point," Al replied calmly. He already knew the answer, but he wanted Ed to acknowledge it. Ethan had commented before when staying at their house about the fact that his family never ordered Xing food.. Al had noticed the same thing.
"Not since then," Ed admitted, fidgeting and taking a large bite out of his danish.
"Well you can't stock up enough before we get there to survive two months without eating," Al joked lamely. "What are you going to do?"
"Whatever I have to," Ed replied with a shrug. "Look, Al. I'll say this once, so listen and then you can leave me alone." He met his gaze evenly. "This isn't about proving anything to anyone besides myself, okay? Really, it's about Ethan. I promised him this trip. As his teacher and his father I need to do what I can to help him achieve his goals. For him to do his work as an alchemist and I mine there's just no way to avoid going to Xing. It's been almost ten years. If that's not enough time to bury the past, then there never will be. I can't spend the rest of my life avoiding them or flinching at bad memories because of simple association."
Al had to admit Ed had a point. It took time to heal, but eventually there was a limit to what was reasonable. "Wouldn't it have been less drastic to ease back into it over time?" he suggested, "Instead of jumping right into the center of Xing itself?"
"I'd still have to go there to do research," Ed pointed out. "Ethan could go with someone else but…I'm not ready to let go yet anymore than Winry is," he admitted, smiling sadly. "This is something we can do together."
Al understood that. Will would be out of the house soon enough, and Alyse probably not far behind. Al wasn't ready for that either and he knew it didn't get easier. It hadn't for Ed. Sara was always in and out of Central now, often as not she had taken Ethan with her on recent assignments, and Aldon and Cassandra and little Coran had moved down to Resembool just a couple of weeks before, leaving the house once more markedly quieter. "Just don't push yourself okay?" he said finally, smiling.
Ed smirked, but seemed to relax when Al didn't try and push things. "Yes mother."
Al laughed. "Well you know, she would have told you the same thing!"
Ed's expression softened. "Yeah. She would have. It's funny," he smiled thoughtfully. "It's been forty years since we burned the house and left home."
Al blinked, and wondered how Ed remembered. "You're right," he nodded. Forty years! And some memories were still so fresh they seemed like yesterday, while others had faded with time. "Here we are going into the unknown again."
"At least we're going together," Ed chuckled and sipped his coffee. "All this time and so much has changed, but it still kind of feels the same."
"I'm glad you're here, Brother," Al said finally, smiling back. "Even if I wish it was some other mission."
"Does that mean I don't have to listen to you lecture me for the next two months?" Ed grinned.
"Maybe," Al replied, drinking his tea. "No promises though. I have to stay in practice somehow!"
A companionable silence fell for several minutes, and Al was content to just sit. In truth, he was nervous about the mission too and meeting the Emperor of Xing; a man named Mao Xian. He had been emperor for almost ten years now, but he was still young; he had been eighteen when the old Emperor named him heir on his death bed, so he wasn't even thirty yet. He seemed very reasonable, sane, and sensible, but of course all of that was from distant correspondence. They really didn't know the political situation in Xing in the moment, other than assurances that the civil war was long over, and the fact that the man had held on to his new position for this long.
It was going to be interesting certainly. Al just hoped it would also be uneventful for the sake of the political situation, as well as for Ed; and Ethan really too. His youngest nephew had been more subdued of late whenever Al had seen him. Ed had told him that Lia had moved to South City when it happened. It certainly explained the drop in Ethan's spirits, but Al suspected there was more to it than that. "How's Ethan doing?" he asked as he started in on a second cup of tea.
Ed looked up at him. "He's a teenager," he responded, as if that was a functional explanation. Which, at this point in life, it definitely was. "Sara's been keeping him busy. They had five assignments in the last four months. Nothing as exciting as the first one, but they went well." He was on his second cup as well. The danish was long gone. "With that and working with Stevenson and all the work we've been doing with alchemy, he's had no trouble keeping up."
"He's still depressed." Al nodded, getting what Ed was getting to anyway. He didn't even have to mention Lia's name.
Ed nodded. "Not all the time. But they've been writing back and forth a lot and they've talked on the phone a few times as well." He shrugged. "Most of the time he's in a pretty good mood, but planning this trip has been the only thing he's been really happy about when he's not talking to her." Ed sounded frustrated, but a resigned as well. Of course, Ed knew what his son was going through!
For Al, it was a little watching the past. He had seen Ethan and Lia interact over the years; the girl had been over at Ed's house often enough. They reminded him of Ed and Winry growing up, but without the yelling and violence. Ethan's constant denial of their friendship being anything but that rang just as true. "It's hard to fall in love with your best friend."
Ed snorted a chuckle. "I'm well aware of that fact, Al. Well. It won't hurt him."
"Unless she doesn't feel the same," Roy commented flatly, coming up beside them and sitting down next to Al. He looked mildly irritated. Of course, that was pretty common.
Al felt bad for a moment then. Of course, that had been the start of Maes' issues the past couple of years; his longstanding crush on Sara. Thank goodness the worst of that was over! He was glad that Will hadn't taken much of an interest in girls yet; at least, not more than in passing. He went out every once in a while, but he was too focused on his studies.
"So you decided to join us after all?" Ed quipped, breaking the awkward moment with his usual glib humor.
Roy shrugged. "Your son snores like a swarm of angry bees."
"Only when he sleeps on his back," Ed replied matter-of-factly. "So he's out already."
"You don't seem surprised," Roy snorted.
"He was up late," Ed replied, "Writing a letter to Lia before he left." He grinned knowingly. "It looked more like a novel this morning."
"Do you think she feels the same?" Al asked. Roy had a point.
"Winry does." Ed drank. "She's had more of a chance to watch them the last couple of years. I think so too though. There's something…familiar about the way they interact." From his expression, Al could tell Ed knew exactly why it seemed familiar.
Roy shrugged as a cup of coffee was brought to the table for him as well. "I hope you're right."
"Me too," Ed admitted. "Still, I think this will be good for him. There's nothing like a little alchemy research and adventure to completely wipe thoughts of anything else out of a guy's head."
Roy actually chuckled.
Al nodded. "On that, I think, we can all agree."
October 9th-22nd, 1950
The trip to Xing was exciting for the first few days but, like most trips, there were days of doldrums. The train out East was the short part of the trip. The crossing of the desert and continued trip inland to Xing's capitol city took the majority of it. On the train, they spent most of their time talking, reading, playing cards, planning; anything to pass the time.
Once they were in the trucks – which were made for desert travel – and heading Eastward, things got more serious as they, and the two diplomats assigned by the assembly – Worley and Dunstan – discussed the business part of the trip. Edward was glad he and Ethan had been studying Xing culture, history, language and such for a while now, because the last thing anyone wanted was an international incident!
Fortunately – for Roy – the Flame Alchemist didn't make more than one snarky comment about their first diplomatic trip together to Creta. Ed wanted to hit him for it as it was but that wouldn't have gone over well.
They discussed the Imperial court, the hopeful outcome and priorities of the mission, and how various topics were to be handled. There were finer details of etiquette as well.
They were met at the border by a delegation from the Capitol and escorted further into Xing, which proved to be as large and beautiful a country as they had heard. The landscape through which they traveled was primarily made up of low, ancient mountains covered in trees Ed didn't recognize. While they were smaller than what he was used to, they were just as thickly forested in parts. The rock formations visible in places were fascinating, and Ed wished they had more time to stop and actually explore the region. Perhaps there would be time on the return trip, or while they were in Xing. Since he and Ethan weren't the primary diplomats and, Breda had assured him, were there specifically to do research that would 'benefit the State' as well as an exchange of information and culture, he would have a little more freedom for that kind of thing.
The villages they passed through were charming in their differences. No less modern certainly than Amestris, but the subtle differences in architecture and materials, the patterns of fabrics, and the scents of foreign flavors and flowers that hung in the air like a new perfume accented the differences.
Even Roy seemed as transfixed by Xing as Ed, Al, and Ethan were.
Their first night in Xing the trucks stopped in a small town and everyone was put up in a cozy little inn made up of several bays and courtyards. The four alchemists were given a suite of rooms: two bedrooms with a common area in the middle. The primary door led out onto one of the courtyards, and the rooms had large windows that let in light. The furniture was lower than Ed was used to, but he had been expecting that. The table was low enough they could sit on cushions on the floor, though there was a low-slung futon style couch as well. Each bedroom had two beds that were essentially on the floor, and the doors between the rooms were rice-paper screens on wooden frames that slid along the walls.
The other two diplomats and the two security officers – both Lieutenants they only knew in passing – had the room next door.
"Nice to know they think we can take care of ourselves," Roy commented wryly as he stood in the doorway, looking out at the stone-lined pond in the middle of the courtyard.
"This is beautiful," Al said. "So peaceful. It's hard to see all this and think of them as having been at war for so long. They treasure peace and tranquility so much."
"Perhaps that's why," Ed said his thought aloud. The people who had it least were often those who prized it most.
"Hey!" Ethan called from inside. "Dinner's here!"
Dinner was served in their room and Ed was momentarily nervous. It had been a very long time since he'd eaten Xing cuisine. Months of sub-par barely edible food had quashed his appetite for it for a while. Afterwards, it was just a bad association. But this; this was a spread that might as well be a feast! At least compared to the stuff they got in Central. Obviously their hosts – who had another room off the same courtyard – wanted to make sure their guests were comfortable, and to show off the local flavor as well!
There were two different soups, a sweetly seasoned chicken, a beef dish with noodles, lots of vegetables in a tangy sauce, fried dumplings, fried rolls with cabbage and other vegetables stuffed in them, and a few other dishes that Ed had never seen before. The smell was so tempting, and Ed hesitated only for the first bite. The moment the delectable taste hit his tongue, he knew he would have no trouble making it through this trip as far as eating went! All of it was amazing.
"Well that was a disgusting display," Roy grimaced.
Ethan was just staring, a little shocked, over at the low couch where Ed had sprawled out after dinner. "Is Dad okay?"
"Oh sure," Alphonse shrugged and laughed. "He used to do this all the time. Where did you think you got it?"
Ethan's face turned pink. "I'm not that bad!"
"Most of the time," Al countered knowingly, though he could understand Ethan's surprise. "You don't remember when your Dad came back from the war, do you?"
Ethan shook his head. "I was pretty little," he shrugged. "I just remember things were kind of tense, and really confusing."
"That's putting it mildly," Roy interjected, though it wasn't with the dry tone he had used earlier. "Though he was half starved at the time. This is hardly the same scenario."
Alphonse shrugged. "Even with the unusual circumstances out of the picture, Ed's always had a pretty bizarre appetite." He chuckled. "When we were kids it was pretty scary sometimes watching." They weren't teenagers anymore though.
"I think I can see why," Ethan made a face. "Remind me to listen the next time Mom tells me to slow down."
Winry would be glad to hear that at least, Al thought. "I will," he smiled. "Don't worry. I'm sure it's just because he actually loves this stuff, and he hasn't had it in nearly a decade." Al remembered well when it had actually been some of Ed's favorite food. Not that the stuff they could get in Central even had been this good. So really, this was just one more thing back to "normal."
Roy stood up, grimacing. "After all those days in the desert I could use a real bath." There was a real bath house here and they would be fools not to make use of it.
"That sounds good," Ethan grinned, bounding to his feet. "I can't wait to check out the bath house!" He vanished into the room he was sharing with Ed.
"So much for some peace and quiet," Roy sighed.
"At least he'll be clean," Al chuckled. His nephew's enthusiasm had only grown during the day as they really entered Xing itself. "He's having a good time and he's not sulking."
"At least he's quiet when he sulks," Roy countered, but he shrugged. "Though he's more respectful than Edward ever was; that's something."
"I was as respectful as you deserved," came a drowsy counter-argument from the couch; a sign that Ed wasn't really asleep.
Roy smirked. "Just try and remember that when one of your subordinates finally discovers you don't deserve it either."
"They tried," Ed laughed. "But I'm in a position where I get to kick their ass as part of my job."
"Well that won't work here," Al cut in before things got too chummy! He stood up. "The bath house is supposed to be pretty large. And it doesn't look like there are a lot of folks staying here right now. I think I'd like to get in there before it gets crowded as well." The idea of a long soak after days crossing the desert was pure heaven.
As Roy vanished into the other room, Al paused by the couch.
Ed bothered to open his eyes. "Is there a reason you're looming over me, Al?" He lay sprawled out; his auto-mail arm under his head, elbow hanging off the couch, and his other arm lay draped across his stomach.
Al shrugged. "Are you planning to join us, Brother?"
Ed shook his head, smiling contentedly. "Maybe later when I feel like moving. That was fantastic!"
"Don't you think maybe you over-did it?" Al teased, chuckling. It happened so rarely anymore that it was really more amusing than anything else; a brotherly disagreement that was too much of a tradition to let it die!
"Not a bit," Ed replied smugly. "So don't you start scolding. Winry's not here, so I shouldn't have to put up with it."
Al just shook his head. "If Winry were here she'd do worse than scold."
"Out of habit," Ed agreed with a small shrug. "At least I'm not dodging tools!"
"You'd lose tonight," Al smirked. "Maybe we should spar and I'll prove it."
"I'd kick your ass," Ed laughed, flashing him his cockiest grin. "You're just lucky I don't feel like having to fix up this place afterwards."
"You're right," Al shrugged. "After you lost, it would be a shame to have trashed such a lovely courtyard. Well, see you later then. I'm going to go get the sand out of my ears!" He left Ed chuckling on the couch and went into the bedroom to gather clean clothes to change into afterwards. Roy was already gone. Al was just glad to see Ed in a good mood. He'd been obviously nervous – well, obvious to Al, who knew him that well – as they approached Xing. Seeing him really relaxed now that they were actually within Xing borders was actually reassuring.
The rest of their trip to the Capitol was uneventful and pleasant. They spent some time getting to know the men who were escorting them – all relatives, as it turned out, of the Emperor himself, though some were on the Emperor's mother's side. They did stop a couple of times to see a some sites that were considered important enough to pause; one being a beautiful ancient shrine, the other some gardens that all of the alchemists would have loved to have spent more time in that were also apparently thousands of years old.
It was early afternoon when they reached the Palace in the center of the vast Capitol which was more than double the size of Central.
"You will have time to change before your audience with the Emperor," the Head of House – Edward did not recall the Xing word for the position – explained as he escorted them to their rooms down a long hallway with high ceilings and elegantly paneled walls and some of the most intricate carved ceilings he had ever seen. "Your introduction will be in the court, but he has also expressed his desire that you all dine with him and his family privately this evening." From his tone, Ed surmised that this was not the usual way things were done. Well, that was fine with him. Perhaps breaking with tradition was a good thing around here, given the past.
Their rooms were huge, though Ed supposed he shouldn't have been surprised given the size of the Palace itself. They were luxuriously opulent by any standards Ed had ever heard of; with gilding on the dark wood furniture, just about everything fabric was silk and brocaded silks, and yet it all had the same light and airy feel that most of their buildings seemed to have. Each one of them had their own room and each set of four rooms had its own bath room. Their rooms – as he had come to understand was a traditional layout – faced a central sitting area which opened doors out onto the interior hall, but also onto a much larger court-yard than the inns they had stayed at. This one was a large garden with bridges, and carefully manicured plants that still looked like they just grew that way. A small waterfall fed into a stream that ran down under the small bridges to a pond full of very large gold and white fish.
Ed took one look at the deep red brocaded silk bedding in his room, and darker red curtains and chair cushions, and decided that he could definitely get used to this! He had a nice little dresser for clothing and a desk and chair that would be much more conducive to research than the low table in the central room. There was a stand mirror in one corner that he used to make sure everything was on straight after he changed. For an Emperor he could bother to look presentable.
"This place is incredible!" Ethan commented, poking his head into the room. He had already changed into the suit Ed knew Winry had made him pack. "Wow! It's like they knew you were coming," he teased looking at the décor. "Nice color."
"I take it your room is equally opulent," Ed chuckled, turning around and coming back out into the communal area.
"I could get lost in the bed," Ethan grinned. "It's that soft and that big!"
"Just don't lose anyone else in there," Roy commented as he joined them.
Ed watched his son blush from his neck to his hairline. "Not likely," Ethan glared at Roy for a moment.
Roy shrugged, smirking back. "Not in Xing anyway," he conceded. They were even more conservative about those things here than at home.
"Ignore him," Ed grinned at his son. "I promise it gets easier with time."
"That's enough," Al laughed coming out of his room, also changed and ready to go. "Though I guess it's better for you to get it out of your systems now before we're 'on display' before the Emperor and his Court."
"Which reminds me," Ed ducked back into his room long enough to grab his red coat. He wasn't going out there without it!
Ethan's eyes lit up when he saw it. "Does that mean…"
"Get dressed properly," Ed snorted, grinning as his son happily pulled on his green coat on over the suit he was obviously not comfortable wearing. Al and Roy wore civilian suits as well, though they wore their black military dress coats. They had all purposefully not worn military uniforms on this trip. Well, except for the two Lieutenants serving as security. Breda and they had all agreed that sending in three Generals who all happened to be accomplished alchemists was interesting enough. It was clear here they were not coming in a specifically military capacity. They didn't want to make people nervous!
They were escorted down to the audience chamber. As they walked, Ed tried not to look as nervous as he felt. He had been on edge ever since they reached the borders of Xing, but he had relaxed a little as they traveled further into the country and nothing happened. The locals had met them with curiosity mostly, occasionally a little suspicion, but never hostility. The townsfolk had been friendly and welcoming; many had been curious and asked questions.
They were just like people anywhere else; just as Ed had known they would be. That and being wrapped up in Ethan's enthusiasm and seeing someplace new, he hadn't felt particularly vulnerable. He had been so focused on thinking of the 'Capitol' as 'Xing' that he hadn't really thought about the sheer amount of country around it until they arrived.
Now they were about to meet the man who ran a country so large it dwarfed Amestris, well inside the man's own borders. Ed held his head high and did his best to hold to his usual confident posture. When they arrived at the doors, their translator and guide – a man named Rian Wu – explained that they would be announced as a delegation, and introduced according to position. They were all a little surprised when Wu arranged them in order. Ed had assumed that the real diplomats would, no doubt, go first since they were in charge of the mission, or maybe Roy. It was unsurprising when Roy was expected to go first. What startled Ed was when he was placed second in line, Alphonse third, followed by the two diplomats, then their guards, and then Ethan who, despite bloodline, had no rank to speak of and was still technically a child.
"Apparently they see things a little differently," Al commented quietly from behind him as they heard an announcement from inside.
The 'audience' with Emperor Mao Xian was really just for show. They had known it would be and been told to expect as much. In the Court, the man who met them was polite and regal, in some of the fullest, fanciest Xing attire Ed had seen yet! He was far too aware that all eyes in the room were on them – hundreds of people – as they approached the dais on which the man sat, flanked by advisors and, likely, family.
As each was announced by full rank and title, they bowed to the Emperor. When that was done, he looked them over, and then began to speak eloquently in the Xing language.
Wu translated quietly for them. "Emperor Mao welcomes you to Xing as one would welcome old comrades too long unseen. He is pleased that you would travel so far to meet with him in our fair land and hopes that you will find your stay comfortable, educational, profitable, and impressive." The formality seemed to be a form of court address.
From the chuckles around the room, Ed gathered that the last was a well-intended joke. Impressive indeed.
There was more to the speech, briefly covering for any who might not know in his court, the nature of their visit and the negotiations that would take place. Wu continued to translate while Ed did his best to try to understand it all without and compare his own translation to Wu's. He understood a lot more than he had expected, and the two matched. For now, that meant they could trust their translator.
When the speech was over, the Emperor looked down at them again, and smiled. "Welcome," he said in surprisingly clear Amestrian. "I am looking forward to speaking with you this evening. I hope your accommodations are acceptable."
Roy spoke for them, smiling with some amusement as he inclined his head respectfully. "Your hospitality overwhelms us, Emperor Mao. You have our gratitude."
The introduction over with, they were escorted back out and given time to change again before dinner. They were assured that a private dinner would not be overly formal, so Ed was glad to lose the dress coat and tie. He left his red coat in the room as well, down to shirt, vest, good pants, and shoes; much more comfortable.
Everyone else did the same, though Ethan still looked like he'd rather get out of anything resembling formal wear. Ed was proud of his son for not complaining about it.
Their welcome as the entered the dining room was much warmer than the formal reception. The room was elegantly appointed, but no fancier than their guest quarters – if anything, it was more understated. There were several people in the room that Ed was sure had been on the dais earlier, now minus the pomp of Imperial finery. He could not have said who they were specifically, though he could make some educated guesses.
"Someone has told you how fond our people are of pomp and display," Mao chuckled as they entered. The only way Ed could tell it was the same man was the voice. His clothing was much more typically functional, like most of the men in the palace, if made of finer silks. Though these were simple and a single shade of blue trimmed in gold. "That was well spoken earlier," he smiled at Roy.
Roy chuckled. "Our people are not so different, Your Eminence."
"No titles in private, please," Mao smiled. "I have been Emperor for nearly ten years and it still bothers me. If we are to be allies, let us not put on airs." Ed liked this guy more by the minute. "Please, sit!" Mao laughed then. "I forget myself. This is a meal. Sit where you wish and I would like to introduce you to my family."
There was a moment of shuffling as everyone sat down. Roy, Dunstan and Worley – the ambassadors – ended up seated directly across from Mao, and down to the right. Ed and Al sat on the left, and Ethan furthest left at the end. As Ed sat down he found himself across from a woman who looked several years younger than himself, in a traditional dress of soft green and gold silks, her dark hair pulled up on top of her head and pinned tightly, though Ed suspected it was probably fairly long. She smiled politely, but waited for proper introductions.
Those came in short order. Mao seemed eager for them all to get to know each other. Ed did note that, surprisingly, Mao was the only man at the table in his family. "My wife, Jiu," he introduced the lovely young woman in a matching blue who sat beside him across from the diplomats, "And my son, Tao." The young boy sitting beside his mother looking bored looked like he was about five. "This is my most esteemed mother, Mei," he gestured to the woman across from Ed then, "And my sister, Renxiang." The teenage girl seated next to Mei smiled nervously. She looked a good bit younger than Mao, and Ed wondered at the age difference between them.
Pleasantries were engaged as the doors opened and food was brought out though, perhaps fortunately, the meal came in stages instead of all at once as it had been in the inns they had stayed in. They began with a delicately seasoned fish soup, and then a salad of greens in a light dressing.
Conversation centered around the mundane and polite for the first couple of dishes, and true 'politics' being avoided in the name of good dining. In the middle of the third dish – pheasant of a sort in a wine sauce with vegetables – Mao turned his attention to Ed more directly. "Edward, your president informed me that you were particularly interested in an exchange of information regarding the alchemy of our two countries."
Ed grinned and swallowed the bite in his mouth before responding. "Myself and Ethan both," he nodded, including his son, who had perked up at the word alchemy. "With your permission and, hopefully, cooperation we would like to do some research."
"That is why you came," Mao smiled. "And I think it is an excellent idea. My mother is an accomplished alchemist, and has requested to work with you during your stay. My sister will be assisting her with anything you require."
Ed's glance darted back to the woman in front of him, who smiled with amusement. They would be working directly with the Imperial family? An incredible turn of events, though he wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. He grinned. "So you mean to tell me that instead of sitting here discussing the best parts of the world for herding sheep we could have been discussing alchemy?"
Mei chuckled. "I like sheep," she replied with a little sniff. "And we shall be discussing alchemy quite a bit very soon."
"So you're an alchemist too?" Ethan looked with new interest at Renxiang, with whom he had been awkwardly trying to converse in Xingese.
The girl smiled. "I am," she replied in Amestrian. "I am my mother's student."
Ed tried not to laugh as Ethan renewed the bilingual conversation with more eager attention. Ever since they had hit Xing itself, his son's mood had improved and he had been so wrapped up in what they were doing and where they were that he seemed to have forgotten, at least for a while, about missing his best friend.
The rest of the meal was just as enjoyable; for conversation and food. Ed had enjoyed Xing style cuisine at home, and discovered that to be a fairly decent representation of the day to day food of Xing. However, food fit for an Emperor was a completely new experience!
"You should taste the seafood in the Southern provinces," Mei chuckled when Ed commented. "They have delicacies we just can't make properly this far from the ocean. I've tried my hand at several, but with varying degrees of success."
"You cook?" Ed was a little startled to hear that from the Imperial family. In retrospect, he supposed he shouldn't have been surprised.
Mei smiled playfully. "I was not always the mother of an Emperor."
After dinner, dessert, and more conversation, things eventually broke up for the evening.
"My advisors will want to discuss with me exactly how they think my negotiations should go when we begin tomorrow," Mao apologized with a chuckle. "So I am afraid I must bid you good evening for now. Please enjoy yourselves."
"Hey, Dad," Ethan intercepted him as they were making their way towards the door. "Do you mind if I hang out with Ren for a while? She said she'd show me around the palace."
"That won't cause problems will it?" Ed looked at Mei, who smiled and shook her head.
"There should be no problem," she replied. "While they are not always evident, no member of the family goes around truly unescorted. Not even those of us capable of taking care of ourselves." Hidden guards then, sometimes not so much, and Mei seemed to find this fact amusing and frustrating at the same time.
Ed shrugged and grinned. "Go ahead. Just be on your best behavior," he warned Ethan, though he was sure the warning was entirely unnecessary.
Ethan looked mildly annoyed, then laughed and turned around, heading out with the girl. Ed watched them go wondering briefly if, even with guards, letting his son out of his sight in Xing was a good idea.
"They will be fine," Mei chuckled, stepping up beside him. "I am glad to see this really. Renxiang is often shy. Your son does not seem to have this problem."
Ed chuckled. "No, he doesn't," he agreed. It was then that he realized that Roy, Al, and the rest of their party – including the two Lieutenants that had been outside the door with the Imperial guards – were gone. "I seem to have been abandoned," he smiled.
"Your companions were saying they wished to discuss a few things before tomorrow as well," Mei explained. "Jiu has gone to put Tao to bed."
"How old is your grandson?" Ed asked curiously. It seemed safer than ever asking a woman her age!
"He is five," Mei replied, "A delightful child, always exploring and asking questions. He reminds me of Mao at that age. Though Mao was forced to grow up much faster than I would have wished," she added with a sad smile. Then she looked at him calculatingly. "But you know something of this."
Her observation startled him. "I do," Ed admitted. Of course, his own background was no secret, but he hadn't been expecting to be well-known enough in Xing for that to be a factor. Perhaps it had been in the information sent ahead of the party? "My brother and I both but, how did you know?" He couldn't help asking.
"When I was younger, I traveled to your country," Mei explained as servants entered and began clearing away the plates. Without a word to them, she stepped out the door and Ed followed without thinking to hear the rest. "Like so many others, I was looking for a way to bring Immortality to the Emperor. My birth family leads the Chan, and we were not well off. The Emperor's favor would have brought much good to us." She walked down the hallway, not quickly, but at a pace conducive to conversation. Ed fell into step easily beside her. She was only a couple of inches shorter than he was and took reasonable steps, not small and mincing though still ladylike. She seemed to glide along the floor.
"I met one man who did so," Ed commented cautiously. "Years ago, and then again later."
"Lin Yao," Mei nodded, and a look of clear distaste appeared briefly on her face. "A pathetic man. A coward and a treasonous beast. Yao has long been in conflict with Chan," she added by way of explanation. "But I digress. When I arrived in Amestris, I heard of you from the people in your Eastern region." She chuckled softly and smiled up at him. "I determined that a young genius alchemist had to be the person I was looking for, who would have the answers I sought."
Ed smiled back. "Well, clearly you didn't find me."
Mei shook her head. "I got no further than your East City, where I was informed that you and your brother were both gone. No one could say if you were dead or not, or would not if they knew. When I told them what I was after they politely suggested that I should return home and not question anyone about it further."
So she had come after everything that had happened with Bradley and the homunculi, after the mess with Eckhart and the Gate. No wonder her question had not been well received! "They told you the truth," Ed replied. He spoke softly, well aware without even turning around of the two guards walking about twenty feet behind them. "Alphonse and I were nowhere where you could have ever reached us at the time. I apologize for the inconvenience," he chuckled.
It was funny; he had expected to be more nervous around her when he first sat down to dinner, but on close inspection Mei looked very little like the female alchemist who had tortured him. The more he saw of the Xing, the more he could see their distinct physical differences that clearly varied by region. She acted nothing like the other woman either.
"Apology accepted," Mei giggled then continued matter-of-factly. "I was quite sorry to hear it at the time. Though I must admit, you are as handsome as I once dreamed, if not quite as tall."
The unexpected compliment made Ed flush slightly, even as the last part made him laugh. "I get that a lot; the short part," he clarified.
"Your son is almost as tall as you," Mei observed. "How old is he?"
"Thirteen," Ed said. "He'll probably be taller than me. His brother is Alphonse's height."
"You have two children?" Mei asked curiously.
"Three actually," Ed grinned. "Aldon is twenty and my daughter, Sara, is twenty-three." He relaxed further, enjoying the mellow conversation. Mei was easy to get along with and harmless conversation was as good as any a way to spend the time getting to know the person he would be researching alchemy with for the next month or so.
"A large family then," Mei smiled. "Is your daughter married?"
"Sara? No," Ed shook his head. "She's a State Alchemist. I expect it will be a while before she settles down. Aldon is married though, and they have a four month old son."
"Renxiang is just turned sixteen. Shanyuan and I were blessed to have her; it was so long after Mao." Mei turned, stepping out into one of the many garden courtyards in the palace.
Ed followed, admiring the rock garden in one corner. There was something in her voice. "What happened to him?" he dared to ask, half expecting to get a 'none of your business' or 'I'd rather not discuss it.'
"Assassins during the civil war," Mei replied softly, watching the same garden; the look in her eyes a little distant. "It was thirteen years ago that the Yao had him killed."
"I'm sorry," Ed replied.
Mei gave him a funny look. "Do your people always apologize for things they had no part in?"
Ed laughed. "It's an expression," he explained. "It's how we show sympathy or understanding or remorse. Or just what we say when we aren't sure what best to say."
Mei considered that. "It makes sense," she replied after a moment. "I had always wondered. I would not have told you if it hurt me too deeply now," she pointed out calmly. "When I returned home, I helped Chan in another way by marrying Shanyuan and uniting our Clans. Xian is not large either, but it was stronger than Chan and with more allies; well respected. Our allies wanted to put Shanyuan on the throne if it was possible. My husband was clever and became well-liked by the Emperor. For that the Yao killed him."
She paused again, but Ed didn't interrupt. It was a sad story but interesting too; a chance to find out some of the unknown historical details of what had occurred while Amestris had no idea what was happening in Xing. "In retaliation, one of our allied families sent assassins in return. They killed Lin Yao's wife and it drove him mad."
And that was why Lin had mustered his people and attacked Amestris to get the Philosopher's Stone! Lin had told Edward in his captivity that he wanted to end the civil war by becoming immortal himself instead of giving it to the Emperor he didn't trust to keep his word. It all made more sense to Ed in that single flash of insight. "He asked me once about human transmutation," he said softly. "And soul attachments. At the time, I didn't understand why, but now it makes sense. He wanted immortality for himself, but he wanted that…to bring her back."
"A foolish proposition," Mei snorted again, obviously irritated by even the thought of Lin Yao in particular. "Dangerous at the least so the stories tell us; what little we have. Lin still has not learned, but he will live with those mistakes for a long time."
"He's alive?" That was news Ed wasn't sure he liked.
"In a manner of speaking," Mei replied crossly. "He is imprisoned for crimes against the state and acting in war without the authority of the Emperor. But he is still mad, or so they say. I have not gone to speak with him myself."
"So they didn't execute him then."
Mei shook her head. "Lin Yao is still the head of his Clan. As long as he lives, they do not dare choose a new leader. They do not have the Emperor's permission and do not wish to lose the uneasy truce we now have."
"So you keep control by keeping him alive and contained." Clever. Ed had wondered what had happened to the man. His last memory was one he only knew was real because Havoc had confirmed it; when Lin had come into his cell, asking for advice. After that all he knew was that the man had escaped and reports from Xing claimed he had been dealt with. Now he knew what that meant. "Would it be possible to talk to him…if I wanted?" He wasn't sure he did, or even really why he was asking, but he was curious.
"'If' you wanted, I am sure Mao would allow it," Mei shrugged. "There's nothing stopping people from visiting prisoners, even political ones, excepting the obvious when it comes to potential allies and plots. No one would accuse you of conspiring with Lin Yao."
That would be a laugh. Ed nodded. He wasn't even entirely sure what he would say to the man, but he would keep that in mind. "What about his…cousins?" he asked as it occurred to him he still had no idea what had become of the two alchemists who had tormented him.
"They have not been heard from in some time," Mei scowled. "Quiang and Luli Fan were not with the Yao soldiers that returned with Lin. There were rumors that they headed further into the Northern Provinces."
Ed felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach. "Just rumors?" Suddenly the world felt smaller, and he took a deep calming breath. So what if they weren't behind bars? They hadn't been for a long time and he was fine. It wasn't like they would be in the Palace! Knowing this fact did not change the world.
Mei shook her head. "I should apologize. I've made you uncomfortable. I'm sure what they did to you was unforgivable. I have heard some of the details of what they have done to others; death and torment are their specialties."
"It's all right," Ed replied, making himself smile again; it came more easily after a moment. "It was a long time ago. I've kind of gotten used to talking about it." He shrugged. "What will you do with them if you ever do get a hold of them?"
"When we catch them," Mei replied with conviction, "They will be executed for crimes against the Empire, unsanctioned acts of war, and committing heinous alchemical atrocities."
"Sounds like it'll be a short trial," Ed smirked wryly.
"Extremely," Mei confirmed. "There are already too many witnesses and too much proof of what they have done for there to be any question."
Which meant that there was no chance of them getting off on some technicality. Perhaps it was brutal, but Ed liked the justice to it. "I have no problem with that," he replied. "For once, I don't think Winry would either."
"Winry is your wife?" Mei looked at him curiously.
"She is," Ed smiled. They had talked about their kids, but he hadn't mentioned his wife. He pulled out his wallet and the picture he always carried. He had a few – they really did amass over the years! But this was more recent; with everyone, including Cassandra and Coran for a full family portrait. Even without pointing, the fact that Ed had his arm around Winry's waist should have made it clear to anyone which one was his wife.
Mei looked at it for a minute and smiled. "You all look very happy."
Ed noted that she said look. She did not automatically assume the appearance to be accurate. He smiled and put the picture away. "Despite everything that's happened in our lives, or perhaps because of it, we are happy. After all, we're all alive, healthy, and doing the things we want to do as well as the things we need to. Even when things get tough, I wouldn't have life any other way."
"And what brings you here, Edward? Is this research a thing you need to do or that you wish to do?"
"Both," Ed replied without hesitation. "Ethan is the one who needs this most as far as learning the details of the medical specializations of your alchemy. For me, I had questions about your alchemy too, though they're more specific; and this is the only place where I can get answers."
Mei smiled softly, her voice kind as she responded. "I hope then, that I am able to help you both find the answers you seek."
Ethan was really enjoying getting to know his way around the Palace. Once he got used to how their lay-outs worked, it wasn't all that hard to find the way around. Renxiang – she said that Ren was what she preferred informally – was fun to talk to. Once they had started talking about alchemy, she had opened up and been almost as talkative as he was,
Being followed around by her guards was interesting, but he got used to it quickly. Ren showed him the family wing, though they didn't go into any of the bedrooms; her favorite gardens, where the palace guards and military practiced their fighting, and – perhaps the coolest place – the library! Most of the books were in Xingese, but that was all right. That was why he had been learning the language after all. They did also have several books in Amestrian and other languages and – to his amusement – some translations into Xingese of alchemy books he had at home.
"Perhaps you can help me understand some of them," Ren chuckled. "I think the translations are not as clear as they could be. They are old."
"We have the same problem with translations of yours at home," Ethan admitted, grinning. "That's why we're here; to learn from the source and the people who actually know it." Then he chuckled. "It was also a great chance to come and see Xing! I've wanted to come here for a long time. That's really the only way to get to know a culture and the people."
"I would like to visit your country," Ren admitted, "For many of the same reasons. I think my mother will allow it once negotiations are settled and our countries are friends again. She is the one who taught me your language, though it is hard to find people to practice with except for my family."
"You speak it well," Ethan complimented, feeling a little self-conscious as he did so. She was kind of pretty, and that thought made him uncomfortable! He wasn't good at talking to girls.
"Thank you," Ren smiled, blushing a little. "Do you speak any Xingese?"
::Some,:: Ethan replied in Xingese, grinning. ::I have been learning since I wanted to come here. I read better than I speak though.::
Ren giggled musically. ::Your accent is not bad,:: she replied. ::Who do you practice with?::
::My uncle and my father,:: Ethan admitted with a shrug. ::None of us likes to put up with bad translations!::
::Then we can all learn from each other,:: Ren replied.
"That's what I hope," Ethan dropped back into his own tongue then. It took a lot of thought to carry out a real conversation in Xingese!
Ren didn't seem to mind. "Do you mind if I ask you questions about your home and people, since you are studying mine?"
"I don't mind at all," Ethan shook his head.
"I'm glad," Ren replied as they sat at a table in the library. "This is silly but, I was curious colors… your hair and eyes I mean." She blushed again. "Your family all seems to be golden. General Mustang is not though and neither are your diplomats. Are your people all so varied?"
"Amestris is made up of a lot of different groups," Ethan nodded. "As a State it came from combining lots of ethnic groups, and they didn't all get along at first." He was glad those times were long past. People didn't always get along, but there hadn't been in-fighting in years. "And people come in and stay from other countries as well, so there are all sorts of different colors and looks. Surely not everyone in Xing looks the same," he countered, smiling. "You don't look the same to me."
"We aren't," Ren nodded, looking a little surprised that he had noticed. "Though the changes are more often in the face or the body than in just colors. Some of us are of fairer skin than others or finer of features."
"You're both right?" Ethan commented then nearly swallowed his tongue as he realized he'd said the thought aloud! He hoped her guards didn't take it the wrong way! Fortunately, they hadn't moved from the door.
Ren, who certainly was both, blushed more brightly, though it had an interesting effect on her skin tone. "You are very honest," she commented after nearly a minute.
"Is that unusual?" Ethan asked, trying to break the awkwardness.
"Because I am Mao's sister, few dare to say things openly," Ren admitted. "I was six when he became Emperor and only three when our father died. He is very protective of me."
That put her about three years older than him; though she certainly didn't seem it! She didn't seem to care how old he was either; she hadn't asked. Perhaps it wasn't polite here to ask anyone, not just women. "That's how older siblings are," he smiled. "I have a brother and a sister who are several years older than me. Neither of them really treats me like a kid most of the time, but every once in a while I think they forget, or they don't want to think about the fact I'm not a little kid anymore."
"You don't act like one," Ren smiled. "But then, if you are studying to be a doctor as well as an alchemist than you can not afford to."
"Nope," Ethan shook his head. "It's a lot to learn though. I need to learn more about auto-mail engineering to do what I want as well. To be the kind of doctor I need to be for my research, the doctor I've been studying with says I'll need to go to college for that too." When people told him he'd tackled something big, they weren't kidding! Sometimes it was a little overwhelming to look at everything he had learned and realize just how much he still didn't know.
"Perhaps if I am able to come study in your country, we will be able to learn together," Ren chuckled, putting up the books that had been on the table.
Ethan smiled at her. "I'd like that."