Author's Note: I apologize it took me long to update again. I went on another trip to our province and had a short unprecedented vacation since my relatives requested me to stay for a few days. It wasn't that bad, it actually gave me an idea on what to do on the next chapters for this story. Actually, it also gave me new ideas for new fan fictions and I think that's the reason why I had quite a difficult time in writing this since my mind is on another new fan fiction stories.

I wanted to write about them so bad, but I had to restrain myself. I can't possibly start two new stories when I've yet to finish this and the others. But I fear that I won't be able to resist it for long since I may forget about it, check out my profile from time to time if you're interested in it. It'll be another couple of FMA stories with a 'How to' on the title and sadly, Their plot isn't meant to be a one-shot and are, yet another set of long multi-chapter stories similar to this. I might write about it any time by February, But whatever those stories are, It'll be a secret for awhile though. For now, why don't we proceed with this story? As usual, Thank you for reading the previous chapters and I hope you'll like this chapter.

Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own FMA nor it's characters.


- Holiday Mishaps -


~~~ Chapter Six ~~~

Starting the Trip


- Central City, Train station -


" Ho ho, I knew that the two of you'll be able to come! " Grumman said excitedly as he saw Roy and Riza, alongside Gracia and Elysia with the dogs, approaching them.

" Fuhrer Grumman? " Roy said in surprise, seeing the former General as soon as they reached them.

" Surprise, seeing this old man out and about, here in the station? Judging from the look of your face, I'm saying yes. " Grumman teases as he patted Roy's head, A bit rough to Roy's liking.

" It certainly is quite a surprise. May I ask what you're doing here, sir? " Roy asked as he gently tried to release himself from Grumman's grasp.

The old man just let out a heartily laugh and then grinned, " Why, I'm going to be tagging along with the vacation as well, Roy-boy. Though the main reason why I'm tagging along is because I'll be one of the judges for some of the events. You could also say that Madame Christmas asked me to look after you. I called her earlier today and she told to make sure you don't get into much trouble since you'll definitely be causing one. " He said teasingly and laughed once more seeing the lazy, disappointed look Roy was giving him.

Roy let out a soft sigh before he spoke, " I see. Though there is certainly no need for you and the madame to worry about me causing trouble because I'm going to avoid it. "

" Well, then there will be no problem if that's the case. However, me being a judge... I'll be expecting that you'll do your best in the activities. After all, I'm going to be strict and won't let anyone win so easily. " Grumman said as he ruffled Roy's hair, much to the latter's disdain.

Roy let out another sigh, feeling his helplessness, " Yes, sir... " He said in defeat as Grumman let him go and the two shared a laugh afterwards.

Elysia, Gracia and Riza just smiled as they watched Grumman teased Roy again and they slightly laugh at the look of Roy's helplessness against his superior and mentor.

Then the group went towards Madame Bradley and Selim, " It's great to see you two, have you been waiting long? " Gracia asked.

Madame Bradley shook her head, " Oh, no. We've just arrive a few minutes ago as well. " she said as she smiled.

Gracia smiled back, " I see. Well, since we're here early. I guess we'll have to spend some time and wait for the others to arrive for awhile. " She replied.

Madame Bradley nodded, " It seems that way. " She said as she looked at her son, " Now come on, Selim. Why don't you and Elysia play for awhile? " she added as the young boy looked at her mother and nodded, " Okay! " He said with a smile as he approached Elysia.

" Hi Elysia, Wanna play? " Selim asked cheerfully with a smile. Elysia smiled back and nodded, " Yup, let's go play with the dogs! " she said as Selim nodded, " Alright. "

With Riza's permission, Elysia and Selim took Black Hayate and Yuki for a walk with them and play fetch somewhere without much people, nearby. Their mothers smiled at their playful children and looked after them for a few minutes before they looked back at one another.

" It's great that you and Selim managed to come. Elysia might get bored being the only child on the vacation. " Gracia said gratefully.

Madame Bradley returned her glance and smiled, " We're thankful for you for inviting us. We're actually quite bored being cooped up in our house so this is quite a nice chance to try something new and different... " She started and then looked at her son again, " ... look, Selim is already enjoying himself. " She added as she saw her son laughing with Elysia as they ran with dogs.

Gracia nodded, " My little Elysia is enjoying herself as well, so it may seem . " she said as she looked at her daughter and smiled as she saw her feel so happy.

Madame Bradley nod back in agreement, then she looked at Riza. " Oh, are we boring you perhaps? We've been quite preoccupied about our children that we forgot that we aren't alone. Silly me. " She started and softly laugh for awhile. " How are things with work nowadays, Riza dear? " she asked as Riza smiled at her.

" Oh no, it's alright Madame. I was enjoying watching Elysia and Selim play with our dogs as well. As for work, We've been very busy helping out with Ishval's development and everything seems to be in order. " Riza started. Suddenly Roy then stood beside her afterwards, smiling warmly at her as he got out of Grumman's grasp, " We've faced some troubles along the way as well, but they weren't that difficult to handle and for now, we're doing just fine at the east. " He added.

Madame Bradley smiled warmly at pair, " Oh is that so? Then that's really wonderful. I really admire the both of you for your hard work and dedication in helping everyone. Please do continue doing your best, I'll be cheering for the two of you! " She said as Roy and Riza smiled back. " We will, thanks for the support. " They said gratefully.

" Better work hard in the vacation activities as well. " Grumman started as he approached them, " Well, I'm certain that the two of you will always do your best, so keep it up. " He added as he held Roy and Riza's shoulder with one of each his hand. " And remember to also just have fun! " He concluded with a grin as Roy and Riza smiled and nodded, " Yes, sir. " The pair said in unison.

Grumman in turn, smiled at them and nodded. Then he looked around the station, " Now what's taking the others so long to arrive? They need to hurry up soon since the train isn't going to wait for us... and my feet are killing me! I've been standing here for quite some time and since I'm no young man anymore, it is quite painful. " He said with slight annoyance.

" I'm sure that they'll arrive soon. " Gracia said as she too, look around the station. Looking out for the other guests.

" They'd better. There's only Twenty minutes left before our train's departure. Now where are my men and what are they doing? " Grumman said as he began pacing around.

" Will Fullmetal, Alphonse and the others from Resembool come as well? " Roy asked as Gracia looked at him and nodded, " Before you and Riza woke up, Winry called earlier and told me that they will come, alongside some friends from Xing. They're probably heading here by train in Central now as we speak. "

" I see... although the rest house is located somewhere near in between Resembool and Rush Valley, only the station here in Central has a direct route to it... Am, I right? " Roy deduced as Gracia smiled and nodded, " Yes, that's right. "

" Oh, the poor dears, they must be quite exhausted, having to wake up and left early for this trip. " Madame Bradley said as the group looked at her.

" That would probably be the case and it's going to be a long trip as well so we'll probably arrive there, late in the afternoon. But don't worry, I'll make sure to prepare them and everyone a nice warm meal and a comfortable room as we get to our destination. " Gracia replied.

" Oh ho, That will be wonderful, indeed. " Grumman suddenly said cheerfully as the others laugh good-naturedly at the look of him.

Moments later, the group watched curiously as a train that came from Resembool arrive in the station. Now, together with Elysia, Selim and the dogs, they made their way towards the train's doors and hopefully looked for their friends from the crowd emerging from the inside.

Roy was the first to notice a familiar face from the crowd, Riza saw him a second later and it seems like they saw them as well since they were slowly approaching them.

Seeing his favorite prodigy, Roy couldn't resist.

" Hey Fullmetal, I haven't seen you in awhile but I must say that you did manage to grew a little bit. Just a little bit. Look, Alphonse is still bigger than you. What? You still don't drink milk? Don't tell me you still have the same short temper? Well probably since you still haven't seem to grow up much. Ha ha ha. " Roy said teasingly with a wide grin on his face.

" Roy. " Riza said strictly as she softly nudge him on his side with her elbow to make him be quiet while she shook her head and crossed her arms.

Even after all those times... Some things are bound to never change, so it may seem.

" I knew it. " Edward said in disdain as he heard him. " Darn that stupid Brigadier General, even after all those years... he's still insulting me about my height. " He added grouchily. Alphonse, Winry, Ling, Lan Fan, Mei and even Grandma Pinako laughed at the evil look he was giving to his former superior.

Then as they reached Gracia and the others, they smiled genuinely as they greeted each other.

" It's great that everyone from Resembool and your friends from Xing came over. " Gracia said as she happily greeted the group back.

" Yay! Sister Winry, you managed to come! I missed you so, so much! " Elysia said excitedly as she ran towards her. Winry bent down and caught her as she lifted Elysia in her arms, laughing as she gently spun her around. " I missed you too, Elysia. " Winry replied as she embraced the little girl tightly.

" Let's play a lot once we get to the rest house, okay? " Elysia said sweetly once they part. Winry could only nod as she smiled cheerfully at her.

" Of course! " Winry said happily. Then she looked at Edward and Alphonse, " You'll join us and play along too, wouldn't you? " She asked as the brothers nodded and smiled wide. " We'd love to! " They said in unison making Elysia cheer, " Yay! It'll be so much fun! "

" Can I join in, too? " Selim asked as the four looked at him with a smile on heir faces and then nodded, " Of course you can, pipsqueak. " Edward said as he bent down and ruffled young Selim's hair, making the young boy laugh while he tried to remove Edward's hand from his hair, " Stop it, Mister Edward. "

" Just call me big brother Ed, Selim. Don't really like being called mister. " Edward said as he stopped ruffling the boy's head.

" Wait... that doesn't sound right. Say short brother Ed instead, Selim. It suits him better. " Elysia complained cutely.

Winry slightly laughed at Elysia's suggestion and nod in agreement, " Well... It does sound better. "

Roy also agreed, " Forgot to mention, it's also more realistic. " He teased and grinned wide as he expected Edward's outburst.

" Why are you guys calling someone so short even though he has grown much, much taller this past months!? " Edward fumed.

" Brother, please, calm down. The other people that are just passing by are eyeing us weirdly because of you. " Alphonse said as Edward sighed in defeat, " But they started it. I really don't like being called short brother. "

" You should be even thankful... " Riza started as the others looked at her, Edward looked confused, " Thankful..? "

Riza then smiled, " It could be worse. You could also be called tiny brother. " She teased, even she couldn't help herself. Roy couldn't help himself either as he laughed out loud afterwards since he wasn't expecting that from her.

" What..!? Now even the Lieutenant Colonel is teasing me about my height, huh? " Edward said in shock. Then be glared at the laughing Roy, " I'm pretty sure it's probably because of your influence, Brigadier General! "

Roy smirked as he approached him, " Nah, it's probably just because you're so adorable, Fullmetal. " He teased as he ruffled Edward's hair, making the latter complain. " After all, you are and will always be our little boy! " He added cheekily.

Edward was clearly annoyed at first as he vainly tried to get Roy's hand off him, when some thought hit him and then he soon suddenly grinned, " Our little boy, eh? Is it just me or is some thing developing other than Ishval's development back in the East? " He teased as Roy smirked at him again " Are you implying something, Fullmetal? " He uttered tauntingly as he ruffled Edward's hair rougher, much to the latter's disdain.

" Ain't it obvious? Stupid Brigadier General. " Edward said teasingly.

" Who are you calling stupid, shorty? " Roy said in reply.

" Who else but you idiot Brigadier General? " Edward countered.

Then the two glared at one another and their argument stubbornly went on and on...

" Jerk! " Edward started childishly,

" Shrimp. " Roy countered casually.

" Big ego! " Edward added,

" Short-tempered. " Roy countered casually once more.

" You're Useless in the rain! " Edward said mockingly, pumping his fist in the air while stomping his feet.

" You're Worthless without alchemy. " Roy replied calmly, crossing his arms while he closed his eyes.

" No, I'm not! " Edward complained.

" Yes, you are. " Roy insisted.

" Good for nothing, skirt chaser! " Edward retaliated. Thinking that he might caught the Brigadier General off-guard with that. Although...

" I prefer good looking, lady-killer. " Roy retorted. Then he laughed as he saw Edward flinched, clearly not expecting that response.

Edward, who still had his mouth wide opened from the last argument desperately uttered, " Lazy! "

Roy, on the other hand was still calm as he simply smirked at him and casually replied, " Midget. "

The others could only watch in both amazement and amusement as Roy and Edward battle it out. It could go on and on, but then again, you'll never hear the end of it. So it has to be stopped.

" Roy, that's enough. " Riza said strictly while she crossed her arms, with Winry following her example as she placed her hands on her hips and spoke threateningly, " You too, Edward! "

Roy and Edward stopped debating and both flinched, shivering with a tinge of fear upon hearing their names. " Yes, ma'am. " They both said obediently in defeat.

The others couldn't resist but laugh at the pairs afterwards. Seconds later. Edward and Winry, together with Roy and Riza laughed along despite themselves.

" Well, things seems rowdy here today. Did we miss something exciting? " Rebecca loudly said from behind suddenly.

Gracia and the others looked back and saw that Rebecca and the others were also approaching them with Havoc leading them, " Hey Chief, Fullmetal-boss, long time no see! "

" What took you guys so long? If you've been a few more minutes late the train would've left us behind! " Grumman exclaimed.

" Well... we kinda got preoccupied with our breakfast that we completely loss track of time. " Breda said sheepishly. " It's really embarrassing, but since there were too many delicious food that were serve, it would've been a waste to spoil them so it took some time to finish them all. " Catherine added.

" Oh, don't be embarrassed. I could relate to that since I get preoccupied with food every time. " Ling said proudly.

" Young Master, it would be best if they don't take after your example. " Lan Fan said with disagreement.

" Yeah, that wouldn't be good. " Mei added with Shao Mei, nodding her head. Ling could only frown at them in response.

" We apologize. " Alex started as the others followed behind, " We're sorry! "

" Oh, it's alright dears. You've just arrive on time actually. Look, our train is just about to arrive. " Gracia said as she pointed at the train coming their way from afar.

" Wow, talk about arriving at the nick of time. It's like on some books I've read. " Sciezska said as Fuery smiled at her," I guess even fiction stories can happen in real life. "

Finally, their train reached the station. It let out a few steam as the warning bell ringed and it's doors open to let the passengers in, " Ah, it's already here. Have we got everything ready? " Ross asked as Brosh nodded and replied, " Yup. All bags and as far as I know, all Guests are also accounted for. "

Gracia then smiled warmly at the whole group as she held Elysia's hand, " Well, is everyone ready? Let's go inside the train now before it departs without us. " She said as the entire group looked at her with smiles on their faces as they nod, " Alright. "

With that, they soon made their way towards the train and Finally... the trip would begin. If it was fun before the whole vacation even began, they can't help but wonder what other enjoying events and mishaps would happen after.


~~~ End of Chapter Six ~~~

Starting the Trip


Author's Note: I wanted to finish this story as soon as possible, since this story is way overdue. But how can it possibly end when they haven't even reached the rest house where all the events will happen? Rather than writing about more on what they'll do as they reached their destination, I ended up writing the part before they even boarded the train. But I must say, I really did enjoy writing that part with Edward and Roy teasing one another. Ha ha~

I won't say that the next chapter will finally be about vacation yet. Because I can feel that if I thought of something fun to do while they're on the train, I'll probably do that first. LOL, well I guess I don't really want to miss or skip any details about the whole vacation either. I want it done, step by step. I don't know about you guys though... do you find it boring? If so, please review if you can. It can help me out on how to write the next chapters and also motivate me to write faster. But if you can't, know that reading it is enough for me and I'll continue writing the story regardless of the number of favorites or reviews I have. (^_^)

Still, I'm grateful to those who took their time to do so. Special thanks to Darthtraytus for reviewing once more and together with lovydovypupp, Thank you for both following and adding this story to your favorites. To, Yureka and xfilesalways thank you for following the story, I hope you'll continue looking forward to the next chapters as well. I admit though, I was getting kinda lonely since there were so many hits... but nobody wasn't reviewing or even following the story. LOL, for sometime I had a thought that this story was boring or something. Still I loved writing this though and since it's starting to pick up, I'll update faster for everyone who's looking forward to reading this. Thank you so much for the support, everyone.

Alright. I'll begin planning the next chapter then. Can't wait to type whatever silly things comes to my mind. Thank you for reading and see you on the SEVENTH CHAPTER.