Halfmetal Alchemist: Chapter 22

Faris

"...why do we have to go with them?" Faris asked. Anri sighed and stared out the train window as water rushed by. "Because I'm obligated to. I promised Roy's dad I'd take care of him, just like I promised yours I'd take care of you."

"But..."

"No buts. I've been away long enough, I'm not about to leave again. And just what were you thinking with that pirate stint of yours, eh? A pirate!"

"Don't blame me, you're the one who's been overprotective all my life, Sir Glenn." Anri made a motion for her to keep it down. "We don't want Rivantian rebels finding you, do we Faris? It's Anri, okay?"

"But I was informed that you were born Glenn," she argued.

"Look, it doesn't matter. Anri was a nickname that my brother had for me, so I'm a bit partial to it, okay?"

"Is Miss Lira still the same as she was?"

Anri looked surprised and gazed out the window. "I sure hope so, I haven't seen her in so long. I'm surprised you remember her though."

"I do, a little. That was before she ran off with you!"

Someone knocked on the compartment doors and Anri called that they could come in. Roy pushed open the door and made a heroic effort to cross the distance and sink onto the seat opposite his uncle. "I ache everywhere. The kids have been a bit too noisy for me lately so I thought I'd come sit with you." He looked at Faris. "You're a Rivantian."

Faris jumped and looked like she was about to knock Roy out with her fists raised, but Anri put his hand over them. "She is. And she can also read the thoughts of chimeras." Faris looked at him like he was crazy. "She needs help, Roy. Rivant's throne is being usurped by a bunch of rebels, led by one of the king's advisors. I was previously her guardian but I came back to Amestris when your dad became Fuhrer."

"I see. You want me to help put the control of Rivant's throne back into the hands of the king." Faris shifted uncomfortably and Anri watched his nephew intently.

"No, Roy. It's already too late for that. I need you... to help Faris gain control of the throne."

"What?"

"You heard me. She is the only heir left, and rebels are sure to be looking for her. She's one reason I've been... away."

"NO WAY!"

Roy's head whipped around to the door and he instantly regretted the action as spasms of pain shot through it. Faris hissed and slid a dagger out of the bottom of her boot, slinging it through glass window in the door and into whoever was outside.

Unfortunately, that whoever was Leroy. He stumbled inside, trying to wrench the dagger out of his now bleeding chest. "What the hell was that for, you... you..." Faris glared at him, daring him to say more and Leroy backed down. "Hmph. There's no reason to throw daggers at people even if you are a... a..." he seemed unable to come to grips with what had passed between them.

Faris pouted angrily and refused to look at him. "You're especially irritating, even for a man from Amestris!"

"Are your parents really... gone?"

Faris looked at him quickly over her shoulder and looked back out the window. "Yeah. They were shot." She caught the look of pity on Leroy's face. "Don't go feeling sorry for me now! It's none of your business anyway!" Leroy hesitated and then put his hand on her shoulder. "It's okay, you know. To cry. I know I'd be bawling if Mom and Dad were gone." Faris's shoulders shook and she brushed his hand off roughly. "You don't know what you're talking about! Just leave me alone!"

Anri looked at Roy and his nephew smiled knowingly. Anri shook his head. "Roy, maybe we should talk to Riza about Aquorya. Roy laughed. "Oh, she's quite happy. She's never had the chance to see Aquorya before, it'll be a real treat. Myself, I've only been there once..." he said as he and Anri left.

"You sure you'll be okay?"

Faris sniffed and glared at him yet again. "Of course I will! Just... go away... we'll be at Aquorya soon. I just want to be by myself."

"Alright... if that's what you want..." he stopped at the door. "Anri said you could read chimera's thoughts... can you really?" she nodded and smiled at him for the first time.

"I can float too."

22 up, have fun guys. Review please, review! I won't be able to post much until Wednesday, since I'm finally going on vacation. Until then, g'bye peoples! - T A

Apparition7: I know, Faris seemingly popped out of nowhere, but she has been Anri's secret 'mission'. She'll be important later tho'.