December 2nd, 1950
A week after their successful foiling of the assassination attempt, Alphonse was starting to think there might be something really wrong with Edward. With their success, and having caught another of the three people who had tortured Ed during the Xing war, he would have thought Ed would be in a pretty good mood. Instead, he was irritable, constantly buried in his notes, uncommunicative unless prodded into conversation, and he was eating less at meals. Al's gentler questioning was met with responses he had come to expect when Ed was like this though.
"No, I'm not hurt," Ed had assured him the first day. "Just tired."
It looked like he was going to hear the same thing this morning. "You haven't been up before ten this week," Al pointed out.
Ed shrugged and offered him a grin. "I keep losing track of time and staying up too late. It's no big deal, Al," he chuckled. "Relax okay?"
The problem was that was entirely believable, even though Al wasn't sure he believed it. "This isn't about the alchemist we caught is it?"
"What?" Ed scoffed. "No. That ass is right where he should be; imprisoned and awaiting execution." He said it so calmly though that Al wondered if Ed was really just that callous about it. That idea almost bothered him more than if Ed was bottling up some kind of guilt or remorse or other emotions regarding that whole mess.
"Right, Ed," Al sighed. There was just no point in pursuing that line of questioning until it turned into an argument. And it would if Ed thought Al was getting pushy or nosy. He just wished he knew for certain what it was that had Ed wound up. Well whatever it was, he hoped it resolved itself soon and Ed got back to normal! He was going to be a bear to travel home with otherwise.
December 7th, 1950
Edward had the feeling it was going to be a long day. He had gotten up feeling groggy, and had to defend his being a little off once more when Alphonse was concerned. It was irritating! Ed hadn't had a single flash back or panic attack since they arrived in Xing and, other than a couple of bad dreams, he hadn't given much thought to the past. The issues that had plagued him after the Xing War – such it would be called even though it hadn't been with all of Xing – were truly dealt with. He had other issues on his mind now, but he sure as hell couldn't tell Al about them! Or anyone for that matter. All he had to do was survive until they left. Then it wouldn't matter what he dreamed, he would be away from Mei, and back with Winry, which was where he desperately wanted to be.
The day continued to be trying. They had continued researching as soon as the assassination attempt had been dealt with, but today Mei had insisted that he join Ethan again for one of the practical lessons in healing alchemy. Ed hadn't been actively avoiding them in focusing on the research for which he had come in the first place, but he had to admit he wasn't eager to fail again. This was Ethan's area of study, and while he understood the theory, Ed wasn't sure he would ever do well at the practical. He had practiced some on his own, but with little success. Part of the problem was concentration; lately he didn't have any. He would have preferred to continue doing things on his own at his own pace. On his own he actually focused better, so he had kept up with that. Al's concerns over his lack of appetite at meals were laughable really. Usually he wasn't starved at meals because he was grazing all day long. But he couldn't work on his own all the time and so here he was.
Ethan had made a lot of progress while working with Ren and Mei. He still came out of it tired, but he could heal a small cut in under a minute, or other small things; like lessening a headache or speeding the healing of bruises. Little things, but until now Ed had never seen that much done with un-enhanced alchemy.
Maybe it was having Mei in the room, or maybe it was his own stupid pride and nerves, but Ed expected to fail and once more he failed to do more than barely clot the cut, even if it was faster than before.
"Improvement," Mei nodded with a smile.
"Hardly," Ed couldn't help sounding disappointed as he gave up, leaning against the porch support beam behind him. They had taken to enjoying the uncommonly good winter weather in the various courtyard gardens for most of their alchemy lessons that did not require the library. It was cold in the mornings, but only chilly in the afternoons. The leaves had fallen with surprising suddenness in the last week or so. Yet the gardens still seemed full of life somehow because of the shapes and the use of other elements. It seemed to be sleeping, not dead.
"Any improvement should be commended," Mei replied patiently.
"You'll get it Dad," Ethan shrugged. "That was a lot better." He stood up and stretched. "I'm starved!" He nodded politely to Mei. ::Permission to go, Teacher?::
Mei chuckled. ::Permission granted.::
Ethan and Ren left before Ed had the chance to make his own escape, leaving him alone with Mei for the first time since that night. He swallowed, but there was no way to make a gracious exit.
When the children were gone Mei's smile faded just a little and she sighed. "I will be sorry when you all leave. Ethan is the closest friend Ren has had in a long time."
"If she writes, he'll write back," Ed smiled; glad the conversation was something safe. "He's good at that. His best friend moved away a few months ago and he's been taking it pretty hard. I'm glad he and Ren get along. She's cheered him up a lot." He shifted, feeling a little light-headed and uneasy. Ed picked up the glass of juice that was waiting and drank it. "How's Jiu?" he asked, trying to keep the subject away from alchemy for the moment. He knew Mao's wife had been shaken by the attack, despite knowing it was coming. What he hadn't known until afterwards was that she was about four months pregnant, and that she was more delicate during her pregnancies. Or at least she had been with Tao, and so was proving again.
"Jiu is improved," Mei smiled. "Thank you for asking. Mao worries more than he needs to about these things," she chuckled. "She has been tired, and was a little shaken, but she suffered no ill effects."
"That's good." Ed set down the empty glass. His finger was still sore, so he had used his auto-mail hand. Almost out of reflex, he bent the arm, testing it to see if it needed maintenance. He hadn't really paid much attention lately. It seemed all right, but he was sure it needed a good cleaning.
Mei watched with interest. "How do you tell when your auto-mail arm is damaged?" she asked curiously.
Ed smirked. "Usually when Winry yells at me for destroying it," he teased with a chuckle. "Really though, I can feel it in the way the bearings move or stick, the sounds it makes, and how smooth the movements are."
"I know that they work as well, or better than sometimes, flesh limbs. I have seen you move," Mei chuckled, her head cocking slightly to one side. "I would not have thought it likely just knowing that your limbs were metal."
"I have the world's best engineer," Ed bragged a little. It was the truth after all. "She designed these especially for me, just the way she designed Ethan's fingers."
"I know you lost your limbs as a child," Mei commented then, "But what of your son? Surely he did not also have an unfortunate accident?"
Ed shook his head. "No. Ethan was born missing those two fingers." He clenched his auto-mail fist. Yeah, it needed a good oiling. Winry would be pissed to know how little he had been maintaining his auto-mail on this trip. "The doctor said it wasn't anyone's fault. It was a much tougher pregnancy than the others, and not long after Winry had suffered massive injuries in an accident." He sighed. It had been a tough time for them both. "Ethan doesn't even really remember when he was too little for the auto-mail, and it doesn't bother him."
"But it bothers you," Mei seemed to find this interesting, though Ed wasn't sure if it was academic curiosity or something else.
Ed shrugged. "Not so much anymore, but at the time I would have given almost anything to give my son his missing fingers, so he wouldn't have to live with auto-mail. There have been so many times the only things I couldn't do with alchemy were save my family pain and suffering."
This just seemed to confuse Mei. "But you don't resent your own auto-mail."
"It was a choice on my own part that cost me my limbs," Ed replied. "I was born whole and normal, and my arm and my leg paid for my hubris and my mistakes. It bothered me that Ethan didn't even have the chance to be whole. Of course," he smirked wryly, "I know better than that now. He's really something special."
"He will do great things," Mei agreed, smiling as she stood. "I was planning to go spend some time with Jiu and Tao. I will speak with you further later, Edward."
Ed watched her go, relaxing when she vanished out of sigh. It felt like an iron bar had gone out of his spine. He stood and stretched the same way Ethan had a few minutes before and then strolled into the garden. Even an empty winter garden was peaceful, and he could better put out of his mind his dreams and insecurities. He didn't understand why he was having them, and the reason that made the most sense in his mind he feared to consider.
There was a rock garden in the middle of this particular court yard; a lake of tiny white stones out of which rose a tall, naturally weathered pillar of black stone. Ed had not learned yet how to tell what each garden symbolized, but this one was certainly striking and, like all things here, well balanced. Staring at the stone gardens was soothing and one of the few things that seemed to make it possible to empty his mind out, if he looked at them long enough. He couldn't help but wonder if there was some element of alchemy involved, even though he knew better, it was something fun to consider, just how that would work.
A women's scream pierced the air, breaking sharply into Ed's reverie. He thought he recognized that voice! There was another scream – two women. Hell! Ed turned and raced out of the court-yard, back inside the building and down the hall that went towards the royal apartments. The Yao wouldn't be stupid enough to try another attack so soon?
The first thing he saw as he rounded a turn was a woman in the uniform of a palace servant – he wasn't used to thinking of people in those terms, but that was the closest word for it really – standing in the center of the hall with Mei and Jiu against the wall. His instincts had kicked in the moment he heard the scream, and he took in the scene in a second: the three women, the 'servant' obviously anything but as she brandished a gun.
"How tasteless can you get?" Ed snorted as he closed the distance with surprising speed. The woman turned and brought the gun up to aim at him. Ed brought his auto-mail arm around, transmuting it into a blade as it came down, slicing halfway through the weapon before it fell from the woman's hand. Ed came to a stop between her and the two Xian women, his blade-arm up, glaring.
As soon as the weapon flew from her hand the other woman – eyes wide – pulled something out of her pocket, though he couldn't see what. As soon as she met Ed's eyes with her own gaze, he froze completely. He knew those eyes! "Luli Fan."
"So you have learned my name, Edward Elric," the 'crazy woman' alchemist smiled sweetly. "You have disarmed me. Would you really hurt a woman?"
Ed swallowed; his mouth had gone completely dry. "For you, I'll make an exception," he replied, crouching slightly and getting into a proper fighting stance. "Mei, Jiu, get out of here."
"Oh I don't think so," Luli shook her head in amusement. With a flourish she revealed what she held in her hand; several small syringes with needles at the ends. "I can throw these as well as most throw knives. You know what these do, Edward. Would you like to find out what happens when one injects its contents into a pregnant woman's body?"
Despite the fact he tried to fight it, Ed's vision tunneled immediately on those vials. He knew far too well what they contained. He still had nightmares from time to time that took him back to the horrors he had seen in those hallucinations; the vomiting and nausea that came with it wearing off every time, the risk of death. And to threaten Jiu and her unborn baby with such a thing; he couldn't let her get away with that!
Or so his brain screamed. The problem was, his feet weren't moving! His mouth wouldn't open and he was sure his legs were locked in place; every muscle so tense it seemed to be trembling. Shit! Oh shit! He felt a sweat break out as he stared at the syringes. He didn't want to go there again. Not ever! If he did…
"Edward!"
A swirl of air whipped down the hallway, sending everything not tied down tipping or whipping in the air. It slammed into Luli, knocking the syringes from her hands. They fell to the floor and shattered, their contents spilling and pooling on the smooth surface.
The shattering sound broke Ed from his trance. He blinked, and something released inside of him. It was then that he saw Alphonse, Roy, Mao, and the rest of the diplomatic corps at the end of the hallway. It was Al's voice he had heard shout his name; Al who was just straightening up from having sent the alchemy attack Ed had just seen.
"I do not lose so easily!" Luli yanked knives from the folds of the dress the same way she had the syringes. They hit the floor and flared into a transmutation circle, rippling until the floor exploded upwards, buckling and tossing them backwards.
Mei and Jiu had already begun moving back down the hall, and were not tossed quite as badly as Ed, who leaped into the air to avoid the floor, coming down closer to Luli and her circle, between the women and the enemy alchemist, though it put his back down the hallway, and himself directly in her path. But the hold she had was broken. He was still shaken, but no longer panicked. "Last time it wasn't a fair fight," he countered, dropping, bringing his leg down and sweeping it across her knives. It knocked them out of position completely and destroyed her transmutation circle. "And this time won't be either!" He lunged with his arm, going for a killing shot. He didn't dare go for less as she grabbed a sword off its display hooks on the wall and swung at him.
Fortunately for Ed, he could tell she was not as well trained in that type of fighting; a medical alchemist indeed. He blocked her easily and came in with a shove that slammed her into the wall. Palming his hands ever-so-briefly he slammed the other into the wall beside her, letting the wood of the paneling soften enough to bind her hands, then it hardened again, effectively pinning her to the wall.
Luli yanked, struggled, and failed to budge her hands from the wall. She kicked out instead, but with Ed pressed up close, she couldn't do more than knock at his legs ineffectively. ::You coward!:: She spat in his face, losing her calm completely; no longer the creepily serene, controlled voice that had haunted him for years. This woman he could handle. ::You do not have the constitution to end my life. If you kill me now, you will be no different than I.::
::I beg to differ,:: Ed dropped into Xing. Luli didn't know he knew the language obviously, because her face became cross when he did so. ::I am already a killer, but I am not a murderer. I do not toy with people before I kill them, and I do not kill unless I have to. Fortunately for me, here, I do not have to. The government will do it for me, and they will call it justice.:: He stepped back briefly, out of range of any kicks she might attempt. With a smirk he spun and brought his leg firmly into her abdomen – a controlled kick meant to be painful but do no permanent internal damage. Luli's eyes bulged and she gasped. Ed stepped back again, feeling a little more satisfied. "I have no problem with fighting a woman," he dropped back into his own tongue. She understood it well enough; he knew that all too well. "That was for the pain you put my family through, bitch."
::And what about you then?:: Luli asked even as she drew in a deep ragged breath. ::You don't want vengeance? That's why I'm here after all, though I am paid for it. Are we really so different?::
"So many people ask me that," Ed snorted. "You're already slated for execution the way I understand it. Could there be anything I could do to you that would be more fitting? Who am I to stand in the way of what your own people decide is a fitting punishment?" His tone was calm, cold. He was still shaken inside, but he wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of seeing it. This was it. Lin Yao and both alchemists in jail; the two who had tormented him would be killed for their crimes against innocent people and their abominable acts, with and without alchemy. Ed found it interesting that he felt no satisfaction, and no real closure. That part of his life was long over; this was just wrapping up loose ends and throwing out the trash.
He heard footsteps behind him and knew that the others were closing the distance instead of staying out of the way. In close quarters, more than one person fighting her would have been difficult.
::He speaks well, and correctly,:: Mao said, drawn up and in full Emperor of Xing mode. ::You are a criminal. Your brother awaits the same fate as you, and you will both be executed. You were foolish to come after my family, Fan. You have no honor, and all of Xing will know it. Take her away,:: he added, motioning forward the guards who were already running up behind them.
As they took Luli down – with Mei's assistance as she made sure the woman was well bound – and took her away Ed looked at Mao. "I think your guards need a few lessons in being in the right place," he commented softly in Amestrian, hoping the guards wouldn't understand.
They didn't seem to. Mao nodded. "We think we have tracked down those within the walls who have been aiding these attacks and misrouting my guards. They are also being dealt with."
"Glad to hear it." Ed held it together until the hallway was nearly empty. The guards left with Luli, with Mao heading off to deal with official matters and this latest attack, requesting that Roy and the rest of the Amestrian delegation follow as soon as they could. Mei vanished with Jiu, both of them under protective guard, back to their own apartments. Apparently Tao was fine.
As everyone scattered, Ed soon found himself standing alone in the hallway with his brother. Al looked, unsurprisingly, concerned.
Ed didn't care anymore. He slumped against the wall, pulling his left hand down his face and staying there as he started to shake again. "It's over." The words came out in a whisper.
"It is," Al nodded, coming over to him. "You handled that well, Ed."
He snorted, laughing humorlessly. "I completely froze up! If you hadn't shown up when you did I'd have been immobilized and likely dead, as would Mei and Jiu."
"You got past it," Al shrugged. "I think you would have anyway, but it doesn't matter. You did get beyond it, and you took her out. No one got hurt and you captured another wanted criminal."
"You make it sound so noble," Ed smirked up at him. "I'm shaking like a leaf! I'm surprised Roy isn't still here to laugh and tell me I'm just a big baby."
"He wouldn't do that about this," Al shook his head.
Ed shrugged. "No, probably not." Not that it really mattered; he was ragging on himself enough for both of them. It was over, and if he just kept telling himself that, eventually he was going to believe it. Finally he made himself stand upright and he walked over to where the shattered syringes still lay on the floor. He didn't even crouch for this one; he just slapped his palms together and crossed them. He separated the liquid into its component parts, evaporating anything that could safely be dispersed into the air. Without being a compound, it was harmless. The cleaning staff could pick up the glass. "Hopefully no one else knows how to make that stuff."
"So that was it then," Al shuddered slightly. "I can't believe she would have been willing to do that to a woman and her baby."
"I can," Ed sighed. "I had nightmares about that woman for years, Al. All of those hallucinations were her fault, and she controlled them. The other guy was nothing compared to how badly she could mess someone up." It seemed to be not only a talent with Luli, but something she enjoyed far too much. "Let's go. Roy and the others are probably waiting for us." He had one more part to play before he get away and be by himself for a while; and that was to be present when Mao explained what had happened. Ed had been an integral part of things, and there was no way he wasn't going to get recognition for it.
Really, Ed didn't much care if he got any credit for this. He had fantasized from time to time about getting back at the bastards who had nearly killed him, who had almost ruined his life anyway. To have actually managed it was no more satisfying than he had really expected it would be. These things never were.
Al nodded as they started walking back down the hallway. He chuckled. "Just think of the story this will make to tell the ladies when we get home."
Ed smiled, but his heart wasn't in it. "Right." Somehow, he didn't think this trip was an adventure he wanted to tell Winry about in a lot of detail.
December 8th, 1950
Edward wasn't hung over the next morning. That would have taken a lot more than the single glass of rice wine he'd had with dinner the night before. Even though the stuff Mao offered at his tables was some of the finest Ed had ever tasted, rice wine was still not a taste he was overly fond of. He blamed the Fan siblings for that too.
After standing through Mao's public explanation of the capture of Luli Fan – a story in which Ed featured as the hero who had bravely rushed in to protect the Imperial mother and Empress – and the plans for the execution of the two sibling alchemists, they had gone back to their rooms for dinner. Or at least, Ed had politely begged off joining Mao's family for dinner that evening. He had eaten alone in his room and gone to bed early.
No, Ed wasn't hung over, but he was irritable anyway. He hadn't slept well. He had nightmares he hadn't had in several years, and he tossed and turned restlessly all night long. At least no one tried to bother him when he stayed in bed until late in the morning; not even Alphonse. Ethan didn't knock, even when he heard his son heading out to go find Ren. The two of them would work on alchemy today whether or not Edward or Mei showed up, and Ed had no intention of going.
But he couldn't lie there forever. Reluctantly, Ed got up and got dressed. Out in their communal sitting room most everything had been cleaned up after breakfast already save for food that had obviously been left for him on the covered tray. It was still warm, even if it wasn't piping hot. Ed ate then decided to go for a walk. He hated feeling irritable; it always felt like he was going to jump out of his skin.
Perhaps it was subconscious, but Ed found himself wandering down towards the guards' practice area. He hadn't been down there since the tour at the beginning of their visit, but maybe someone would be willing to spar. That would take the edge off his nerves.
Whether it was a consequence of the last couple of near-successful attacks on the Imperial family, or a fortunate coincidence, Ed arrived in the middle of what appeared to be hand-to-hand combat practice. The group he was watching at the moment appeared to be junior guardsmen; not new recruits, but definitely not the elite. They were going up against more advanced teachers, or paired off against each other. Certainly they were decent fighters, but they reminded Ed a lot of his alchemy students.
It didn't take long for one of the senior ranking guardsmen to notice Ed. He was a little taller and bulkier than Ed, and looked about the same age. Ed suspected that it was only because he was rather distinctly recognizable that he didn't get a stern demand of who he was and what he thought he was doing down here. Instead, the man smiled at him with some amusement. ::What do you think of them?:: he asked instead, coming to stand beside Ed. It was a leading question, Ed knew. The man was testing him to see what he knew. Ed also noticed he didn't ask in Amestrian.
::Inexperienced,:: Ed answered matter-of-factly. It wasn't a judgmental statement really, just a matter of fact. ::They know their drills. They have drive, and talent, and practice, but they obviously haven't seen real combat.::
The taller, broader shouldered man eyed him a moment, then smiled. ::I am Guard Captain Meng Ven. I am in charge of training here. I hear you have some skill.::
Ed chuckled, and smirked back. ::So I'm told.::
::Perhaps you would care to show our students what they're missing?:: Meng commented. Clearly he was half-joking, and Ed knew that no one had really seen him fight since his arrival, and very few expected fighting that could keep up with Xing warriors out of an Amestrian. Except, perhaps, the Yao soldiers who had faced Amestrian alchemists, and that had been as much at-distance as Ed could manage to keep his alchemists during the war!
::Gladly.:: Ed grinned.
::You don't seem dressed for it.::
::Oh I'm good,:: Ed replied. Wandering around the Palace like it was home wasn't really an option. He was in a decent pair of pants, a collared shirt, and shoes, but none of his suit-quality stuff. He contemplated removing the shoes, but the ground in the area was impact-hardened dirt and he wouldn't have to worry about slipping.
::We will see.:: Meng strode over to the practice area as they finished a drill and started organizing. Within a couple of minutes Ed was standing in the cleared space facing off against what Meng considered a mid-level student. It was a very short fight. Even though Ed wasn't trying to kick the kid's ass, after a few seconds of defensive game to see what he was about, he took the guy out with a single good kick to the head.
The next fight went the same way, and Meng called up one of his more advanced students. This one reminded Ed more of his own alchemy students near the end of their training – he had watched this one earlier. Ed squared up and took him out in the first move, coming in low, knocking his legs out from under him and bringing him to the ground. He did the same thing the second round with the guy – different moves, same result.
Meng looked intrigued. He sent in one of his trained guards this time. ::Combat rules,:: he called out. Obviously, this meant something different. The others had been practice matches.
Ed grinned. This was going to get a lot more fun! The fight lasted longer by about twenty seconds. He beat the guard, though he wasn't pleased with his own performance so far. Sure, he was winning, but his movements were a little sluggish, for him anyway. Despite the couple of combat situations he had gotten into here, there hadn't been a lot of opportunity to practice.
He soundly beat two more before Meng sent in a man in his mid-thirties. Most of Ed's opponents were dressed for fighting practice; no armor, just the pants they normally wore under it. This guy was more muscular than the others, more relaxed too. Ed could tell this one had seen some real fighting.
So Ed took him out faster than the others. It wasn't that they weren't really good; it was just that they hadn't seen a lot of Ed's more unusual moves. That seemed fair though, because this guy finally pulled a couple that Ed wasn't used to. He liked the fact that the culture had a more aerial style in a lot of ways, more precise movement; a lot like what Izumi had taught him and Al. He was enjoying himself!
Finally Meng came forward chuckling and holding two pole-arms. ::So you can do more than use tricks to catch women,:: he commented. ::How about this?:: He tossed one of the spears at Ed, who caught it easily. ::Can you use a weapon other than your hands and feet?::
::I have some experience,:: Ed smiled. Okay, it was an understatement. He was a little surprised though when Meng himself got into a fighting stance. Apparently he wasn't going to under-estimate Ed anymore!
Now, Ed was nervous. Sure, he was pretty good with a weapon; swords especially, given how much experience he had with his arm-blade transmutation. Izumi's weapon of choice when she transmuted one had been the pronged spear that Ed made almost on reflex because of that. This one was little different, other than that it only had the one point, not three. Still, it was a basic thrusting weapon with a solid haft. Ed knew what to do with that.
He started out more conservatively this time, blocking mostly and getting a feel for Meng's moves, his rhythm. Not that Meng gave him much to work with. There was a lot of squaring off and footwork without a lot of strikes. Neither of them was wearing armor or protective padding. The tips were however, he noticed, a soft metal and dulled for impact, not to kill outright.
They danced like that for a couple of minutes, then Ed took his chance and attacked, coming in obliquely. Meng blocked, dodged, and stabbed. Ed dodged, spun, and brought the haft in long as a hitting surface. Meng had to duck to avoid him and brought the haft of his own extended blade around toward Ed's midsection. Ed leaped up, flipped over it, and came down with a thrust toward Meng's shoulder that was also dodged. Ed got hafted in the stomach at one point, and he caught Meng across the back of his shoulders another time, but neither of them had landed a killing blow. Without alchemy, Ed's fights almost always lasted longer. With a weapon – and, Ed suspected, even in hand to hand – Meng was his equal in straight combat.
That sluggishness came back to bite Ed. There were a couple of moves he tried to pull off that just weren't as fast as usual; things were cutting too close, and so he simplified his movements. Otherwise, he would have been able to take advantage of a couple of small opportunities that presented themselves where a shot might have connected.
It was a ten minute fight. Not all of it was constant combat. There were several times they disengaged and then tried to attack a different way. Ed lost when the haft of the staff came up at a really odd angle and, as he dodged, Meng managed to bring it around and Ed felt the end connecting with his side even as he tried to get away. Ed dropped, rolled, came up on his feed, and grinned. ::Nice kill.::
::Hunting you is like hunting monkeys,:: Meng panted, but he was grinning as well. ::Better done with a net and a gun.::
::Might be more effective,:: Ed nodded. ::I'm told explosives work well. You're lucky though,:: he chuckled. ::I'm a little out of practice.::
::Then I suppose we shall have to fix that,:: Meng replied. ::Unless you're too tired.::
::Of course not,:: Ed snorted, chuckling. ::But will you teach me that move you used at the end? I've never seen it before.::
::If you will show me how you avoided that second shot I made,:: Meng agreed.
::Absolutely,:: Ed replied. This seemed like a much more productive, and less stressful, way to spend the rest of the morning; possibly the afternoon as well. This was something he was good at and, when he fought, he had no trouble keeping out the thoughts of anything else.
December 12th, 1950
"I would consider that a most satisfactory agreement," Mao nodded, setting the paper he held down on the table. "I will make certain that we have a copy drawn up in proper translation into Xing, and then send the signed copy in your language back with you." He smiled. "And your President can sign it as well. I look forward to meeting him in person someday in the near future."
"And I am sure he feels the same," Roy smiled.
So it was done then, Alphonse thought with a feeling of immense satisfaction and relief. The primary negotiations between Xing and Amestris were complete and agreeable to both sides. The old railroads would be uncovered and repaired, with customs set up at both ends to make certain that neither abused such a convenient travel route across the desert. They would also see about putting up proper phone lines between the two countries to simplify communications between the two capitols. Trade would increase, both countries would prosper, and peace in Xing would hopefully improve.
There was a lot of polite bowing mixed with shaking of hands as Mao, his advisors, and the Amestrian delegation congratulated themselves on a job well done.
"You will all stay a few more days as our guests, I hope," Mao smiled as they all began to file out of the meeting room. "And enjoy Xing without the excitement of politics." It was clear he meant both the negotiations and the random attacks!
"We'd love to," Al grinned. "I'm kind of hoping to get to sit in on a few sessions with Mei and Renxiang before we have to go." Missing out on the alchemy was one thing that had been driving him crazy! As much as Ethan babbled about it, there was a lot Al was eager to see and try for himself.
"I am sure my mother would be pleased to have another student, or two," Mao chuckled, including Roy in the discussion. "Though now that things can settle down, I hope you will not spend all your time at work. Our country has quite a history of theatre and pageantry that I know many are eager to share."
"Hoping to start a new trend elsewhere and make a lot of money off the venture?" Roy teased, chuckling.
"Precisely," Mao smiled. "We have many sites in the city I have not had the opportunity to show you and, as Emperor, I think I'm going to declare that I deserve a couple of days off!"
"I wish I'd had that authority," Roy sighed.
"You'd have never gone in to work," Al laughed.
Roy smirked. "Oh I would have…sometimes. When I felt like it."
"Just be ready to report in when we get home." Al walked between the two men as they walked down the hall. He turned to look at Mao. "So, what do you think we should see first?"
December 19th, 1950
Perhaps he was missing out on great opportunities, but Ed figured that was better than being the one to spoil the fun. For the several days Mao had been off duty, Ed had tagged along with the rest of the crew as they went to see Xing's finest dancers and actors and musicians. They ate at several of the local restaurants, getting a feel for food from all of Xing, and not just what was served at the palace. There was a lot more variety than Ed had realized.
They went to museums, a movie theatre, ancient temples and gardens. They even went to a couple of sporting events and the Imperial zoo, which had animals from all over Xing's provinces, many of which Ed had never seen before. All of it was a lot of fun, and great distraction; at least, from the unpleasant thoughts of Qiang and Luli Fan, or the dreams that had returned at night. It would have been a little better for Ed if he hadn't found himself almost constantly in Mei's presence. They had very similar tastes, and she knew a lot about almost everything they saw. The conversation was fascinating and friendly, and she obviously enjoyed his company. And that was what continued to make him uncomfortable.
Today they were going see a play and the culture aficionados – Alphonse and Roy – were excited about it. Ren was dragging Ethan elsewhere, taking him to where most of the kids her age liked to hang out in the city. Ed would have worried, but Mao and Mei knew the place and that it was perfectly respectable, and they would be followed by four guards.
It was easy for Ed to beg off; made easier by the honest excuse that he wasn't feeling well. He still wasn't sleeping particularly well, though it was a toss up whether the bad dreams were minor flash-backs to his captivity a decade past, the fight with Luli Fan just a few days ago, or dreams of Mei that began innocently enough, but almost always twisted around into something far less appropriate!
On top of that, his stomach was bothering him. It wasn't an ulcer. He would have recognized that at once, though with the stress lately he wouldn't have been surprised to have managed to give himself another one. Really, it wasn't what Al thought either; Ed wasn't 'off his feed' with everything going on. It had taken him a few days to realize he was just…full. He hadn't actually been hungry in days aside from the day he had spent most of it training with the guards, because he'd been eating constantly. Distracted, not paying attention; he had just eaten on reflex as he always had growing up, and it had resulted in a feeling that he wouldn't have called painful but just uncomfortable. Maybe this was what Winry complained about when she said she felt bloated; a constant mild pressure he couldn't get rid of. No wonder he couldn't get comfortable sleeping on his stomach!
This morning the feeling just wouldn't go away. Of course, that was probably thanks to the huge feast they had been treated to the night before! Ed skipped breakfast entirely; he just didn't want it. Instead, as soon as everyone else was gone, he decided to go for a walk and see if he could work it out. He turned down the idea of going to work with the guards; he really didn't want to make himself sick, and he would if he tried anything that active in his current state.
He wandered for a while, eventually finding himself walking through one of the largest gardens on the palace grounds. It was huge and, at this time of the morning, appeared to be entirely empty. It was a chilly, cloudy day; more of a real winter day, and so Ed supposed he shouldn't be too surprised.
As Ed came around a corner marked by a bare miniature maple tree, he stopped short. There was someone sitting on the ground near one of the rock gardens in the thicker winter robes he had seen a lot more people wearing lately; these in red and white. After a moment Ed realized it was the old man who was always around that he had heard was Mao's 'spiritual advisor;' whatever that was supposed to mean. Ed was going to turn around if he couldn't find a way to get past the man without interrupting him, when the old man spoke. ::Sit, young man.::
::No one's called me that in a while.:: Ed gave him a lop-sided smirk, but he approached and dropped down cross-legged in front of him anyway, resting his hands on his thighs.
::Ah, so you speak our language, as I had heard.:: The old man replied without opening his eyes.
::A little.::
The answer seemed to be enough. ::Then you can listen. ::
Ed frowned. ::I'm not sure I understand what you—::
::Be still, and listen.:: The old man cut him off.
Weird old man. Still, Ed closed his eyes and did what he was told. He suspected that the old man was meditating, and he knew what was probably expected of him. If Izumi had tasked him with this kind of exercise, Ed would have been expected to pay attention to his senses, to what they were telling him, and to the world around him. She had called it listening to the world's flow once, and it was something Ed had done from time to time.
The garden wasn't as empty as he had first told himself, even though he should have known better. There were birds. The wind pushed past the delicate branches and twigs of the now leaf-less plants. It sounded a little different when it came through the evergreens though; which still rustled in their own distinct way. Water ran down from a series of man-made rock waterfalls, through the stream that flowed past them; the sound changed when it bounced off the rocks in the stream or split. The half-dead grass beneath him was soft, almost a cushion despite the season. The air was crisp and smelled of fireplaces and cooking dumplings somewhere in the palace. They must be downwind of the kitchens. His stomach twinged at the idea, and Ed shifted positions.
::Something is troubling you.::
Ed opened his eyes. He hadn't been expecting the statement and he wasn't entirely sure how to answer, or if he wanted to. So he shrugged and smiled. ::I didn't think indigestion was that obvious.::
::You joke to cover your unease.:: The old man stated. Again, there was no question in his words. He had opened his eyes as well and was gazing calmly at Ed.
::I miss my wife,:: Ed replied with a shrug. ::And…I find myself enjoying another woman's company more than I think I should.:: He hadn't meant to admit that last, but it had been pressing on his mind for so long that it was almost a relief to say it out loud. He did not dare say who it was, but telling someone might be the best way to get the worst of the guilt off his chest!
::This is not normally a problem?:: This time, the man asked a question. His tone remained calm though, very neutral.
::No. Never.:: Ed said emphatically. That was why this was driving him insane! ::Not before now I mean.::
::Then what makes this situation different?::
::I don't know,:: Ed had to admit. ::I keep having these dreams about this woman. I don't want to, and they cut in on dreams I would rather be having.
The old man nodded. ::Dreams do not always show us what we want.::
::Tell me about it.:: His nightmares certainly didn't.
The old man seemed to take him at his word. ::Our subconscious focuses most on the issues we need to work through and what is most prevalent on our minds. If this possible attraction bothers you so much, it would only be natural for your mind to try and make sense of it while you sleep.::
::So I'm having these dreams because I keep trying not to?:: Ed asked, trying to make sure he understood clearly. It was mildly difficult discussing this in another language, but he was pretty sure he had it right.
::That seems likely,:: the old man nodded.
Ed shifted again; annoyed that he couldn't hold the position easily. Not that he was great at sitting still, but it shouldn't have been uncomfortable. ::She's a lot of fun and we have a lot in common but…I know I'm not in love with her. I know what that is, and this isn't it.:: It was just strange. Ed knew sexual desire as well. Winry was really good at eliciting those reactions from him with very little effort! This didn't seem like that either; despite the fact he couldn't deny that Mei's body was attractive.
::Perhaps then, your feelings are perhaps more those of a good friend,:: the man suggested. ::What is more enjoyable than making a new acquaintance and getting to know them? Is it possible you are mistaking this for attraction because you find yourself drawn to a person who is of the opposite gender and is physically attractive? It is possible to acknowledge such a thing without wanting to take a relationship to an intimate level.::
That…made a lot of sense. Ed hadn't even thought to consider that possibility. He had plenty of female colleagues and friends, but the fact that they were female really didn't enter into their interactions much. He never thought to worry about being attracted to Riza, Sciezka, Elicia, or any of the other women he worked with or saw on a regular basis. Ed had never before worried about ever finding himself even remotely attracted to another woman other than Winry. ::That's possible,:: he said after several long seconds of thought.
::Do you want to be attracted to this woman?::
::No!:: That was an easy one.
::Then wouldn't it make sense that your feelings do not really lie in that direction?::
Again, the old man made sense. Ed was beginning to understand why Mao kept him around as an advisor! While there was a very small part of him that wondered at the excitement of another woman, it was not the main part of him, it was not his heart; more the part of him that always contemplated what ifs. ::It would,:: he agreed with a nod, feeling the weight of guilt and doubt shift. It didn't entirely go away, but it wasn't nearly as overwhelming. He had still considered the possibility, and that felt like a betrayal in itself, even if it was a much smaller one than actually acting on it. ::Thank you. You know an awful lot don't you, old man?:: If he could call Ed young than Ed was going to return the favor!
::I am a hundred and two years old,:: the man chuckled. ::I have seen something of life.::
A hundred and two. Okay yeah, that was old! Ed smirked. ::Twice my experience.::
::And still learning,:: the man admitted. ::The keys to long life; love your family, and remember to clean out your mind from time to time.:: He closed his eyes and resumed his meditative position then, and Ed took it as a polite dismissal. The lesson was over.
::I'll remember that.:: Ed stood up and started to leave.
::Redberry-leaf Tea.::
Ed turned around again, confused. ::Excuse me, what?::
::Ask for some in the kitchens. It will not help your head, but it will help your stomach.:: The old man smiled sagely, a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.
Oh. Ed flushed slightly but grinned. ::Heh. Thanks.:: Then he turned and walked back the way he had come. His head felt full to overflowing with everything they had just discussed, and feeling over-stuffed in two places was not conducive to clear thinking. Ed decided to head down to the kitchens first and see if the man knew as much about stomachs as he did about heads!
At this point, Ed had no trouble finding the Palace kitchens. It was still a little early for them to be in the midst of the major lunch preparations, so he wasn't surprised to find things were relatively quiet when he got there. Of course, these were also the kitchens for the Imperial family and guests, not everyone, so it wasn't nearly as chaotic as the kitchens that fed staff and soldiers.
When he arrived there were several women in the kitchens, mostly cleaning serving dishes and beginning preparations for the mid-day meal. The women knew him on sight, and he knew most of them now as well. Most of them were middle aged or older, with children mostly or fully grown. That made them often around his age or older, but they all treated him as if they could be his mother. That was just their way.
::Here a little early,:: one of the woman, a short, plump, pleasant lady named Hua chuckled. ::We won't have anything prepared for another hour.::
::I'm not looking for food this morning, ladies,:: Ed chuckled, abashed. ::More of a remedy. The elderly gentleman, Emperor Mao's advisor? He recommended redberry-leaf tea?:: The room erupted in giggles, and Ed could only wonder what that was about. ::I'm sorry. Did I say it wrong?::
::Oh no,:: another one of the women – Enlai, who was old enough to be his grandmother – smiled kindly. ::You said it just fine, dear.::
::Then what's so funny?:: Ed was realizing he may just be the butt of some cultural joke he had unwittingly missed.
It was Hua who answered. ::Redberry-leaf is what we give small children when they have belly aches,:: she chuckled. ::It is very mild but effective. Old Bao obviously did not tell you this. ::
Ed felt his skin warm as he blushed from neck to the top of his head. Some days he hated being fair skinned! So Bao was the old man's name. ::He didn't,:: he replied. ::What do you give grown men?::
His comment was met with another chorus of very amused giggles and some out right laughter. ::Nothing,:: another one of the ladies smirked. ::They are too proud to admit it.::
This conversation was not improving. Ed sighed. ::Look, I don't care who normally drinks it. That was his recommendation.:: He really wasn't in the mood to be laughed at today.
::That's enough ladies,:: Hua admonished. ::Of course, Mister Edward. We should not joke about someone else's discomfort.:: She put down the dish she was drying and went to make the tea herself. It didn't take long. There was almost always hot water for tea in the kitchens in Xing. Ed watched as she pulled down some particular herbs, put them in a small bag meant for such things, and steeped him a large cup of the stuff. When she was done she mixed a little sugar in and brought it over. ::Here you are. If you need more, we keep plenty.::
::Young Master Tao needs it from time to time,:: one of the other women giggled before stopping as soon as Hua glared at her.
::Thanks.:: Ed took the cup and made as polite a quick retreat as he could manage! He would go back to his room to drink it, where no one was likely to bother him, or know what it was!
December 21st, 1950
The day Qiang and Luli Fan were executed for their crimes, Edward came to a decision. He had been offered the opportunity to attend the execution but had politely declined. It was enough to know that the event had happened. Still, he realized that there was one person he should really talk to while he had the opportunity; and that was Lin Yao. He knew more of the story now. He understood Lin's desperation to end the war in Xing, and the man's madness after the death of his wife. He would never approve of the man's methods, but Ed only had the haziest memories of their last conversation, during which he had still been heavily drugged and sure he was hallucinating.
"You're sure you want to do this?" Roy asked incredulously.
Ed nodded. "He wouldn't be the first man to make a catastrophic mistake or defy his government," he replied evenly. Ethan was the only man in the room who hadn't done either, or both! "Yes, I'm sure. The whole mess was his fault, but he's the only one of them I understand."
Al looked uncomfortable. "And you're sure you want to go alone?"
"Definitely." There were a lot of things Ed wanted to say, if the man was still sane enough to have a real conversation, but he didn't necessarily want to say them in front of anyone else. This was a very private conversation. "This won't take long." He headed for the door.
"Well it's not going to work that way." Ethan surprised him by stepping in front of him. "I'm coming with you. I don't have to go in," he said before Ed could object. "I just want to walk over with you. Okay?"
"All right," Ed relented, smiling at his son's determined expression.
Ed had already arranged to go over to the prison. The request had surprised a lot of people, but no one had objected. He walked over there with Ethan, mostly in silence. There wasn't a whole lot to say, and he was lost in thought. Ed really didn't know what he was going to say to Lin Yao. That would depend on the mental state of the man. Mei had said he was reportedly mad. Well, Ed had met plenty of madmen.
The two alchemists checked in at the front and were escorted down into the depths of what was probably the oldest prison Ed had ever heard of or seen. It was an ancient building, with some levels underground and made of stone. Lin Yao was down deep, on the third underground level.
::I guess you really don't want him getting out,:: Ed commented as the head of the prison led them down there himself.
::We do not want anyone else getting in,:: the man corrected. ::Yao wants Lin dead, so someone else can legitimately take charge of the clan.::
::So why keep trying to take out the Imperial family if they can't claim the throne?:: Ethan asked.
::Sharp, kid,:: the jailer smirked. ::Whoever they would put on there instead could simply declare himself head of the family with the authority of the Emperor. Assuming, of course, that whoever it was had the power and influence to take the throne in a coup and keep it.:: From his tone, that didn't sound possible. In ten years, Mao Xian had proven to be the Emperor the people wanted, and brought the peace they so desperately needed. ::Here we are,:: he said then, stopping at the cell furthest down the hallway at one end. Despite being ancient and underground, the place was clean and had obviously been updated over time, Ed noted. The doors were modern cell doors, and there was electricity and, most likely, running water. ::I'll warn you, he's as nutty as a tree. Some days he's more comprehensible than others. We're never sure what will set him off, or what will draw his attention. But he's restrained, so you're safe.::
::I'm not worried about him,:: Ed admitted softly. Really, there was nothing Lin Yao had ever been able to do himself that had hurt Ed. Ed did not fear Lin. He looked at Ethan then. ::So, you're staying out here?::
Ethan nodded. He looked like he had considered trying to insist differently, but he just leaned back against the wall.
::The cells aren't sound proof,:: the jailer commented as he unlocked the door. ::Safety feature. You have five minutes.::
::Thank you.:: Ed went ahead and stepped through the door as the jailer opened it, and had to hold himself steady when he heard the door close behind him.
It was a massive improvement over the desert cell Ed and Jean had shared for four months. Clean, well lit, and there was a very simple bed. No other furniture. Lin was sitting on the bed against the back wall. His hands were locked together in typical wooden manacles, as were his ankles, and his ankles were chained to the floor. Ed estimated there was just enough chain for Lin to lie down with his feet near that edge of the bed, or get up and walk a step or two perhaps, but no more.
The first time Ed had met Lin had been in peace; a likeable enough guy if a little irritating. When they had met again, Lin was driven by grief, driven by need, and with noble goals, despite his methods, though already pushed beyond the limits of his own sanity. The next ten years had not been kind. Lin's clothes were clean, his body was clean, but he had clearly aged and the look in his eyes as he tilted up his head held no hope. Though as Lin seemed to realize who was standing there, a wide grin came to his face. ::So it's you again,:: he chuckled. ::You're visiting early today.::
Yeah, definitely insane. ::Hello to you too,:: Ed commented. ::This is the first time I've come down here, Lin.::
::Oh no,:: Lin shook his head, chuckling. ::Don't you remember? We played Go last night, and got very drunk. You won the most games, but it took me and Ranfan to haul you out afterwards. I hope your wife wasn't mad you got home late.::
It was worse than Ed had expected; sad, pathetic. ::It's been ten years, Lin,:: he replied calmly, refusing to cater to a madman's fantasy. If there was anything left of Lin, than feeding his delusions would not bring him out. ::Don't you remember? You came down to my cell, and asked me for advice. Only, I thought I was hallucinating you at the time.::
Lin frowned a moment, and appeared to be thinking. ::You were in a cell once,:: he agreed. ::But not now. Now you are in my home.::
His home. Well, Ed supposed he could call it that. ::Do you remember what you asked me?::
::Well, last night I asked you not to fish in my koi pond,:: Lin replied.
This was difficult. Ed refused to lose his temper though. It wouldn't do any good. ::You had the gall to ask the man you'd had tortured for months for advice.::
::That sounds foolish,:: Lin chuckled. ::What did he say?::
::He told you to go home, to stand by your new Emperor and help bring peace that way,:: Ed replied, not bothering to correct 'he' to 'I.'
Lin's levity was disturbing. This was worse than the mindlessness he had seen before. The man was simply broken. For a moment though, Ed thought he saw the briefest glimpse of lucidity. ::I have!:: Lin replied, still smiling that smile that made Ed uncomfortable. ::Here at home, where the Emperor wants me, I do no harm. Yao is lost without me.::
It was the most sensible thing the man had said yet. Ed nodded. ::You're right,:: he replied. ::You did help.:: If in his own way. The man had paid for his actions, and served justice and Xing as an example.
::One minute,:: the jailer's voice came from outside the door.
::Well, I need to go,:: Ed nodded to Lin, then smiled sadly. ::When you see your wife, tell her hello for me.:: Then he turned and walked back out the door.
Ethan was still waiting in the hallway, looking pained, though he said nothing. They were led back upstairs, where Ed thanked the jailer and they left the building, walking back through the streets of Xing. "So," Ethan said after a couple of minutes. "That was him."
"What's left," Ed nodded, sobered by the experience. "I didn't know what to expect," he admitted softly. "But after it happened, I always thought I'd tell him how much of an ass he was, how stupid, or maybe just show him he hadn't beaten me."
"What changed?" Ethan asked.
"My perspective," Ed said. He watched a small black and white cat curl up on a window sill as they passed. "I've seen a lot of people do things when they were desperate, Ethan. The scale was bigger here only in that more people knew they were involved in someone else's plans." He glanced sideways at Ethan. "It's just a sad fact that sometimes even what seems like good intentions can lead to pain and destruction when someone loses their own perspective." Or, in Lin's case, his mind. He had thought the man was mad the last time they met.
Ethan grew quiet for a minute. "Do you think the mind can be fixed with alchemy?"
"I think…you have to want to be fixed," Ed countered. "Difficult as that would be at all. The mind is much more complicated than the rest of the body. In a case like that," he gestured behind them. "I think he's actually happier this way."
Ethan didn't seem too sure what to make of that, but his brow creased thoughtfully. "Do you think it was really the loss of his wife that did it?" he asked. "Or do you think he was already unstable? I mean…lots of people lose loved ones, but they don't all go insane and start wars."
"No, sometimes they go into denial and try the forbidden," Ed smirked ironically.
Ethan flushed. "I didn't mean it like that."
"That's okay," Ed assured him. "Everyone deals with things differently. Having power – in authority or alchemy – can be a temptation when something might be possible. Your Mom's the strongest person I know, because no matter what happens, she accepts the reality, deals with it, and then does what she can."
"Mom's pretty amazing," Ethan agreed with a smile.
Ed clapped him on the shoulder with his auto-mail hand. "That she is. Come on," he veered them down a side-street towards the market. "You can help me figure out what to bring home for her." Aside from the fact that he enjoyed finding gifts for Winry, he suspected she was going to be mad at him when he got home. Other than his first letter not long after they arrived, Ed hadn't sent a thing! Though he suspected Winry was used to that by now. He never had been a very good correspondent.
December 22nd, 1950
Ed felt an immense relief as he packed his things, leaving out only clothes for tomorrow. In the morning, they were leaving the Capitol and starting the long trip home. People had questioned his motives for coming, and whether or not he could handle the trip and, really, while he had been honest with them, he hadn't entirely been honest with himself. Or rather, he hadn't expected the challenges he had faced; not running into his tormentors directly, or his rather bizarre and complicated reactions to the Emperor's mother!
He carefully packed the gifts he had picked out for Winry, as well as the few new things he had acquired and was taking back. Mostly books on his part. Ethan's too. Though he was sure his son had picked up a few other things. Still, he was looking forward to seeing what Winry thought of what he'd picked out. Over the years, he had found he enjoyed finding things on his travels he thought she, and their kids, would enjoy. In this case, there was a silken robe that started off lavender at the top, and faded down into a twilight-to-dusk blue at the hem; the entire thing edged in gold fabric and covered with a cherry blossom pattern in gold embroidery, and a pair of lacquered hair combs that matched. There was a perfume of cherry and jasmine –and a couple of other scents he couldn't quite identify but liked – that had reminded him of her, and a lotion in the same scent. He also picked up some of the teas he had tried and enjoyed that they couldn't easily get at home but he was sure she would love to try.
There were still a couple of hours until their final court appearance, and then dinner. With time to kill, Ed decided to go for one last walk. He had enjoyed the palace and its gardens; the lay out, the magnificent craftsmanship, and most importantly the peace. Without the last, he would not have survived the time they had been here!
He returned to the largest of the gardens. Ethan had told him Winry had given him her camera for the trip, and assured him he'd gotten tons of pictures. That was good. Ed wanted to remember a lot of things. This one had a lot of favorite spots. He hadn't gone far though, when he heard the rustle of robes coming up behind him.
"Edward." He stopped when he heard Mei's voice. As he turned, she stopped. She was dressed for court, and he knew that was where she would be expected before they were. "I am glad I found you. I wished to speak with you."
"When you're in such a hurry?" Ed asked, smiling uneasily.
"Yes," Mei replied, looking more earnest than usual. "There may not be time this evening for what I have to say, and I know that there will not be tomorrow."
Ed wasn't sure what she wanted to say, but she seemed mildly distressed, and that concerned him as much as it made him feel bad. Had he done something unwittingly to hurt her feelings? "If it's that important, please, go ahead," he replied, his stomach fluttering with unwanted nerves.
Mei nodded. "Thank you. I …I wish to apologize to you."
"Apologize?" For what? Ed couldn't imagine what Mei thought she had done!
"Yes," Mei replied. "I fear I have monopolized your time more than I should. While it is no excuse, it is true that I…have few close friends here, and even fewer who are of my age with similar interests, or who do not mind that I am an intelligent, opinionated woman." She flushed slightly, talking a little more hesitantly than usual. Ed didn't dare interrupt; he was holding his breath. "It was a novelty to have someone to talk about alchemy with, and other subjects, as equals and, at least I hope, as friends."
Monopolizing his time? "Why do you feel that this is inappropriate?" Ed was more than a little lost in all this.
Mei smiled self-depreciatingly. "My grandfather reminded me, rather pointedly, that I am often pushier than I realize. I often become the teacher in mode, not just in position, when it is not appropriate. I did not think that, perhaps, there were other ways you would prefer to do things."
Ed felt the knot in his stomach uncoiling slowly. She hadn't noticed his reactions to her, she didn't think he was interested or had misread his intentions. Thank goodness! "Don't worry about it. I'm used to pushy women," he teased gently, smiling. Still, something struck him as odd. "Your grandfather?"
"Yes," Mei replied. "Bao Chen."
What! "Wait…Old Bao, Mao's spiritual advisor is your grandfather?" How had Ed missed that piece of information?
Mei chuckled. "Yes, he is my grandfather, and my alchemy teacher."
It was like a second slap in the face. How had Ed missed these things? "He's an alchemist? No one told me that."
"I am surprised," Mei shrugged. "Your brother and Ethan both know this. Apparently it slipped their minds. There is," she admitted then with a sudden topic divergence, "One other thing I wish to apologize for that my grandfather knows nothing of."
Hell. What now? "And what would that be?" Ed barely squeaked out the answer, waiting for the bomb to drop.
"For not covering myself appropriately the night of the first attack before I joined the fight," Mei admitted then softly, averting her eyes briefly. "I distracted you and, I think, it has made you uncomfortable."
Just thinking about it made him go a little red in the face; Ed couldn't deny it. "Some," he replied vaguely. "It was certainly not a…usual situation."
"I thought as much," Mei sighed, "When you would not look at me straight afterwards. Will you forgive me the impropriety? It was not my intention to… flaunt myself."
"Apology accepted." She thought the whole thing was possibly a cultural misunderstanding? That or that Ed was a complete prude. Either way, Ed could live with that! It had shaken him badly. A friend; that was all she thought him, as he had thought, and that was all he wanted. "I apologize for being a difficult student and not always forthcoming myself. Perhaps I should have said something earlier."
"We both should," Mei chuckled. "I guess at any age there are lessons we still have not learned. I am very glad to know you, Edward. Things will not be nearly as lively without you and your family and colleagues here."
"That might be a good thing," Ed grinned. "Hopefully you will not be attacked again."
"Unlikely now," Mei replied with a small shake of her head. "The point has been made. You have also inspired our guards," she added playfully.
"That's good to hear." The last thing Ed wanted to think of was leaving anyone inadequately protected, especially not new friends, and he very much liked Mao and his family. "I learned a few new tricks from them too," he admitted. "This had been a trip that has been…educational, in ways I never imagined."
"I hope that means it was a good one," Mei said.
"Given my success rate on diplomatic missions," Ed couldn't help chuckling just a little. "This is a roaring success."
"Oh really?" One of Mei's slender eyebrows rose high, almost to her hairline. "Perhaps someday I shall here some more of your stories."
"I hope so," Ed replied gently, meaning it. "But you should go. It wouldn't do for court to take longer than normal because it was waiting on the Emperor's most esteemed mother."
Mei laughed and winked at him as she turned to go. "This is Xing, Edward. The Imperial Family is never late!"
January 3rd, 1951
The last court ceremony had been pleasant, and surprising, as the Emperor had decorated them all gladly, with his thanks, for the alchemists' personal efforts in protecting the Imperial family and the interests of Xing. Ed had received special thanks for his part in capturing Luli Fan as well, and further protecting the Empress and the Imperial mother.
Their leave-taking early the next morning had been uneventful. They had all merely piled into the cars and, with an escort car at the head, begun the drive and several days trip back out to the borders of Xing. They had been left at the border, and continued on across the desert which looked so strange –and was oppressively hot –after the landscape and winter weather of Xing.
Things were a little cramped in the cars with the increase in luggage, and all four of the alchemists were glad to have the room to spread out in the berth they had on the train when they boarded it in Youswell.
"Finally, room to spread out," Roy stretched his arms above his head, folded them behind it, and stretched his legs out across to the seat on the other side as he settled into his right-corner by the window. "I thought we'd never get out of those cars."
"Or at least room to spread," Al smiled and groaned as he stretched out the same way. "No one warned me the most dangerous part of a diplomatic mission was the hospitality!"
"I guess I forgot to mention that part," Roy smirked. "It's one of those sad hazards of the job. After all, you can't insult your hosts can you?"
"No," Al agreed. "But Elicia's going to be convinced I have no will power."
There was enough room on the seat for Ed to put his head by the door and stretch out, legs just a little bent, without kicking Al in the side. He'd lay down on his back with his eyes closed, arms under his head. "And you guys say I eat too much," he chuckled. Ed had no intention of mentioning how badly he'd over-stuffed himself in Xing, but it sounded like, even then, he'd gotten off easier than Al and Roy just by virtue of metabolism. Even so, he'd loosened his belt a little, if only to relieve pressure until he got things back to normal.
"Oh shut up, Ed," Al and Roy chorused.
"Hey!" Ethan grinned as he came in the door. Ed heard it close behind his son and the young man drop down on the seat across from him. "The dining car's got fish and chips!" Punctuating the comment was the pleasant smell that told Ed his son had gotten just that.
Al groaned again. "You've got to be kidding me!"
"I'll take one of those," Roy chuckled and grabbed a wedge of potato as Ed opened one eye to take in the scene.
"How can you do that?" Al sighed. "All I can hear in my head is the nagging sound of my conscience telling me we have annuals in just over a month." Ah, that was right. Annual physicals were coming up weren't they?
"I always leave my conscience at home when I go on these trips," Roy snorted.
"Riza you mean," Al chuckled.
Roy's grin widened. "That's what I said. Besides," he said around a mouthful of potato, "It's like a game we play. I can guarantee that the dinner menu for the next week at my house is going to consist of lean meat and lots of vegetables."
"Sounds like what my Mom makes all the time anyway," Ethan chuckled, mouth full.
"So that's how a walking growth-spurt like you does it," Roy snorted. "Here I thought you were just a freak like your old man."
"Who are you calling old man?" Ed countered, grinning. "Leave the kid alone anyway. He's the one who was running all over the place, not sitting on his ass in meetings."
"Ah yes," Roy nodded, his tone going smug, "Spending quite a bit of time with the Emperor's lovely sister as I recall."
"We're just friends," Ethan countered with a snort.
"Like you and Lia are just friends?" Al asked.
"Well no!" Ethan glared defensively at his uncle. "Of course not! I-" He cut off, his face going bright red as he realized he'd been goaded. He averted his eyes and picked up another piece of fried fish.
Al chuckled and let it drop, shifting back to the original subject. "Anyone think maybe this was some master plan hatched by Breda to make himself look better on the physicals this year?"
"By lowering everyone else's scores or by avoiding the temptation himself?" Ed chuckled.
"Probably both," Roy shrugged. "Too bad it won't work."
"I'll say," Al agreed. "We've got an entire class of students who've had it easy without us around the last few months," he grinned over at Ed. "I think we need to make sure they're ready for the rigors of the military if they pass that exam in March."
"You bet," Ed nodded, grinning. He was looking forward to getting back to the regular routine at work and at home! At this stage of the game, life was just better that way!
January 8th, 1951
The sight of his own front door made coming home seem like the ultimate adventure. Ed and Ethan had caught a ride home from Al, since Winry was supposed to be working today, but Ed was glad to see their car in the driveway. That meant Winry was home after all, and Ed didn't even bother to knock as he unlocked the door and headed inside.
Bounce met them at the door, barking and leaping.
"Sit!" Ed gave her a sharp look, and the dog dropped to the ground, obeying, even though her tail kept wagging frantically.
"Edward!" Winry's face poked out of her workshop only moments later, eyes wide. "You're home!" In a moment, Ed had Winry in his arms, hers around his neck, and she was kissing him in that way that always drove him completely nuts.
"Miss me?" he asked a couple of breathless minutes later.
Winry leaned back just a little, and her happy expression turned to one of annoyance. "One letter, Ed? In three months Elicia got ten from Al!"
"You know how bad I am at that kind of thing," Ed replied, honestly embarrassed. He smiled hopefully. "I thought about you all the time."
Winry rolled her eyes. "You're hopeless. Wave a little alchemy in front of you and the rest of the world doesn't exist." She smiled anyway, but in a knowing way that made him nervous. "The last letter was awfully interesting. Something about fighting in the palace and protecting the Imperial family?"
Ed fidgeted. "Yeah, there was something like that." Just how much had Al told his wife, and how much had Elicia shared with Winry?
"I should never let you out of my sight," Winry shook her head. "You always get into trouble."
Ed shrugged, and pulled her closer against him. "I get in trouble when you're around too," he chuckled. "Kind of a conundrum isn't it?"
"Since I seem to have been forgotten," Ethan commented loudly as he shoved past them down the hall. "I'll be in my room, with a pillow over my head and the radio turned up," he turned and grinned, "Just until you're done."
Ed looked up and Winry glanced over her shoulder. "When did you get so impertinent?" Winry asked.
"I'm a teenager, Mom," Ethan shrugged and responded with a completely earnest tone. "It's in my job description."
Winry looked back up at Ed as Ethan vanished around the corner, with Bounce on his heels. "What happened to our son?"
Ed chuckled. "He spent three months around me, Al, and Roy."
"Well that explains it." Winry went quiet for a moment, her expression shifting to one of concern, a little contemplation. "Did you find what you were looking for?" she finally asked softly.
Ed hugged her tightly. "I did," he replied. "Thank you for letting me go. But you know what the best part was?"
"What, studying alchemy…or was it all that Xing food?" Winry asked, teasing despite the softness in her voice.
"Well those were nice too," Ed admitted without loosening his grip. "But the best part was knowing that I'd get to come home, and you'd be here waiting for me. I needed that."
"I missed you, too," Winry replied. "Things were just too quiet and unexciting without you." She looked back up at him. "You can tell me all about the trip later. I'm sure you're exhausted after all that traveling."
Tired? A little, Ed had to admit. But there was something he had wanted to do for three months now, and he was pretty sure he had the energy for that! He grinned wickedly, kissing her again. Now that was just how it was supposed to feel. "Not a bit," he said, starting to run out of patience. Having her in his arms was distracting and enticing, especially after three months! The feel of her, the scent, the taste; Winry filled his senses and he could think of nothing else. "Not when we have a guarantee that we won't be disturbed…"
He didn't have to say what he meant. Ed knew Winry could read him easily enough. She sighed, smiled, and kissed him back. "Upstairs."