Drums of War
Chapter Four
Preparing to Fight
Xing Royal Palace
Naoko and Ling spent a few precious minutes clinging to their children, before the nannies each took a child and slipped away into separate routes throughout the city. Neither father was certain they would be seeing their children again. They might not survive the week, let alone long enough to reclaim their offspring.
Lan Fan had flat refused to leave him, and in the end, Ling decided he just didn't have the time to continue to fight with her. Huan's aunt Boa and Naoko's mother, Nayida, had gone along with the nannies including Ai and the children. Soon his babies would be with his sisters and the Elrics. Ling just had to hope that was enough.
He tried to understand her point of view, but in this he fell short. He knew the pain of losing one's mother. He never wanted that for his children. Even if they had to lose him, they couldn't lose both. That wasn't the plan and he admitted to himself he was angry with her.
Lan Fan cried briefly when the children left the palace, before slipping into their apartments. When she returned, she was not dressed in the rich gowns of his wife, but the uniform of a guard. Before Ling could say anything, she had slipped not the shadows. Naoko patted him on the shoulder before they turned their attention to the hourglass counting the time until he was given to surrender.
There was a very real chance his brother's wives were either going to be killed or imprisoned when he refused. Naoko was as aware of this as Ling was. Yet he stood by his brother, which was a marvel to Ling. He chose to focus on his brother's loyalty and love, rather than his anger at his wife. Who, when he was willing to bend that far, was admittedly motivated by the same emotions?
Ling breathed deeply, soon. Soon, one way or another the country was once again going to be forced into change. Before his thoughts could go that deeply into the negative, he was informed by the first messenger that Aerugo had pledged themselves to Ling's claim. A few minutes later, a second messenger announced that Drachma, too had claimed Ling to be ruler.
Before Ling could wonder how Ed moved that fast, a third messenger confirmed Amestris support. Ling knew that message was coming, yet somehow it was the most relieving of them all. Ling sat gratefully; Naoko smiled as well. There were going to be losses. However, it looked like they wouldn't lose the country to Takeshi Zhao.
Fuhrer's Mansion
Fuhrer's Apartment
After they made all the necessary calls, Roy and Ed rejoined their family upstairs. There was nothing more they could do but wait to hear back from their allies, which could be done just as easily at home. Roy's youngest son was less than three days old and he was preparing to go to war. Roy had promised himself and his sons that he was going to be a different kind of leader, yet here he was compiling a list of combat alchemists. No matter how things changed, they remained the same.
Apparently, he was thinking loudly enough that Riza heard him. The problem with marrying the girl you'd loved nearly half your life was she knew you as well as you knew yourself, Roy mused, as Riza sat beside him. "This is a different situation Roy. You aren't sending mere children in to slaughter an indigenous people. You are fulfilling your end of a treaty by sending men in to prevent a slaughter. You aren't Bradley."
"People are going to die Riza. Innocent people. People are going to come back broken physically or mentally. People are going to suffer, our people. My people." Roy said, voicing his concern out loud.
"The reason behind the fight matters as much as the fight. Yes, people are going to die, going to get hurt. It's possible we are going to lose people we know and care about are going to die. But you aren't wrong. Takeshi Zhao is a monster."
"My sons are growing up to expect war. I let the eldest become a living weapon, and the younger follow him through it all. I nearly forgave myself for this, and what do I do? Start a damn war three days after my youngest is born!"
"Enough, Dad." Ed said from the doorway, drawn into his parents' room by his father's yelling. "You didn't start the war. You didn't even suggest joining it. I did, at the request of my friend, whose people are being threatened. So, if anyone is to blame for this mess, it's me."
"No Edward. You can't be blamed for this. You don't want a war. We all know how you feel about war, no this is an issue that needed to be remedied before it crossed into our borders as it inevitably would." Roy said, assuring his son.
"If I did the right thing, so did you Dad. You say you put three sons at risk, well so did I. You say you promised yourself no more wars, well so did I." Ed replied as his father hugged him. "None of us want this, but it is here in our space. We aren't starting a war; we're helping to end one before it can become a bloodbath."
"People are going to die." Roy said miserably.
"I know that." Ed said with a sigh. "I'm not a child. I've fought in a battle before, and I will again. I've buried more people than I care to think about right now. However, if we can help save Ling's people. Mei's people. Then we have to do it."
"I don't want you anywhere near this fight Ed. We have a responsibility to the people of Amestris and to your sons, to avoid combat as much as possible." Roy said suddenly. "Not unless we have exhausted all other options. You and your brother will remain off the battlefield. So will I. We wield far too much power."
"Okay. But we have to send help to end this quickly." Ed replied, finally hugging his father back. He remembered Promised Day as well as his Dad did, and he agreed. The three of them remained in reserve as long as possible. They were strong. Too strong. Thanks in part to the trip to the Gate, and partly thanks to what his birth father did to him… he wasn't suitable for a small fight. No, he agreed, unless things went poorly, he remained behind.
Before either of them could completely compose themselves, they heard a shout from the guard at the door and a bang as the door flew open. Both men, and Riza rushed out quickly. Riza pulled a gun from somewhere. Roy was pulling on his gloves, though he no longer needed them technically they helped him concentrate. Ed was poised to clap, arrays forming in his mind.
Winry let out a short shout in the sitting room, followed by Mei and Al yelling as well and the sharp zing of alchemy filled the air. When the others rushed into the room, the saw Winry standing in front of her sons behind the couch, with Mei and Al standing in front of them, and across from them, right next to the doorway, was an old man with long silver hair and beard pinned to the wall. His hands were covered completely preventing any movement, His long dark blue robes stood out clearly in the room.
Edward recognized him immediately. As did Roy and his brother. "What do you think you're doing breaking into my home Dumbledore?!" Ed demanded as he moved to stand between the pinned man and his family.
"I was under the impression this was where one came to speak to the leadership of this country." Dumbledore replied. "I simply let myself in to ask about a request we received earlier today."
"You pushed passed guards telling you to stop to enter a locked apartment. Bullshit you didn't know it was braking in." Edward said with a frown. Then he sighed heavily. "Look. I don't like you. I don't trust you. However, if we want to avoid higher losses, we are going to need your help. Death Eaters joined Takeshi out in Xing. We both know they won't stop there. My people and Xing's people need help. The attacker is normally your problem; therefore, you know how to handle them. Help me prevent this, please."
"The Order works in the shadows. Half the members are members of the Ministry. I will do as much as I can without risking the exposer of the Order." Dumbledore stated simply. "How is the Boy?"
"He's well, no thanks to you. He is not part of whatever bargain you're about to try." Edward said growing angry that this man dared to bring up his child.
"Nonsense. I was simply concerned and curious." Dumbledore said.
"Keep it to yourself. Your concern is neither needed nor wanted. MY children are perfectly happy and healthy." Edward replied with a frown.
"We shall speak on the matter further. Meanwhile, I will collect those who can be spared and return in a few hours." Dumbledore replied before Edward nodded and the man was released from the wall. He disappeared instantly with a snap.
Ed sighed heavily. They were going to have to find a way to keep that man out of the Mansion. Perhaps Snape could offer some suggestions. With that in mind, Ed returned to his study after checking that his wife and children were alright and called Snape. "Dumbledore just appeared in my apartment." Ed said by way of greeting when Snape answered.
"I expected he would arrive at the mansion, Lupin went to request aide, but he was in your private rooms. Without invitation?" Snape asked.
"Yes."
"Was he drunk?"
"I wouldn't know. I didn't get close enough to check. He threatened my children, said he was concerned for them."
"He won't touch them. I'll make sure of it." Snape said sharply. "Is he sending aide."
"He said he would bring who was available."
"At least he decided to listen for a change. I'll talk to him when he returns. Was Lupin with him?"
"No. He came alone."
"Hmm. I wonder where that wolf wandered off to. I need to go locate him. Give me thirty minutes and I will arrive at the mansion."
"Alright. Thank you."
"I understand. He behaved recklessly. I do wonder how much he drank today."
Hogsmeade
Hogshead
Private Room
Dumbledore had sent out word that they needed an emergency meeting. With in an hour, a dozen witches and wizards met in the Hogshead. More would arrive in the next few minutes. Dumbledore wasn't exaggerating when he claimed half the group worked for the Ministry. Normally this was an invaluable aide, this time it was a burden, because it would make sending aide in secret more difficult.
He couldn't ask too many of them to take a leave without raising concern, and he couldn't have Elric request help formally without revealing the location of the continent. Mentally, he was already compiling a list of who would be the greatest aide for this situation.
He could probably send a couple of Aurors. Moody and Shaklebolt both had mentioned recently that they were due vacation time, and since they were partner it wouldn't seem strange for them to ask for leave together. Partners generally planned their vacations like that. Weasley wasn't very high in the ministry yet, and he worked in Muggle Affairs. He could possibly also take a leave, though he also had small children, several of them attended Hogwarts actually. They had seven or eight if Albus remembered correctly.
There were a couple civilians he could send along that were fair enough with defensive magic. Tonks was a good choice, and he could help the others blend in, being muggle born. Greengass and Hubbid as well. He could possibly spare McGonagall and Flitwick without notice, and Poppy could stay on standby in case of injury.
Eight wasn't many, ten with Snape and Lupin, but then again when he'd asked them for help a few years ago, they had sent one boy and they lost. He still regretted too much drink having him confess to Snape. Things had been strained since then, had he kept his wits about him, he may have been able to convince Snape Edward misunderstood him, as he had the others. Luckily at least Snape was unable to spread the word.
The situation was complicated; however, he could make it work to his advantage. He needed the boy back under his control. They needed help. Perhaps they could reach an agreement. If he offered the aide in exchange for Elric agreeing to allow Harry to attend Hogwarts… he could salvage the situation and get everything back on track. Once the boy was again where Albus could get to him, he could convince the boy to do what needed to be done, he was certain of that much at least.
Once the room was settled, he stood to explain the situation at hand. Xing needed the help of the Order against the Death Eaters. As he had expected, nearly everyone in the room wanted to go help. He raised a hand to silence the murmurs before listing those he had already chosen. Alistair and Kingsley left immediately to request their leaves. Arthur agreed to wait until at least tomorrow, if not the next day, to take his own leave. Minerva and Filius left to prepare for their departure tomorrow. Ted left to inform his wife that he would be gone for awhile so she would have to run their small shop by herself. Anna Greengass and Phyllis Hubbid nodded to the others as they left to go prepare as well.
Albus sighed in relief and ignored his brother's frown as he sipped his wine. Everything was falling back into place and he didn't need Aberforth's judgement tonight. His brother just sighed however, before he began gathering up the glasses left behind by the meeting. "You know the worst thing about you Albus? You never learn." Aberforth said, sounding a bit sad.
"How do you mean?" Albus said absently.
"Just as I said. You never learn. You make the same mistakes over and over again. You're plotting, I see it in your eyes. Just…just don't take another child from this world. Please."
"I have never- "
"Arianna deserves at least that you admit your mistake to yourself. My sister deserved better than to have YOU as her guardian. At least honor her memory."
"She was my sister too." Albus said quietly, before he stood and slipped out of the room. He didn't bother to look back, feeling the pain rolling off his brother, muted only by his own. If only he had done things differently… he wished there was a way to correct all of the mistakes of the past, but all he had was to say he had learned from it and wouldn't make the same mistakes twice.
Royal Palace
Ling's Apartment
Ling and Naoko sat together as they waited down the clock. They had less than an hour until the arrival of whoever was sent to demand Ling's abdication in person. A bottle of bourbon sitting between them, though they were not drunk. They would need to keep their wits about them. "I spoke to the western clans, fifteen of them side with you, three refuse to partake in the battle, and one sides with Takeshi. So overall, better than expected. The first warriors arrive in the morning." Naoko said calmly.
"Eastern clans are about the same, only two clans are against me according to Chen Li who made the calls from Xerxes." Ling said with a sigh. "Warriors cannot be expected for four days however."
"The Drachmans and Aerugians arrive around midweek. The Amestrians in two days. We just need to hold the Imperial City until then." Naoko said as he looked through their notes again.
"The Lt. Fuhrer called a short time ago. We will have wizards by midnight. I gave them permission to arrive inside the city walls." Ling said with a frown. "Breda will be arriving with them, and General Alex Armstrong, so that we know they are on our side. The rest of them will arrive by conventional means."
"Are you familiar with Armstrong and Breda?"
"Very. Not as well as Lt Fuhrer Elric of course, but Armstrong is not someone you can overlook, and Breda was the one who was traveling with Alphonse Elric, Mei Chang, and Chen Li."
"Oh, I remember him. I will watch for them then."
"Lan Fan will also alert us if there seems to be a problem." Ling said.
"Not long now." Naoko said with a sad sigh. He assumed that he was likely to lose one or both of his wives tonight. He had resigned himself to it, but that didn't make him happy about it. If only they could come up with a way to save them.
Neither of them spoke again as they waited, both wrapped up in their own thoughts as midnight approached. Twenty minutes before the expected arrival of their enemies, a pair of men suddenly appeared before them with a loud snap. Instantly, there was knives at their throats as Ling's wife appeared out of the shadows, as well as his bodyguard.
The taller darker man raised his hands in surrender, as the elder scarred man spoke. "We're sent by Dumbledore to help you."
"No one was to arrive in my private rooms, or for another hour." Ling said in his usual cheerful tone that belied the threat beneath.
"Dumbledore sent the two of us ahead. We're to help you get your women back." The man said.
"Why should we- "Ling began, and the second man lowered his hands.
"We were sent with a letter from Edward Elric." He said as he reached slowly and carefully into his pocket, the knife still at his throat.
Ling took the letter and read it over before nodding. "Alright. It's from Ed I recognize his handwriting."
Naoko was relieved. He didn't know how to express how relieved he felt, maybe there was hope after all. Akira had retired early, not willing to watch the event, but now Naoko left to go wake the other man. He, like Naoko, had sided with Ling and had accepted that his wife was likely to die. Unlike Naoko he could not bring himself to stand there literally, while she died.
Naoko returned with Akira just as a guard arrived to announce Takeshi was at the gate. With a shuddering sigh, Ling stood and lead the way out of the palace. He slipped into a stone-faced expression that seemed completely unfazed. Naoko and Akira trailed behind him; their own faces as cold. The bodyguards were back in the shadows, and the wizards followed last. Ling and the others climbed to the raised platform on the wall close to the gate. They could clearly see Takeshi surrounded by several men and women from his former clan, as well as three people wearing black cloaks and masks hiding their faces.
Next to Takeshi stood the three women, tied together and gagged. "I have kept my word and brought your women, Brother. Now give me my birthright or watch them die."
"Stall him, we need less than five minutes." The taller wizard whispered.
"Don't be foolish, Brother. I was awarded the throne by my valor. There was never a birthright by virtue of order. Not since the third Emperor. Had you bothered with our own history instead of chasing dreams off continent perhaps you would know this." Ling said as the two wizards disappeared down the stairs. Now that they knew exactly where the women stood, they could pop in and grab them quickly. They listened for Takeshi to respond.
"You are as arrogant as our father before you. Our people deserve a ruler who can pull his head from the clouds." Takeshi sneered. "You had your mother entirely too long, she made you soft and weak-willed."
It was all Ling could do not to react to the taunt against his mother. He listened carefully for the sound of the wizards making their move as he smirked down at his half brother with far more confidence than he had. He heard a popping sound distantly. "I carefully considered your terms and am afraid I will have to decline." Ling said as the wizards grabbed the women and disappeared again.
Amestris
Central Command
Fuhrer's Office
Fuhrer Mustang sat behind his desk, waiting for the latest update of the situation in Xing. Lt. Fuhrer Elric is standing beside him. Both men are visibly tense, the princesses' rescue should occur anytime and in some ways the war hinged on this.
Across from them Albus Dumbledore sat serenely sipping a cup of tea. He was tense as well, though not showing it. It had been a rather large gambit to send his two aurors to rescue the women. Should they fail, or a Death Eater recognize them and report to the wrong people, it could bring the Order of the Phoenix to the attention of the Ministry of Magic.
On the other hand, should he have not offered their services, he would not be sitting here right now, and this was his best chance to find out more about the people raising Harry Potter. If he could determine to himself what sort of people these men truly were, it would help him to gage what type of morals the child would return with.
In the end, it was very important that the child was selfless enough to agree to sacrifice himself when the time came. It was Albus' understanding that Elric was the type to do such a thing, however there was some doubt, and he couldn't leave everything to chance.
Shaklebolt and Moody arrived just as Elric opened his mouth as if to say something. To their credit, neither man reacted to the sudden appearance of two men in the office. Muggles tended to react strongly to such things. Though Albus supposed, strictly speaking, neither of these men were actually muggles. He wasn't the expert in alchemy Flamel had been, but it was his understanding that it was similar to magic. Instead of dwelling on the matter further, he asked calmly. "I trust you were able to retrieve the princesses?"
"Yes, sir. The women have been secured. The Emperor and prince request that we return tomorrow to collect their women and transport them to Amestris where they may be kept safe with the children." Moddy grumbled.
"I think that's a good idea. The less chances they have to take Ling's people, the less likely it is he'll feel like he has to give in." Elric said, keeping his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face. Even in uniform, the expression made him look young.
"I agree. Provided of course you can spare them Dumbledore, I think it would be wise to send your men to collect the ones Emperor Ling and Prince Naoko deem necessary to hide. The children will arrive in the morning, it would be ideal if we could reunite them with their mothers at that time." Mustang replied before folding his hands in front of his mouth, looking distant. "That said, my men will arrive nearly the same time, as will forces from Drachma and Aerugo. Combined with the clans that are actively supporting Ling this should be over quickly. May luck be on our side for a change."
"I contacted Mei and Chen yesterday, and they have agreed that they need to be here in Central instead of Xerxes. They will be here on the same train as the children. Alphonse had not yet left, though he is grateful not to have to make the trip twice so close together, he's upset he wasn't there to escort them." Elric said with a sigh. "I've looked over the numbers and believe we should be able to stop this argument with minimal bloodshed."