I am SO sorry for the belated chapter guys, I've been a busy little beaver but now I'm here and I ain't holding back. In this chapter I'm going to use Google's messed up (most likely botched) version of chinese, I think... I've tried researching all I could to get a good idea of what Xingese would be...Again I am probably wrong, but all in all I liked the way it came out. I'm am so sorry in advanced I know I botched the crap out of it, I had nothing but mere interweb to assist me, so if I've offended anyone I am terribly sorry and mean no offense. In any case I hope you all enjoy it all the same! I will be double proof reading this soon!


Phrases:

Nǐ rènwéi wǒ néng zuò dào ma - Do you think I can do it?

Shì de, wǒ xiāngxìn nǐ kěyǐ - Yes, I believe you can.

Xuéxí bùjǐn jǐn shì zuòzhe - Learning is more than sitting

Wǒ duì cǐ hěn qīngchǔ-I'm aware of that.

Qièqiè sīyǔ - Whispering Wood


Chapter 28: Yuan


Her eyes strained at the words before her, rubbing her temples and sounding out words that made her feel as if she was mucking it up regardless, her brain exploding from the many hours of learning a new language. None the less she continued from the time they left Shanxi, throughout the night and into the late morning, some with and without the assistance of Lan Fan and May. Now that she had passed the easier part of the lesson, sort of, she was now in the process of trying to read out a sentence that was printed in the page in front of her, "J-Jiàn dào...nǐ hěn ...róngxìng."

"That means it is an honor to meet you. Simple right? Now, say it all together without hesitating." Jan did as she was told looking over the word before gazing to Lan Fan to say it in a full sentence. For once! "Jiàn dào nǐ hěn róngxìng!"

"Excellent! You're already doing so well! Don't worry we won't go too fast."

"Do you really-"

"Ah, my Lady..." The girl paused for a second and then sighed as she tried to remember the words, "Nǐ rènwéi wǒ néng zuò dào ma?" Lan Fan gazed back with a smile comforting the girl's shoulder before responding back with a gentleness Janelle had seen only a hand full of times, "Shì de, wǒ xiāngxìn nǐ kěyǐ."

"I promise to do my best." She replied.

"I know you will." Lan Fan smiled with confidence, "You're already surpassing expectations." The girl didn't know what to say to that, like she admitted it was just the basics. Plus, her past had proven her to be just as she knew, incompetent and a drop out. But, Janelle wasn't going to lie, being here and studying for something with such importance made her feel like she had found a part of herself that was missing for years before she came here. Maybe it was all the boys doing with all their silver talk of doing her best and believing in her, even now she could feel the eyes of one of them watching her with a smile on their face. Proud of her.

It had been the second day of travel, and the non stop studying, between eating and sleeping, had Janelle seeing double by this point, but she was so determined to at least get through mere introductions to call it a day. Unfortunately some one else had plans, and what a surprise to find it was a certain avarice who couldn't help but look positively bored while he leaned next to the window and continued to slide it's shutter back and forth until it began to grab the Prince's attention, "Would you stop that, she's trying to concetrate." He muttered under his breath, but Greed ignored him doing it again.

"I've got to get out of this box." The avarice said flatly before closing the slot and opening it again.

"Yuan is just a couple of miles." He attempted to assure him with a patnon his back, but Greed again merely replied flatly, "I've got to get out of this box."

"You want us to stop the carriage so you can walk?" That recieved a glare while Ling smiled back with a chuckle and patted his friend's back, "Don't fret Greed, we're almost there, but you need to behave," He then leaned into the man's ear, "Do it for her?" The last part had been muttered so that Janelle couldn't hear him, but their eyes were quick to dart over to the said girl and linger there on her very determined features, her lips moving along with every vowel and then saying it back to Lan Fan and May. In the end Greed grumbled and rubbed his back against a pillow with an exasperated sigh. Ling scooted closer to the avarice and leaned in enough to make Greed uncomfortable, his twin gave him a cocked brow in suspicion before Ling beckoned him close with a finger. He rolled his eyes reluctant, but did it anyways, "You were the one to tell me to take control when it came to my worries with Janelle, right?" He raised his brows up and down at him, and the avarice rolled his eyes and hesitated to nod, "Well, now I'm asking you to do the same."

"Don't go using my own words against me that was for a different matter entirely. You were feeling as if Janelle would run tail at the first sign of trouble with your cousin. I've been stuck in a box for two days!" The last part was whispered with accusing eyes at the Prince but none the less Ling chuckled, "It's not all that different. We did it to strengthen are bonds. This comes with it as well." Suddenly, something occurred to Ling and in so it made him sit back next to Greed who gave a curious gaze, "Shouldn't you be learning how to speak Xingese as well?"

"Maybe. But from listening to her I can recite almost as much as she can." He replied flatly before catching the girl looking at him. His words seemed to get caught in his throat when she said, "Xuéxí bùjǐn jǐn shì zuòzhe."

"Wǒ duì cǐ hěn qīngchǔ." The giggle she gave caused him to smirk to himself as she turned back to the book, "Well as long as you're paying attention. We can't have you walking around Xing and getting lost, not being able to ask for directions, now can we?"

"Haha, you got me there. Two hundred years and Pops never once taught us to speak another language."

"Well, now you're here, and you have us." Ling chimed smiling widely before suddenly knocking on the side of carriage. Janelle felt the whole place come to a halt and curiously looked to Ling who already had his hand out to her, "Come on, I think Greed's on to something about that breather." Janelle looked to Lan Fan, and of course Lan Fan nodded, but May suddenly spoke up, "You really shouldn't, we're passing through Qièqiè sīyǔ. It would be dangerous to take her out right now."

"Just because it's called the Whispering Wood doesn't mean it's dangerous. They called this place that because of all the tall and narrow trees. It causes the wind to whistle and howl." He said the last part with an fake eerie tone as he raised his eyebrows up and down at his lover getting her to giggle, but May was less than amused, "Don't say it like that! It's creepy! That's not the only reason though, there's a story that a war broke out here centuries ago. A Prince just like you was coming through and was ambushed by a rivaling brother-,"

"How convenient." He said flatly.

"Hold on, that's not the rest of the story. The Prince won, but his brother was decapitated and never put to rest. They say that his very soul haunts these woods seeking vengence on the brother who left his body out in these woods."

"Oh come on kid, after everything you've seen, you believe in ghost?" Greed looked confused, and amused, but May shrugged to him with a slainted frown, "There's probably some truth to that story. Whether it's a ghost or not, the feeling I get doesn't sit right with me. A soul is a soul you know, and not everything is connected to Alchemy." Janelle didn't know what to make of it, when it boiled down to the bases of the story, all she could think to say was, "Then I guess we should think about staying in until it's actually safe." The men looked at her surprised before she explained with a laughing undertone, "We could be ambushed and that's what I'm more worried about. Let's just wait it out. How much longer would you say it is until we get there?" She asked the question in Xingese gazing up at Ling who stared for a moment before knocking on the carriage again to get it moving, "I'll ask Hou. Although by the sounds of it, not far."

"I'll go ask." Greed was all too quick to volunteer, but before he charged for the door he took a glance over at Janelle and then Ling who followed behind him, "Now hold on, he's my cousin, he might not even answer to you."

"Answer or not, I'm getting fresh air." Without even giving warning Greed was out of the carriage all while it was still in motion, "Wait, Mr. Greed!"

"My Lord!" Bido and Lan Fan attempted to call out to them but they were already out of sight leaping into the crowd of guards and merchants who had come along for the trip. Janelle was more thaconcerned about the avarice, she could tell that something was up with him just by the way he gazed back at her. He was trying to hide it by getting 'fresh air' but she knew better, and with a soft sigh she looked over to Lan Fan who was looking back between her and May. Apparently they felt the shift in him as well, "I'm sure he's just claustrophobic. They'll be okay." May said with hopefulness, "Yeah, I agree. We do have..." For a second she had to count the number of people in the carriage using her eyes and fingers, "Two...Four...Six... Six bodies in a carriage. This could be the start of an aweful joke." Jan quipped giggling.

"Well when you say it like that, maybe we should all walk a bit."

"What about an ambush? You heard Hou back in Shanxi, the roads have been perilous because of the clashing clans."

"That's further into the regions, my Lady. But, I understand the concerns. It's up to you, although I would advised against it, going out I mean." It didn't take long, but seeing how bright the sun was beaming through the small slots and the little breeze that had made its way in was doing all it could to coax her out.

She had to admit, it had been a whole day and a half since she had taken a break, and stretching her legs would do her some good. Just the thought my her body cry out with aches she didn't know she had, "Well...Maybe...Maybe if we all stick together? Maybe we can take a little break."

"Is that what you wish, my Lady?"

"Yes. We should all stretch our legs." It was more than enough to get the others moving. They shuffled to get their things prepared, May and Janelle grabbing garments to cover their heads of the harsh sun while Lan Fan covered her face with her mask and covered her head with the hood of her Shinobi. May knocked on the front of the wall hard enough to get the carriage to stop but the moment it did the carriage itself dropped and crashed to the ground causing the girl's to yell out and Bido to scream right after. Janelle felt the force of her body tumble to the ground and grunt. From outside yelling was ensuing which caused May to panic and yell out again this time with her hands flailing in the air above her, "WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" She cried.

"I don't think so I don't sense any chis other than the familiars." Lan Fan grunted rubbing her side she landed on before getting up and helping Janelle off of Bido. The poor Lizard looked in pain but quickly recovered by shaking it off, "I'm so sorry Bido. Are you okay?"

"Y-yes Miss...I think so...ugh."

"What the hell was that?!" On que the carriage door opened, causing everyone to squint when the light beamed in blinding everyone, "Is everyone alright!" Ling had nearly jumped back in at the sight of his lover wincing, and helped her along with everyone else out of the cart, "I think so. What happened?"

"The stupid wheel fell off. Nearly scared us half to death when we heard the noise. I'm just glad you're all okay. Are you hurt, my love?"

"No, I'm okay." Was all she could manage before Ling noticed her shaky hands and he assisted her, "My goodness you look a fright. It's alright I'm here." The carriage leaned towards the ground making it easier for the Prince to pull the others out and with some of the men helping to assist, it became a simple task to free the others. Greed was helping too, but the moment he saw Janelle walk out blanched he jogged over, worried, "You alright?" He was checking her face neck and shoulders for any bruises or cuts but she merely smiled and shook her head gently, "Yes, disoriented, but okay."

He sighed with relief and smiled before kissing her temple and walking her over to the side of the road letting her rest on a rock in the shade. They may have not been in Shanxi but it was definitely summer, and even though the clouds above gave them some coverage it did little to cease the humidy, "Your back is okay too? That was some kind of scare."

"I'm okay Greed really, thank you."

"Alright." He studyed her for a bit longer and then looked to the merchants and guards trying to put the wheel back on. A few men held the big heavy wheel while others had to hold up the other side of the carriage, grunting, heeving, yelling, and lifting all to the instructions of Commander Hou and Ling, "Men to this side! Assist them here!" He barked the command and they listened without question.

Janelle began to watch them as well only for her attention to be turned behind her, into the Whisper Wood. She gazed at the bamboo trees surrounding them feeling the warm breeze against her heated skin. Although the air was thick from the humidity it felt better than nothing, and being pregnant wasn't easing the uncomfortability she felt, but she would endure none the less as long as no one moved her from the shade. Unfortunately that would not be the case as Ling came over with a horse and nudged his head over to the girl with a smile, "Well I guess we're walking the rest of the way. They said we could ride in any other cart if Janelle gets to tired, but I figured after that little scare I figured that would not be an option." He then coaxed a finger to Jan, and she followed until he put his hands to her waist, and lifted her up onto the gelding, sitting side saddle.

"Hou says we'll have to ride to Yuan from here. It'll take time for the carriage to be safe to ride again so until then, how about we go get something to eat, yeah?"

"Sure! I'm starving!" May didn't think twice at the notion and it made Jan and Lan Fan both giggle while Ling merely gave her a shake of his head and a smirk putting his hands on his hips when he chuckled, "Honestly May you're as bad as me."

"We all need to fill our bellies." Janelle said just as her stomach took up the notion with a growl, the girl lowering her head in embarrassment as her cheeks were dusted with a pink shade that made Greed and Ling smile.

"Case closed, we're going to lunch!" May cheered.

"I didn't realize I had worked up an appetite. Um, is Hou joining us?" Janelle was a little curious and Ling looked up at her with a sad smile, "I'm afraid not. He has his soldiers to look over for now, but maybe he'll join us later." He said hopeful.

"Oh. Yeah. Right." She could hear Greed beside her chuckling causing her to look back blushing with puffy cheeks, now Ling was tittering at her but before she could say a word he cupped her hand and kissed it softly, "Don't be embarrassed, my love. Come on, let's get moving."

"Okay." They were back on the road before long, each person on a horse while they rode close beside on another. They had discussed it ahead of time, in case of situations such as this, Lan Fan was closest to the front with a few guards leading the litter, Janelle and May rode in the middle of the group for obvious reasons while Ling trotted behind them. Then, last but not least was Greed and Bido.

As they continued their journey Janelle became captived by the scenery coming into view just passed the narrow trees of Qièqiè sīyǔ.

The farm fields of Yuan, layered and layered on top of one another in the most majestic form of land she had ever seen. Her eyes soaked in every detail of the fields patterns, and in contrast with the bright blue sky, it was breathtaking to say the least. The road ran right through the middle of it all, their were orchard fields of different variety scattered throughout the land. One of them was so close that Ling was able to grab one of the fruits from off one of the trees and handed it to Janelle. It was a thick rinded fruit composed of knobby segments, its color a pale green and big enough to fit in both of her hands. She curiously examined it, and picked off a small top part, and took a bite out of it. Immediately her eyes closed to the sweet custard taste almost moaning at the flavor, "This is amazing! What is this?"

"Sweetsop, a sugar apple. It's perfect for this kind of weather. I'm glad you like it so much."

"Thank you." She replied back smiling before taking another piece and handing it to Ling and another Greed, but he shook his head making Janelle shrug before she took the piece for herself. She shared the fruit with whoever she could, not seeing Ling watch as she handed a piece to a soldier. The man seemed confused before she said something in the native tongue. He hesitate but bowed his head. "You're very kind my lady, thank you." He said before taking it with a gentle hand.

Ling was truly enticed by the way she would go from one soldier to the other handing them a piece until it was gone from her hands. The smile she had on her face afterwards was what made Ling fall in love with her all over again. He was glad to see her, even though shy and still intimidated by all these new people, she had thought of his people dealing with this heat as well. She was generous and kind to them and that did his heart good. He looked over to Greed to see if he'd noticed, and of course just like him he was drawn to Jan. They both made eye contact and smiled before continuing on through the fields until they were finally in the town of Yuan. It was a huge village with closely connected wooden-stilted houses built along the contour of the hill with a big river passing through the bottom of the mountain. Wind-rain bridges connect the banks of the river. The sun shined brightly against the red wood of the buildings making the city come to life. From where they where they could hear music, cheering, and the smell of a variety of delicious foods seeping out from the city.

The entrance they took to get into the village was large and narrow in the color of red to match the houses, the stone statues and colorful decorations is what really made it astonishing. Everywhere they went Janelle was looking around like a kid at disneyland, there were children running around playing in the river, parents with them and others enjoying the summer day sunbathing and swimming in the waters. She could hear the laughter and screams of the children knowing that she would soon hear those sounds herself, and love it. The wait was almost too much to bare.

When they had reached over the bridge to the other side they stabled their horses and walked on foot into the festivities, "What's going on right now? Is it a holiday?"

"No, it's just the weekend. Yuan is always filled with song and food. Not just for that though, they celebrate the seasons harvest because without a good harvest we would not be able to celebrate like this. It is a blessing and in a very big way it's what keeps the town thriving." She nodded to his words and continued to look around at all the festivities and people dressed in summer clothings and colorful umbrellas to protect them from the sun. Some were wearing decorative masks of all sorts as they walked through the narrow streets full of vendors and different varieties of things. Games, art booths, paintings, toys, Janelle was so enthralled by everything around her that she almost lost track of the others, hearing her name being called over the sounds. She turned around not realizing she had walked off from the litter.

How did that even happen? She turned back around and was about to head back to Ling and Greed. She waved to them pushing through the people with polite gestures the best she could when suddenly she felt a hand tighten around her wrist. She turned to see who it was but the man was masked. It was a different kind thought, pale with no decorations to speak of. Their grip was hard and on fire as if about to the girl on fire. Janelle felt her heart drop when she heard the vicious question hiss through the strangers mouth, "Come with me girl. Now." Janelle was about to pull away when she suddenly felt something sharp dig at the underside of her rib, "Don't do anything stupid." Whoever it was then put his other hand to her back and turned her back amongst the crowd. Her breath began to become uneven, and in a split second she being pulled against her will, her eys widen with utter fear. She was wishing at this very moment she still had the ability to use alchemy.

She almost let out a strange whimper when she thougjt the others would lose track of them, after all she had been captured and couldn't see whether or not Ling or Greed were behind her. Ling had to of though, he would be able to sense her.

On que the man was kicked in the face from out of the sky and her body was encased in a pair of strong arms leaping back so far that she felt her tummy tickle when they landed. Her eyes were shut closed from all the fast movements, unable to keep up with what had just happened. When her eyes had slowly opened she found herself in the arms of Greed seeing him with a grimace frown. He was glaring at the man completely shielding his torso and arms, "We're going to have to talk about wondering off Janelle." She didn't know how she passed the guards, but a sudden guilt pinged in her before she frowned back and then looked over to see Ling hovering over the man with four of the guards surrounding him. "So, you've been following us, Why am I not surprised?" He asked the mysterious stranger with a seething tone, "You've got some nerve making such an attempt. Come, speak. Who's sent you?" Ling then leaned in closely to the man's mask and glared fiercely, "And I better getban honest answer." There was silence. He did not answer nor did move. He was still as stone while he stared down the Prince. There was an intense aura in the air one that left them and the crowd silent. There was a whole circle of people encasing the scene muttering to one another about what was going on,

"That's the 12th Prince of Xing, Ling Yao!" One said in Xingese, recognizing him.

"What? Are you serious?" Another said shocked. The murmurs became louder as they looked on some even gazing between Janelle and Greed, some in utter disbelief when they studied the two boys, "What is the prince doing in Yuan?"

"I heard he was on a secret mission. Maybe he has returned."

"Is that his double?" The question had Jan perk her head up and look to Greed who ignored them. He seemed more intent on who was behind the mask, "Very well." She heard Ling say before nodding his head to the guards, having them take the man away.

So many questions came to Janelle, ones she felt needing answering. Who was that man and what did he want? Was that one of the rival?

"How did you even manage to sneak off like?"

"Huh?" Her gaze followed to Greed who had an upset, worried feature on his face as he gently put her feet to the ground, "I-Im..." Her mind was racing, everything had happened so fast that she didn't even think she had run off in the first place. Then she felt it all set it. She was about to be kidnapped, and that frightened her. She felt herself shaking before trying to repress her overwhelming fears, "I'm sorry. I-...I didn't even realize..." Her eyes met Greed for a second before fall back down at his chest in shame. She felt frozen in place and if she would've looked up again she would have seen Greed gazing down at her even softer now. Too softly. His heart had nearly been swept away by some unknown guy, someone obviously dedicated to another clan or many even a riving country.

Either way Greed felt his anger deflate when he could see the shear terror in her eyes, the way she was holding her stomach as the stranger held her. He nearly lost it. He was about to kill the man before Ling opted him not to. Instead they planned it out at a split seconds notice and took their chances when they gave the made just a moment to think he had gotten away so easily, but not with the both of them working together. So with a roll of his eyes and slaint frown he pulled the girl into his arms feeling her tense before she fell into him with more apologizes, "Oh stop it and let me hold you" She nuzzled herself into him hard, not wanting to let go.

She felt another hand on her lower back and turned to see Ling smiling, although she could see the worry just like Greed had, "Jan, are you hurt?"

"No." She sniffled softly causing him to smile more as he let out a breath of relief, "Thank goodness. Don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of this."

"Janelle are you okay?!" May was fast walking along side Lan Fan when they approached.

"Yeah. I'm okay." She mumbled.

"She's a bit shaken up by it but she's alright. Once we get out of the streets I think we'll be alot better." Janelle nodded without question.

"Is this a reoccurring thing? Just people popping out of nowhere?" Greed asked unwilling to let go of Janelle's hand. Ling needily took the other while stroking his thumb against her thumb's knuckle.

"When there is much at stake, an attempt of kidnapping is very common in royalty." He smirked at Greed then, "So stay on your toes."

"Heh, great. Well, what'd we expect? You are a prince." The avarice muttered.

"My Lord, had they...been following us?"

"Oh yeah, and the first thing they noticed was...Well, it's pretty self explanatory." He led the litter to a outside eating area, the guards now in even closer proximity while they eyed the flock of people passing through and moving aside. Greed and Ling had refused to let go of the Janelle's hands until they sat her between the two, "Where did they take him?" She asked hesitantly watching Ling turn and look to her, "They're holding him until Hou arrives. Hopefully it'll be soon enough, until then we need to make sure we're fully prepared."

"And by that you mean food?" May asked confused.

"I'm not very hungry." Jan muttered sadly. They had been sitting at a table big them to sit around and even they were safe Janelle couldn't help but look over her shoulder. She felt Greed put a hand down on her leg and squeeze, "Hey, nothing's going to happen to you doll. We won't let it." An arm wrapped around her shoulder and leaned her into them. Ling kissed her cheek and then nuzzled her hair with his nose, "Please eat? When you stress yourself so does the baby. Keep yourself calm, we have you." They knew it was easier said than done, but she agreed, he was right. With a hesitant smile she eased against the seat and sighed deeply with a nodded, "I'm really sorry I worried you both. I-, I don't remember how I got so far away. I mean-, I guess I really wasn't paying attention was I?"

"You're safe." Said Greed giving another soft rub of her knee, "That's all that matters to us. After this though we're going to have to meet up with Hou."

"I agree. We can't hold the man in custody forever, not when we're on the open road like this. We may even have to try to make it for the Capitol as soon as we can." Janelle had found herself silent between the two men, listening to them intently before suddenly a man came up to their table to take their order. Instead of seperate plates the cuisine came in bamboo baskets and large platter with various meats surrounded with purple rice and vegetables. It was so nicely made Janelle could hardly believe it was a meal. It was big enough for everyone to eat off of, and as they continued to eat Janelle heard Greed chuckle to himself, "I might be ready to get back to the carriage now." She tried to resist giggling but he was hitting the nail on the head. They had barely stepped outside and the first thing they encounter is the rival clan. Janelle was starting to wonder if they knew he had the stone?

How much of his journey did he tell? And he knew about it? Probably most of the families of the clans, but they wouldn't have just brought one man. So who else was out there? How many more were watching them?

Finally after eating they headed towards the river where there was less of a crowd. Ling was able to talk some passer bys into lending them their umbrellas and with those they were able to cover their faces from the crowd.

They followed a small trail down to the edge of the waters under a small tree just far enough from the main festivities but not tok far from where they could be picked up. The plan was to wait until the Captain returned and when that happened they would travel to the next city hopefully in order to sleep in for the night. But not here. It didn't matter whether they were in the town or not, but again, time was of the essence.

"Guard!" Janelle heard Ling call out once they were settled, " Alert the Captain. Tell him what has happened here."

"As you say, my Lord." He was gone in a heart beat, leaving the rest to enjoy themselves while they could. Ling turned around to his companion and lover.

Janelle had found herself asking Greed to follow her to the shore of the river so she could cool herself. He seemed to agree with the idea, and walked with her. She walked in up to her ankles hunched down and cupped the crystal blue water into her hands and poured it over her head. She did that a few times until she was wringing her hair and breathing alot more calmly. Just then she heard splashing from the side of her, seeing Greed do the same on his arms, and hair. He then took some water and gestured her to turn towards him. She did so and he gently pour rubbed her arms with the aid of the coolness. It was a sensual yet loving gesture, his eyes gazing hard into hers as he were to look away for a second she might disappear again, "I'm sorry for being so harsh. I just saw you were gone and I was just upset with the whole thing. Not you, but..."

"You were a little upset with me." She said seeing his eyes soften with guilt, yet that was not her intention so she continued with a hand slipping into his as she stepped into him, "I would be too. And I'm sorry as well, I promise to be more careful. Let's just enjoy the rest of our time here before otherwise." He nodded smirking at the small smile she gave. A genuine smile, and a relieved one when Greed had grabbed her by the torso and cupled her face to kiss her passionately. It was hard and needy, one that nearly made her moan before she realized where she was and held it back. When he had pulled away his eyes almost looked drunk. He bit his lip smiling as he pulled away from her lips, "I'd like that." There was a moment of content between them when Janelle finally closed the gap and hugged him to her. Her face buried in his shoulder and he embraced her back.

Ling walked up soon after, touching her elbow gently. She turned around smiling and felt another kiss to her temple before he touch her tummy in a loving manner, something that she had come to love the feel of.

Afterwards the two turned only to have splash Ling in the face. The prince was soaked from head to torso with a dead pan look on his face until he slowly curled his lips into a smirk and began to splash Greed back. He missed the first one but Greed wasn't expecting Ling to be prepared for another nailing him right in the face. The avarice yelled laughing as he sent another wave of water his way, but this time Ling put on a cheeky grin and pulled Janelle into his arms to take the blow.

The girl yelled at the sudden coldness, but glared at her darling Prince who never lost that impish smile, "Ling!"

"Greed how could you?" He said monotone, but then splashed him back just as hard nearly getting Jan in the process.

"Ha ha! No not me! Ah!" But it was too late, with nearly a loud cackle the avarice sprinted at the prince and pushed him and himself into the water. Janelle ran out of the way laughing until her sides were hurting. To see them both in high spirits was nice to see considering how the day had started for him. Now he was grinning and laughing whole heartedly while he challenged Ling in a splashing challenge.

"You sure have a way with men, don't you?" The girl's shoulders jumped when she turned to see Commander Hou Yao strolling up beside her with a welcoming smile. He bowed his head and stood beside her as they watched the two, "Oh, I don't know about that. If you would've caught me a year ago I would've said my luck with men sucked."

The Commander snorted through his nose when he heard this, "Our prince was just like that as well. If I didn't know any better, I'd say it always looked as if he was running from half his suitors."

"What do you mean? Weren't you already in Shanxi by this time?" Jan asked curiously.

"I was!" He replied grinning happily with his helmet under his arm, "That doesn't mean he didn't let me know all about it in his letters."

She then gazed from him to Ling who had grampled Greed deeper into the river that was until the avarice maneuvered under him and threw him into the water with a yell and a splash, "Ling? Really?"

Hou nodded as he gazed back at the men talking amongst themselves as Ling and Greed wrestled eachother in the water, both of them never quite catching the other in a hold. It was as if the two had almost matched in speed and nearly in strength, "I don't think I've ever seen him like this before. Something about this trip has changed him, indeed for the better." He then gazed down at Janelle and sighed softly "Forgive me, my Lady, when we first met I didn't realize how rude I may have sounded."

"Ling didn't tell you to apologize, did he?" Her face was dead panned when she asked this. Hou looked confused before his features softened again and he shook his head with a gentle smile, "No, my Lady."

"Oh. okay, well, there's no need to apologize, I understood your concerns so please, let's put it behind us." He seemed eased by that, and bowed his head gently, "As you wish."

"S-sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you."

"You're fine Miss, no harm done. Now then, I heard we've taken someone into our custody. He tried to grab you?" He asked concerned.

"Yeah, I-, um, I fell away from the group..." She trailed off in a mutter lowering her head in embarrassment and puffed out her flushed cheeks, "I got really distracted."

The Commander blinked twice and then chuckled, "Is this your first time in Yuan on a weekend?"

"It's my first time in Yuan." A breathless laugh escaped her lips before she looked over to the people up the way. The music, smells, and sounds making its way into the air and towards the river. It was as if it was calling her, that, or she just wanted to go, even after what's happened, and yet after today she felt that it may not able to happen. Maybe that was a good thing.

As if Hou could read her mind he leaned himsef sideways into the girl's vision smiling widely when he caught her attention. He straighten himself and leaned in as he looked over to the busy bridge of visitors and citizens walking about, only to look back at Janelle, "If it pleases my Lady, would you like to still venture a bit? The rest of the calavary is here now, so if you wish to enjoy the fun, I would be more than happy to accompany you, my cousin and your friend before we depart for the night."

"Really? Sure, yeah! I would love for you to come with us! I mean-, only if you want to."

"It would be my pleasure."

"Are you making the moves on our woman there, Commander?" Janelle rolled her eyes over to Greed who was smirking at her before he had ran up to her and embraced her into a soaking hug, causing Jan to gasp and yip at the cool contact, "Sorry you can't have her."

"That was hardly the case," The Commander replied flatly unamused by the teasing accusation, "I was asking her if you'd all like to still enjoy Yuan. The carriages are here so that means more men, more protection. I'd take the offer while it's still on the table." His tone had lightened by the end of his invitation, but Greed didn't seem to thrilled at the idea, "I don't know. I think that's a bad idea. We've already established we need to get the hell out of here, who knows who else will try to come after Jan. I'm expecting to try to come after me as well. We're both literal walking targets."

"I know. But still, that should not stop you both from enjoying Xing. It's not usually like this, but now that we know that we're not the only ones aware of the Prince's return, we can calculate accordingly. I have troops keeping peace around and in the village and more protecting the carriages, but if we leave now, it will only cause more of a ruckus, because we'll be out in the open, while in a Village they'll have to get around the people, and if there's one thing the Clans agree on is that we must never hurt the people. Without them, we are nothing."

"Except the rebels." Greed argued getting Hou to frown but nod in agreement.

"There are never guarantees, that is true. Every country has their groups of people who want to hurt others. If you are set on leaving let us go, but I was only making a suggestion." Ling looked between everyone landing on Hou who merely awaited his orders.

There was only the sound of May giggling as she chased Xiao-Mei on the shores now herself, her feet pitter pattering through the waters with tiny splashes. Over voluming that was the sound of the river sloshing down stream. Everything sounded so peaceful even with the village vibrantly alive, "Tell you what, we'll meet half way. A few vendors." That seemed to make everyon happy and content although Greed ruffled his hair still unsure about it, which he rightfully felt. Janelle was on both sides of the fence. She didn't want this to ruin the day, and after thinking long and hard enough about she was ready to move, "Well, whenever you three are ready, I am."

"Great. I'll inform the men." The Commander announced before he walked off.

"And I think we need some dry clothes."

"They'll dry out in the sun. Come on, it's a hot day any way."


~Ling and Greed's POV~

This day had turned into quite the eventful one, if they couldn't have thought it any better themselves. Ling had been pinching and rotating a special object in his inner vest pocket, one that he had wanted to give to Janelle when the time was right. Especially after Greed had rudely told to him to 'just do it'. At first Ling thought nothing about it, just Greed merely being Greed, but with him being so agitated in the carriage and wanting to nearly run off, he had a feeling the avarice was if not...just alittle jealous? No, it was more than that, Ling could sense it. Greed wanted the same, but knowing him, Greed refused to admit it, which was frustrating him. Who knew? Well, Ling was going to get to the bottom of it.

So when the water fight commenced and ended, and Janelle was out of ear shot, he turned to his friend with a gentle smile attempting to still catch his breath, "So Greed, serious question."

"Yeah." He panted back flicking the water from his hair with his fingers.

"Do you also want to marry Janelle?" That question froze him though and his body slowly turned to Ling. He was silent, but opened his mouth as if he was about to sa. Something, but then shut his mouth with a big blush taking over his face, "Well don't lose your head now, I know that's why you've been off lately. I mean hell you helped me pick it out.

"Shut up. So what if I do? She can't marry both of us." He thought bitterly but Ling had give him a face as if that was a trick question.

"Why do you think I'm asking you? You're the only, let me say that clearly only person I'm fine with having her in every way I do. We both love her dearly and my love for her is no greater than yours. We're both connected, we're blood now, you're a part of me as I am a part of you." The avarice was silent but he never took his eyes off of Ling, and vice versa before the Prince's eyes traveled over to the said girl and the Commander who had just arrived, "We should both propose together, if we really want to make this special."

The avarice was quiet, the blush never leaving his face before he shook his head as it battling with himself which caused Ling to laugh, "Greed I'm not trying to force you. But I do see that you want this as well, and if you want it, let's want this togethe-,"

"Let's do it." Was all he said. Ling blinked back before he smirked and patted his friends shoulder before giving it a light squeeze, "But you're saying the words. Knowing me I'll muck it up."

"Ha ha! We'll both tell her. In our own way."


Next- Chapter 29: Yuan Inn


I know not much happened, but the next chapter is alittle storyline with alot of smut, but don't worry we're only getting slightly off track. Thank you to you all for reading! Please stay safe everybody and take care of yourselves! Bye!