Author's note: I know it's been a while and I apologize. All I can says is that life got in the way, and I had to push this fic back on my list of priorities. To make it up to you I've posted 2 chapters. Hope you like it!
Home and Memories of the Distant Past
Before leaving Amestris, Ling had sent a message back to his clan detailing the events that had transpired on the Promised Day, and the tragic death of Fu. The young prince had gone through great lengths to make sure that his quest for immortality remained a secret and bringing a fallen comrade through the borders of Xing would arouse suspicion and investigation. Therefore Ling had set up a designated location to meet with a servant he knew could be discreet.
Once the group reached the city, they met with the contact at a desolate alleyway. The man waited with a small supply wagon at hand. After a dutiful bow to the prince and respectful nod to Lan Fan, the servant quickly left for the estate with Fu concealed among the various items.
Ling was frustrated that he could not publicly honor the sacrifice of Fu at the moment, due to the ongoing feud for the throne. Despite this, he reluctantly agreed that this was the best course of action and if Fu was somehow watching from a cloud up high, the elder would have acknowledged the prince's decision. Shortly after the man left, Ling and his companions walked toward their next destination.
May Chang followed close behind the two older kids unsure of where they were heading. Naturally the young girl assumed they would head straight to the palace to present the Philosopher's stone to the emperor. However the route the two teenagers were taking seemed to deviate away from the Imperial district.
Instead of seeing the grand towers, and ornate buildings carved from pure white marble and jade, that distinguished the Imperial District from the other main districts, she saw bland but sturdy housing complexes of wood and common metal. It was then she discerned that they were in the market district.
The market district was a bustling and lively area, whose inhabitants comprised of merchants and tradesmen, but on occasion nobles would visit due to the various wares and merchandise available. It was prominently known to hold items of various sorts, ranging from Drachman floor rugs to Cretan pottery and even the history of such countries. Out of all the areas of Xing, it was certainly the most culturally diverse, introducing the Xingese to foreign exports. It was easily the most densely populated region of the city, and so afforded little to no peaceful nights in the area.
It was just how she remembered it, before May Chang traveled to Amestris. People would brusquely bump shoulders with each other since the streets were too narrow to accommodate the mob of consumers. Vendors and merchants would constantly shout out and show off their products and produce to any customer within the vicinity which often earned them the ire and contempt of many passerby's. Long lines and crowds formed around booths that served simple but delectable foods such as dumplings and a local Xingese favorite, chickenfeet.
Despite how cluttered and disorganized it seemed, the girl had to admit it was lively and had its own charms, even if she preferred the ornate and intricately carved buildings of the Imperiald district.
The girl tried to discern the logic of the prince's seemingly random route but to no avail.
Ling seemed like he was just enjoying a mid-morning stroll among the denizens. Lan Fan on the other hand, dutifully stayed by his side, occasionally throwing nonchalant glances every now and then, her auto-mail arm surreptitiously hidden underneath a long white cloak. But May suspected that the bodyguard was remaining vigilant and was most likely scouting for possible threats to the prince's life.
After an hour of walking in the market district, May Chang finally lost her patience.
"I don't understand!" May said in an exasperated and hushed tone. "Why are you walking around so casually? Wouldn't you want to have audience with the Emperor right away, after the lengths you've gone through to get the Philosopher's stone?"
Ling turned his head to the direction of the petite girl with a questioning glance. "Isn't your home along this way?" He gestured with his thumb indicating the route to the Chang estate.
For a moment, May was stunned by Ling's question. After the harrowing and incredible set of events that occurred in Amestris, from meeting Scar to acquiring the legendary stone, she momentarily forgot about her own home and family.
"Oh… I'll be alright on my own.." her tone a mixture of embarrassment and guilt.
"It's okay. Lan Fan and I don't mind escorting you. After all what kind of man would I be to leave a little girl all on her own no matter how capable she is", he said with a smile on his face. He then proceeded to put his two fingers toward his mouth as a gesture of silence. "Also I wouldn't go around mentioning the Emperor so casually, let's just keep that between us."
A small blush appeared on the girl's face realizing that she had been a little reckless. "I'm sorry…and thank you."
May Chang was surprised by the young man's sincerity and compassion. During the trek in the desert, her opinion of him had been low and wondered why Lan Fan was so fond of him. At the moment a small amount of respect and admiration began to form for the young prince.
"No need to thank me. Think of it as a friendly gesture from me in hopes of future cooperation and support from the Chang clan", Ling said in a light-hearted manner.
The young girl couldn't help but smile from Ling's charming and compassionate disposition.
Perhaps he isn't the goofy simpleton I make him out to be after all…
Suddenly a loud, rumbling sound erupted from Ling's stomach and droned out for several minutes. The prince scratched his head in embarrassment, and with a nervous laugh said, "Besides I'm starving, I know a good place to get some food."
'Or maybe not…', May Chang thought in disappointment.
For several minutes, nothing could be heard but the constant pattering and clunking of chopsticks on plates and bowls.
May Chang was hungry at the time, and ate a generous amount. However the manner at which Ling Yao ate was excessive and downright gluttonous. A multitude of empty plates and bowls were stacked into tall towers that teetered dangerously along the table. Despite the quantity of food already finished the young prince was going strong.
To May's surprise, Lan Fan was no slouch when it came to downing large amounts of food. While she certainly could not match outstanding pace set forth from her liege, Lan Fan had already finished four servings, and also ate in a fast manner.
Xiao Mei palate was satisfied quickly and lay on the table, the little panda's belly comically distended, with a content expression on its face.
As everyone was busy attending to their food, the young girl spent the time contemplating on what the country's future would be like if Ling would become Emperor.
"Hey May what's wrong, you're done eating already?" Ling questioned in a muffled tone, due to the duck leg jutting out of his mouth.
"Nothing, I was just thinking", May replied in a serious manner, and looked imploringly into Ling's eyes. "You have a tremendous opportunity right now. I understand that you want to bring me home, and I appreciate that, but wouldn't you be more eager to present your gift. Things might get complicated if you wait too long."
While he appreciated the princess's discretion, there could be unwanted eavesdroppers listening in. Ling opened his eyes from their normally narrowed slits and examined the shabby restaurant quickly.
The establishment was small, but a lively place, and the loud cheering and merriment in the area would make listening to the group's conversation nigh impossible. Regardless he examined each and every person to determine any suspicious figures. It appeared everyone was too engaged in their own conversations and drinks to notice what the group would be saying.
When he was done, Ling looked at Lan Fan.
The bodyguard nodded, and it was enough to calm the prince's vigilance and wariness.
Ling clasped his hands together on the table and said, "Actually that's exactly why I don't intend to go to the Imperial Palace any time soon."
May looked at him, confusion written on her face.
"While the Promised Day has only happened recently, it was truly a terrible event in Amestris", Ling said quietly, looking down solemnly as if remembering what happened. "I have no doubt that the more powerful noble families has already caught wind of what had happened and might even suspect that I have left Xing and obtained the Philosopher's stone."
"There are most likely a large group of spies concentrated within the Imperial District", Lan Fan continued, gazing every now and then at the crowd of people. "They are probably combing the streets of the area as we speak, hoping to find anyone of import or suspicion. It would be impossible to get to the palace undetected."
Ling calmly took a sip of tea before replying to Lan's statement. "And it's because of that it would be too dangerous to go see the Emperor right away. The other families wouldn't hesitate to kill me even in broad daylight if it meant getting the stone."
"For now it would be best to lay low for a bit, until the nobles' start spreading and thinning out their men through the whole city", Ling stated in a matter-of-fact manner. "I've waited patiently this long for this opportunity to arrive. It would be foolish of me to squander it because of being too eager."
May nodded her head, impressed with Ling's reasoning. "I see…"
There was still one question brewing in her mind, and looked to Ling. "When the time comes, I'll follow you loyally and I'm sure I can convince my family to do the same. After all you plan to spare my family and so I'm grateful."
"But I must know…what do you intend to do once you become emperor?", May asked.
For a moment, Ling paused in silence, contemplating on the best way to express his reason for being Emperor.
"First I want to end the blood feud between the fifty families. There's been too much bloodshed and violence shed between us already", the prince stated in a matter-of-fact manner.
"A ruler's role is to serve the interests of his people, he is a public servant. A role that many leaders tend to forget", Ling said as he crossed his hand together. "Those well off should help the downtrodden and those less fortunate. It is a noble's duty after all to help the people. When I lead this nation I intend to protect the livelihood and integrity of the people of Xing. I don't care about status or class, people will have the chance to move ahead not based on money but on merit and character. That is my goal…"
Once again May was stunned by Ling's profound words. Though she was a noble, she related more to the common people of Xing, since her family was not very well off and at times had struggled financially.
She too did not like certain customs and traditions of the country and empathized with the prince's ideals. May also discerned that the young prince was not lying or trying to manipulate her. The tone of his voice displayed how passionate he was on his belief, and his face was sincere and honest.
This person can really make a difference. This is the kind of man needed to lead this nation…
"Then I can say that I'll gladly follow you…your highness", May said, with a genuine smile.
Ling grinned back widely, and was happy that May was finally taking a liking to him, however small.
Lan Fan noticed the mood between the two people shifted, and was also content to see the sense of camaraderie slowly begin to form between two former enemies.
"HEY I RECOGNIZE YOU!", bellowed a deep voice.
Upon hearing the voice Lan Fan fingered her knives, ready to strike. She internally cursed to herself, thinking that she should've been more vigilant now their cover was blown.
However her vigilance was for naught. As she glanced at the direction the voice came from, Lan Fan realized that the man was clearly not a soldier or spy of any sort.
The man was a big figure, with a rotund belly. He was bald but possessed a thick, healthy beard and was dressed in the garbs of a cook. And he was angry, very angry indeed…
A shiver creeped up Lan Fan's spine and slowly began to recognize this place.
'Don't tell me this is the same restaurant that we-'
With loud, thudding footsteps he made his way menacingly to the group, specifically toward Ling. "You shifty-eyed bastard! You ate all the food that I worked so hard to prepare and ran away without paying your tab months ago, and now you have the audacity to show up here again!?"
'Yep this is definitely the place', Lan Fan thought. Before making their trek to Amestris, they had eaten at this very same establishment and disappeared quietly without paying their bill…
The cook grabbed Ling by his collar and lifted him clear off the ground, and stared menacingly at the young prince.
"Gee, you still remember that? That was quite a way's back", exclaimed Ling. "You really have good memory, I'm impressed!"
The two girls hung their heads low in shock and embarrassment from Ling so casually confessing to the deed. Any sane person would deny the accusation, yet the eccentric teenager easily admitted to the crime.
The cook was not amused and emitted a low growl.
Ling raised his hands up in a placating gesture and said, "Now, now I'm sure there's a way we can end this peacefully."
"You can start by paying off your old tab", the cook gruffly said. "You ordered two roast ducks, six bowls of fried rice, 3 bowls of beef noodle soup, a platter of dan tofu, Sichuan hotpot, sixty pieces of siomai, and eighty dumplings. That comes down to 1500 yuan, and with the food you just ordered…"
While still holding the prince in one hand, he used his other to stroke his beard and mentally calculated the amount owed.
"That's a total of 3250 yuan and 50 Jiao."
There was a moment of awkward silence, after the group heard the total price of the food, and a hefty amount it was. May Chang's mouth slightly twitching in shock, after hearing how much food they ordered the last they visited the establishment.
Providing his largest and most charming smile, Ling said, "Well…you see I don't have that kind of money. But what we can give you is the eternal gratitude of a few humble kids for your incredible generosity. Isn't that so much better?"
The imposing man did not reply but rather gave the prince a deadly stare that belied the anger that was rising rapidly. A vein could be seen pulsating from the man's forehead. Despite this Ling still held the dopey grin in place, as if oblivious of the man's irritation and anger.
"YOU PENNILESS LITTLE BRAT!", the man yelled. He quickly grabbed the young man's hand, and with his other raised his cleaver above his head. "If you can't pay then you must be punished!"
The man brought the cleaver down with a speed that contrasted greatly from his size, and the SHHKKK noise could be heard echoing loudly, as the blade embedded itself into the wooden table.
To his surprise, the cook did not see a severed hand or the color of red stain his blade, and seeping into the wood. In his grasp was simply the cut fabric of the prince's jacket sleeve.
"Huh!?", he uttered. He looked to his left and right several times in a comical way. Finally his gaze met the object of his disdain and fury. He only caught a glimpse of the female teenager and young girl as they scampered away from the establishment. The squinty eyed lad was waving at the cook with the hand that was supposed to be severed, a sheepish expression on his face.
"Sorry for the trouble mister! Well, see ya!", he exclaimed in a sing-song voice, and proceeded to run away.
The large man raised his arm, fist clenched tightly. His body shook uncontrollably from the rage and humiliation growing from the pit of his stomach, and his forehead pulsated strongly from the veins that were popping out.
Unable to control himself, the cook let out a guttural roar. "YOU THIEVING BASTARD! I'LL MAKE YOU PAY YOUR DEBT, IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO! I SWEAR ON MY ANCESTORS' HONOR!"
After the bizarre events that transpired at the restaurant, the trio managed to have an uneventful walk to May Chang's home. They did not have much time to chat, as the Chang estate was relatively close when Ling decided to stop by the restaurant.
When they arrived there, May gave a dutiful bow, and the small panda on the girl's shoulder mirrored her movements. "Thank you. I'll be sure to tell my family of your grace and compassion. You can be certain, that the Chang family will follow and support your cause."
Ling gave a respectful bow and replied, "I appreciate that. I understand that the Chang family have been struggling for some time now. Once I become emperor, I'll handsomely reward your family".
The princess gave a small smile then directed an inquisitive glance at Lan Fan. "May I speak with your bodyguard, privately for a moment?"
Ling and Lan Fan both looked at each other quizzically. It was odd, since the two rarely spoke to each other during the desert, and weren't all that close.
"Sure", Ling replied. He directed a light smile to Lan Fan and nodded to let her know it was alright.
The female warrior cautiously walked toward May, less from any inherent danger that she presented, but rather in trepidation of what she was going to say.
May did not say anything right away, but looked up at her in a curious, odd fashion. Lan Fan felt uncomfortable by the girl's gaze. Though the stare was not spiteful, it was unreadable and enigmatic. To her, this was more disturbing as she could not gauge the motivations beneath her dark brown eyes.
"You love him", she quietly murmured to Lan Fan.
Lan Fan was taken aback by the bluntness of the statement. She immediately began to blush a deep red, and brought her garb up to try to conceal her embarrassment.
"Wh-w-what?! N-n-nno aa-a-bsolutely not! That's ridiculous!", she said in a panicked fashion. "And incredibly inappropriate!"
Ling gave a curious glance at Lan Fan, wondering what had put her in such a flabbergasted state.
May smiled at her, amused by her reply. "You don't have to deny it, I can tell. I'm a girl too after all", she whispered, careful of the prying ears of the young prince. "I just want you to know that despite our differences, I understand how you feel. I'm actually in the same position as you."
Her eyes glanced away briefly, a doleful expression on her face. "Well I just wanted to wish you luck. Every girl deserves her prince Charming."
After she felt she let off what she needed to say, May Chang abruptly walked to the Chang estate, leaving Lan Fan surprised and confused.
The bodyguard looked at the girl's retreating back, surprised by May's support. She appreciated May's words but Lan Fan knew he could never return her feelings. Lan Fan also refused to burden the prince with her own confession of love.
It is enough to be his sword.
Ai, the elderly caretaker of the Yao estate was sweeping the floors of the property, trying to focus on her task to suppress her feelings of melancholy.
Just a few hours ago, she had seen the lifeless body of her oldest and closest friend Fu. It nearly broke her heart, seeing the proud old man with an energy rare for someone his age look so frail and vulnerable.
For a brief moment she fondly reminisced of the times spent with him.
He was an excellent tea companion. He always obliged and came by for my tea ceremonies. Fu was such a flatterer, even when the preparation wasn't quite right.
She smiled at the thought. Fu had a long and fulfilling life, and was at least thankful that Master Ling and Fu's granddaughter was alright.
She shook herself from the reverie when she heard a knock of the outer doors. Ai opened the door to see the object of her thoughts, standing in front of the doorway.
Ling had a cheery smile and gave a simple wave. "Hello Nana. It's been too long."
Ai simply gawked at the pair, dumbfounded. It was like she saw a ghost. It felt so long since she last saw Ling and remembered how hard it was to let him go.
Ai looked after and took care of the boy as if he was her own ever since Ling was little. Her emotions overcame her, and tears spilled forth uncontrollably.
"Oh Master Ling!", she yelled. Ai swiftly went up to the young man and wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace.
"Haha I missed you too, Ai", Ling beamed. His grin transitioned to a face of agony, as the old woman's grip tightened like the vice of a snake. "Nana, you're hurting me. I-i—ii c-can't breathe!"
In a panic, he tried to use his hands to pry the woman's hands away and allow some air to reach his lungs, but to no avail. Ling's legs frantically scurried in the ground.
In desperation he yelled out, "Lan Fan please save me!"
Lan Fan looked on and a bead of sweat formed on her forehead, embarrassed by the silly antics of the prince.
Eventually, Ai released her hold and added, "I'm sorry young master. I let the emotions get the better of me. I'm just so glad that you're back home, safe and sound. It's good to see you too young lady."
Lan Fan nodded her head a small smile on her face. Ling was kneeling on the ground taking deep breaths. When he composed himself he replied, "It's no problem Nana, I'm glad to be home."
"Oh you must be so hungry, after the desert, please let me fix you something up- your favorite steamed flounder in sesame oil", she added enthusiastically.
Ling brought his hands up in a placating gesture and bashfully said, "No thanks Nana, I'm quite famished actually. I'm just tired, and I'd like a moment to myself. If you could not tell anyone else I'm here yet I would be grateful."
Seeing the hurt on her face, the prince quickly added, "Please, I'll tell you everything about what happened as soon as I can. But in the meantime-"
"No need to be so defensive Ling. I understand", Ai interrupted. She placed her hand on his shoulder and smiled. "It's so good to have you back young master."
Ling was grateful for the woman's patience and turned to his bodyguard. "Lan Fan I'll be heading to my room. Please if there's anything you need feel free to come by. For the moment please go to sleep, I know how stubborn you can be sometimes, and how you'd probably want to check the home for any signs of trespass. You hadn't had a decent sleep since Amestris."
Lan Fan sometimes forgot how well the prince knew her and bowed her head down to his request.
After a decent nap, Ling walked to his family's garden.
Compared to the rest of the residence, the garden was rather modest and sparse. Shale stone steps provided a trail to the garden, and two parallel rows of sweet briar flowers were placed by the sides of the square area. The garden was separated by a small cobblestone bridge that crossed a pond of koi fish. At the far end was miniature pagoda and a variety of bonsai tree of varying shades of green.
Despite this there was a certain beauty and allure to the simplicity of the presentation when compared to a garden that was elaborate and ornate. To him, the famed public gardens in Xing were excessive like a noblewoman who put too much makeup and jewelry, insecure of her own beauty. He much preferred his family's garden, there was a charm to the practicality of it, and seemed perfectly content and self-assured of its elegance.
In a way it reminded Ling of his dear childhood friend Lan Fan.
During his stroll, he looked at the tall pistachio tree at the center, and was hit with a wave of nostalgia. He felt inexorably drawn to the tree and climbed up.
The old tree provided a view above his estate where he can overlook the districts of the city. But most importantly it provided a picturesque view of the imperial palace.
He sat there for several minutes until he sensed a presence nearby. Looking down he saw Lan Fan, who was also staring up at him curiously.
"Oh, hey Lan Fan what are you doing here?", Ling questioned, a friendly smile on his face.
"I often come here when I need to clear my head and think to myself", she softly replied. "I was only here a few minutes, young master, I can leave if I'm intruding."
Ling held back the urge to roll his eyes. As much as he cared for her, it irked Ling how polite and self-sacrificing she was. He would like it if she did something that she honestly wanted, without asking for his express permission.
"Please stay, you're never a bother, Lan Fan", he stated. "I forgot you came here almost as often as me when we were smaller. In a way you have just as much right be here as me. Actually would you sit with me please, I could use your company."
Her lips curled upward, and Ling internally beamed. The retainer climbed up the tree and sat beside her lord, a respectable gap in between them. There was a brief awkward pause, neither knowing what to say, after all that happened.
On the spur of the moment, Ling asked, "Lan Fan… do you remember all the trouble and games we used to play when we went here. Hide-and-seek was our favorite past time."
"You were a terrible hider", Lan Fan recalled with an amused smile.
As dutiful and obedient as Lan Fan was, she did have mischievous streak, and Ling Yao took pride in bringing it out of her, from time to time.
"Yeah I was", he conceded, closing his eyes with his head bowed down. "In my defense you were raised by a ninja."
And in a moment the mood became somber again. Ling inwardly cursed and was about to apologize, but thought better of it. She did not like anyone feeling sorry for her.
"I plan to hold the funeral in a few days. I intend to give him the burial he deserves before anything else happens", he said seriously.
The girl nodded her head in agreement.
The pair sat up there for several hours enjoying the scenic view before them. They did not speak during that time, but the quiet was comforting rather than awkward.
Ling eventually broke the silence and fondly said, "When we were brave enough to climb this tree, the first sight that I saw was the Imperial palace… and I was in complete awe. I never saw anything so tall in my life. I think it was then, that my dream first came to me. Do you remember what you said to me that day?"
Lan Fan looked at him with a questioning gaze.
"You said, 'I wonder what it would be like to live in a castle'", he said in an amused tone. Despite this, the man's eyes were serious and he had a wistful smile on his face. "And I said, 'Don't worry I'll show you because one day I'm going to live there'. When I got older there were times I felt so foolish in believing that. But now that dream is going to be a reality soon."
Ling Yao placed his hand on top of Lan fan's, a single tear ran down his cheek, which contrasted with the big grin on his face. "I couldn't have done it without you and Fu… so thank you… for everything."
Lan Fan cheeks tinted red from feeling the warmth of her liege's hand.
When the blush subsided, she looked at Ling's eyes and gave a knowing smile which meant 'you're welcome'.
His eyes flickered with happiness and he gazed back at the palace, enjoying this moment of peace that he shared with his longtime companion.