14: Prince

"I wonder how long it's been..." Alphonse mumbled softly.

"Say what?" Edward asked.

"Since we left. I was wondering how much time had passed, you know, since things were way off in that false dimension. This is a half-dimension, so..." the younger brother trailed off.

"Good question. Maybe that cat-girl will know," the blond mused.

The pair had been led down perhaps half a dozen different halls to a large chamber at the northern end of the castle. Apparently, it was Prince Edward's room, so it was only natural that the Elric brothers (who were supposed to be portraying the missing prince and his companion) would occupy it.

The chamber itself was perhaps half the size of the cafeteria at any military command (all five were similar sizes) and made entirely out of stone. There were large rectangles placed every so often in the walls, most likely windows. They brought up the question of how heat was retained when it got colder. Against one wall was a massive bed that could sleep at least five people comfortably, with polished wooden posts and a thick and luxurious-looking fabric the color of cream draped over the posts. There were curtains tied off around the four posts, made of the same thick cream colored fabric, and could easily be untied to give the persons on the bed complete privacy. In the wall opposite the bed was a large fireplace. Alphonse was able to stand up straight inside it; that was how big it was. There was a large divan in front of the fireplace that could allow both brothers to recline comfortably and not get in the other's way, and in front of that a low table made of polished mahogany. Next to that was a large pile of silk-covered pillows, and the whole area was sunken into the floor and one had to step down to access the divan or pillow-pile. At the farthest end of the room was a large stone table covered with books and an ornate armchair. There was also a door, though it was just a rectangular hole in the wall, that led to a smaller, less lavish, room that Alfonse used if the prince didn't want him in his room. According to Ethelfleda, the instances when Alfonse wasn't by the prince's side were rare but by no means didn't occur, and the man did spend a night or two in his lesser chamber.

News of the men's supposed amnesia spread quickly among the maids and servants, and a number of young women had approached Edward saying that he could still use them as he saw fit, should the need or desire arise.

"Not a bad arrangement, is it?" Elrin snickered. "I did tell you that you would be able to live in comfort. It is nothing like what you are used to, according to the visions, but I think you will like it well enough."

"Elrin, you know a lot, right? Can you tell us how much time has passed where we came from?" Alphonse said eagerly, leaping up from the divan and turning to face the cat-girl.

She yawned and stretched out across a portion of the bed.

"I could... if I was properly compensated," she giggled.

"Compensated?" Edward repeated, sitting up and leaning over the back of the divan.

"I believe you call it an equivalent exchange. One cannot gain something unless something of equal value is given up. If I tell you, you shall have to tell me something as well."

"That seems fair. What do you wanna know?" Edward sighed.

"I do not know. I will let you know when I think of something," she grinned, one of her ears twitching. "Oh, I know! You use some strange words; what language are they from, and where did you learn them?"

"Strange words?"

"Yes. I believe a few are 'gonna' and 'wanna' and... oh, 'dude' is one I do not understand at all," she nodded.

Both men burst out laughing.

"That's just slang, Elrin," Alphonse wheezed when he was able to catch a little of his breath.

"What is 'slang' Alphonse?"

"It's just words we use in place of other words," Edward chortled.

"Like synonyms?"

"Something like that."

"Can you explain what a 'dude' is?"

"Dude is just another way of referring to a man," Alphonse replied.

"And 'gonna' is just a contraction of 'going to' and 'wanna' is a contraction of 'want to' so there really isn't any difference. It's just how we talk naturally," Edward added, pressing a hand to his stomach.

"So... you are a 'dude' then?" she inquired.

"Guilty as charged," Edward teased, holding up his right hand.

"Oh, I had nearly forgotten! Your hand had been hidden by your sleeve so on one noticed, but I made something for you!" Elrin exclaimed, leaping off the bed and scampering up to the blond.

She grabbed at his shirt and untied the string holding the front closed, exposing a good protion of his chest. She produced a small leather pouch and dipped two fingers inside. She smeared a pale pink paste across the automail plating attached to his chest and then blew on it lightly. Within moments, the paste spread to cover his entire arm. and it looked like he had never lost the limb in the first place.

"There. That should do the trick," she said smugly, closing the pouch and, Edward assumed, put it away. "It will prevent suspicion from arising about your limb. I have more if you need to cover your leg as well. It should last for about seven days before you will need more."

"Oh... uh, thanks," he mumbled, turning his arm this way and that, trying to find a bit of automail that might give them away. It looked almost excatly like his human limb did, including the scar from the fox bite.

"What is that stuff?" Alphonse asked.

"Oh, just a paste I whipped up a while ago. It's infused with my powers, and can alter how something is seen. I am sure your sister would call it... 'cellular transformation' or... no, it would be 'cellular alteration' and all it does is change how something looks. I have not learned how to make something feel different, but I am certain I will figure it out in due course!" she chirped.

"And you're learning all this... from reading my wife's mind? Are you like our son?" Edward asked, struggling a bit with the concept. Lately... everything he had known to be true was being proven wrong in some respect. Maybe he did still see the world in black and white after all...

"No... I could be if I really put my mind to it, no intentional pun, but it does require much of my energy and there are some things I would prefer to never know a person thinks about. We are the same soul, in similar bodies, connected by the mind. Surely you know that, Edward. I am speaking of reading one's mind of course. Your wife and I hae similar powers, as one would expect. We are the same, allowing for cultural differences, so it is only natural that our bodies and powers are the same. We merely assume different roles in the game called life," Elrin said, turning and walking back towards the bed.

"So... we've explained some slang words, now you have to deliver your end of the bargain," Alphonse said firmly.

"And so I shall. Time differs slightly from this world and your own. When it is midday here, it is... three in the afternoon the next day where you are from. That is twenty-seven hours ahead. Not So great a difference, considering the time changes in the false dimension. That one was ahead of yours by several hundred years or more, was it not?" she sighed, climbing on the cough and crawling into a ball.

"Big Brother!" a girl's voice exclaimed. It was accompanied by several sets of footsteps and soon the bodies making them tumbled into view.

"I have missed you so, Big Brother!" another girl added.

Three kids, two girls and a boy, ran into the chamber. The tallest one had two long brown braids and a cheery face. The middle one had short hair that was a lighter brown, and the boy had short blond hair that stuck up all over and bright blue eyes. If the brothers didn't know better, and they did, they would've said the girl with braids resembled Nina, the girl with short hair: Elysia, and the boy: Fletcher.

"Where have you been, Big Brother?" the boy asked, flinging his arms around Edward's middle.

"Fool. He does not remember. Were you not listening when Big Sister was telling us this?" the one with braids chided.

"I still want to know," the boy pouted.

"I was away, but I'm back now," Edward replied stupidly. That was probably the worst answer he could've come up with.

"We must introduce ourselves, so Big Brother will once again call us by name. Brother Edward, I am Ethelgifu, nineteen suns of age and second daughter to our Father, the Lord King Alfred the Great," the one with braids said formally, pulling out the hem of her skirt in a small curtsy.

"I am Elfthryth, sixteen suns of age and youngest daughter of the Lord King," the one with short hair also curtsied.

"Um... I am Athelward, twelve suns old and youngest son of the Lord King," the boy said with a small bow.

"Well, you do look familiar," Edward mused. That much was true.

"You remember?" Athelward asked eagerly, looking up at Edward.

"Perhaps," he shrugged.

Alphonse watched the siblings fawn over Edward. It seemed like the prince his brother was impersonating was loved by everyone. At least... by everyone in his family.

"Sir Alfonse..." someone whispered. Alphonse turned and saw the girl called Elizabeth peeking inside the room.

"Yes?" he replied politely.

"Th-the Lord King bade me tell you to prepare for the banquet."

"Is that all?" he asked skeptically.

"Yes, Sir," she replied meekly.

"Thank you very much. I'll tell the prince," he nodded.

Elizabeth smiled and ducked behind the doorframe. Alphonse heard her hurry down the hall. A smile quirked his lips and he returned to his brother.

"Sir Alfonse!" Ethelgifu exclaimed, running up to and hugging him. "I have not seen you in ages! It is so good you have returned to us."

"I would imagine so," he grinned.

"Ooh, a kitty," Athelward cooed.

"Kitty?" the brothers repeated stupidly. They turned to see Athelward climbing onto the massive bed and pulling a small brown cat onto his lap.

"Elrin..." Alphonse mumbled under his breath. The cat looked up at the mentioning of her name and mewled.

"Where did you find a cat, Big Brother?" Eflthryth inquired, keeping a firm grip on Edward's arm.

"In the forest beyond the castle," he replied with half a smile. "Although it was more like she found us."

"It is a girl cat?" the boy asked. Edward nodded. "She is such a pretty cat."

He watched as Elrin purred and rubbed her face against Athelward's hand.

"Alright children, you must get dressed for the banquet," a maid announced, clapping her hands together. The three children made disappointed noises, but obeyed. That showed how well they were being raised.

"Prince, I trust you need no assistance other than that of Alfonse. I shall send an escort before the banquet starts. I have laid out your clothing there," she gestured at the bed and ushered the children out.

"Oh, what fun! Banquets are such fun!" Elrin clapped her hands together.

"Does that mean food?" the blond asked, pressing a hand to his stomach. How long had it been since he had eaten last?

"Yes, most banquets usually include food. Come, I shall help you get dressed. Alphonse, you do not need to change. Your clothing is fine as it is," she grinned and motioned for Edward to come closer.

"You will put this on first. It is made of cotton and protects against the rough fabric of the outer layers. I brought this because I assumed that you would not be comfortable in the type of clothing we have here. On top of that you will wear this shirt," she held up first a thin white shirt followed by a grey long sleeved shirt. "You will put this on over that, followed by a cape."

"Uh... right," Edward mumbled.

"Should I call for assistance?" Elrin inquired. "66! 48!"

"You have got to be kidding me..." Edward groaned.

"Brother, there's no way they can be the same..." Alphonse started, but decided not to finish. Considering what had been happening lately, maybe saying 'it's all just a coincidence' wouldn't be so smart.

Two men in simple clothing came into the room and helped Edward dress. There was a knock on the door and Elrin indicated that Alphonse should open it. He obliged and just barely managed to hold in a scream.

Scar, heavily garbed and armed, was standing at the door and leering down at him.

"Is the Lord Prince ready yet?" he said gruffly.

"Yes, he is ready, Scar," 66 replied.

"I am to escort him to the banquet," Scar replied, stepping to the side and gesturing for Edward and Alphonse to join him in the hall.

"Right," Alphonse nodded.

"I have been informed of your situation, Lord Prince. I am captain of the castle guard. You may call me Scar like my men, and others, do. Now that you have returned, of course, you will take your place at the head of the military. It is important that the candidate for king know of proper, successful military strategy. Ah..." he said as a man in long flowing robes dyed dark blue and spectacles approached. A heavy book was cradled in one arm.

"Forgive my tardiness, Brother," the man panted. "Greetings, Lord Prince," he said, bowing to Edward. "Welcome back."

"My elder brother, Darius. He is instrucing you and your siblings, seeing that you all have the best education possible," Scar gestured at the man, who bowed again. "Brother, where is..."

"I am coming!" a man called, running down the hall. "Forgive me... the other servants were in such a tizzy because of the prince's return... I apologize for being late..."

Edward studied the man carefully. He had long blond hair tied back in a single ponytail like his, and he was close to him in height and body structure. A look at the face, and he knew this man was his father's previous life. He did his best not to glare or curse the man.

"Thank you, 23. I can understand your situation. The entire city of Midgard is overjoyed at the Lord Prince's return," Darius smiled kindly.

23 held out a golden crown resting on a purple pillow. Red jewels glittered in the sunlight streaming through the rectangular windows.

"You will be presented the crown during the banquet, to show that you have returned and will resume your place in the heirarchy," Daruis explained as 23 hurried away.

The four men and Elrin walked briskly through the halls. The Elric brothers made a mental note to have someone show them around so they wouldn't need an escort when they wanted to go somewhere, or get lost when they went somewhere. They were given a double door entrance into a grand dining hall and ushered to a table where Alfred and the other siblings were seated. Ethelfleda smiled and pointed at the seat next to her. Edward sat down, and Alphonse next to him. Elrin stood behind them, just in case they needed her help.

Alfred stood and hel up a hand. The chattering quieted down and everyone paid attention.

"Lords and Ladies of the court, it is our greatest honor... nay, a priviledge... to announce that our eldest son has, after five long moons, finally returned home to Amestria, to Midgard, and to us," Alfred boomed, instantly silencing everyone in the room. Everyone's attention shifted to Edward, and he felt his cheeks heat up in embarassment.

"We're stuck now, Brother," Alphonse hissed under his breath.

"I know," Edward whispered back.

"Presenting the future king of Amestria, our eldest son," Alfred continued, gesturing at Edward. Elrin poked his side and motioned for him to stand as well. He obliged. He felt, rather than saw, Darius stand behind him. He knew the man was holding the crown 23 had given him. It was lighter than he had expected, when it was placed on his head, but it also carried a certain weight that he wouldn't soon be free of. He knew what he had gotten into, and he intended to make the most of it until he could leave.

"Prince Edward!"

Area 51 1/2 2-27-11: I spared no expense in designing the prince's bedroom! It may seem strange from our modern perspective, but I think it would suit someone living in that time period. I'd love to live there... in the summer, maybe, when it's not so cold. The bed... I love the bed. I love big beds with squishy matresses and soft silky sheets. and they have to have canopys. Have to. I love the depressed living room too. I'm pretty sure that's the wrong term, but it's a living room or area or something that's set in the floor lower than everything else. You know what I'm talking about? Like... you have to walk down a step or two to be able to sit on the couch... Damn it! If only I could remember the name for that! Someone tell me, please. It's gonna bug me forever if I don't figure it out... Um... put plainly, I love expensive-looking rooms with huge beds and large couches. And big, big piles of pillows for people to lounge on! When I become rich and famous from all my successful manga, I'm going to buy a huge house and make my bed room exactly like the prince's (minus the cold stones everywhere) with a gigantic bed, a depressed living area, a comfy couch, and piles of pillows for everyone to sit on so all my friends can come over and we can watch anime (meaning FMA) together! I'm not sure about the fireplace, though... I'll probably just have central heating/cooling... gotta have A/C during the summer and a heater during the winter!

Ah, I love the siblings. For some reason, I wanted to make them irresitably cute. I hope I got that across when I wrote about them. Athelwold and Athelhelm... I picture them as Hikaru and Kaoru from Ouran for some reason... troublemakers... I need to read Ouran... and watch more of the anime (I only watched part of episode one... and a random one in the middle where Tamaki becomes engaged to some chick who shows up during a school festival or something... is it just me, or did Tamaki sound like a flirtatious, drunken Edward? I mean... I know who the voice actor is [was?] and all, but still... when I watched that episode I was all 'HOLY SHIT HE SOUNDS LIKE ED! A FLIRTATIOUS WANNA-BE DRUNKEN COLONEL VERSION OF ED!' but... still...)

Um...Elfy's past life is Elysia... and Ethelgifu is Nina's? I haven't really worked that out yet, but it's not like they're really that different. Both are cute girls and Elysia was Hughes' daughter, so I felt obligated to put her in here. I really wanted to write about the Hughes family, so they'll be appearing in this book (Gracia and Elysia show up in modern Amestris as well, so yay for them) and be a part of Godsend after all. Athelward... is Fletcher? Yeah, that sounds good (I haven't worked that out, exactly...)

I made the teacher Scar's brother (I named him Darius because he looked like a Darius to me. I don't recall his name being mentioned at all, so...) and Scar is a general of the castle's guards. His name stayed the same because it was easier that way (and it works for a knight, y'know?) and I didn't have to bother with trying to come up with a name that resembled 'Scar' so hurray for kick-ass nicknames.

Just to make it easy for everyone (and myself) here are the list of people who you've met the past lifes of:

Elrin = Christin

Ethelfleda = Aislinn

Troy = Roy

Elizabeth = Riza

Cain = Fuery

Alfred = Hughes

Darius = Scar's brother

Scar = Scar (that's pretty obvious)

Ethelgifu = Nina

Elfthryth = Elysia

Athelward = Fletcher

Athelwold = Russell

Athelhelm = Armstrong

66 = 66 a.k.a. Barry the Chopper (another obvious one)

48 = 48 a.k.a. Slicer (again, obvious) (I made them slaves to keep with Hohenheim in the manga...)

23 = Hohenheim (I'm not positive about the number, but I think I'm close to being right)

Ticia = Trisha (that one was a little strange... it's pronounced 'tish-A' but I didn't want to be so direct and just call her Trisha...)

The Ouroborus gang is pretty much the same, only they're raiders. They still have their same powers and names and everything, but there are slight differences.

Obviously, there are going to be two characters named Edward and Alfonse (I spelled it differently so there wouldn't be any confusion between the two... sadly, I can't really spell 'Edward' differently without it getting weird...) but they won't show up for a really long time... they'll show up only briefly at the end of part one.

Oh, this story's got two parts. There's this part, and a second one that occurs after the idiot brothers learn about using the Hourglass. Hourglasses are cool. I used to use one to time myself while I brushed my teeth, but now I don't. Of course, hourglasses remind me of Sand Chronicles... I love that manga. I love the faces Hinako Ashihara sensei draws.

I promise there's a good reason Elrin's toying with them and making them stay a thousand years in the past. I just can't tell you yet.

A divan is a couch or sofa, by the way. Just in case you didn't know that. Sorry it's taking so long to get through this part, but I want to make sure you all get the feel of the place Amestris used to be.

Sorry it took so long to get this one out. Writer's block, a little. Just a smidge.