Chapter Seven

Despite the long stairway that was before them, Ed knew the first thing he needed to do was speak with Ling. If he could convince him to help out then this would probably be a lot easier. As much as groveling and begging were not in his character, he knew his ego might actually need to deflate some, otherwise he could kiss any help from Ling goodbye. But deep down he felt that he shouldn't have had to come all the way here in order for Ling to help out. He should have been more then willing anyway. It made the former alchemist wonder if asking now was just a waste of time.

"Wow, this is quite the place," Heinkel stared in shock at the palace. "We don't have anything like this in Amestris."

"Yeah, I noticed," Luan mockingly added.

"Careful lady, just cause the runt isn't gonna try anything, doesn't mean we won't," Darius warned her.

"Runt? Runt!" Ed's temper started to boil. Darius placed a hand on his head and turned him back to the stairway.

"You'll always be our little runt, now aren't there more important things to do?" Deciding to ignore his joking tone, the blond started up the steps. As much as he wanted to bolt up the stairs and punch Ling in the face and then declaring loudly to everyone who could hear him, Whose a runt now!', he knew it would be better to keep his cool. At least for the time being. Getting into trouble and possibly thrown in jail for assaulting the Emperor would not help Al. This fact he had to keep reminding himself of. Quietly they made it outside the main throne room, stopping in front of the double doors. Ed couldn't help but stare in awe at the decor of the palace. Mae pressed her palms against the large doors and the two lion statues came to life, pushing the doors open.

"Whoa..," it was all Ed could manage to utter. As usual, Ling was in another, meeting this time with his council of governors from the different areas around the city. "Hey Ling!" The five men standing around him all turned to the irritating blond in the doorway. "Gotta bone to pick with you!" With that said, he started moving towards the throne where Ling sat.

"Edward, wait you shouldn't.." Mae tried to warn him but it was too late, as two large guards came out of nowhere grabbing the Amestrian who dared entered without permission. Edward's arms were pulled firmly behind his back while his head was forced towards the ground and his hair yanked upwards. A curved blade was placed behind his head and he found himself wide eyed and silent for a change. The one guard who had his arms spoke up first.

"[Sir, how do you wish we deal with this intruder?]" Ed waited with baited breath, hoping Ling had kept his sense of humor. There was a slight groan in response that echoed off the marble walls and floors.

"Ed, what are you doing here?"

"What do you think, Ling?"

"Actually considering you're in my country, you should be a little more respectful when addressing me." There was a slight tone of humor in his voice that Ed found himself smirking at.

"Oh I'm so sorry your high and mightiness. I suppose you want me to kiss your feet too while I'm at it." Ling couldn't help but grin even more at his friend's obvious defiance.

"[You can let him go,]" he told his men.

"[But sir, he dishonors you by wearing his hair long. That is a privilege only for your highness. Please allow us to at least cut it as a sign of respect.]" Mae had forgotten about that custom otherwise she would have warned Ed. Edward wasn't sure what they were talking about but felt the grip on his hair tighten and the knife pressed against his ponytail. Several long blond strains fell to the ground.

"Hey, what do you think you're doing?" He started to panic but remained still.

"[Enough, that's not necessary. Besides he's not from around here. The two of you are dismissed.]" The two guards seemed displease with the order but obeyed anyway, releasing Ed roughly. Rubbing his neck, he stood up straight, narrowing his glare at the Emperor.

"Don't look at me like that. I just saved your ass."

"If you had been so helpful in the first place I wouldn't be here at all." Ling sighed heavily.

"[Governors, I will need to postpone our meeting.]" There were several obvious objections in response but eventually the men gave into the Emperor's request and left the room.

"I swear this whole situation is seriously messing up my schedule. I'm never gonna get anything done." Despite how low he kept his voice, Edward heard him. It caused the older Elric brother to frown even more.

"When you say it like that, it's almost as though you know something."

"Know something about what, Ed?" Ling was really pushing Ed's buttons and he was doing everything in his power to keep his patience. Sucking in a breath, he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

"Where Alphonse is."

"I don't know where he is. Considering how much time has gone by he could have just gone back home."

"I doubt that. Do you really think I'd believe for a second that anything happens in this city you don't know about?" Ling let out a laugh in response.

"You really think that? I have a hard enough time keeping my meetings on schedule thanks to you and Mae." Edward had enough of the run around and moved forward quickly.

"I've had enough of you're stupid games! I know you know something." Just as he reached the Emperor, he was blocked by one very familiar bodyguard. Lan Fan pushed him back slightly, standing between Ling and him. His amber glare met hers as he pushed back. "Lan Fan, let me go. I'm, sick of his smug little attitude,"he turned his attention back to Ling, "What, did you forget how to care about other people when you became Emperor?" He was shaking his fists as Lan Fan held her ground.

"Please Edward. If you hit the young lord, I'm obligated to take you out. I understand you're worried for Alphonse but there really isn't anything he can do." The blond grudgingly stepped back, unhappy with the lack of cooperation.

"I would help if I could, Ed. But you have to realize that you have so much more freedom to find him then I do. My hands are really tied on this, I'm sorry." The deep scowl remained on Ed's face as he released a small growl.

'Yeah, I bet you are. Fine, I'll just blow up your little city trying to find him. It doesn't matter to me." Deciding this conversation was going nowhere, he turned casually placing his hands in his pockets. Ling honestly didn't know if he should take him seriously or if he was joking about it. Without his alchemy, the slightly older teen was limited but Ling knew that wouldn't stop him.

"Well when you're not blowing up my city, feel free to stay in the palace." Ed waved his one hand over his head, closing his eyes as he spoke.

"I don't need you're charity!" As he sulked to the door, the two chimeras frowned back at him.

"Just cause you don't seem to want to stay here, doesn't mean we won't," Heinkel mentioned to him.

"You can sleep on the street like a dog for all we care," Darius added. Despite Edward's declaration he would end up staying as well.

"Fine but I don't have to like it," he grumbled back.