This chapter is inspired by Hilary Duff's song called "No Work, All Play" off of her 4th studio album called "Dignity."

Misae - White Sun (Osage, Native American)

Shappa - Red Thunder (Sioux, Native American)

Qaletage - Guardian Of The People (Hopi, Native American)

Inola - Black Fox, and Cheasequah - Red Bird (Cherokee, Native American)

Alchemist Chronicles

Chapter 37 - No Work, All Play

Continued from the previous chapter.

AJ - "He ... he knows something about my father."

Al and Grumman look at her surprised.

Grumman - "And what has you so sure?"

Al is about to say something until he sees her with a distressed expression. He rubs her back in comfort. She looks up as he stops. "My father's name is Medesto Matos. Back when I lived with him, it was in Cornwall Ridge. Roxy told me before she left that she was gonna try to find him for me. But I haven't heard from her since Ed's wedding. ... It's just (She sighs) )I just... I need closure, Fuhrer Grumman."

Grumman sighs and replies. "You understand that I can't just allow you -"

She interrupts Grumman and sighs. "I know." Grumman and Al look at her confused again.

She shyly looks away from the Fuhrer, depressed and holding her arm.

Grumman looks around her to Al. "Alphonse, you may leave." Al stands up. Before he closes the door, he looks back at Janine once more before he closes the door behind himself.

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About a half an hour later, Janine emerges from the office. Al rushes over to her. "Hey, is everything-" "I don't even know what to do anymore. I mean I want to see him again." She sighs as she tells him in a sad tone. Al looks at her sadly. "But I don't want the both of them to-to feel like I'm trying to replace them cuz I'm not. I won't ever do it." She says with a cracked voice, covering her mouth and shaking.

Covering her face as she starts crying. Al pulls her into a hug. He starts crying as well, thinking about his own father.

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Once the Emperor reenters The Hall Of Moulding, he sits and faces his guests and fellow men and women of Xingese heritage. "I am pleased to inform you that we will be having some very special guests visiting us in a few days."

Ling - "And who do we have the pleasure of-"

Emperor - "That doesn't concern any of you at this moment. In due time, my son." Ling respectfully bows to his father.

Walking the guest to their rooms, Ling asks Ed. "So has Al decided in regards to my offer on the table? It still stands."

Ed shrugs his shoulders. "I haven't asked him in a while. He's probably more focused on his girlfriend anyway."

Ling stops and looks at Ed. He stops as well. Ling grins. "Is there another wedding soon, perhaps?"

Ed smirks. "Like he would invite you."

Ling - "Hey! I'm his friend!"

Ed raises one of his eyebrows. "Are you sure?"

Ling - "Of course!" While Ed and Ling bicker back and forth, Lan-Fan pulls Roy and Riza to the side.

Lan-Fan - "Can you tell me more about these Natives, General, and Riza?"

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The next morning in Central, Janine finishes her runs for the day and makes it back to the Fuhrer's office by the afternoon. Al is waiting for her down in front once the day is over.

Walking her home, AJ heads straight to her room, reemerging moments later, holding something. "Let's head over to the bar." She tells Al.

Arriving at the bar, Vanessa spots them as she's leaving. "Oh hey! Come right on in. She's been waiting for you."

Making it to the stools at the counter, Madam Christmas walks out from the back room, nudging her head for AJ to follow her. Al stays behind since he starts up a conversation with both Natalie and Stephanie.

Sitting across from her. "How was the trip?" Chris asks AJ. "It was ok, to say the least. This new president is definitely not a social one like the previous one before him." Chris chuckles. "Anything else?" She asks her daughter.

AJ then pulls out her photo that she grabbed from her room and takes a deep breath. "I've been wanting to show you something that I've had for a while now." She hands Chris the picture. Chris looks at it then looks back at AJ afterward. "And this is-?"

AJ - "It's my real parent's wedding picture. Roxy snuck it into my bag before I left Table City awhile back. She also left me a note along with it."

Chris - "Their names. Do you finally remember them?" AJ nervously looks down and away. In a sad voice, she tells her. "Do you think that if I ever see my father again, I'll forget about the both of you? Because I won't. I don't want you or him to think like that."

Chris - "And we won't dear. I understand." "Roxy told me their names. That's embarrassing! Their own daughter can't even remember a simple thing like that!" AJ yells as her tears start to fall.

Chris tells her. "I want you to hear me out, little one. (AJ looks back at Chris as Chris holds AJ's hand) As I've told you before. Whatever flaws you've got, work on them. Don't run or push aside any pain that you feel. It's a struggle every day, I get it. Life's not a big high for everybody so don't push yourself in the wrong direction. And don't walk away from its challenges either. Tough it out because they will make you stronger, baby girl. Remember that." AJ immediately stands and pulls Chris into a hug. "Thanks, Momma." "You're welcome."

After a few minutes pass. "Medesto Matos and Nara Rambo. That's their names." Janine whispers to Chris. She adds. "My grandparents on my mother's side were John Rambo and Dolores Long. I'm not too sure about my father's side though." She sighs. Backing up a bit. Chris grabs AJ's cheeks. "Good luck with the task at hand of tomorrow."

Chris kisses AJ on her forehead. "Thanks, Ma," Janine replies as they embrace each other once more.

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As they finally make it The Imperial City of Xing, The Emperor himself is at the gates, waiting for them.

Ed, Roy and his team, Ling and his brothers and sisters, Lan-Fan, Mao and a whole bunch of other either family, friends of the Emperor or top rank military personnel are waiting for the Emperor's return in the Hall from the front gates.

Emperor - "Welcome to Xing, all of you." Each of them thank him and shake his hand upon entry into Xing. "Please follow me back to The Imperial Palace."

Making it back to The Imperial Palace, The Emperor emerges as the double doors to The Hall Of Moulding open up. Behind the Emperor, Roy spots several Natives walking in front of someone. Ed points out. "Hey, isn't that Rue?"

Roy - "Yeah and next to and behind him is Misae, Cheasequah, Shappa, and Inola." Looking a bit closer, they see her as well. "Honiahaka," Ed says. Ling looks at Ed with a curious expression.

Ling then looks forward, noticing Janine as well. She is dressed in Native attire with her hair in a side braid. Ed then notices his brother Al next to her and the Fuhrer of Amestris with his guards on all sides around him behind Al, AJ, and the Natives who are wielding bow and arrows. Behind the Fuhrer is Scar, Miles, Scar's Mentor and several other Ishvalans with weapons over their shoulders.

The Emperor takes his seat and the guest takes their seats in front of him. The Natives and the Ishvalans look around. The Emperor then introduces his guests. "My fellow Xingese men and women, boys and girls. We are in the presence of not only the Indigenous Natives but also the Ishvalans as well. The Fuhrer of Amestris has also joined us in this gathering as well. It was with his help that both of these exceptional races are here. Thank You, Fuhrer Grumman." The Emperor then bows to Grumman. Grumman bows back respectfully as well.

Grumman - "You are quite welcome, Emperor YuanLong." The Emperor nods and turns to Rue and asks. "Are you the Chieftain of the Natives?"

Rue nods his head. "No. But I am what my people call a Qaletage. One of the 5 guardians of the people. I am here on behalf of our chieftain, who couldn't make due to his age." "Very well. I understand." The Emperor replies.

Scar's Mentor - "On behalf of myself and my people Emperor YuanLong, I thank you for welcoming us too." He bows and Rue bows as well and the others including AJ follow his lead. The Emperor respectfully bows back to all of them.

Emperor then spots Al. "Alphonse Elric. It's good to see you again." He smiles at the younger Elric. Al smiles back and says. "It's good to see you too, Emperor. Thank you." "And the young lady next to you, Al?" The Emperor asks.

Grumman speaks instead. "That is Miss Rambo. The young lady you requested." The Emperor looks at AJ and says. "You may now introduce yourself."

AJ stands and begins. "Thank you, Emperor, of Xing. I am Janine Rambo. Honiahaka of the Natives. It's an honor to finally meet you." She bows to the Emperor who returns one in return.

Emperor - "Tell me, child, what is your lineage?" She tells him. "Well, that's quite a combo." He smiles and chuckles. "Very interesting."

Grumman - "She is also a Sargent in the Amestrian Military." The Emperor looks at her surprised. "This child is a soldier? Are there more?" He asks. Grumman replies. "There was one before her but he had retired a few years ago, only to recently volunteer his final dutiful services one last time." The Emperor then looks at Ed. "And that other child was him, correct?" Grumman nods his head.

Rue then asks the Emperor. "With all due respect Emperor YuanLong, where has the enemy breached your country's border?"

The Emperor replies. "Our bordered walls and boundaries can only hold on for so long over to the east at Xizang. It has been a daily struggle to keep them at bay. Recently, Three of our military bases were attacked deliberately overnight sporadically within the past year and a half with major causalities and much of our weapons destroyed including one our main primary manufacturing warehouses. Hiring recruits and training them with limited time on our hands hasn't been easy. That is why I am asking for all of your assistance in my country's matter."

He continues. "Mr. Grumman. Since my 17th daughter May Chang and my 12th son Ling Yao, who is next in line for the throne, helped Amestris out with the events of the passed Promised Day, I would assume that by helping us out will count as a return of favor, correct?"

Grumman smiles. "Of course. My men and women are ready when you are."

May points to Janine who looks back at her. "Will she be joining us? I mean, you can't be serious, right?" AJ looks back at her Fuhrer without saying anything. Mao catches Roy's concern expression at AJ. Grumman looks at May but the Emperor interrupts him before he has a chance to talk.

Emperor - "You are attempting to cross a boundary that doesn't require any attention at the moment, young Chang."

May looks at her father, confused "Huh?" "He means Shut Up, May," Ling tells her. A few other Xingese men and women sigh or snicker with laughter at the remark. May then rolls her eyes at Ling and AJ looks forward again.

Rue and Scar's Mentor stand side by side. Scar's Mentor asks. "We would like to ask before the day shall arrive."

Rue adds. "We wish for all parties involved to have their treaties and agreements established and finished prior." The Emperor nods his head and requests Grumman, Rue and Scar's Mentor to follow him to The Military-Political-Affair Setup Quarters in the next building. Everyone else is to remain in the current building that they are in.

After waiting a minute or so after when her father leaves, May attempts to sneak by Ling but Mao stops her. "May, is something wrong?" May looks at Mao then back at AJ. Grabbing his arm and pulling him forward, they head straight over to her.

May - "Hey!" May shouts, AJ turns around and faces May. "Why are you even here if you aren't even gonna help us? Do you even care or is this just a stunt and you're not really a Native?"

Mao whispers to his fiance before AJ could say anything. "My dear, what are you doing? She and her people are honorary guests in our country and you are disrespecting them!" "Isn't it obvious? She's only here for herself. She doesn't even care about us!"

Roy - "If that was the case May (who looks at him), then why would the Natives allow her to dress like them or even walk alongside her? Why would they come here and help if there aren't any required accommodations?"

May - "Oh I don't know! Let's ask her!" May swiftly turns back to look at AJ. Al is looking at May with a stance. "So? Go on. Answer!"

AJ - "If you don't believe that I am a native, then that's your problem, not mine. After all, the one that limits their mind to only blindness won't see anything to its full potential through their own eyes."

May looks at AJ with shock/ confusion. "And what the hell does that mean?"

Misae - "You are letting your emotions cloud your behavior." May looks at her. "There's nothing in my way of what I choose to do or say!" May replies.

AJ sighs. "Must be nice to never feel any gray, May. No fog, hazes or clouds, eh? Just breezing, floating along with nonstinging tears and temporary marks, huh? Don't let yourself get caught up in the rapture of your attitude, May. It won't do anyone any good including yourself."

May scowls at AJ. "Take care and good luck tomorrow, May." AJ says as she turns around. Al walks forward and grabs AJ's hand and pulls her over to him. He then wraps his arm around her shoulder and leads her away from May.

May stands there, tightening up her fists and staring coldly at her. She then immediately takes off, running out of the Hall. Mao chases after her, calling out to her.

Ling sighs. "I was afraid of this. She's been too emotional consistently in recent after the Emperor denied the both of them of their mutual ending of their engagement." Every one of his friends looks at him in shock.

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Shortly thereafter, The Emperor returns with Grumman, Rue and Scar's Mentor. After sitting on his throne and the guests are seated as well, he notices both May and Mao's disappearance. "Ling." He asks his son. "Where are your sister and her Wèihūnfū? (fiance)"

Ling replies. "Tā yòu yǒu yīcì bēngkuì." (She had another meltdown) The Emperor then sighs in despair.

The Emperor leans back and asks Janine. "I heard from your Fuhrer that you've recently visited Aerugo. Any new pieces to the board?" AJ nods her head. "The president of Aerugo wishes to only keep the basic peace treaty with Amestris. He doesn't want to extend it."

Roy - "And why is that?" Grumman shushes him. "He still doesn't trust Amestrians," AJ replies. Al adds. "Or Natives and Xerxians as well. Don't even get me started on his rude behavior." He says as he rolls his eyes.

Looking at Al surprised, The Emperor asks. "Behavior? In what way Alphonse? Please explain." Al sighs. "He said some ignorant words if regards about you and your people, Emperor." "Continue." Al and AJ look at each other concerned before looking back at the Emperor. "He said and I quote 'I will not align myself with those desert snakes.' End quote." Al tells him.

Emperor - "Well then. That certainly ends that topic of discussion in regards to that matter. Hopefully, the next President isn't so prudent."

AJ - "I hope that because of the President of Aerugo behavior, you don't assume that every Aerugian thinks the same way he does. Because I don't."

The Emperor then stands again and requests both Janine and Grumman to follow him to the other building across from them to the Wenhua Hall. Al is ordered to stay behind. Grumman orders Mustang to follow them as well. Roy leaves Riza in charge of his team.

After when they have left, Ling asks Scar. "So how's Ishval coming along? Has any Natives or Janine visited there?"

Scar - "Yes, she and her people have visited there."

Miles - "On her first trip to Ishval, she brought along a few fellow Natives with her. It has been centuries since both races were in the same spot."

Scar - "With her help and their's, as well as the help we've been getting from Amestris. Ishval is slowing looking better than before. More work is still needed and in due time we hope to have our homeland rebuilt to what it once was."

Edward - "Would there be any chance me and my brother could visit Ishval soon?"

Miles - "Of course, Fullmetal." He smiles at Edward. Ed smiles back.

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About an hour has passed when AJ, Roy and Grumman return with the Emperor.

After The Emperor sits back down, he then spontaneously starts laughing, leaving everyone else confused. Calming himself back down, he then says. "In all of my years. I've have never seen something so indescribable, extraordinary and beautiful in one day at once." AJ smiles and nods lightly to the Emperor. "It's a shame that it's not for sale and can't be sold."

Grumman erupts into chuckles and enthusiastically replies. "If it were that easy to acquire such magnitude, then we would have a deal!" Both Superiors burst into laughter. AJ looks at Grumman with a 'Are you serious?' expression. Al chuckles at her countenance.

The Emperor then says. "Well, we shall see this display of magnitude tomorrow then, Fuhrer."

AJ, Roy, and Grumman all stand up at the same time and yell. "WHAT!"

End of Chapter 37