DISCLAIMER: Fullmetal Alchemist does not belong to me.

2

Protocol

—We're sorry you see us in these conditions.—Zampano excused himself and his friends—It's been a long journey, you know.

—Thank you for getting us out of there!—Jerso was relieved—They really thought ill of us.

—Don't worry, I understand you. The sheriff told me everything. Soon you will be able to rest, eat and groom yourselves. In the meantime, I'd like to introduce the people who work with me every day. Meet Lady Wangli and Lady Shanshan.

As the princess indicated their presence with an extended palm, the ladies-in-waiting bowed slightly, since they were sitting and had little space. That vehicle model allowed the passengers to talk face to face due to the turned position of the first bench seat facing the one on the rear, which was convenient in such circumstances.

—They're my companions and they give me advice, help me with appointments, travelling, and the overall arrangement of my activities.

The young women smiled while the foreigners acknowledged them.

—The gentleman at the wheel is Mr. Yunan. He takes us everywhere we need to go.

The driver quickly looked behind, smiling. The Amestrians reciprocated the gesture. Then, the princess switched to Xingese to talk to her ladies-in-waiting and chauffeur about the newcomers.

oOo

The gardens, shrines, crowded markets, everything had a particular aesthetic and aura that made them worthy of visual record. The curved ridges of the rooftops, the heavy symbolisms. Even the businesses and citizens' houses had that distinctive style, unknown to the Amestrians. The streets were considerably wide, flooded with rickshaws, bicycles, street vendors shouting here and there, the sound of cars' horns, the gallop of coaches' horses.

They stopped in front of a traditional grayish blue house framed with junipers, the entrance connected to the pavement by a walkway. It was located in an elegant quarter, exclusively for legations and lodging distinguished guests and visitors. Mr. Yunan opened the limousine's door and helped Mei and her ladies out. He began unloading the foreigners' luggage but they insisted on doing it by themselves, resulting in an uncomfortable situation of gentle pulling of suitcases and unintelligible excuses. The girls giggled and Mei explained the driver that the gentlemen were not used to such treatment.

Alphonse ran his eyes over the surroundings and details of the house itself and its own front garden. The tones of green and the chirping of birds made him exhale serene.

oOo

—I have to apologize for this hasty receiving.—Princess Mei said after taking a sip of her tea—I should have been prepared much earlier, since Mr. Elric had told me a couple of times of his intentions of coming to Xing. I sincerely did not expect to meet all of you in a police station. Still, it was better that way, instead of you getting lost in this huge city.

The newcomers were having their first real meal properly sitting at a dining table in days. According to protocol, they only were allowed to start eating the moment she started doing so, but Mei was not hungry and she was worried about her friends' immediate needs. After the insistence and suggestions from the housekeeper, the princess ultimately accepted a cup of tea.

—Lady, there's no need to apologize.—Zampano paused to answer—Somebody like you must have a tight schedule, and we didn't let you know on time about our arrival.

—Well, you couldn't call by phone. And the mail is too slow.

—We've never been treated in such an elegant way, nor tried this kind of delicious food.—Jerso smiled—We should be thanking you for all this, instead of you apologizing.

—Oh, I almost forgot!—Mei suddenly stood up and left the dining room for a moment.

She came back with three small boxes and placed them in front of each Amestrian.

—Please, accept these personal gifts. Although simple, they're heartfelt, and I think you might enjoy them.

They found neatly packed traditional desserts inside, which they doubted eating given their charming appearance. Once they finished their meal and, hesitantly, part of the boxed sweets, the princess put her empty cup on the saucer and started explaining what would happen in the next days.

—Feel free to use the rest of the day to rest and make yourselves at home. The staff will be here to support you. The Ladies and I will come tomorrow noon to guide you in palace rules and etiquette, since the next day will be your official welcome. You will need your best garments and a clean shave for that event, so do not hesitate to use the house's services to get prepared.

The Amestrians seemed confused.

—Don't worry, I'll be there by your side.

—Will you be our interpreter?—Jerso seemed relieved for a moment.

—There will be an official interpreter for you.

—But you understand Amestrian perfectly.

Mei smiled nervously.

—I'm afraid I won't be able to serve you as an interpreter, but the appointed person is very competent and professional.

—Will Ling be there?—Alphonse asked.

—Yes! He and I will be the ones to present you officially in palace. But leave the questions for tomorrow. Don't you trouble your minds; you need to regain energy.

After their conversation, Zampano and Jerso went upstairs. Alphonse remained in the dining room, observing the garden through the open sliding door.

—So… you're here!—Mei smiled delighted and showed a congratulatory tone.

—Yeah! After two weeks of crossing land and sea, I finally made it. It's not compared to what you went through while crossing the desert, though. I just needed time to be in shape and an appropriate route so as to not risk my improvement. You did not recognize me at first at the police station, did you?

She looked away and touched her nape.

—Don't worry, I did not recognize you either. Well… yeah, I recognized your face and hair, I did know it was you. But I had this image of a tiny girl, and then I'm in front of a teenage princess, wiser and taller.

—Oh, no, not at all! I'm not… well, you really do look good.

Both felt awkward.

—I mean…

—Not that I look too good today with this scratch and this bruised eye! I'm not sure this appearance is palace-appropriate. Will it disgust them?

—It was just an accident caused by your frail health. I can explain that to them. But there's something I can do to help you give a good impression.

She quickly drew a circle, peeked outside the dining room and spoke under her breath.

—I'm not supposed to do this, but there will be important people at the event, it's better if you look healthy.

She laid her hands on Alphonse's face and used her abilities in alkahestry to heal him. Then, she took a pocket mirror and opened in front of him. The Amestrian was relieved and smiled grateful.

—Why are you not supposed to?

She sighed.

—I'm not supposed to touch anyone. Well, actually, the norm is that nobody touches me, unless it's my parents or siblings.

Alphonse's expression seemed questioning.

—You've seen me having normal physical contact with people, but that was in your country. It's a rule that no regular person can touch a member of the royal family. Only bedchamber assistants, ladies-in-waiting, the royal physicians and healers. Also, members of the royalty from other countries and heads of state, but only a brief handshake for princes and princesses.

The young man nodded slowly, understanding the situation.

—I've always infringed that rule because I like being around my mother's family and my clan, but after coming back here it all got tougher for me. Since Ling informed what we did and achieved in Amestris, the Emperor favored me and I'm under constant supervision. There are strict norms I must adhere to if I do not want my efforts to be in vain. Besides, I cannot call you by your first name. I know it makes you uncomfortable but it has to be as formal as possible.

—I guess it's the same for Ling?

—Actually it's been even harder for him. Besides helping me with my clan, he's had to take on several responsibilities since the Emperor is so ill he can barely move. But no one ever dare mention the word "abdication". May the Gods spare us.

The princess said the last sentences in a sarcastic tone under her breath. Alphonse raised his eyebrows, surprised of hearing his friend speak like that. Mei looked at him in the eyes and put her finger on her lips, as a gesture of complicity.

—Ling has been in charge of treaties and projects; he has even struggled with some reforms to the palace, most of them have not been successful because some traditions are too deeply rooted. There have even been four attempts of assassination against him. I've helped Lan Fan protecting him.

—So you have put yourself in danger.

—That's the least I could do for him. He has protected me and my mother in palace, and he has supported me with so many projects for my clan.

—I see.

Mei changed drastically her countenance and moved her hand as if she tried to chase a bug away.

—Enough talking of this tiresome stuff. We need you well-rested, since you will meet my siblings and their mothers, advisers and, most importantly, the Imperial Healers. They are the top masters of alkahestry in Xing, entrusted with the health of the Emperor and his close family. They know who your father was and your abilities. They're very interested in talking to you.

—Really?!

—Yes. For now, I must take my leave. If you need to write home, each bedroom has a desk with ink and stationery material at your disposal. Mr. Lei, the gardener, can take your letters for you to the post office.

—Oh, thank you. I haven't been able to contact my family since we left the Aerugonian shore.

Standing up, Mei smiled and hinted him with her body language to follow her back to the entrance hall.

oOo

—What is it like? To work with Princess Mei Chang.

Alphonse was the first one to wake up the next morning due to his need of taking his medication on time and, consequently, have breakfast. It was just him and Ms. Wen, the housekeeper, in the dining room at that time. She was serving his tea and he was curious to know about his friend's life. The woman blinked, hesitating.

—I couldn't tell you, sir, since I had never met her before. This is the very first time she uses this house. But she's been very kind with all of us.

—Do you know anything about her?

—Why, yeah, a couple of years ago she became a favored Princess of the Crown Prince and the Emperor himself. She has been busy with the Chang clan issues ever since, going here and there to hold meetings with provinces' governors and ministers. She even had some hospitals and schools built.

Alphonse smiled delighted. She really was doing it.

—Such a young girl.—Ms. Wen continued—Actually, I have this job thanks to her.

—Really?

—I have dedicated my life to domestic work and I needed a better job opportunity, but we the Changs are usually seen as lowly and unfit for certain places. It was difficult for me and other people of my clan to find a decent job, since we have always been easily rejected.

The young alchemist was so engaged in Ms. Wen's story he stopped eating without noticing.

—Mr. Elric, Her Highness said you must eat well, since today's session will be long and demanding, so enough chatting, and have more ham.—The housekeeper filled his plate.

Hours later, the princess and her ladies arrived and, indeed, the three Amestrians found their etiquette lesson challenging. An older teenager and two grown men learning how to bow, how to eat, drink, seat and address people correctly was an ambitious task, achieved only partially. They were too new to Xing.

oOo

Alphonse checked his shave in the glass of the car one last time, nervous. Not that he had a lot of facial hair yet, although it was more abundant than his older brother's. He was concerned about being flawless that night and not disappointing his friend, so every detail counted. Jerso and Zampano looked out the windows until the driver opened the door and they received the cue from one of the security guards.

After being searched by the royal guards, the three Amestrians entered through a secondary gate that seemed like a building by itself. More like a palace, they were inside a vast complex surrounded by a tall red wall that served as isolation from the rest of the capital city.

Lady Wangli came to meet them and, along with four guards, guided them to the doors of the Western Hall, where she asked them to wait outside. She went in and, a couple of minutes later, she came back again with the visitors, leaving the large wooden doors open. With a hand gesture, the lady-in-waiting made them walk behind her to enter the hall, dominated by the sound of an orchestra of national instruments and the murmur of formally dressed people. All of them went silent and bowed down when Crown Prince Ling Yao and Princess Mei appeared.

—It is my pleasure to introduce to you three fine gentlemen, personally known to me, whom I met during my quest in Amestris, tasked by my father, His Imperial Majesty. They showed great strength and value in times of struggle, and they were kind enough to help me and my beloved sister, the Venerable Seventeenth Royal Princess Mei.

Alphonse was able to understand part of Ling's speech and blushed, since he thought it praised them too much, specially when the prince mentioned their personal and professional history. Jerso and Zampano could only stand still, unable to ask the young one what was being said and waiting for that endless, ceremonious speech to finish.

Afterwards, applause; mandatory smiles. The Princess and her Ladies approached the Amestrians, followed by a professional-looking woman in her mid-thirties, the official interpreter. Alphonse, Jerso and Zampano were escorted around the broad hall to be presented to all the attendees: clans' representatives and royal advisers wearing crested attires; ministers in xuanduan and army officials in stiff uniforms; royal concubines with heavy makeup and elaborate headdresses; princes, princesses in intricate robes.

There were six bearded, mature men dressed in most traditional regalia, discussing among themselves with their monumental voices. Mei saluted them and they responded bowing to her.

—Gentlemen, these are the six honorable Imperial Healers: Sage Ma, Sage Lou, Sage Huang, Sage Liu, Sage Xiong and Sage Jiang.

The Amestrians did their reverence and the Healers reciprocated accordingly. Sage Liu spoke to Alphonse with kind and paternal voice.

—Members of your family are known for their feats and we are sure that brilliance runs through your veins. We've heard of your extraordinary intelligence and skills in alchemy, and your interest in alkahestry. When possible, we should discuss how these two sciences can complement each other for the benefit of human welfare.

Following the brief exchange of prospects and explanations, the group continued its way through the hall. They met the princes and princesses of Xing and, finally, the royal concubines, including Mei's mother: a lean and delicate woman dressed in a light green gown who thanked them dearly for helping her daughter in Amestris and complimented their abilities.

During the course of the evening some members of the military and ministers talked to Zampano and Jerso through the interpreter. Due to their training background, the two Amestrians got an offer to work as bodyguards for the finance minister, with the sole condition of studying Xingese intensively first for a couple of months.

Later, Mei asked an attendant to serve plain water for Alphonse since he needed to take his medication. By that time, almost everybody was scattered throughout the Hall garden due to the spring weather: some smoking, some others were slightly under the influence of alcohol. The young alchemist and the princess were overwhelmed by the atmosphere inside and went to sit at a garden table, far from the political talks and flattery.

—Did you write home?—Mei asked putting both hands on the table.

—I did! Although I guess only granny and Winry will read my letter. My brother must be away by now.

The princess drew a curious expression.

—Just like I came here because I'm interested in learning alkahestry, he wanted to go West to keep on studying alchemy, even though he can't use it anymore. We thought of this for a while and decided it was the best.

—Do you miss him?

Alphonse hesitated.

—I think we both needed our own opportunities to learn the things we're interested in and have our own experiences. Besides, it's not like we're parting ways forever; we're brothers, and there's a home waiting for us, after all.

Mei nodded, satisfied. Alphonse continued.

—I remember not being able to understand your explanations a couple of years ago, even though you were being so tolerant with me. This time I know I must change my perspective if I am to get that knowledge. I want to do something useful with it.

—I'll be helping you in whatever you need. Just remember: it's a matter of time and patience.—She showed a reassuring expression.—Besides, I already scheduled an interview for you with the most suitable person to teach you. Is tomorrow okay with you?

Alphonse was a little startled.

—I thought you were going to teach me…

Mei's expression turned sheepish.

—The reason why I did not act as your interpreter tonight and I cannot teach you alkahestry is because those are paid jobs. Members of the Imperial family are not allowed to work. We can do charity work and perform diplomatic activities to some degree, but nothing more.

Alphonse opened his mouth but was not able to answer. The princess continued explaining.

—Listen, I know what you were expecting, but all these regulations are upon me. I'm trying to do my best to help my clan, and for that not only do I need the Emperor and Ling's favor, but also presence and standing in Court. If I keep on disregarding standards, they will all have more reasons to turn against me. They don't like it when a Chang has the final say.

—Now I understand. Please, accept my apologies if I have made you feel under more pressure than usual.

—Oh, no! Don't say that! I'm so glad you're here, the presence of good old friends feels like a breath of fresh air! From now on, you, Mr. Zampano and Mr. Jerso will be my protégés, and I'll be more than happy to help you reach your goals in Xing. And for that, I chose the person who will guide you in alkahestry. Do you remember Sage Liu?

—Yes.

—He's been my teacher for years. He's been more of a father figure to me than… well, my actual father. I owe him so much, and I'd love him to teach you, too. He is also very interested in you for your abilities and because you're a son of the Sage of the West, but unfortunately his duties won't allow him to take on students. He and the other five Sages practically live in Palace since they have to be present whenever the Emperor needs them. But he has a son, Wei Liu, an important authority in alkahestry nationwide and candidate to become Imperial Sage once one of them passes away. He wants to teach you and he agreed to a meeting to discuss your goals.

Alphonse's eyebrows raised and his expression brightened.

—That's… that's excellent, I can't thank you enough!

—In addition, there's an open invitation for you to train in martial arts at the Shaoshi Temple, where I've been training ever since I can remember. That, if you want to and if your state of health allows it, of course.

—Certainly! It will be my honor! Mei… I mean, Your Highness, I would be so honored to learn both the science and the martial arts of your country. You arranged all of this for me…

Blushed and overwhelmed by emotions, Alphonse stood up and took a deep bow in gratitude to the princess. Feeling the gesture as excessive, Mei begged him to stop.

oOo

At the end of his first month living in Xing he felt somehow abashed by his performance in both alkahestry and martial arts. He didn't remember the last time he had felt so lost and desperate for not being able to grasp new concepts, so unable to control his own mind and body during meditation and training. His learning with Izumi Curtis during his childhood had been harsh, but this time the discipline was different from what he ever knew, even from the Amestrian military discipline.

Mei encouraged him anytime she could, reminding him that it was the beginning and he needed to open his mind and spirit. He tried to remember the princess' words and the promise to Zampano and Jerso of bringing them back to normal whenever he felt incompetent. However, often times he felt like the only progress he was ever making was learning Xingese.

That day he came back displeased from the Shaoshi Temple due to his many mistakes and having received the very same speeches over and over. He closed the door as quietly as he could and headed to the stairs. He heard a voice calling him, the girl who worked under Ms. Wen.

—Welcome back, sir. You got mail.

—Thank you, Hui.

The familiar names and handwritings in the two envelopes caused him a wave of excitement that changed his countenance: one was Winry's and the other was his brother's right hand. He went upstairs reading one unknown return address, a place in the West that Edward had mentioned. Once inside his bedroom, he sat at the desk and carefully detached the lids with a letter opener.

Just as he thought, his correspondence from Xing got to Resembool long after his brother left home. Pinako and Winry read it first, called Edward by phone, and then sent the letter for him to read.

"He really pulled that equivalent exchange card on Winry" the boy thought, gasping on the verge of laughing after reading his brother's letter.

Alphonse met Mei at the temple the next day after most of the students left. She was curious about his renewed spirits.

—Do you remember Winry? My childhood friend from Resembool, the blonde automail mechanic?

—Of course!

—My brother proposed to her. In his very own way, but he did.

—Oh, what a joy! Mr. Elric, that's such good news! When will her wedding take place?

—They haven't decided yet, but they definitely want to invite you and Prince Ling.

—We would be pleased to be there! I'm still not sure about our schedules, but be assured that we'll do our best to go. In any event, I'll try to go on behalf of both of us.

—Please, do! I'd really like you to go with me. After all, you're my friend and your presence is important.