The wait is over! After a long break, I've decided to finish this story. These next few chapters will be filled with new characters, story line, a new country, and the continuation of Jan learning how to fit into her new role. I'm making it my mission to finish a chapter every other week, if not to this story than Giving In because hell you guys deserve it! If this doesn't pan out like I hope then I will make sure to put cliff notes to keep you updated so I don't keep going MIA. Please enjoy, and thank you for reading!


Chapter 26: Welcome Home, Ling Yao

Janelle turned her fingers in the jet black strands, clipping the front of his bangs with precision and a gentle hand. Considering the trains rumble and shake her fingers were so steady she barely breathed. She'd cut it to his shoulders at first, then even shorter still until it spiked throughout like his old hairstyle did, back in his old body, but since Greed's new vessel matched that one of Ling's his hair was much finer than previously. She had never touched the man's hair before that time, but she could tell the difference. She cut the back short to the point she could run her fingers through it with ease, and then touched up front enough to give him that bad boy look he liked so much. It gave him a feral look and in her opinion it made him very handsome and sexy all in one. In fact, while she came around to double check her work the avarice began to smirk at her, chuckling softly in his throat.

She looked down only to feel her heart flutter with a smile, "What?"

"You're blushing." It never cease to amaze her how blunt he was but all the same she smiled, and felt her cheeks heat at the mention, "What can I say, you look good."

"All thanks to you, beautiful."

"Well," she started, "Wait no more, I'm finished." He gave her a quick glance before she patted his shoulders. He soon smiled after and ventured outside their booth for a mirror. She hoped he liked it, and in the meantime Jan began to tidy up their area with a small brush and pan to depose of the leftovers. Ling had started ordering from the menus, hungry, ready to dine and rest for the ride across the desert sands. To be honest, Jan was anxious even now. She had never been to the desert let alone riding through it on a horse. Hell, she had never rode a horse in her life! The prospect of falling off and injuring herself replayed in her head over and over again to the point it left Jan taking a breath to stop herself from over thinking it.

Which in turn gained Ling's attention, his face studying her expression then her chi, "Are you alright love?"

"Hm? Yeah, I'm-, I'm just a little nervous about tomorrow. I've never rode a horse before and I've certainly never crossed a desert in my life." She laughed as if she had lost her breath, but Ling was at her side in a moment helping her sit and put away the dust pan, "Well I won't lie to you it'll be very treacherous, and during the day the heat can get unbearable. But don't you fret, we'll be well provisioned." His hands intertwined with hers causing the girl's eyes to look up into Ling's. They were calm and confident, relieving her of any worries she may have had, "And if you like I'll show you how. Just remember to stay close." He suddenly yet gently wrapped an arm around her back and pressed his temple against hers, "Very close."

"Deal." Jan could do nothing more than smile from ear to ear feeling lucky that no else was there to eye them, but it only sparked the curiosity as her eyes sensed the emptiness around them, "Where is everyone? I mean, besides Greed. Shouldn't they've been back by now?"

"I think Bido said he was going with May to talk to the Captain about those provisions I mentioned. And Lan Fan...Well...Fu's death has been very hard on her." Janelle could see the sadness in his own eyes, no matter how much he attempted to hide it. It only made Janelle frown as she remembered Fu mentioning to thank her, to make amends, to help her. It reminded her that Fu was a very dedicated, and noble man. He deserved better.

"Sometimes lending an ear helps." He seemed to like her answer, and with a nudge of his head, "You'll find her in the caboose." That's all there was to it.

From what Janelle could remember the military officials had placed Fu at the back of the train with stacks of straw to keep his coffin from moving. The thought made her heart drop and with a sad smile Jan leaned over to kiss Ling on the cheek and patted his shoulder, "Will you tell Greed I'll be back in a few?"

"I will. Oh! If you see May and Bido tell them I've already ordered dinner, so hurry up before I eat it all." Janelle resisted a giggle but nodded all the same, "I will."

"I'm not kidding." He persisted with an evil grin.

"Oh, I know. I'll try to rush them, for their sakes." She lifted herself up and slid the door open to leave, but not before seeing Ling plastered with the happiest smile she'd seen on his face. Her whole body felt as if she was floating on air, fully in love and walking on sunshine.

At least for now. There were still so many factors to work out. Not just for their relationship, but the fact that Jen was carrying the next heir. But if history served her correctly this would her child was a bastard right? They weren't married, and she had no special surname or kingdoms to hold herself. So how was this suppose to work? Was Ling just going to tell his father without him having a conniption? Their kingdom was built on monarchy, and Ling was suppose to have more than one wife or an Empress to bare his children. Then again, Ling had already said he wanted no one else. The thought of this whole situation getting out of hand made her sick at different unwanted prospect but in the end it was up for Ling to decide what he wanted to do. And Jan did not feel like she was anywhere near being a Empress, in fact, she was slightly starting to feel more than less, as if she had just made an even bigger ripple in the ocean than she meant to.

All worries diminished when she reached the caboose, and as she opened the main door she closed it to find little light in it. She bumped into a stack of hay which caused her to stumble and forcefully sit herself on it while the cart continued to sway, "My Lady, is that you?" Lan Fan's voice called from further in.

Although it did not pass by that Lan Fan was now calling Jan by something else, "My Lady? That's a new one. I thought Janelle was a good name." She was joking of course, but the silence gave all the notion that Janelle did not land the jest, "How are you holding up? I'm willing to listen if you need someone to talk to." Lan Fan turned fully to Jan, her eyes tired and from what Janelle could tell she had been crying. She could sympathize. She knew the feeling all too well, "Forgive me, my Lady, but did the Lord put you up to this?"

"No." Jan was confused by the question but came to sit closer to her, " No not at all. I came because we're worried about you. I'm-, I'm sorry for your lost, Lan Fan. I've been down this road before too. I lost my father a while back and it nearly broke me. But this isn't about me, I'm only mean that I share this same pain, and it sucks, I know." Janelle's eyes softened almost sad and watered, "I'm truly sorry. No one should have to go through this."

"Thank you for your condolences. But really I'm fine. I just..." She trailed off looking to the coffin carrying her grandfather inside of it. Jan could see the head of her silhouette hunch forward in the dark and lower, almost in morning, "I can't believe he's gone. He taught me everything. Everything I ever learned or was taught, it was by him and him alone. Yet, I know what he would want of me. He would tell me to be strong and to go on to being the honorable guard of the Yao Clan that I am. But a part of me is gone now, like a hole I can not fill."

"I know. It hurts. It cuts deeper than any knife. It's going to take time and lots of it, even then the sorrow will be there, but always think of the good times. I've learned that even though our loved ones are gone they still want the best for us. So we need to keep living. For them." Jan didn't want to leave her without something to reflect on. Something to help pick up some the pieces and help her heal, "Just know, May, Ling, and me. Not just us either, Ed, Al, and Winry I'm sure they're all there for you too if you really need to reach out." Lan Fan looked to her, this time raising her head and leaving Jan to wonder if she was mad or sad or both.

But then,"Thank you. Really. Thank you. I...I know I'm not the only one grieving. You've lost your family too."

"Yes, that is true, but I have you, Ling, Greed, Ed, Al, Winry, too many to count. And it feels wonderful." Leaving on a soft note felt good, and in better news Janelle had remembered another reason why she came to her when her stomach abruptly cut the quiet atmosphere with a growl. Her cheeks turned a rosy red but she couldn't help but fall into a fit of embarrassed giggles. Lan Fan couldn't resist either and fell in suit. Janelle attempted to lift herself from the stack of hay, but fell right back into when the train made a wide turn, "Well, I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. Do you want to join me or do you still need some time alone? I don't mind. I'll even make sure Ling doesn't devour it all before you've even had any. We are going to have to save our strength for tomorrow." It took the woman a moment to answer staring down at her grandfather's bedding again until she had finally had her fill, and thought about the words Janelle had said, "I think I'm ready to return now. Thank you again for talking with me. If you ever need the same of me..." She trailed off before continuing, "I am here for you, my Lady."

"Thank you Lan Fan. It really means alot." There after they headed back to their cart, seeing Ling and Greed on one side. Bido and May on the other. They had been served with the food that Ling had ordered from the menu previously.

All manners of soup, dumplings, meats, pies, cakes, fruits, vegetables, fondue pots, honeyed and berry wines to wash it down as well as water. For Janelle though she only frowned at it all scrunching her nose to it and paled all at once. The smell of the savory meats and sweetness of cakes were too much to bare, so in the end Jan decided to nibble on bisquits, fruits, and the pitcher of water. She even attempted to nibble on a pieces of carrots, for it was all she could stomach, but again her stomach seemed to turn on her.

She sat between Greed and Ling trying to keep up with their converstion on the fact that this food had to cost a bundle during which this time the Prince had reassured it wasn't as before when it came to stealing food or running up Ed's tab. This time the food was paid for expenses, and it wasn't just the food. Roy and the new named Furher had commanded they were to be escorted back to Xing by 50 men, and when they would arrive in Youswell (a small mining town and main border to the desert), they would have horses ready for them, rations, medical supplies, wagons and more. It was quite overwhelming to say the least but she understood their reasoning and was all too grateful, "Are you going to eat that?" Janelle soon realized she had been lost in thought again merely nibbling on some honeydew melon before she looked over to see Ling pointing down at a chicken sandwhich she had on a plate courtesy of Greed who was determined to feed her more than nibbles of fruits and vegetables.

His face was riddled with crumbs but Jan had hardly seemed to notice as she took a slice, "Maybe." She said with a grin before taking a bite, and then another, "Let her eat Ling, she' barely eats as it is." Greed tried to say before he bit down into his burger. "Thereth plenthy for e'eryone." He tried to say with a mouth full of food. Janelle looked at him as he sucked some of the fallen condiments off his fingers while she chewed on a piece of peach, "Oh don't worry, if you don't finish your food, Greed, I'm sure he'll be more than happy to help you finish it." He eyed her chuckling as he licked his lips, "He'll have to fight me for it."

Ling made a sound of amusement as he grabbed for a full bowl of what looked like Pho, a noodle soup with broth, vegetables, meat, and eggs. It looked so good, it was such a shame that Janelle felt so ill.

"Is that a challenge?" He quipped.

"Not tonight, Prince. After this I'm getting some rest. Who knows when's the next time we'll get a chance like this. The rest of you should too."

"I agree with the homunculus my Lord, you and my Lady should rest up for the desert."

"The desert heat will be unbareable, that's for certain. I'm not exactly tired, but I admit I'm quite wiery. The day has been a long one wouldn't you say?" As if on command Janelle yawned catching Ling's attention and he smiled, "Janelle has the right idea."

"Huh?" In mid yawn she shook her head and a finger at him, "No, no, I'm not tired. I took a nap before we left. If anything I need a book. I'm bored. Anyone have a newspaper or something I can read?"

"Here there's one under the seat." May exclaimed happily handing it over to her, "Thank you."

"You're welcome. So, you've never been to Xing before?" The little girl asked excited.

"No never, but I'm anxious to see it all. To be honest I never saw much beyond my state back home, but I always wanted to."

"Now you'll get to!" May replied, "I promise you'll love it! Especially now that we'll be able to reunite our clans. I'm curious, does that mean you're going to be one of Ling's wives now?" The question caused Greed to spit out his drink. Janelle had fallen quiet, Bido had stifled a laugh and Ling had flushed red when he snapped his attention towards May, who, bless her heart, didn't seem to find anything wrong with the question. Unfortunately, the down side was this would not be the last time Janelle would hear of this, she knew, "May that's rude!" Lan Fan hissed attempting to keep her voice down.

"Did you say wives? Also, isn't it a little early to be thinking about marriage?" Greed asked with a funny look on his face.

"But you three are having a baby together aren't you?"

"That's a different matter." Ling said speaking up.

"How?"

"It's none of your business May, they'll do it when they're ready." Greed finally snipped.

"You're acting as if I asked something absurd, but this is normal standard for Xingese culture!"

Janelle could hear Greed's tone seething with irrtants when he gave a great attempt to keep a poker face, and she herself was finding it hard not to sweat through her clothes or choke on her own food when May put in the perspective. Yet the girl took a slow drink of water and attempted to respond for both of the boys who seemed determined not to make things awkward, "We'll see, you never know..." She thought she had answered casually but it came out strained as if some invisible force had her around the throat. When the room went quiet she took one last bite of the carrot and made an attempt to genuinely smile.

Before the silent air became too suffocating Ling sat up straightening his shoulders and crossed his arms, an expression befalling his face that was unreadable until he spoke, "I wasn't going to say anything until we got to Xing," he started, "But our clans will probably want some sort of arrangement, I'll admit...But I'm going to refuse it."

"What?!" May was the only one surprised by this along with panda who made the same expressions as her, but Ling put up a finger to quiet her, "Listen, I know this isn't how our culture does things. Usually it's done by marrying off their daughters to the next emperor because of so many assassinations and political issues so we unite our families by marriage, but if anything has come from this journey it's that love comes in many shapes and in many forms. If I play my cards right, I won't need to marry all of those women and we can still keep the peace." Janelle took a small breath sitting quietly wanting to smile and laugh and pull Ling into a never ending rain of kisses, but instead she merely listened carefully, because this would not be an easy thing. Not at all, "Do you think it's wise, my Lord? The clans will surely have an issue with that."

"Not unless we can appease them. I'll figure something out. After all, Jan will be the next Lady of the court." Janelle nearly lost her breath then and there when he looked over and smiled lovingly at her. She didn't know why but as she smiled at him her lips quivered oddly, which caused Ling to look on concerned, "Jenny you look pale. Are you alright?"

"I'm...feeling alittle ill is all. Must be motion sickness. Do you mind if I step out for second?" Ling was the one to answer with a careless smile, or what he played off as one, and Jan thought nothing of it, "Do you need one of us to go with you?" He offered.

"No, I'll be okay I just need to wash my face and I'll be right as rain." She attempted to give a laugh but it almost came out as if she were out of breath causing Ling to lose his face. He looked worried now, "I hope this didn't upset you. I promise we'll work things out when we get to Xing. You have my word." It was reassuring, truly. She could only smile to her Prince and kiss his cheek, as well as Greed's before she made her way for the door, "I know. It's okay."

"I didn't mean to offend you Miss!" Jan didn't want May to feel guilty for merely asking a question so she smiled even softer to the little girl and touched her shoulder, "You have nothing to worry about, May. No hard feelings I promise." The air around her still felt uncomfrotable and from the corner of her eye she could feel Ling and Greed staring at her, "I won't run off. Just give a minute." Jan exited without a word and slid the door behind her as she left. Little did they realize she had leaned against it in order to take a deep awaited breath, still being able to hear them on the other side of the door, "Nice goin' kid, couldn't have made it more awkward." Greed wasn't hiding the sarcasm, and May was quick to pick up on it, scoffing, "Hey, I said I was sorry, I didn't think it was a sensitive subject and when we return I won't be the only one asking! There are many clans who wish to have their daughters married to the next Emperor to keep the peace, you think his highness is going to be okay with his son marrying one woman, a woman from another world who doesn't know our customs may I remind you?"

"Who says she can't learn our customs? I will speak to my father about this when the time is right, and he will hear me. We have the stone, and the clans can still thrive with their daughters being married into the family. Hell, I have 12 brothers who need wives and another 12 who already have been wedded off to some of those clans may I add? So, I think we can manage. I'll be honest, some may not be too keen on the idea about me being with her on the account of titles or what not, but that doesn't matter to me. No matter what any one says, this is the woman I want at my side when I become Emporer. If they wish to fight me on this, so be it. Let's not forget, I'm sure they'll feel the same way about Greed as well. So let them fight amongst themselves."

"Hey." Jan could sense Grees glaring at him, something that always made her smile on the inside when Ling would be quick to quip.

"Oh wow, that's so romantic!" Hearing them speak made the girl's lips pull into a smile she couldn't control and her heart fluttered like wild butterflies. She knew this wouldn't be an easy task for anyone. Especially Ling. He had been waiting for this his whole life and now that it was here Janelle did not want to be a reason to ruin his chances. Although, if he felt as if his clan would accept her, she could only hope and pray for at least a nice introduction.

When she walked to the bathroom to wash her face, she tried to think of the positives. She knew that Ling would never do something without her consent, but when she thought about the situation with herself and the boys it only caused her to feel guilty.

Was she not being selfish? Having two men as her boyfriends?

Yet here she was thinking of the fact that his country would want him to marry more than one woman to keep the clans united. Why did this feel so awkward? Why did she feel so...Scared? It's fine. I'm overthinking it. If I have more questions Ling will tell me truthfully. He always does. After drying her face Janelle started to feel nauseous from all the motion, so she left to the end of the cart, and walked out side, leaning away from the doorway and up to the bars where she held on tight as she breathed in the fresh air.

It felt good against her skin, and the change of scenery had taken her away from all the anxiety she had been feeling. Meeting a family was one thing but meeting a dynasty of clans would surely leave her feeling naked as they prick and prodat the new comer. They wouldn't look at her as ordinary girl once they found out about her being from another world, and the thought of a courtroom of people bombarding her with questions made her knit her hands together. She took another deep breath clearing her mind of any troubles by closing her eyes and listening to the sound of the wheels moving on the tracks. She didn't know how long she had stayed like that but it must've been enough time for the others to notice because the next thing she knew someone had touched her elbow gently.

She turned to see Ling, heartsore, but before she had time to react he embraced her from around the shoulders and pulled her into his chest until they were nose to nose, "You know you're face gets very still when you're upset right?" The notice made the girl scoff and giggle at him before she attempted to kiss him, but he pulled away.

Janelle was confused so he continued, "That and your chi's shooting through the roof. That convseration really upset you, I can tell." She surpressed a giggle when he booped the tip of his nose with hers. She saw his expression had eased a little, but she could also see he had more to say, "Are you that worried about meeting my family? I'm not upset with you if you are, I mean it's alot to take in, I know. We should've had more time to discuss this... I'm sorry."

"No, please don't. I should've known this was coming. I...I was being selfish."

"Selfish how? We fell in love, it's as simple as that; and the same goes for Greed too, because our story isn't like everyone else's. We were sharing the same body, and even now sometimes it feels like we're still connected. We still share thoughts, and feelings," He cupped her face with a soft hand and brought her into a small feverish kiss, foreheads leaning against the other until he pulled mere inches away, "and everything we've been through hasn't change that. It was worth it. Please believe me when I say it's just the three of us. You, me, and Greed. So don't feel selfish."

"I'm sorry I worried you. I just started thinking about everything and I felt some fresh air would do me some good."

"Did it?" He asked smiling sweetly.

"Yes. Very much." She replied returning the smile.

"Then that's all that matters to me. Come on, Geed's probably losing his mind."

"It's not that bad with the girls is it?" She joked, but the look he gave was more than enough to give it away. "It's not his idea of a good time let's just say that." He retorted zany.

"Oh boy the joys of sensing chi, huh?" Ling blinked at her surprised before he gave a heart filled laugh, snaking his hand into hers while they took their time walking back.


By morning the train had awaken Jan by the blow of its whistle. Nearly startled and looking around forgetfully she found Ling still laid at her chest and Greed having a limp arm laid around her waist while he leaned himself near the window with his coat bundled up behind him like a pillow. A sudden smile took her face as she ran her fingers through Ling's bangs, while the other reached behind her to do the same to Greed. One Long, the other short. She felt a ping in the lower pit of her abdomen when the thoughts of being alone, secluded and away from prying eyes. It made her loins ache. Her heart drummed in her ears until she was lightly breathy. She needed to move, she was aching so bad it hurt. The more she thought about it, the worse it got. The thought of both of them trapping her between them, kissing her and biting her and licking her and grabbing her and fucking her. It made her want to lose her mind.

She shifted her hips back when both of the boys began to move against her in their sleep. She couldn't help but bite her lip to surpress the urge to make a sound when Ling pressed his face against her breast muffling something inaudible. Greed was starting to shift as well, forwarding into her with a hum rumbling through his chest. His hips rolled against hers as a hand reached for her side, giving it a light subtle squeeze. He was about to go further by sliding in between her thighs but her hand flew from his hair to his hand. Her eyes had darted over to Lan Fan and May who were both starting to wake from the sound of the whistle, yet everyone seemed reluctant to get up.

It was then she heard(and felt) a mischievious chuckle come from the impish man behind her. She turned to see him looking down at her with a brazen smirk across his lips and a hungry look in his eyes. Her cheek bones were scattered pink, and she was sure Ling could hear her heart beat racing through her shirt, yet he had made no indication to show that he was awake. Just then the avarice pressed his hot mouth against the shell of her ear and whispered cooly, "I want to watch Ling eat you out so bad." She swallowed back nothing but a swollen tongue. She was trying ever so hard to keep her composure, but she could feel his tongue taking a slow long lick across the back of her ear until he was kissing her hair line. He was inconspicuously clawing his nails into her skin, and every so often he would squeeze to keep her twitching. It was absolute torture. She could feel volts of electricity running through her arms and back side. It didn't help when she peered down to see Ling peeking up at her with that same hungry stare that Greed had. She wanted to whimper at him. Her body was shaking from the anticipation, and it would be days before they would find the time to be alone.

As if on queue the horn blew again to alert the people boarding and the ones departing. If there was anyone still asleep they weren't now.

It caused all three of them to pull away from one another and begin to sit up and readjust, even Janelle attempted to play it off by sitting up and stretching her arms and legs before standing up, trying hard to push aside the fact that her underwear was soaking wet.

"Good morning everyone." May greeted with her little panda friend sounding off. The girls rubbed their eyes of sleep and began to tidy up what they could as well as the others.

Once departed from the train Janelle's eyes wondered around the mining sites to the houses and stores, as well as an inn that laid in the middle of the small town, "So, this is Youswell."

"Yes. Judging by those horses I'm assuming that's our ticket home." Greed pointed to the countless soldiers mounting and saddling their horses. Some stood around mounted and ready to go, while others talked and laughed with their comrade in arms. Janelle could see all of them in light weighted cloaks over their attire to protect them from the painful heat with weapons slung over their backs to protect them from any unexpected danger.

They all walked through what felt like a field length of men all dressed the same from head to toe (others were the townfolk who dressed in civilian clothing or mining gear) before the group had found the superior officer. He was being asked over a dozen questions and gave direct orders with a stern bark of his voice.

When they had reached the man the cadets had dispersed, but he still had his back turned to them. Ling was the first to speak, "I believe we were suppose to come to you regarding the delegation?Captain Nygus, right?" The man was very tall and broad with short buzzed white-blonde hair. Janelle could see a trail of smoke rising from his strong jaw line of a mouth, and the smell of cigarettes hit the girl's nose making her instantly sick, but she tried hard to endure it. The strong man, Nygus, turned to them and placed the clipboard at his side to greet them with a proud grin, "Ah! You must be Ling Yao, The soon-to-be Emperor of Xing I hear! A pleasure, your entourage awaits you!" He had a gravelly laugh, loud and hearty, and for a man of his age he seemed very energetic, "Mustang has already given me the 'go ahead'. We can leave whenever you're ready." The Captain led them to the well prepared horses that were posted near a well. All of the horses were brown mares and chestnut geldings and stallions ready for the road (or sand) ahead. Although Jan had petted horses and watched others ride them before, but that was different from her riding once when she was four, and that was at a zoo!

She was brave though, straightening her back and tightening her hands on both of the men next to her. She could feel how clammy her palms were and she was sure the boys could tell how nervous she was, but no one seemed to make mention of it. "We can't thank you enough Captain."

"Any time. I will take you as far as your boarders but after that you should have your people waiting for you. I assuming everyone here knows how to ride a horse?" Janelle wanted to object, but merely listened, " I think we'll manage. If we need help we'll give you a holler."

"Alright. I need to get our soldiers moving so when you're ready meet us on the outskirts, my men are ready on your mark your majesty."

"Heh, I'm not Emperor yet. i need to cross the desert first." Ling replied nervously itching the back of his head.

"We'll be fine." Greed seemed impatient to start already, but kept his hand in Jan's when he nudged his head towards the horses, "Horses aren't that hard to steer as long as you know how to keep them calm."

"Well, if you know everything Mr. hot shot have at it. Like I said, Ling Yao, if you need anything don't be afraid to ask, especially your lady friend there." Nygus pointed at Jan, who hoped he was talking about someone else other than her. She pointed to herself, "Me?"

"Yes you Miss, you look as if you've never seen a horse before." She didn't even seem to realize it, and when the others turned to her she felt her face grow hot, "Honestly, I've never rode a horse before so..."

"It'll be okay. I said I'd show you how, didn't I? Come, how about we pick out a good starter, what do you say?" Ling walked her to the choices of horses. She looked among them, but they all looked the same to her except for a few that had spots or otherwise. As she scanned her eyes fell upon one that was chewing on some hay contently, shaking it head when a few flies decided to land on it's eye, "How about her? She's not too tall so you can mount her with ease." Ling reached out to pet her and she leaned into it like a pup, "She's sweet too." Jan felt the urge to want to pet her too and slow reached out to her long neck and softly patted her. The mare seemed to like it all the same, "Do you need some help up, doll?"

"Uh-, yeah. So I just put my foot through these?"

"Yes, those are the stirrups, now make sure to throw your leg over her when you pull yourself up. Kind of like you're jumping a log."

"Okay."

"Now grab the pommel here babe, so you can pull yourself up. Yeah, there you go!" In one light lift Greed was able to push her up into the seat with ease. She looked around her feeling accomplished but still nerves, "You see? You're already a pro." The avarice smirked, so was Ling. Both of them looked on proudly, "And before you know it you'll be riding like you were meant for it."

"Don't jinx me please, we haven't even left the station." She laughed getting the reins ready in her lap.

"Don't worry we'll be by your side the whole way. If she goes AWOL just remember not to fall. Keep a hard grip."

"Alright. I will." Just then a man in a cloak and a soldiers attire had approached them with the same biege-brown cloths stacked and folded, enough for all of them, "The Captain requested me to hand these to you. It'll be hotter than hell so you'll want these.."

"Thank you." May said happily. So did Lan Fan and the others, "Yes, you're too kind." The man saluted before he left. Once they were all covered they were given canteens for water, sugar cubes and carrots for the horses, fresh fruit for themselves, dates, canned bisquits and reserves.

The afternoon was hastily approaching, and by then the group was more than ready to depart. The soldiers stood in rows all around them with reins in hand and waiting patient for their mark. Their Captain's mark.

Janelle could see Nygus all the way in front, but from where she stood he was many yards away, yet his voice boomed loud enough for everyone is Youswell to hear him clearly, "ALRIGHT MEN THIS IS IT! OUR MISSION IS CLEAR! CROSS THE DESERT UNTIL WE HIT THE XING BOARDER AND RETURN THE PRINCE HOME! THIS IS NOT JUST ANY ESCORT. THIS IS TO BE THE NEXT EMPEROR! ANY THING CAN GO WRONG WILL GO WRONG! THERE COULD NOTHING OUT THERE OR OTHERS COMING TO OBTAIN THE PRINCE HIMSELF! WHO KNOWS! BUT WE WILL SEE THIS THROUGH REGARDLESS! THIS IS AN ORDER! NOW MOVE OUT!" Like a wave the horses moved in sync, their hooves rhythmically hitting the ground as they left the small town in rows of four.

"This is it." Greed sang. Janelle gulped back and gripped her reins hard, steeling her fears and worries to make herself move forward with the rest of the litter. Ling and Greed rode beside her, making sure she didn't need help with leading the horse. Fortunately Jan had no issues when it came to leading her mare. It was directing the speed and learning how to get comfortable in the seat for long periods of time while feeling every move it made that was the difficulty. Or learning to get use to the feel of the leather reins digging and squeezing and scrapping into her hands while she attempted to balance and hold on for dear life.

This went on for days. Almost a week. By night they would huddle near campfires, some creating make shift tents (Usually by making them from their cloaks) but what was worse than anything was not being able to bathe. Only once did they ever stop to wash up and even then there were too many men and women around the small pool of water to hardly call it a bath. After that it was nothing but treacherous heat again, the occasional lizards, snakes, wild dogs, coyotes, and even scorpions.

There were times where Janelle could barely breathe, and nearly fell from her horse from heat exhaustion, but Greed was quick to pull her into his saddle to have her ride with him when it got too much. When they meant it was hot like Hell they weren't kidding. Drinking water helped but Jan really wished they were back at the water pool. It had been the 5th day, and it would soon be late afternoon when the Captain had rode in to meet the group with a satisfied look on his face, "We're getting close! Shouldn't be far now. It'll take a half an hour but we should be able to see the boarders from over those dunes!"

"Oh finally!" May exclaimed with glee, "Home sweet home!"

"I admit I'm relieved to know we're nearly free of this aweful place." Lan Fan said as well soaked through with sweat and drinking from her canteen. Jan was more than happy to say the least, she smiled up at Greed to catch him looking down upon her. He seemed just as excited to get out of the cloaks and into some fresh clothes. The thought of a real bath made Jan want to jump back on her own mare and ride to the boarder as fast as she could, but she was content riding there with Greed's arm wrapped around her while the other held onto the reins of his gelding. "You seem to be enjoying the heat Bido. It must be nice."

"There are perks to being a Lizard." He said.

"So," Jan began when there a was pause, "When we get there, what then?"

"I've already sent three of my men ahead to inform whomever they could trust about your Prince's arrival, if we're lucky maybe they'll be able to meet us before hand, Miss." Nygus was kind-spoken when he spoke to her, a warm but tired smile gracing his face. She nodded in acknowledgement then and looked to Ling as she bounced in the seat, "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go make you Emperor!" Everyone seemed to agree at the notion, and with another command the cavary was on the move again.

The wait was so anticipating. She was gripping onto Greed's hand playing with his fingers tips with her own in a fidgety manner, biting her lip and starting to shake both of her feet in excitement and anxiety, she wasn't sure which one felt more intense. It was a brand new place away from anything she had ever known. But she wasn't alone. Greed embraced her from around her arms now, trapping her to him in an attempt to get her attention. It worked quite well as she looked up above to see him hunch down to kiss her head.

"You've been calm this whole trip, is there any part of you already regretting it? You know with the heat and all." He chuckled at her, giving one of those signature smirks and shook his head, "Not at all. The heat's a bitch but let's not forget that a whole country awaiting for us. Can you imagine the luxury? We won't be livin' underground baby," He leaned into her ear like he did previously on the train, "But in a castle fit for a King."

"And there'll be windows too." She joked just above a whisper getting the avarice to laugh, "I'm guessing the dark doesn't suit you."

"Not in the least."

"There will be plenty of windows to look through," Ling replied adding in, "and balconies, bridges that connect to different parts of the palace. Bath halls that could fit 40 people if not more. The baquet halls are even great, bigger, and the throne room could hold the whole city of Luliang."

"Is that where the boarder is as well? Or is Lu..Lu-," Ling couldn't resist the sound of a stifle and attempted to help her, "Lu-Li-ang. I know it's a little odd to pronounce, but no, when we hit the boarder we will be in Shanxi, a town known for it's markets and traders. They have everything you can imagine there. Silks, leathers, barrels of different drinks from all across the world, and all manner of animals, foods, trinkets, saffron, spices and herbs, you name it."

"I'm tempted to make a pit stop if you keep talking like that." Greed warned all in jest, in turn Ling looked over his shoulder to the avarice and smiled, "Maybe we will. But really, once everything's settled, I'll be more than happy to show my country. May wasn't kidding when she said it had it's beauty. The mountains in Amestris may be brown or green but ours can be as dark as obsidian, or as deep as the midnight sky. Instead of green leaves during the spring, they're a vibrant purple and blue with white tips. The fall leaves are just as colorful, they're so bright with red and orange sometimes the whole valley looks as if it glows."

"The more I hear about it the more it sounds too good to be true. It all sounds so pretty."

"Well, have no fret love, we're almost home." Home. Janelle's heart swelled with glee and even at the thought of that simple little word. After Ling had mentioned everything the only thing Jan wanted to see was the landscapes and it's people, it's cities and it's architectures. The trees and the mountains, the rivers and oceans and cities. It was all too surreal, especially when they had made it over the last dunes. When they had made it to the top Janelle could see clearly at the vastly wide city before her and at the beginning of it meant the end of the desert. "Oh my goodness I've never been more happy to see civilization than right now."

"You're not the only one." Greed tapped at the side of his gelding and moved along the side of Jan's mare. Ling was trotting next to them with a laid back smile on his face eating one of his rations from his saddle bag. Bido came up beside Janelle's mountless horse and May was beside him. Lan Fan referred the back in order to keep her guard up and close to the wagons behind her. The rest of the way was quiet. Maybe because everyone was tired and dirty and all they wanted was to fall into a bath or a bed or food or a lover's arms.

Jan looked around her to see the mellow mood and heard the sound of the sandy winds as it blew across the air. That mixed with the beads of sweat running down her face made for a delicious cool breeze.

Now they had finally made it to the edge of the boarder when there was an abrupt, "HALT!" Echoing through the high sandy moutains that narrowed through the valley itself. The soldiers stopped to the Commander, and so did the cartel in the center who were all looking around cautiously to look for what was amidst, "What's happening?" Bido asked raising his neck as far as it would let him trying to see over the crowd.

"Hell if we know. Ling are you sensing anything?" Greed looked from the crowd of soldiers to the Prince who seemed distracted, "Ling?" Before he could answer the Captain had yelled for Ling as well. Everyone in the group had turned to the superior officer to see his face stern and serious, "We got a problem, Prince. There's a series of men in some kind of...I don't know what they are, but I can't see their faces. They're demanding to see you. They say they want proof that you're the son you claim to be or they won't let us pass. I didn't want to-," Before he could finish Greed's body had jerked the horse side ways to get a better view from behind the Captain, "Greed, are you okay?" It startled Janelle but when she too began to hear the sound of men yelling and cursing and crying out she couldn't help but look to the shadows walking over the soldiers on their horses with awed eyes. Her mouth dropped open in shock and before she could think to respond Greed yelled out to the others, "Heads up!" He shielded his body, about to back up the horse again to prepare for the incoming assault but he was too slow. Janelle gasped so loud she was sure they heard; strangers in decorative masks and what resembled shinobi's landed in front of them with Hokko's, Bo's, and what looked like Morning Stars. She could feel her face paling, and her eyes looked from the shinobi's to Ling. Her heart was thumping against her ears. Were these foes? She couldn't be sure.

Suddenly, one of the strangers began to speak, "So rumor has it that the 12th Prince of Xing is back?" Ling was still and calm. He neither spoke nor made a gesture. He merely stared at the person unphased, until they made a jab at him. Jan nearly jumped out of her seat but Greed held her down close to him protectively, ceasing her motion to attempt anything reckless, "No, don't." He muttered through clenched teeth. He nearly growled when one of the other mysterious strangers stepped forward in front of their horse to halt them, "Don't move!" They yelled to them.

Jan, Greed and the rest had to stand by watching helplessly as Ling dodged and leaned and jumped at every move, one after the other. The Prince back flipped over his saddle and landed on the ground gravefully, but he wasn't finished. The masked figure took their Hokko in both hands and began to attack at lightening speed, but Ling was better, leaping from side to side until he was under their legs and jumped quick to his feet to end up behind his opponent. The stranger turned in an attempt to strike him, but Ling grabbed onto their Hokko and kicked their stomach, enough to push them onto their back. Jan let go of the breath she had been holding onto subconsciously and nearly teared up with relief.

But then, Ling began to smile, and laugh. He was laughing? It all made sense in an instant when he gave an open welcomed hand to the fallen person, "It's been awhile, hasn't it? I thought for sure you said you'd beat me the next you saw me. So what happen? Have you gotten soft?" He teased.

"Ha! No your grace, you've just gotten better!" They held eachother at the elbows and looked at one another as if they had known each other all their life, "It's good to see you again, cousin."


Next: Chapter 27: Shanxi