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flourchildwrites · 5 years ago

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Heart, Mind, Soul & Hand

Alphonse considered himself a lucky man to meet Mei for a second time on equal footing. And, if he was being honest with himself, he knew it would be an honor to remain by her side for as long as she would allow. But first, as always in Xingese culture, the formalities had to be observed — intricate, perplexing and time-honored formalities that found the younger Elric brother in woeful need of advice. What does one get for the alkahestress who has everything?

By @waddiwasiwitch, @ruikosakuragi and @flourchildwrites

Written for @fmasecretsanta2019 for @linksphilosopherssock

Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood & Manga, Fullmetal Alchemist - All Media Types

Relationship/Pairing: Mei Chang/Alphonse Elric, Riza Hawkeye/Roy Mustang, Edward Elric/Winry Rockbell, Alphonse Elric & Edward Elric

Genre: Romance, Post-Canon, Domestic Fluff, Marriage,

Rating: General Audiences

Word Count: 2,674 words

Read on AO3

Alphonse Elric understood many things. He could wax poetic about the difference between alchemy and alkahestry, expertly parsing the differences between tectonic energy and the revered dragon’s pulse. He could ruminate, at length (in either his native Amestrian or Xingese), about the ethics of human transmutation with a fire in his eyes that dissuaded the most curious upstarts. And after many years of instruction, Mei Chang had even managed to teach him how to brew a decent cup of tea.

It was impossible to say when Alphonse had fallen for the Chang clan’s most respected alkahestry practitioner, but if he had to guess, he’d wager that it happened during their quiet hours of study in Emperor Ling’s palace archive. Often, Al suspected that a force other than fate had so often placed them on the same committee or seated them side-by-side at the lengthiest banquets. And whether this force’s name started with Li- or La- or Ed- or Win- didn’t seem to matter when all was said and done.

Alphonse considered himself a lucky man to meet Mei for a second time on equal footing. He felt privileged to be able to make her smile and giggle at his (still) awful pronunciation of Xingese words. And, if he was being honest with himself, he knew it would be an honor to remain by her side for as long as she would allow, pondering the precise tone of her chi, admiring the intricate plats of her trademark braids or debating about what to have for dinner.

But first, as always in Xingese culture, the formalities had to be observed — intricate, perplexing and time-honored formalities that found the younger Elric brother in woeful need of advice.

Alphonse knocked on the office door and heard a familiar “Come in.” A warmth filled his chest at the sound of Captain Hawkeye’s voice. He stepped inside, and Hawkeye stood up, her eyes wide.

“Alphonse!” She smiled, her eyes crinkled around the edges. “It’s so good to see you. What a nice surprise. The team will be disappointed to have missed you.”

He smiled back. “I was actually hoping to talk to you and General Mustang.” He glanced at the door to the inner office. “Is he in?”

She inclined her head. “He is, but he is on the phone to the Fuhrer at the moment. If you wouldn’t mind waiting a while-”

The door to the inner office opened suddenly and revealed a purple-faced Mustang with clenched fists. “That sneaky-” He cut himself off when he saw Alphonse standing there, and his anger evaporated. “Alphonse!”

Still, he couldn’t help but notice that Mustang’s eyes searched the room. Alphonse suspected he was expecting to see his brother standing there. After all, they had been inseparable back when Ed was a state alchemist.

“Congratulations are in order if the rumours I hear of upcoming nuptials are true.” Mustang wrung his hand.

Alphonse smiled, pride bursting in his chest. “They are.”

“Well, well, you have aimed high.” Mustang winked. “Well done, snagging yourself a Xingese princess.”

“Sir,” Hawkeye scolded. She turned to Alphonse and embraced him. “Congratulations, Alphonse, we’re delighted for both of you.”

“Didn’t I just say the same thing?” Mustang muttered.

Hawkeye rolled her eyes as she pulled back.

Alphonse dipped his head. “That’s part of why I came actually, I wanted to give you invitations in person. Xingese custom dictates we deliver the invitations in person if possible.”

Mustang and Hawkeye glanced at one another. As usual, the pair seemed to be having a completely nonverbal conversation before turning back to him.

“Of course, we’ll come.” Mustang beamed from ear to ear. “Before you say anything, Hawkeye, we’ll reschedule any necessary meetings. We can’t miss this. Especially after Alphonse came all this way.”

Alphonse reached into his pocket and took out two ornate envelopes. He handed them reverently to the officers.

“Xing?” Mustang ripped open the envelope while his subordinate opened hers carefully. “I’ve never been to Xing.”

“How is Mei?” Hawkeye asked. “Pass on our thanks.”

“She is well, but she had to stay behind. There is a lot to plan before the wedding.” Alphonse sighed. “Her family has some very specific plans for this wedding.”

A small frown appeared on Hawkeye’s face. “Is there something bothering you, Alphonse?”

“Well, can I just get an opinion from a woman’s perspective?”

“Of course,” she said.

“It’s just that I wanted to get Mei a ring, but she seems bemused by Amestrian customs.”

“It doesn’t have to be a ring.” She patted his arm. “But it should be something that means a lot to you both. One of the reasons why jewellery is traditionally given is because women didn’t always have control of their finances.”

Alphonse nodded. “I guess I can understand that. It just seems wrong somehow not to give her something as a symbol.”

“Have you explained this to her, Alphonse? I’m sure you two could come to some sort of compromise.” She smiled reassuringly. “Try not to worry. I’m sure you two will figure it out in no time.”

“I hope so.”

“Would you like a cup of tea?” she asked.

He nodded. He was still unconvinced.

“I couldn’t help overhearing,” Mustang began as Hawkeye stepped out of the office. He was sitting on the edge of Hawkeye’s desk. “If a woman says she doesn’t want jewellery it means you haven’t given her the right one. You have to give her a ring to show your love and your commitment to her. What displays that better than a ring?”

Alphonse’s face fell. Confusion reigned.

Mustang slapped him on the back. “Don’t worry, I know of an amazing jeweller. He even makes bespoke rings if there is something there that you don’t like. By the end of this visit, I’m sure you’ll have the perfect ring.”

The young man had little time to reconcile the contradictory advice as Captain Hawkeye turned the corner, balancing a modest tray of milk, sugar and tea. Alphonse took his cup, bowing his head in thanks and inwardly thinking that, perhaps, Hawkeye had not steeped the tea long enough. Still, he sipped, grateful for the small comfort.

“Ring or no ring, what’s important is the bond you share,” Hawkeye said in summation.

Yet, Al couldn’t help but notice Mustang ostentatiously mouthing the word “ring” over his Captain’s shoulder with a confident nod.

...

There wasn’t time to visit the jeweller that General Mustang had mentioned. In fact, there was barely time to catch the day’s last train to Resembool. As Alphonse watched the scenery outside the window shift from industrial warehouses to rolling fields of farmland, he felt the hands of the clock rewind back to lazy days of traveling alongside the Fullmetal Alchemist.

As a disembodied soul, Alphonse’s existence had sidelined him from the simple pleasures life had to offer. Nevertheless, the young man smiled as he grounded himself in the moment that and assured himself that, indeed, he could feel the weight of his suitcase leaning against his leg. He knew that there was a warm bed waiting for him in the Elric family home. He expected that the sweet scent of Winry’s apple pie would greet him as he approached the modest steps of the rebuilt estate.

And he was right on all accounts.

“Uncle Al!” Yuriy Elric exclaimed.

Ed and Winry’s oldest son must have grown half a foot since the last time his Uncle Al had visited, but no one would have known it from the way Alphonse scooped him up, hoisted him atop his shoulders without skipping a beat. The blond boy kicked his feet and raised his arms high into the cool evening air.

“He’s here! He’s here! Do you see, Dad? He’s here!”

The stocky build of Edward Elric carefully descended the steps with a small baby girl nested within the crook of his right arm. It did Alphonse good to see his brother like this — paternal and settled with bags under his eyes but a sincere smile stretching the corners of his tanned face. A tight feeling shot through Alphonse’s chest as he realized that their mother would have been especially proud of the father her oldest became. Maybe, she would have been proud of him as well.

“Welcome back,” Ed greeted. “Long time no see.”

“Brother,” Alphonse responded as the siblings exchanged a soft look. “Happy to be back, for a little while at least.”

Ed helped Yuriy down and ushered him indoors. “Run down to the workshop, and tell your mother Uncle Al has arrived.”

With little Sara still swaddled securely in one arm, Ed took Alphonse’s suitcase and bristled at the weight. “Did you bring the Emperor’s whole library with you?”

Al chuckled. “Just a little light reading for the trip, and about a dozen wedding invitations. Mei sent some gifts for the kids too. Don’t worry. She’s holding off on the kunai until Yuriy turns 10 or 11.”

Ed grinned mischievously, jest concern dripping from his words.

“That doesn’t make me worry any less.”

With Ed’s response came the unwanted memory of an attempted human transmutation. It had happened when the Elric brothers were 10 and 11 in this very house. Nevertheless, those events felt foggy, like something from a past life. Alphonse shrugged, good-natured smile intact, as he ignored the tectonic remnants of such powerful alchemy seeping up from the basement that was now Winry’s workshop. The weary traveler took infant Sara in his arms and admired his niece for the first time since her birth.

“I can’t imagine why,” he said.

...

Ed cooked beef stew for dinner though Winry’s apple pie was easily the best thing passed around the table. It was second only to the small bottle of sake Alphonse presented as a present to his sister-in-law alongside his wedding invitation. And as the stars burned brighter in the night sky, the conversation also flowed. Alphonse confessed his dilemma to Winry and Ed, tacking on the contradictory advice of the General and his Captain.

“I think, perhaps, Mei would appreciate a family heirloom over a ring that would normally cost hundreds and thousands of cenz,” Winry suggested. “I could give you one of grandmother’s rings that she received from grandfather. I think Mei will love it.”

But Alphonse shook his head, determined that the answer to his dilemma was not the treasured ring that he knew sat in Winry’s jewellery box. “No. I can’t take something as precious as that. Pinako gave them to you.”

“I don’t mind parting with one.”

“Winry, thank you, but I really can’t. It won’t feel right,” he insisted with a reassuring smile.

“Then what are you going to do?”

Before Alphonse could voice his thoughts, Ed sprang from his seat and raised his index finger knowingly towards the sky. And had it not been for the baby he had rocked to sleep only minutes ago, Al could have sworn that the sweet effects of the sake had taken control of his brother, turning his cheeks a little too red and making his laughter much too loud for the sleeping baby.

With a wary glance at little Sara’s room, Winry attempted to shush her husband. But Ed followed with a hard clap on his back that threatened to regurgitate the spoonful of apple pie that Alphonse had only swallowed.

“You know we’ve still got your old suit of armor in a crate out back,” Ed exclaimed with much enthusiasm before a sneer crept along his potty mouth. “Bet I could dig out that metallic jockstrap looking thing since Mei’s clearly got you whipped.”

“Ed!” Winry warned with a hiss sharper than usual.

Distraught by more pressing matters, Alphonse simply offered a halfhearted chuckle as he rose to his feet, sliding his chair backward and stacking the empty dishes on the table into a short tower of plates. “I can help you clean up, Winry. And then I think I’ll turn in for the night.”

...

It was surreal to be in a bedroom that looked like the one he grew up in and sat in the same position but was, in fact, different down to its bones. Alphonse would never tell Edward that his recreation of their family dwelling was anything less than a perfect replication. But, had he been critical, it was worth noting that the ceiling felt too low and the window was situated a few inches to the right of the original. Or maybe Al was simply shorter now.

He smirked at the novelty of that concept.

Alphonse adjusted his sheets in an attempt to get comfortable. He turned onto his side, propped a book against his pillow and rubbed at his tired eyes. Still, sleep remained as elusive as the perfect gift for Mei.

He agreed with Captain Hawkeye — it did not have to be a ring. But, as General Mustang had opined, there was no better analogy for unity than a circle, the many curves life could take molded by choice into a single line with neither beginning nor end. And while Granny’s rings were precious, they were more meaningful to Winry.

As for Edward’s advice, well, he could be an ass. A punch drunk, sleep-deprived ass who (for reasons unknown, perhaps guilt) never missed an opportunity to remind Alphonse that he had spent years cutting an imposing figure within a hollow suit of armor. A suit of armor that neither man could bring themselves to part with. A suit of armor that was sitting in the shed out back and…

Lightning struck in the form of a clever idea. Alphonse sat straight up and pushed the covers aside. He crossed his room in three determined strides and rummaged in the suitcase propped open on the desk. Down the stairs, Alphonse moved with a rudimentary alchemy book and several pieces of chalk in hand. With his feet crammed into Edward’s galoshes, he entered the small storage shed out back and re-emerged the next morning with a piece of handiwork that brought tears to Winry’s eyes.

...

Alphonse stepped into the library, his eyes landed on his soon to be wife who was writing what appeared to be a letter. Mei’s face lit up and his heart skipped a beat.

He was home at last.

Before he could utter a word, he had an armful of his Xingese princess. His arms pulled her close and he breathed her in.

“I missed you,” he whispered.

“Not as much as I missed you.”

Her fervent reply made him chuckle and he kissed her temple.

“How is the preparation going?”

Mei’s eyes flashed. “I feel like I am going to kill someone one of these days.”

He arched an eyebrow. “I don’t think The Emperor would be very happy about that.”

“It’s him I want to kill,” she muttered. Before Al could say another word. “Well, tell me did you bring me any presents from your travels?”

His girl could read his mind. He was sure of it. Feeling the inside of his coat, he pulled out a small box.

“I made this from my old suit of armor.” Al opened it to reveal a small ring. It was dull silver and plain with the smallest hint of copper blush. The only unique adornment was a white filament twisted around the band. “I transmuted pieces of armor from my breastplate, my hand and the place where Ed put the blood seal to make the ring. The white strand is what was left of my old hair.”

“Why those parts?” Mei asked as she regarded the simple piece of jewelry, holding it up the light. “Surely, that armor was precious to you.”

Al smiled. His reply was well-rehearsed, but sincere all the same. “You’ve given me a place in your heart, a piece of your mind, an insight into your soul and you’re about to give me your hand in marriage. I thought I should return the favor. It’s equivalent exchange.”

Her eyes welled up. “It’s beautiful, Alphonse, I would be glad to wear it.”

A/N: Happy (seriously belated) holidays, @linksphilosopherssock! You have not one but three back-up Secret Santas who tackled this gift as a team. We heard that you liked Royai, Edwin and Almei, so we decided to give you a little bit of everything. We hope that you like it and that the fic was worth the wait! We certainly enjoyed creating it for you.

#fmasecretsanta2019 #almei #royai #edwin #alphonse elric #mei chang #roy mustang #riza hawkeye #edward elric #winry rockbell #post-canon #fluff #marriage #advice #fma

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fullmetalscullyy · 6 years ago

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If you're still taking requests (I love your one shots btw you're literally my fmab fanfic queen) could you maybe do a ling x lan fan fic? Where lan fan is upset/injured you choose and ling comforts her?

NJSKFNBJFDKZN i don’t deserve such titles oh my gOD THANK YOU BLESS YOU I’D DIE FOR YOU

just so you know

safkjsdjk i’ve never wrote this pair before but i’ve spitballed hcs about this situation between the two of them and it’s so angsty it’s a full course meal and something i’ve always wanted to explore so thank you for giving me the opportunity and push to do it!!! hope you enjoy!!

Lan Fanhad no time for trivial things such as this, but it still didn’t mean that ithurt to witness, hurt to think about. And of course, as the Emperor’s trustedbodyguard and shadow, she had to bethere. The clamour for the throne was wrought with threats and it only took oneperson to false a claim to get an audience with the Emperor only to make anattempt on his life.

Shewould never let that happen. Both she and Ling had bore witness to howbloodthirsty and cut-throat the other heirs were.

But she still found herself in herown quarters in the palace, almost hiding from her charge, leaving him alonewith only the palace guards to protect his life because she was so sick of everythinghappening around them.

Emperor Ling Yao was of age as heassumed the throne and so began his journey towards organising the ImperialHarem. It had been prolonged for a few years as he begun to patch up relationswith their neighbours as well as working on the trade agreement with Amestris.

It wasn’t something Emperor Lingcould hide from forever though.

Lan Fan closed her eyes, grippingthe edge of her bed in her plain and nearly empty living quarters tightly. Emotionthreatened to overwhelm her, but she held it at bay.

A daily task.

A knock on her door drew her outof her internal struggle. Not expecting a visitor, but expecting it to be oneof her colleagues, Lan Fan opened the door without schooling her features,revealing to the person on the other side of the door just how exhausted shewas after her long, taxing day.

She had spent it beside the throneas one woman from the different clans of Xing presented themselves to theEmperor.

Women who would bear his children,ensuring their clan’s fealty to the throne.

It was a miracle she had held ittogether for so long. However, her grandfather didn’t raise someone who wouldshirk duty due to personal reasons. She remained steadfast, as always, a shadowby her Emperor’s side.

What she didn’t expect – what finallydrew her emotions from deep within – was seeing the Emperor on the other sideof the door. He was out of his court clothing and was wearing his signature whitetrousers and yellow jacket from his younger years. It was humid tonight, the airin the palace thick as Lan Fan had walked back to her rooms, sweating under herblack clothing. Her cheeks would have blushed at his state of undress had shenot spent years taming her feelings into something they weren’t.

It had been four years since they’dreturned from Amestris and four long years of pretending she didn’t love theman who had ascended the throne and become the Emperor of Xing.

“Good evening, Lan Fan,” Linggreeted cheerily, inviting himself into the room. Of course, who was she torefuse the Emperor anything? “I missed you at dinner. Are you all right?”

“Of course, your majesty,” shebowed low, closing her eyes briefly to block out the ache in her chest.

“Please,” he begged, placing hishands on her shoulders, lifting her up gently. “There is never any need for that.You know that.”

“Of course, your majesty.” His jawset but he didn’t say anything further. Instead, he sat on her slightly rumpledbed covers, patting the space beside him to beckon her over.

“Please, join me. I wish todiscuss something with you.” Lan Fan nodded, not trusting her voice after lettingherself that tiny moment of weakness before he appeared. It had been unexpected,and Lan Fan had been unprepared, so didn’t have time to brace herself like shedid almost every morning to prepare her for the day.

Her duty was to the Emperor, firstand foremost. She would lay down her life to protect his – she already had whenshe cut off her arm. That was herjob.

Not to fall in love with the boyshe had grown up with.

“General Mustang just called tosay the trade route should be completed on their end by the end of the week,”Ling explained casually, completely oblivious to how inappropriate theircurrent situation was.

It was like they were childrenagain.

A longing stirred in her chest, disturbingthose feelings she had kept buried for four years.

“It’s been a long four years,” headded, a grin on his face. “But we finally did it!”

No, you did it.

“Congratulations are in order,your majesty.”

“Lan Fan,” Ling announced suddenly,his tone changed from being cordial to being hard and unimpressed. “Please dropthe formality. We both know we’re way past that point in our lives.”

He was right, to an extent. “Weare,” she agreed. “However, my duty is to the monarchy –”

“Lan Fan,” he interrupted sharply.“Stop.” His voice softened, shoulders slumping. “Please, stop. I don’t likethis anymore than you do.”

She knew exactly what he wastalking about. Lan Fan swallowed. Hard.

Ling looked tired. So very tired. Likethe last four years had suddenly caught up with him, and the current situationhe had to deal with regarding his heirs wasn’t as far away as they’d both hoped.Now that the trade union with Amestris was completed there was no way to put itoff any longer. The advisors to the crown demanded – unfairly – Ling’s answer,and he had to give his decision by the end of the month.

It wasn’t fair.

Lan Fan’s thoughts suddenly turnedto Edward Elric and how happy he’d seemed when revealing the news his firstborn was on the way just yesterday. How she wished she could have a taste of thathappiness and freedom, just for a second…

“We have a duty –” she began,voice strong as she forced that childish desire out of her mind.

“Enough with duty,” he growled, causing Lan Fan to pause. “It hurtsyou and I hate that.” Her heart leapt in her chest. Ling raked a hand over hishair, gripping the ponytail tightly behind his head in frustration beforeletting his hand fall to his side. “If I could change it, I would. You knowthat, right?”

Lan Fan didn’t reply. She couldn’t.

“I looked into it. I never agreedwith how hostile our country has become, how other clans are treated morefavourably than others because they have more to offer the crown. The thought ofchildren – my children – fighting eachother in order to take my place as I abdicate the throne makes me sick.” LanFan’s stomach tightened as she sat on her bed – in her own personal space – feelingfrightened and slightly nauseous, her back ramrod straight.

Of course. They would all be hischildren.

All fifty of them.

Lan Fan grit her teeth togethertightly.

“I’ve desperately looked into waysto make changes, but my advisors say that every change will be met with resistancebecause of how many clans there are in Xing.” Both elbows now rested on histhighs, his hands clasped together in front of him. He rubbed his face, hard,with his hands. “Can I admit something to you?”

“Of course. Anything, yourmajesty.”

“It makes me sick… The thought of…”He sighed heavily, burying his face in his hands. “All those women.” Lan Fan was shocked to see himshudder. “All those women and they’re not you.”

Lan Fan froze. Her body seized upand her breathing stopped.

“After all that happened inAmestris, with your arm, I… I realised a few things. While duty binds us both Iknow there must be more to this life. There hasto be, because I can’t live my life knowing that this is all that awaits me inthe future.” His sad eyes met hers, almost begging Lan Fan to say something,give her input, anything. “Not when Iwant so much more.”

Silence blanketed the room as thetwo stared at each other, two dominating forces refusing to back down.

Lan Fan felt those tears sting ather eyes again. She greeted them like she always did – like an old friend – andbegun her ritual of supressing them simply because she had to.

“I understand.” The Emperor sighedin disappointment. As he straightened Lan Fan gripped his hand tightly, givinghis fingers a squeeze. “I understand because I feel the same way.” Although hiseyes lit up there was still a hint of sadness to them.

Ling snorted softly, derisively. “Whateverit takes, right?”

Lan Fan squeezed his hand again. “Whateverit takes.”

Ling sighed, eyes closing brieflyas he composed himself. “One day, I swear to you, it won’t always be like this.I will make sure my reign counts for something, and if it’s ensuring I can’tand don’t hurt you anymore, then that’s all I want from it.” He cast his eyes downwards.“This country needs to change and improve, move with the times, and I am dedicatedto setting the spark that will get the ball rolling. However,” he added,bringing his eyes to meet hers once more. “Priorities change.”

Lan Fan smiled at him. The gesturewas sincere. She knew exactly what she was getting herself into when she dedicatedherself to this job, to this lifestyle. It had been chosen by her, and heralone. There was no coercion to speak of, no bribery. Her future waspredetermined as soon as she swore to protect Ling’s life with hers, her grandfatheras the witness. They had known each other since they were children, both raisedunder Fu’s watchful eye, so Lan Fan smiled because it was just like Ling to saysomething like that.

“That’s your heart talking, yourmajesty, not your head.”

“It has a lot to say,” he counteredwithout hesitation, causing that smile to reappear again.

It was a good thing she was thereto keep him straight and focus on what mattered the most.

“Your majesty, you have animportant meeting with the General and the Fuhrer tomorrow,” Lan Fan remindedhim. “You should rest.”

“Only if you promise me one thing.”His eyes flashed with determination.

“Anything, young lord,” she smiled,referring fondly back to his old title. It appeared to throw him, but once thesurprise disappeared there was a hint of amusement on his face.

“Of course,” he murmured. As if heeven had to ask. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but… Will you wait? For me?”

Lan Fan shook her head, internallyamused by his crestfallen face. “I won’t wait for you, your majesty. I will beby your side every step of the way.”

Ling blinked, a bright smilespreading across his face. He grasped her hand tightly, bringing it up to kissthe back of it. It was the first show of physical affection Ling had ever shownher, and to say Lan Fan was shocked would be an understatement.

“Of course, you will. I expectednothing less.”

#lingfan #lingfan fic #lingfan fanfic #ask #anon #fic request #writing prompts #emma writes

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heartfeltheart · 5 years ago

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Alchemy: Tiny Steps

Chapters: 25/45 Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist/Harry Potter Rating: T Relationships: Edward/Winry, Lan Fan/Ling, and May/Alphonse. Primary Characters: Edward Elric, Severus Snape Additional Tags: Crossover, Teacher!Edward, BrOtp Edward/Severus. Sassy beyond measure. Pro!Snape Series: Part 2 of 9. Summary: Part two of the Alchemy Series. Politics. Either you love it, hate it or you live it. For Alchemy Teacher Edward Elric, he lives it, hates it and loves it when he gets the upper hand. Here is to another year of hell… D/C: I do not own Harry Potter or Fullmetal Alchemist. Discord: La Red(Mesh Mash of… stuff.): https://discord.gg/KYjmVAb Alchemy Series: https://discord.gg/DejEYNJ

George Weasley: Shows a great aptitude in Alchemy along with his brother, Fred Weasley. Try to remember who is who. This one needs to develop his critical thinking skills, it is apparent that both brothers help each other with what the other slacks with. While George has a complete understanding of the laws but as stated before, critical thinking along with a clearer and advanced understanding of the laws. Warning: Chronic prankster.

Rachel McWilliams: If only I could get her a full evaluation, I could only do so much without fully knowing what more I could do for her. There is a difference between knowing something and remembering something. She remembers what she needs to remember and at her convivence, but does not fully understands what she is talking about. I have received several complaints of her constant chatter to the point it severely distracts everyone. There are times she will be quiet, but it is just as unnerving whenever she goes in those quiet tangents. Warning: If she does not follow our warnings, contact Filius.

Yaxley Prang: Has one of the biggest sweet tooth… Emphatic and cares for his housemates. Enjoys creating recipes and figuring out how cooking could be implemented into Alchemy. Makes one mean carrot and zucchini bread. Pomona mentioned to me he dropped an elective to continue studying Alchemy, ended up dropping divination and switched it with ancient ruins and added in muggle studies. Need to talk to him about adding extra classes, last thing we need is him running on caffeine. Warning: Lost his mother at a young age due to that moldy-mort, a very sore subject for him.

Emmeline Evan: Blunt, mature and very warm-hearted. One of the oldest students I have, shows some promise but not enough time to be taught fully. This was a clear example what I warned that cat woman about. Anyway, she has a tendency to be very oblivious to a lot of things and Alchemy cannot be one of them. Even if she see's facts, she does not see the full picture or ask the necessary questions to further her studies. Warning: Don't be surprised if students attempt to woo her and she has no clue what's happening. Very oblivious. (Don't you say anything, Al. )

Alphonse scanned through his brother's paperwork for Wednesday's class, Critical Thinking. Students that require a deeper understanding of the world around them, to think in and out of the box and so on. Important for them to understand that life is filled with color but behind the seams, it's black, white and grays of all shades.

So far, a lot of the students who just passed the entrance exam are skeptical of what was being said to them. A lot of them had an idea what they assumed to be Alchemy and what from what they were told. So far Alphonse kicked out one person just went on how Alchemy is supposed to be, to a wizard/witch point of view. One less student to teach. Let's see if he can bring down the numbers even more.

-.-

"My head..." Edward rasped out, wincing at how dry his throat felt. His arms felt like stone when he attempted to move them. The only thing he felt he could move is his automail foot. Vision blurry made it impossible to figure out where he was at that current moment. 'Where am I?'

Edward suddenly felt metal touch his lips and a cold liquid hitting his lips. The need of quench his thirst overtook his mind to question what he was being forced to drink but that was overthrown. His thirst won over and when the liquid touched his tongue, the eldest Elric Brother felt warmth filled his entire body. Feeling began to return and his vision becoming clearer. Once his sight returned fully to him, he saw that it was Severus holding a goblet up to his lips. The liquid in said goblet smelled like peppermint, rosemary, and… feverfew? Whatever it was, it was helping him get rid of the constant ache in his head. "Zank you."

Severus could only raise an eyebrow at hearing Edward's voice. Edward had started to lose his heavily accented voice, pronouncing English words easily and nearly fluently. Still had hints of Amestrian but nothing when he first met him. Now? It's like right back to the beginning for Edward. "How do you feel?"

"I feel like schit. Put vadeffer you kaffe me is making it ko avay." Edward slurred out, feeling sleep taking over him again. "Vat did you make drink…"

Severus watched Edward slurred out his words before returning to a magic induced sleep. This would be the last time the young man be forced to drink a sleeping drought. It was heavily diluted to help with the concussion Edward is suffering from. From what Poppy told him, that Edward is almost in the clear but needed one more potion and a long rest before going about his normal business. Well, normal business for Edward Elric.

"How is he?"

Severus turned around to see Alphonse entering the room from the second entrance of the room. "I gave him the last required potion. It would have been a fast process if he allowed Madam Pomfrey to use magic and fully utilizing my potions, but considering his stance towards that…"

"His stance against magic in or on his body…I know." Alphonse let out a despondent sigh. "He would rather suffer through the pain than make it go away quickly with magic. Don't use it against him, he already does that enough as it is."

"I know."

-.-

"The main colors of the wedding are red and gold?" Izumi attempted to describe the color of dress she needed to get for Edward and Winry's wedding. She was asked by Edward to stand in as the Mother of the Groom and right now, she is looking for a dress along with Gracia, Elicia and Riza. "I want something like this…"

Gracia could only chuckle and show complete apprehension at how Izumi described the dress she wanted. She turned her attention to another attendant of the bridal shop. She was asked to become the Mother of the Bride and wedding planner. Her daughter is to be the flower girl and have Black Hayate be the ring bearer. Riza is the Maid of Honor and is currently debating type of dress she wanted to wear for the wedding. Winry had gave free reign of her wedding. The only rules she did put in is that the colors are red and gold, no bachelorette or bachelor parties, and nothing to revealing. A simple country, fairy-tail inspired wedding. At least Pinako managed to convince her to not it all themed Automail and machines. That was a clear second. "For the bridesmaid's dresses, could we avoid lace, open-backs and something not to heavy? Color? Dark gold, of a dark enough yellow to pass it off…"

Gracia didn't need to look back to see how Riza let out a sigh of relief when she rejected a dress that would have been perfect, but the back had a see-through lace showing off the back. "Something like this back the back covered."

"Mommy, could my friend come to the wedding?"

"We'll have to ask Winry, dear. Which friend?"

"His name is…"

-.-

Alphonse slowly edged towards the trapdoor that was the only form of entrance and exit of the Divination Tower. The Divination Professor is freaking him out and is professing his future, past and present death. Now she is going on about how the color of his eyes only proceeds death of everyone that connects with him and his brother. "Truth… if this is your twisted away of punishing me… you've done it."

-.-

Terrence Higgs: One of my start students along with George and Fred. Despite coming from a Pure-Blood background, he does not see blood or house colors. See's the world as it is and from what he described, the Higgs are a Gray Family. Have him go over arrays and elemental alchemy. It may be too advanced for him, but I believe he could make it. Warning: He had to drop several classes to continue taking Alchemy and Quidditch. Keep in contact with Severus to see where he stands.

Edmond Mortin: I swear this kid's voice is so deep! Whenever he talks it's like a cross between Sid and Major Armstrong! The kid enjoys scaring the crap out of people and joins Fred and George in their pranks. Loves pranks. Very much… I might get this kid to transmutate something before he leaves the school. Warning: Only makes himself known when he wants to. Knows every rumor that goes around this school.

Wynne Rabnott: I swear she's like a mini Major General Armstrong in terms of being 'icy' towards everyone around her. Can't blame her, her family came from a primary non-magical background but quickly married into magic and allowed money to talk for them. She's with that boyfriend of hers due to the fact 'he's of good stock', I swear I never understand how their family make her face theses views. She is has a good balance but needs to have all aspects put together. Warning: She has that death like stare…be warned.

Nathaniel Praxley: May be Pure-Blood, but his family cares enough to suck in their pride to get help in a non-magical means. Found out he has a mild case of dyslexia, working with his parents, Filius and the doctor that diagnosed him. I believe I found a way to help him study. Now we have to find a way to raise up his self-esteem, the kid doesn't believe he's smart enough for Ravenclaw. If only he knew, the kid knows his stuff and doesn't even fully realize what he's truly capable of. Warning: I've heard many of his housemates are tormenting him, have to get one of my older students from the same house to watch over him.

Thursday Class.

Balance.

This day and the next, then hopefully Edward will be ready to get back to teaching. Alphonse could only wonder how his brother managed to get through teaching last year. To think that last year he would be teaching on his own. Oh truth… he takes back everything he ever told his brother about being a teacher. He'll be the one that would murder a student… or horribly maim them.

"Sir, isn't alchemy just a form of lost magical art form? Creating gold and such?"

"…Get out."

-.-

'I feel like I should start gloating…?'

#Alchemy Series #Tiny Steps #FMA #FMAB #HP #HP/FMA #HP/FMAB #Crossover #AU #Fanfic

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heathcliffdt · 6 years ago

Text

Star Charts

Summary: When a young scholar was summoned by the Emperor to shed light on a political matter, Lan Fan didn't expect that she would also be learning a thing or two from him about speaking out her mind.

It had been four years since Ling Yao was crowned Emperor of Xing, and Xing had come to the conclusion that the Dawn Emperor was an unconventional ruler. He challenged archaic traditions of the country which, to his own volition, would lead to its own demise and detriment. While a lot had lauded him for his creativity, the older people criticized him, of course. And the stronger clans. And the bureaucrats also.

When he assumed the throne, his policies scandalized a lot of people. On top of his tier of radical reforms was the unification of the fifty clans (which was met by a mixed swarm of criticisms), alongside the integration of Xing to the international political arena.

The next agenda on his list was entering an economic treaty with Aerugo. Of course he had consulted a multitude of scholars who specialize in economics and commerce, but it was always Mei Chang whom he relied the most. But since the Princess was finishing her research dissertation on her alkahestry, her visits to the Imperial Palace had become sporadic. Which led to Ling impatiently meeting with a man Mei sent in her place.

"State your name and purpose," Ling said.

A young lean man stood before the Emperor's throne. He Carried himself with a sense of pride but not proud enough to insult. The man bowed. "My name is Xuezhe of the Hai clan, and I hail from the South Lands of the Vermilion Bird. I was summoned by the courts to be of assistance to the Emperor in the entering of the trade treaty with Aerugo. Aside from the status of jieyuan, this one specialized in public policy and alkahestry, and knowledgeable of the philosophy of the Yuh-gāa texts. This one is also equipped with the practical knowledge of western alchemy."

From behind the pillars, a third soul lurked the throne room. Lan Fan observed the scholar. Interesting, she thought to herself. The young man's credentials were quite impressive, and the fact that Princess Chang sent for him as her replacement meant that he is competent. She, however, sensed that the Emperor was not impressed. He was dubious in trusting other consultants.

"Uh huh," Ling loftily placed his chin over his knuckles. "If Chang trusts you, then perhaps I can rely on you. She described her affinity with you by stating that you shared your dissertation with her," the Emperor said.

"That is correct, my lord. The Princess Chang and I are established colleagues."

"Alright then. What did Chang relay?"

"The Princess had left in my hands her report of the current economic statuses of both Xing and Aerugo. Since Aerugo is primarily bordered by seas in the south, the country's main exports are pearls and crude oil. The report also provided Aerugo-Amestris trade partnership as a point of comparison," Xuezhe said.

"And what about the comparative analysis?"

"During the reign of late Fuhrer-President, King Bradley, Aerugo and Amestris were on a hostile footing. Aerugo even provided arms to Ishval during the Ishval Civil War, highlighting more of their conflict with Amestris. It is only during General Grumman's term did the conflict reach resolution."

"It is too early to say how the economic ties are faring for both countries, however. Did Chang advise to not enter the treaty?"

"The Princess did not have anything stated in her report that goes against such."

Ling clapped his hands. "It's settled then. Xing is entering economic relations with Aerugo."

"If the Imperial Majesty permits, but this one wishes to provide insight."

Lan Fan raised her eyebrows at the young man's boldness. She looked at the emperor as he studied the young man who held himself with boldness.

"Proceed," Ling said.

"I do not wish to sound tactless, but the Dawn Emperor's action of establishing economic ties with Amestris two years ago has caused quite of a stir from the nationalists. Apparently, they weren't too fond of the inter-country integration as they thought that it would leave Xing vulnerable to foreign investors."

Ling did not respond immediately. From what her senses told her, Lan Fan assumed that Ling was not quite happy with what the young man has just said. As the pillars prohibited her from seeing Ling's face clearly, she sensed that Ling's Dragon's Pulse was imitating the intensity of a trouble lake.

"Are you saying that there are those who contest my decisions for the country?"

Lan Fan knew this was a trick question. Of course they all know the answer to this question.

"Yes, my king."

Another deafening silence filled the throne room. She didn't flinch nor breathe until Ling finally spoke.

"Thank you for the insight, Xuezhe. I shall have my decision finalized by tomorrow morning. You may be discharged."

The man bowed for the last time and exited the throne room.

He never talked to her casually anymore. Not even when they were alone. It was alienating on her part, since it was a new sort of treatment from Ling. Ever since their return from Amestris, a lot of things changed for the two of them. The estrangement did not actually occur until Ling was crowned Dawn Emperor of Xing.

Amestris changed them in a lot of ways. Amestris was...liberating. The western world thrived on liberal ideologies, and Lan Fan had always been amazed by how emancipating their ideals were. It was a revolutionary breakthrough. She had never seen a culture of peoples move so diversely and fluidly as that in Amestris. And the women, especially the women—oh, how Lan Fan envied them! Had Fuu lived and heard her thoughts, she would have earned a good slap from him for even thinking of such vanity. Amestrian women possessed the strongest hearts Lan Fan ever saw. Edward Elric's fiancé, Winry Rockbell, was not groomed to keep the house in order and in place—she pursued dreams and passion, and no man ever scoffed at the woman's attempt. She was respected in her field. In fact, she even excelled in the field of mechanical automail engineering. Lan Fan, on her part however, received haughty laughter when people learned that a praetorian woman served as a crown prince's personal guard. If only she could carry herself with such dignity as the Amestrian women did!

Lan Fan did not scoff at Xingese culture and tradition—she was just restricted in the isolated world of Xing. With that, she would never ever forget Amestris.

Of course, she had her few theories as to why her liege refrained from talking to her. Their relationship used to be undeniably intact; their journey to Amestris changed them in more than a couple of ways. It pained to see her king grow out his comedic self. She could only guess just how painful the experience of having to tend to thousands of souls and one homunculus in his body. She on the other part, lost her only family.

Every time the Emperor entered his private chambers, she wished that he would talk to her. She wished that Ling would just drop the whole act they were putting up in front of nosy people and address her just as he used to back in Amestris—just like a person. She chastised herself mentally every time she caught herself wishing for this. Who was she to demand more than of her duty?

Lan Fan from behind her mask looked at him. In reality, it was just for a moment, but it felt that it stretched so for hours. It was a plea. Look at me. Say something, at least. I still am a person.

But Ling never spared her a glance. Lan Fan bowed and left the room.

The currents of the Dragon's Pulse raced through Lan Fan's skin like lightning and electricity—the Emperor's tension indicated that he was well aware at the look in Lan Fan's eyes. It was a deliberate choice to not look at her.

On some days, Lan Fan thought she may be a sad person after all. She used to not have the time to reflect on her emotions, but things never fell into place after the death of Fuu. Legends said that once a soul departs from its body, it undergoes a process of beautiful decay: the breath becomes one with the wind and clouds, the sweat and tears with dew and rain, the blood with the river, the eyes with the stars and cosmos, the voice with the roars of thunders, the limbs with the hands of the compass of the earth. Lan Fan would look at her windowsill on days where the weather could not be made out. She would listen to the lost sparrows twittering their hearts out.

As the senile body of Fuu became one with the earth, retiring back to its organic origins, Lan Fan wondered whatever happened to his soul. Maybe the lost sparrows on her windowsill had an idea. Or who knows, maybe one of them was Fuu's soul.

Sometimes, she forgot that she had a voice in the first place. It was in the comforting songs of the lost swallows that would remind her that she had a voice. Loneliness crept up on her like a meticulous madman ready to frame her for a murder she did not even commit.

True to her brand, she was always by his side.

But on tamed lazy days, the Emperor relieved his Shadow. He preferred being alone now when the palace courts were closed and the he was not hearing petitions from people, or when there were no sessions summoned by him with the consuls to discuss of Xing's political and economic policies. It was one of those days when Ling told her to loosen up. She was always hesitant to leave his side, but he would always reassure her that he would be fine on his own and he will be committing no attempts of sneaking out of the palace.

"I won't be leaving my chambers. Take the afternoon off."

The guard did not shift in her stance. She also dared not speak to contradict him. In the simpler days, it would have been easy. Like the assertive women of Amestris, she used to aver that no, young master, grandfather said to stay put.

Now she merely pleaded with her eyes through the slit of her mask. Had anyone had seen her actions, she would definitely be reprimanded for such misbehavior. She looked him directly in the eye, but he strayed his eyes away from hers.

The Emperor took a deep breath. "Look, I promise I won't leave the chambers until twilight. Just…take the noon off."

As quick as a zap, the starkness in her eyes relaxed. Her eyes tendered as she sighed in defeat. With a bow, she pivoted on her heel and left the Emperor alone.

The Dawn Emperor resided in the Jiāo Tài Diàn Hall located at the center of the Inner Court. Lan Fan found herself straddling along the eastern wing of the Hall when the Emperor told her to take the afternoon off. She was not quite sure where she was heading but her feet dragged her to the humanities library and archives.

In her rough estimations, the archive room was as huge as the throne room, if not larger. It was musty and rather humid, and it smelled of damp earth after a summer rain shower. The library at the Yao House did not even hold a candle to the colossal one in the Emperor's Hall.

Lan Fan mused around the towering shelves. It seemed that they were recently cleaned and dusted. If she were to do the cleaning, preserving and bookkeeping of all the records, she would have drowned the moment she started flipping through the catalogue. She recalled the time before they left for Amestris; she and the Emperor spent days locked up in the library of the Yao House as Ling crammed all important information in the last minute, consuming one piece of knowledge after the other—geography, the tale of Xerxes, basic alchemy, the proper Amestrian grammar and greetings.

Lan Fan ended up in between the shelves of categories of Xingese literature and art. She ran her metallic fingers across the row of spines of poetry.

"Hello," said a voice.

Like a panther about to prowl, Lan Fan quickly snapped out of her dreamy trance. She turned on her heel, facing the direction of the voice. Was her guard that idly down that she failed to sense the approach of another pulse near her?

"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to scare you."

It was the young scholar from the Hai clan sent by Princess Chang on her place. He offered her an amicable smile. Lan Fan straightened herself immediately. She silently thanked the gods as her mask refrained the young man from seeing her beet red flustered face.

"I was not aware the Emperor's Shadow was fond of literature."

Lan Fan struggled for words to come out of her. She was no longer used to being talked to. She cleared her throat before attempting to speak again. "I, uh, I am not fond of it, actually."

"Oh? Is that so?" she could see the subtle disappointment in the shift of the young man's irises. "Perhaps more of the practical sciences appeal to you?"

Lan Fan simply shook her head.

"Huh. Not the sciences, not the arts then," he pulled a thick hardbound book from the shelves and flipped through the crisp pages. "Did alchemy ever leave a mark on you then? When you visited Amestris, I mean?"

Lan Fan felt her face grew hotter with her embarrassment rising. She simply was a shy person. Also, she found talking and chatting rather inconvenient. She was supposed to be the Emperor's Shadows, and shadows do not speak. Of course, there had been improvements on her shyness in the past years, however. She overcame the initial reaction of stuttering and fiddling when being spoken to. But it had been months since she had the last decent conversation.

The young scholar, Xuezhe, was kind and considerate in his approach to Lan Fan. He was aware that he startled Lan Fan. Gently rowing through the course of the conversation, he tried to be cordial.

"Alchemy," she cleared her throat. "is something I do not quite understand."

Xuezhe smiled at her. "But you spent years in the land of alchemy, did you not?"

"I did. But I never transmuted anything. Not everyone in Amestris does alchemy."

The young man chuckled. "Of course. It was just an assumption that maybe alchemy strikes your liking. The western lands utilize the art in such different manner compared to alkahestry."

Lan Fan felt her face reddened again. Thank the gods for my mask, again. She thought that she sounded too off-putting in her last response. Clearly, the young man was just being polite by asking about her thoughts on alchemy. He did not know anything about her, instead of the fact that she accompanied the Emperor to Amestris, the alchemy capital.

"Isn't alchemy a science instead of art?" she asked.

"Alchemy? A science?"

"The Amestrians, the alchemists, they used it as a form of art, I think. They could convert cement to statues."

"I suppose it all boils down to perspective."

"Perspective?"

"Sure. One may even use it as a way of living," Xuezhe returned the book back to the shelves, and continued to rummage through the other titles.

"Forgive my asking, but didn't you mention that you are an alkahestrist? In your introduction to the Emperor, that is."

"Yes. That is how I made acquaintance with Lady Chang. We exchanged researches since our specialization, though not the same, are closely related to each other. Lady Chang is specializing in medicine, while I in physical therapy."

Lan Fan recalled that her automail mechanic was a renowned alkahestrist who also specialize in physical therapy. She wondered if Xuezhe knew him.

The young man reverted his gaze from the rows of books to Lan Fan. From his post, he studied her intently. It only made her blush even harder. "I don't think I have the best impression on you now. Especially with my boldness in speech, and with the consultation with the Emperor earlier. I would like to apologize for that."

"You are just doing your job. The Emperor appreciates frank honesty instead of flowery telltales."

"Well, it was nice talking with you, my lady. I shall see you around."

"Likewise."

"Oh, I never caught a name," Xuezhe said. On that day, Lan Fan should have tallied how many times she was embarrassed by Xuezhe's straightforwardness. She knew she admired him for that, despite for having talked to him for just a couple of minutes, but sometimes she wished she could retreat back to the darkness like a shadow.

She was simply no longer used to kindness.

"Lan Fan," she supplied. "My name is Lan Fan."

"Alright then, Lady Lan Fan. It was nice meeting you."

Lan Fan found herself a friend.

It had been a long time since an affair excited her. On the days the Emperor relieved her from her post, she would bolt for the library since Xuezhe killed his time in the company of literature.

Xuezhe extended his stay in the imperial palace as per the request of the Emperor. This was because the Emperor heeded Xuezhe's advice, and suspended the signing of the economic treaty with Aeurugo. He was simply waiting for the Emperor to summon his presence, alongside that of the Minister of Commerce, to finally decide on the agreement with Aerugo.

"You are quite well-versed in a lot of things," Lan Fan said.

The scholar chuckled. They were seated in the long desks in the library. Three books were opened before Xuezhe beside a fresh roll of parchment paper and quill by his side as opposed to the traditional brush. "Not really, my lady. I was just doing my job."

"You persuaded the Emperor in holding the signing of the trade treaty with Aerugo."

"Ah. Lady Chang might have just overlooked the possible implications should we immediately enter trade with foreign countries. She's as busy as a bull." Xuezhe's quill scratched on the surface of parchments as he jotted down notes.

"The Emperor is racking his head with this treaty with Aerugo. He might be pushing himself too hard."

"The Emperor is a good emperor," Xuezhe carefully placed the tip of his quill on top of the lid of his ink bottle. He stretched his arms and held the parchment nearer to his eyes and laid down on top of the table to dry. "Though not quite popular to a certain some, he has done a lot in a matter of just four years. They just do not like his unconventional ways."

"His unconventional ways bring about change."

"And people are afraid of change. Don't you think, lady?"

Lan Fan shrugged.

"A good emperor is also a kind emperor, and Lady Chang has attested to Emperor Yao's kindness."

"She told you that? And to think she berates the Emperor in front of him," Lan Fan couldn't help but giggle at the thought.

"She did. She has proclaimed nothing but the goodness of the Emperor. She spoke highly of him. Not to mention that he is the intelligent one too."

"But he does not like to study commerce and economics, particularly," Lan Fan added and let out a small laugh.

"And that's just what makes him a better Emperor. He is skeptical that is why he frequently consults Lady Chang."

Lan Fan's eyes veered away from Xuezhe. He was right, she thought, that the Emperor was a good emperor. That the Emperor was a good, kind and smart emperor altogether. She couldn't help but smile with satisfaction that her young Lord despite being met with travails and strong criticisms was going down the right path. Fuu would have been immensely proud.

"The Emperor must have had it in his stars," Xuezhe said, causing Lan Fan to avert her attention back to him.

"His stars? You mean his reading?"

"Sure. He must have been fated right from the start to make Xing great."

"I suppose so."

A pause ensued. Lan Fan studied the young scholar sitting across her. He closed his books and stacked them neatly atop each other. He then clasped his hands, placing it on top of the desk.

"Do you mind if I ask you about your reading?" Xuezhe asked.

Lan Fan bit her lower lip. She did not know of her star charts. Usually, it was the new mothers who approach divination tellers to seek for the reading of their children's fates. Lan Fan did not know if her own mother had her fate read. If she did, Fuu never mentioned anything. She told Xuezhe that she had no idea what her star chart spoke about her.

"I would have taken a look at your palms instead," Xuezhe said.

"But my other palm is metal."

"That is fine," he screwed his ink bottle closed and scooped up the parchment papers. "Unlike these reports, the fates are not written with indelible ink, my lady. It is your own will to heed or stray from your providence."

When Lan Fan returned to Ling's chambers that night to resume her post, her soul was radiating.

It radiated so brightly that Ling's dormant Dragon's Pulse awakened immediately the moment Lan Fan entered the room. Lan Fan's energy was like a Drachman tundra in the showers of sunlight and the first flowers blooming in the face of spring. Ling observed Lan Fan discreetly. Something was different.

Most of the times, Lan Fan's energy was a tamed fox. An undisturbed body of water. But what could have made her as unsettled as she was at that moment?

It would have been easy if he just asked her. But he no longer talked to her, he recalled. It was Ling's own actions which led to them in a certain situation. Apparently, he was unworthy to know just why she was ecstatic and happy.

"You may want to keep your qi in check," he remarked.

Lan Fan straightened her stance at Ling's words. He felt that her qi fell to slumber. "Oh. I did not notice. Apologies, my Lord."

Well, that was an attempt, he thought to himself. He tried to get her to to talk, and he knew it was a futile shot. It annoyed him that he could never talk to her as casually as they did before. "If you're going to have your qi swarm all over the place, you might as well shout to everyone that your guard is down. Just tell me if you're tired of doing your job."

It wasn't his intention to lash out on her, but he just did.

"Understood, my lord."

"Understood?" he echoed. Ling felt a vein in his head popped. He knew that Lan Fan did nothing wrong, but he failed to comprehend why was he so frustrated with Lan Fan. "Understood what exactly, huh, Lan Fan? Well, from what I understand in your actions, you are tired of doing your job. That's it, isn't it?"

Lan Fan's eyebrows crunched in confusion. She failed for words to come out of her lips. The Emperor just accused her of dissatisfaction and ingratitude! How could she even defend herself?

"You're mistaken, Your Highness. I could neve—"

"Please!" He ran his hands over his face, exhibiting how much worse his frustration was getting. "Will you just cut the bullshit, Lan Fan? Just drop it, for once."

Lan Fan paused. For awhile, this was all she was ever praying for from him—to acknowledge her presence. That she was there. But now that Ling was talking to her, he was very pissed off. She could feel Ling's frustration spread to her own skin, like a leech sucking the radiating happiness she entered the room with.

"You're frustrated," she said.

"I. Am not. I am not frustrated," he lied.

"You are. I just don't understand why."

"Would you please be honest with me? Can you do that, Lan Fan?"

"Of course, my Lord."

"Are you tired, huh? Do you not want to do this anymore? Because if you are, then be my guest!"

"Why are you angry? I don't understand why you're angry."

Ling didn't respond. He turned his back at her and walked towards his desk. Mountains of reports and petitions were stacked.

"If in any way, I wronged you, I'm sorry." Lan Fan said. Ling placed his hands over the desk. "It may not be my intention, but I'm sorry."

Well, that's not fair, Ling thought to himself. He was every bit unfair to her. She never wronged him; if anything, it was he who owed her an apology. It was he who jumped into conclusions rashly. And how could he even doubt her loyalty to him? At the moment, he had a hard time contemplating that his frustration stemmed from the fact that Lan Fan was in fact happy. And it had been a long time since Lan Fan was happy. Old habits die hard, and if that was even a consolation on his part, vainly he convinced himself that Greed never actually left him.

Not knowing the source of Lan Fan's happiness—or that there simply were other things that made Lan Fan happy—was a manifestation of his Greed.

"You are leaving already?"

"Yes, my lady. I am finished with my job, and the Emperor seemed satisfied with his decision regarding Aerugo."

Lan Fan and Xuezhe were walking along the north wing of the Jiāo Tài Diàn Hall. Xuezhe had with him his things packed already. "I need to head back to my family to tend to an ailing uncle."

"I wish your uncle good health."

"Thank you, my lady. And I wish you that too."

Lan Fan offered him a soft smile. "You are too kind, Xuezhe."

"But you are kinder for having stomached my tactlessness."

"I wouldn't say tactless. Perhaps, bold or straightforward."

Xuezhe chuckled. "Not only you are kind, but you are also polite to use euphemisms on me."

The both let out a soft laughter. Lan Fan's qi was, in Ling's words, all over the place. Her soul was warm and light like the sun during the dawn. It had been such a long time since she had a hearty laugh. She couldn't help but be grateful for the presence of Xuezhe.

"Lady Lan Fan, I have something to give to you," Xuezhe said. He struggled a little bit with retrieving the small package wrapped in brown paper neatly tied up by a baler twine and handed it to Lan Fan.

"I couldn't accept this."

"Please, I insist."

Reluctantly, she took the package from Xuezhe's hands. She held it up slightly above her head to see if she could make out what was inside the wrapper. "What is it?"

"I recall that you told me that you are not aware of your reading of your star chart the night you were born. And while I still believe that you are worth more than your fate, this is a small storybook to comfort you on nights you feel alone."

Lan Fan untangled the strings. It was a compact little book of stories and myths of Xingese tales and legends. These stories immortalized in the book Xuezhe gave her were known by all people in Xing. But the book felt every bit personal, and not just any children's book to be let in libraries. Lan Fan flipped through the pages of the book; it was not brand new, and the pages were crisp and oxygen-deprived yellow in the edges. Some pages were even dog-eared, with some passages either highlighted or underlined.

"Xuezhe," she clasped the book closed. The scholar, at Lan Fan's call, shifted his eyes on her. "Do you happen to know where souls go after they depart the bodies?"

Xuezhe raised his eyebrows at the question thrown at him. Lan Fan was hoping that he had the answer but all he could provide was uncertainty. "I'm afraid I don't know."

Lan Fan pursed her lips and nodded.

"I do know the flesh becomes one with the earths as their organic elements are made of them."

"But the soul?"

Xuezhe shook his head in admission of his ignorance, still sporting a humble and soft smile. "You do realize that you have a beautiful mind, do you?"

While the exchange of farewells took place between Lan Fan and Xuezhe, at the other end of the corridor was the Emperor. Once again, he felt a rather unbalanced surge of emotions through his Dragon's Pulse. The energy was too foul, too eager, too lively, too…much. When he walked a few meters, he saw that it emulated from the two figures at the other end of the hall. It was Lan Fan and Xuezhe.

As soon as the scholar and the guard saw the Emperor approached, the two cut their chitchat and bowed.

"At ease," Ling said. Xuezhe and Lan Fan stood up straight. "Leaving so soon?"

"Yes, Imperial Majesty. I am needed back at home. Thank you for extending your hospitability to me."

Ling raised his hand. "Thank you too for your assistance. Chang was right to put her confidence in you."

"It is an honor to have served the Emperor. I will always be on call."

"You're a busy man, and I'm afraid I will take more of your time when we are to conduct the feasibility studies. Your wisdom is of great help, and your loyalty is greatly appreciated, Xuezhe. Have a safe trip back home. May the gods bless you and your clan."

Xuezhe did another earnest bow before turning to Lan Fan. "It has been a pleasure to have been in your company, Lady Lan Fan. I will pray to the gods for your wellbeing."

When Xuezhe left, Ling discovered three things: one, he needed to buy more time before entering the agreement with Aerugo to ease the internal tension from the nationalists; two was that a budding friendship was borne between his Shadow and the scholar, and this was evidenced by the small book he gifted her; and third, it was Xuezhe who caused Lan Fan's qi go ecstatic. Ling wouldn't be surprised if it went haywire.

After the scholar's departure, Ling would study Lan Fan intently. He did so in a manner discreet, from the sidelines, because he did not want to be caught by her that he's all eyes on her. Ling may be stealthy, but Lan Fan is a good vassal, and she was stealthier than Ling. It did not take long enough for her to pick up that Ling was studying her, watching her. She kept her qi on low; sometimes, she even blocked Ling's Dragon's Pulse.

Had this been a few weeks back, it would have undoubtedly made her happy. She would have relished in it. Ling never spared her any passing glances. But after that uneventful night, when he suddenly lashed out on her due to an inexplicable source of rage, she just wished he didn't pay her any attention anymore. She would have resumed to being the diligent Emperor's Shadow that she is.

It had been awhile since the Palace was at peace. There were no meetings with the ministers, no motions to be heard by various interest and advocacy groups, no social gatherings. Ling used to enjoy the social gaiety but he eventually grew tired of it. He was trotting lazily around his private chambers that afternoon. Lan Fan was also inside the private chambers. She situated herself in the inner columns of the anteroom.

Of course, both were aware of the presence of suffocating tension all over the place.

Eventually, it was Ling who shattered the silence. Everything was always on his call, to be honest. Lan Fan knew her place—the most she could do was to aspire to be as bold as Winry Rockbell, a strong and unfaltering woman of Amestris. Lan Fan could only wish. She could only peer through the fine thin slits of her ivory mask.

"I'm sorry for what happened that night," Ling said.

Lan Fan licked her lips. Always, always, she struggled to articulate words.

"It was unfair of me. You shouldn't have witnessed that fit. I shouldn't have taken it out on you."

"Everything is fine, Your Highness. There is no need to apologize." As expected, a precise and obedient response. Frugal in the amount of words.

"Lan Fan," he barely breathed her name. "What's wrong? Tell me, please."

"N-nothing's wrong, my Lord. Why do you ask?"

"If something wrong happened to you, I can never forgive myself."

Had Lan Fan the liberty to act on her own accord, she would be the one lash out in anger, in frustration. How could he say this now? After all these years he acted indifferently towards her needs? Towards her person?

"You say that as if you haven't been disregarding me the last few years," she said.

Ling stood frozen on his tracks. He lifted his head slowly to look at her, and then walked toward her direction. Did he expect such brevity from Lan Fan? No, he did not. He was the one who stirred the conversation first, dropped the first pebble on the lake. "Wh-what?"

It took awhile before Lan Fan spoke again. "You said you worry for my wellbeing."

"I do."

"You would not have had you talked to me." She chastised herself mentally. Grandfather, I'm sorry for the insubordination. But grandfather was not present. And if she thought harder, maybe the border between her and Ling could disappear.

"Take off your mask."

Her eyebrows scrunched in confusion. "What?"

"Take off your mask."

She did as she was told so. When she removed her mask, she felt her face flushed red. She didn't dare look at Ling, but he studied her face, his eyes squinting to catch the tiniest detail her face held.

"You're right," he said, letting out a sigh. "I have been disregarding you. For a long time. I'm sorry."

"Don't," she said. "Don't apologize. You aren't my keeper. You have no duty to me."

Ling chuckled. "No, Lan Fan. You got that wrong. A king is no king without his people."

"Of course," a weary smiled tugged at her lips. "How could I forget that?"

"I'm sorry. Sincerely."

She didn't respond. She just licked her lips. Ling gave her a faint smile. "Since when did you become so…straightforward?"

At this, Lan Fan felt her cheeks burned. "I-I, I didn-I'm sorry, I didn't, Young Lor—"

Ling lifted a hand. "No, no. No need to apologize. I was just wondering since when you and Xuezhe had started this affair. He clearly did rub his traits on you."

Lan Fan's eyes widened at horror. She was so embarrassed by Ling's remark that she felt the dire need to defend herself. "That i-isn-you are, uh, that is wrong, Young Lord. Xuezhe, he is just—"

"Hey, it's alright. You don't have to explain everything, you know," Ling snickered at the stuttering helpless Lan Fan. "I'm not daft, Lan Fan."

"My Lord, you got it all wrong. You are mistaken."

Ling's smile disappeared. Oh?, he thought to himself. Lan Fan was struggling, and she seemed defiant in Ling's allegations. "Lan Fan," he said. "why are you ashamed? Xuezhe is a respectable man. If anything, you should be brimming with pride. Am I not right?"

"You got it all wrong," she shook her head. "Xuezhe, he is kind, yes. But there is nothing more between him and me, my Lord. I had just made a friend, if you can call it that."

"But, your qi. I felt your qi."

"My qi? What about it, my Lord?"

"Your qi, it was…brimming. It was radiating. When you were with him."

"Oh."

Oh.

That moment came to Lan Fan as a lightbulb moment, an epiphany—so that was what the Young Master was thinking! Her energy gave it all away. She was too preoccupied to keep her emotions in check, that it was too animated. No wonder Ling easily picked up on its unusually bright presence. But the Emperor's allegations were not flat out correct. There were some creases that Lan Fan needed to straighten. "My Lord, I do not deny what I was feeling when I was Xuezhe. You are right."

Ling's face could not be read. It was as blank as a clear slate, but she could tell that he was listening earnestly.

"Xuezhe, he made me…happy. But I think, I think it is only that."

"Only that? What do you mean?"

"Only that. Nothing more. Like I said, he is just a good friend, and he made me happy," Ling noticed a warm—no, an endearing smile drew at Lan Fan's face. "I had not experienced for quite some time now what it feels like to be happy. I'm as good as dead. I'm grateful for Xuezhe because he made me feel happy. He made me feel that I am not alone."

"So, I am right? That you're unhappy."

Guiltily, she nodded. "But not as your retainer, if that's what you mean. I can never think of anywhere else in the world than be by your side."

"But you are unhappy?"

"I am. At times, my Lord, I am unhappy."

A surge of guilt suddenly swelled Ling's chest. Lan Fan's honesty hurt. What he did was shameful—he ran away form the fact that Lan Fan may be hurting in silence.

"I feel lonely sometimes. Especially when we got back from Amestris. Not that I'm blaming you, my Lord, no! But, if you really want the truth…"

"A lot of things changed. That's it, isn't it, Lan Fan?"

She nodded.

"And a lot has changed between the two of us."

A daunting silence filled the room. She did not know how to respond anymore. For years, this had been the lengthiest she had spoken to the Emperor. It felt foreign, yet at the same time, it felt everything that she was used to. Her emotions didn't know where to place themselves, not after when Ling actually admitted that things changed between them.

"I'm ashamed of myself, Lan Fan."

She carefully raised her head to face him. "There is nothing to be ashamed of, Your Highness."

"No, Lan Fan. For the longest time, I tried to run away from the fact that you might be unsatisfied with your life. I've been selfish. And I knew that you still grieve yet I never payed you any attention. I feel unworthy of talking to you."

Lan Fan always knew Ling manifested the sin of Greed the most; while other clans fought for their security and safety, he fought to be on the top. But with this confession, she didn't know that her Emperor was a proud emperor. His dismissal of acknowledging her presence stemmed from pride.

Like a sweet kiss of the October air on her cheek, she felt Ling's hand gently clasped her left cheek. "I don't deserve you," he said.

Hot tears prickled her eyes at his caress. She relished in his touch. She placed a hand, her prosthetic one, on top of Ling's hand which was still tenderly caressing her cheek.

"Forgive me, Lan Fan. I don't deserve you. Not since your sacrifices, not since Fuu's death. Not ever."

"Even so, I will remain immovable by your side. You are the only star that matters in my charts. I have nothing else to lose. Nothing but you."

Lan Fan would later skim through the book Xuezhe gave her. She reread through the legend of the body becoming one with the earth but still no answer was provided as to where souls go after it leaves its flesh. Ling said her continuous search for answer was human's inherent faculty of clinging to hope after a loss. While she continued to search for the whereabouts of Fuu's soul—may it be in the lost sparrows in her window or someplace else—she remained steadfast by Ling's side, basking in his abundant love he provided her.

#lingfan #fma #lingfan fic #fma fic #ling yao #lan fan #scribbles

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tomasorban · 6 years ago

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Chinese Alchemy

References about alchemy are to be found in the myths and legends of ancient China. From a book written by Edward Chalmers Werner, a late member of the Chinese Government’s Historiological Bureau in Peking comes this quotation from old Chinese records: “Chang Tao-Ling, the first Taoist pope, was born in A.D. 35 in the reign of the Emperor Kuang Wu Ti of the Hari dynasty. His birthplace is variously given as T’ien-mu Shan, Lin-an-Hsien in Chekiang, Feng-yang Fu in Anhui, and even in the “Eye of Heaven Mountain.” He devoted himself wholly to study and meditation, declining all offers to enter the service of the state. He preferred to take up his abode in the mountains of Western China where he persevered in the study of alchemy and in cultivating the virtues of purity and mental abstraction. From the hands of the alchemist Lao Tzu, he received supernaturally a mystical treatise, by following the instructions in which he was successful in his match for the Elixir of Life.” This reference demonstrates that alchemy was studied in China before the commencement of the Christian era and its origin must lie even further back in Chinese history.

Egyptian Alchemy

From China we now travel to Egypt, from where alchemy as it is known in the West seems to have sprung. The great Egyptian adept king, named by the Greeks “Hermes Trismegistus” is thought to have been the founder of the art. Reputed to have lived about 1900 B.C., he was highly celebrated for his wisdom and skill in the operation of nature, but of the works attributed to him only a few fragments escaped the destroying hand of the Emperor Diocletian in the third century A.D. The main surviving documents attributed to him are the Emerald Tablet, the Asclepian Dialogues, and the Divine Pymander. If we may judge from these fragments (both preserved in the Latin by Fianus and translated into other languages in the sixteenth century), it would seem to be of inestimable loss to the world that none of these works have survived in their entirety.

The famous Emerald Tablet (Tabula Smaragdina) of Hermes is the primary document of alchemy. There have been various stories of the origin of the tract, one being that the original emerald slab upon which the precepts were said to be inscribed in Phoenician characters was discovered in the tomb of Hermes by Alexander the Great. In the Berne edition (1545) of the Summa Perfectionis, the Latin version is printed under the heading: “The Emerald Tables of Hermes the Thrice Great Concerning Chymistry, Translator unknown. The words of the secrets of Hermes, which were written on the Tablet of Emerald found between his hands in a dark cave wherein his body was discovered buried.”

Arabian Alchemy

An Arabic version of the text was discovered in a work ascribed to Jabir (Geber), which was probably made about the ninth century. In any case, it must be one of the oldest alchemical fragments known, and that it is a piece of Hermetic teaching I have no doubt, as it corresponds to teachings of the Thrice-Greatest Hermes as they have been passed down to us in esoteric circles. The tablet teaches the unity of matter and the basic truth that all form is a manifestation from one root, the One Thing or Ether. This tablet, in conjunction with the works of the Corpus Hermeticum are well worth reading, particularly in the light of the general alchemical symbolism. Unhappily, the Emerald Tablet is all that remains to us of the genuine Egyptian sacred art of alchemy.

The third century A.D. seems to have been a period when alchemy was widely practiced, but it was also during this century, in the year 296, that Diocletian sought out and burnt all the Egyptian books on alchemy and the other Hermetic sciences, and in so doing destroyed all evidence of any progress made up to that date. In the fourth century, Zosimus the Panopolite wrote his treatise on The Divine Art of Making Gold and Silver, and in the fifth Morienus, a hermit of Rome, left his native city and set out to seek the sage Adfar, a solitary adept whose fame had reached him from Alexandria. Morienus found him, and after gaining his confidence became his disciple. After the death of his patron, Morienus came into touch with King Calid, and a very attractive work purporting to be a dialogue between himself and the king is still extant under the name of Morienus. In this century, Cedrennus also appeared, a magician who professed alchemy.

The next name of note, that of Geber, occurs in or about 750 A.D. Geber’s real name was Abou Moussah Djfar-Al Sell, or simply “The Wise One.” Born at Houran in Mesopotamia, he is generally esteemed by adepts as the greatest of them all after Hermes. Of the five hundred treatises said to have been composed by him, only three remain to posterity: The Sum of the Perfect Magistery, The Investigation of Perfection, and his Testament. It is to him, too, that we are indebted for the first mention of such important compounds as corrosive sublimate, red oxide of mercury, and nitrate of silver. Skillfully indeed did Geber veil his discoveries, for from his mysterious style of writing we derive the word “gibberish,” but those who have really understood Geber, his adept peers, declare with one accord that he has declared the truth, albeit disguised, with great acuteness and precision.

About the same time, Rhasis, another Arabian alchemist, became famous for his practical displays in the art of transmutation of base metals into gold. In the tenth century, Alfarabi enjoyed the reputation ofbeing the most learned man of his age, and still another great alchemist of that century was Avicenna, whose real name was Ebu Cinna. Born at Bokara in 980 A.D., he was the last of the Egyptian alchemical philosophers of note.

#alchemy #esoteric #occult #hermetism #philosophy

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hirstories · 7 years ago

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Abraca—switch! Or The Tale of Edward Elric vs. the Mischievous Body-Snatcher

Chapter 10

Edward knew that expression well. In the past, he always tried to keep his shock well hidden under the guise of smug indifference. Of course, there were instances where that mask had fallen off, and he’d experienced the effects of gravity pulling on his jaw. Now that he’s been more or less forced to become a spectator, watching the jaw of his original body hang open from utter shock was something he was never going to forget.

Don Paco, the bastard he has come to abhor ever since their fateful encounter back in the western confines of Creta, was completely dismayed with what just happened. Edward dropped the blade on the floor. “My brother’s right, Paquito, you couldn’t have known the kind of person you decided to mess with,” he taunted, even called him by Matilde’s pet name just to rile him up. His fierce grin turned voracious. “I want my body back, cabrón.”

Edward noticed that Don Paco wasn’t paying him much attention. The bastard had the gall to look for another way out of the place.

“Give it up, sorcerer. There’s nowhere to run,” Alphonse said. “Turn yourself over—peacefully—and I’ll make sure Brother doesn’t get to hurt you too badly after you return him to his body.”

Don Paco stopped was he was doing. He glared at Alphonse before locking eyes with Edward’s. “If I turn myself in, who’s going to escort me back to Creta? You Flea Bag?” He sneered, then returned his gaze back to Alphonse. “Or is it going to be you, Fumbles?” He gave a loud cackle. “I would pay to see that happening.”

“Who extradites you is none of your concern,” Alphonse said, curtly.

The corners of the impostor’s mouth curled up in mischief. “Well, I’m not planning to stick around to find out,” he replied. Then, looking past Alphonse, he shouted, “Now!”

“Alphonse-sama!” Mei screamed.

Alphonse turned only to see a piece of automail flying his way. Thanks to Mei’s warning, he had a chance to move out of the way before the solid artifact struck him in the head.

Mr. Garfiel took a swing at the Xinguese princess. “You little bitch!” he growled as he threw another punch at her.

“Dammit!” Edward spat. They’ve both fallen for a ruse!

Both Edward and Alphonse heard clapping. The hand blocking the door to Atelier Garfiel shattered to bits. A second transmutation destroyed the front door; Don Paco made a mad dash out of the store.

“That fucking piece of shit!” Edward roared.

“Brother, look out!”

Another prosthetic flew their way. Edward managed to jump out of the way just in the nick of time. The prosthetic—a full-length automail leg—crashed into the wall, embedding itself into the drywall.

Edward flashed a menacing glare at Mr. Garfiel; Alphonse ran to his girlfriend to help her.

“I got this!” Mei yelled. She slid to the right, evading Mr. Garfiel’s left hook. “Don't let that sorcerer get away!” She added before lunging at the master automail engineer.

Alphonse stopped in his tracks. “Thanks,” he said with a proud smile. He made a one-eighty and ran back to his brother. “Let's go catch that man before he reaches Winry,” he said as he scooped Edward in his arms.

Alphonse ran out of the shop, turning left on the street that led towards the end of town.

Don Paco was about one block ahead of them. He stopped next to a pedestrian; most likely he was asking for directions.

Alphonse tried to blend in with the crowd, but the sorcerer spotted them. Don Paco clapped his hands together, dropped down to one knee, and placed his palms on the sidewalk. The pavement opened up like the petals of a blossoming flower. Alphonse, and pretty much everyone transiting on the sidewalk, had to move away lest be struck by a piece of concrete. Alphonse lost grip of his brother, but Edward managed to land safely a foot away from him.

Edward turned around and clapped his forefeet together. He pressed them onto the broken sidewalk; blue sparks shot forward snaking towards Don Paco. But Edward hadn’t been fast enough. Don Paco moved out of the way before panels of reshaped concrete caged him in.

Soon after, screams invaded the street as people began to realize what was happening around them. Some spectators began cursing at Don Paco for the destruction he was creating. Others were screaming in fear because a cat had used alchemy.

Edward heard Alphonse cursing under his breath. He wasn’t surprised, he knew things looked bad from every angle—kind of like that time when they first met Ling, Ran Fan, and Fuu.

“We need to keep the damages to a minimum, Brother,” Alphonse said as he scooped Edward up to retake the chase.

“Fuck the damages!” Edward spat. “We need to stop that man at any cost!”

“Ed, have you forgotten what we did to this town a few years back?” Alphonse countered, incredulous that his brother could still think so irresponsibly.

Edward scoffed. “Mustang can take care of it.”

Alphonse let out a frustrated groan. “Newsflash, Ed! You’re not in the military anymore!”

Don Paco stopped by some horses tied to a post next to a watering hole. With a partial transmutation, he was able to free one of the horses. He mounted the beast—a palomino—and flashed a smug smile at the brothers who were fast approaching. Since the reins were torn off by the transmutation, he fisted the horse’s mane in his hand. “See ya, boys!” He boasted before kicking the sides of the horse. The beast complained about the rough treatment but Don Paco managed to quickly subdue him. The horse galloped away.

Alphonse ran faster. “Break the reigns of a horse!” He said as he let Edward on the ground.

Edward complied. Clapping his forefeet, he broke the reigns of a pinto horse with a simple transmutation.

Alphonse got on the horse. “Hurry up, Brother,” he said as he reached for Edward.

“I didn't know you could ride a horse,” Edward commented after his brother set him on the saddle.

“Alkahestry wasn’t the only thing I learned in Xing,” Alphonse boasted.

Edward couldn’t hold off a laugh. “It sure looks that way, baby brother.”

Alphonse frowned, not liking Edward’s tone, nor his insinuation. “Not cool Ed. Not cool,” he admonished.

Edward laughed harder.

Alphonse smacked him on the head. He then fisted the pinto’s mane in his hand like Don Paco had done. “Hold on tight,” he said as he kicked the horse’s sides.

Edward didn’t have a chance to yell at his brother for smacking him in the head, he was plenty busy making sure he didn’t fall off the saddle.

Alphonse looked down. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” Edward answered. He dug his claws deep into the leather to secure himself in place. “Just don't lose him!”

The Far West spread across the entire length of Creta, from another to South. The harsh conditions of the region made modern progress an almost impossible feat, but people of the region had learned to adapt to their unforgiving environment. People in the Far West didn’t rely on technology to go on with lives, they learned to live from the land, and with the land. This was the first lesson Edward received when he first set foot on the edge of the Far West. Horses were priceless, and their lives were far more valuable than a human’s. Almost all the people he met during his questing were highly skilled with managing such beasts; for their survival, they had to. Don Paco wasn’t an exception. The man took a stranger’s horse and rode it as if it was his own. And it was clear he knew how to make a beast gallop. The gap between his horse and Alphonse’s horse was becoming wider by the second.

“Al, do something!” Edward shouted.

Even though the chase prevented both parties from using alchemy, the battle was still raging. Unfortunately for Dominic, it was moved to his territory.

Don Paco was already halfway across the bridge while Alphonse was still rounding the curve leading to the bridge.

“Can you make the horse go faster?” Edward asked.

Alphonse took his eyes off the road to look at his brother. “I don’t think it’s a good idea to do that, Ed. I don’t know this horse’s temper.”

“Shit,” Edward cussed under his breath. His brother was right, they shouldn’t push a horse they didn’t know. Right now wasn’t the time for screwups.

Don Paco just finished crossing the bridge. He pulled back hard on the horse’s mane. The palomino swerved at first, but he managed to force it to stop. The animal backpedaled, then turned around, and, with a loud neigh, reared on its hind legs. Don Paco held on to the horse’s mane to prevent from being launched off the saddle. The horse got back on all fours. Don Paco then leaned forward to hush the animal. He heard galloping while he stroked the palomino’s neck. Looking over his shoulder, he saw the brothers getting ready to cross the bridge.

Don Paco jumped off the stolen horse and walked up to the bridge. He clapped his hands together and placed them on one of the support beams. Blue electricity enveloped the beam. He did a partial transmutation so the entire structure would acquire the strength of balsa wood.

The first thing that gave out was the support beam he made direct contact with. The surrounding wood snapped, the opposite support beam whined. Seconds later, they both collapsed. The entire structure on Don Paco’s side fell into the canyon. The mid-section buckled under pressure, it also fell into the canyon along with the other support beams. The broken planks still attached to the beams on the other side of the bridge slammed against the sheetrock wall. Alphonse had to pull hard on the pinto’s mane, or they would’ve fallen over the precipice.

Don Paco put his hands on each side of his mouth. “Good luck!” he shouted at the top of his lungs. He also waved them goodbye before returning to his horse.

The brothers watched as he rode away.

Edward jumped out of the horse and approached the rocky ledge. Don Paco was already starting the descent down the canyon’s side. Soon, that man was going to reach Dominic's place.

“If that cocky bastard thinks he's won—” he began but stopped.

Edward clapped his forefeet together and touched the ground before him. A series of steps emerged from the sheetrock, similar to the ones he constructed to cut down a path into the canyon to intercept Paninya, who at the time, had stolen his State Alchemist pocket watch in an attempt to prove the prowess of Winry’s automail.

Edward jumped on the first rock formation. He turned around to Alphonse. “Are you coming, or what?”

Alphonse rolled his eyes and shook his head slightly.

Edward knew why Alphonse was being difficult. He had to admit the scene unraveling before them was like deja vu all over again, but instead of chasing after a stolen watch, they were chasing after a stolen body.

Edward and Alphonse found the palomino panting near some bushes after they arrived at Dominic’s house.

“Dammit! We weren't fast enough!” Edward snarled.

“Calm down, Brother.”

Edward offered Alphonse an angry glare. “Did you forget what he did to Mr. Garfiel?”

Alphonse burst out laughing. “How can I forget?” He laughed some more. “All I know is that Winry has some serious competition now.”

“Ha-ha. My brother the comedian,” Edward retorted. “For your information, Mr. Garfiel asked Winry once if you were into men. So there!—how do you like them apples?”

Alphonse turned bright red. “I’ll enter through the front door while you enter through the back. That way the sorcerer won't be able to escape,” he said, changing the subject.

Edward let him off the hook this time. There were going to be plenty of opportunities to make fun of his little brother for blushing at his comment after he returned to his original body. “You’re cursed, Al, you can't fight him,” he said, focusing on their mission.

Alphonse rolled his eyes at Edward. “Thank you for reminding me, Ed,” he said in a snappish tone. “I know I’m useless against him but I can sure serve as a diversion while you go in for the kill.”

Edward grinned. “Point taken.” He gazed at the house towering over him. “Let's go,” he said then sprang into action. . Edward pressed an ear to the back door, keenly listening in for any signs of commotion inside the LeCoultre’s home. Nothing yet. His tail was quivering with excitement—an expected reaction. He was mere seconds away from launching an assault on Don Paco, the man who not only had stolen his body but also wanted to steal his girl. Very soon that sunnovabitch was going to fall hard.

Edward took the opportunity to go over in his head about their newest plan. First, he needed to break the lock—a partial transmutation should suffice. Then, he was going to slip into the house, locate the bastard, and wait for Alphonse’s signal. His brother was in charge of creating the diversion, he was in charge of attacking, and he was going to do this by using alchemy. His first of two transmutations would turn a portion of the flooring near the impostor into a fist, which he then would manipulate so it would ram against the right flank of his original body; the target area was the liver. Aside from his brother, not many people knew that this was the easiest way to incapacitate him. Don Paco can’t even begin to grasp the world of hurt he was soon going to be hurled in. In his second transmutation, he was going to create some restraints from the rest of the flooring. Don Paco was probably going to be in so much pain that he wasn’t going to notice the exact moment when his hands and feet got secured to the floor. Once the man was effectively immobilized, he was going to search his pockets until he found the Philosopher’s Stone. And then—

Edward heard a loud noise. “About time,” he said to himself as he clapped his forefeet together. . Alphonse kicked the front door open. Winry, Dominic, Ridel, and the impostor stared at him in shock.

“Winry, you see now? Al’s gone insane!” The impostor said as he nudged closer to Dominic.

Dominic gritted his teeth together. “Break something else and I'll start breaking things too—like an arm or a leg, for example.”

Alphonse staggered. “I promise to repair everything in sight, Mr. Dominic.” He turned a menacing glare on the impostor. “This man—” he began but the curse placed upon him made his throat cinch.

Ridel raised a brow. “Al, are you really okay?”

“Fuck!” Alphonse swore out in utter frustration. He turned to Winry. “You need to get out of here now!” It was all he could say without triggering the curse.

“Now you’re threatening my Winry?” Don Paco shrieked. “You all heard him!” His eyes were darting in all directions.

“Did you lose something?” Alphonse taunted.

Winry, Dominic, and Ridel looked at Alphonse, perplexed.

Don Paco glared.

The sorcerer’s composure was starting to come off at the seams. He looked like a cornered animal, and like a cornered animal, if pushed past its limit, would strike back.

It was time to signal Edward.

Alphonse launched himself at Winry while screaming, “Now Ed!��

Edward, who had been hiding behind an armoire, jumped into view. He was about to clap his paws together when Don Paco pulled Winry close to him.

“No!” Alphonse cried in despair.

“Don’t you fucking dare!” Edward hissed at Don Paco.

The impostor’s lips curved up just a tiny fraction.

Winry stayed still.

Edward realized something was wrong with the picture before him. Winry should’ve been upset with the situation, but there she was, looking too calm and collected.

Winry carefully moved her right hand along her utility belt. She was reaching for the monkey wrench. Once she had it in her hand, she turned to the impostor, and said, “I'm so sorry.”

Winry swung too fast; Edward was only able to catch the glint of the wrench as it connected with the side of his original body’s head. Don Paco hit the ground with a loud thud.

“Are you insane, girl?” Dominic yelled at her as he crouched next to the impostor to check his vitals.

Winry didn't say anything in return. She was staring at Alphonse whose relieved expression said to everyone she did the right thing.

Edward got close to his original body. Don Paco was out cold. He shivered, thinking how many times he’d been in that situation.

“How did you know?” Alphonse asked as he approached Winry.

“I already knew something weird was going on. I just didn't know what,” Winry answered. She looked at the unconscious blond; her brow furrowed. “When he said that you wanted to hurt him”—she paused to offer Alphonse a knowing smile—”you would never hurt your older brother.”

Alphonse reciprocated the smile.

Winry walked to the cat and knelt beside him. “I like said; I don't know exactly what’s going on, but it looks like Ed here holds the answer.”

Edward gaped up at her. “Color me impressed,” he blurted out. He couldn’t be more proud of Winry, even if he wanted to.

Winry’s eyes rounded. “The cat—!” she cried out. “The cat just talked!”

#fmabb17 #fma #fmab #story update #reblog please #fmachallenges

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valiant-noble-soul · 4 years ago

Text

......

What was this feeling?

He felt so....groggy....Like when he had finally broken free from Pride’s control. He was disoriented. He didn’t feel as gross as he did before, but he was just as confused. What happened to him?

His vision instantly cleared up once he tried to sit up, only to a strong resistance keeping his limbs down. Panic began to take hold as he struggled to break free. He remembered going after his brother after he had fallen down that chasm. Crap, had Pride captured him?! Something...something was covering his nose and mouth, muffling any noise he made. He was tied up! No, no! How could he let this happen? He was-

“Will you calm down, kid? Don’t use up what little energy you have throwing a fit.”

Alphonse instantly stilled at the sound of the familiar voice. He turned his head to see Ling—although he could tell from here it wasn’t really him—sitting in a nearby chair, looking at him blankly through his dark bangs.

“Yeah, real smart, I know. Why is the best homculus on babysitting duty? I should be in the interrogation room with our brothers. Well, the fact is I need to be ready to carry you off if Mr.Prideful decides to ax you off.” Greed lowered his voice to a whisper and winked. “Or in case I need to use you as a hostage in order to make your brother come back to his senses!”

“........” Alphonse was silent as he looked around the room they were both current residing in. This wasn’t some sort of dungeon like he was expecting. It was a hospital wing. He looked down to see he was indeed tied down to a bed, but it was a breathing mask on his face, not a gag. He wasn’t captured....at least, he didn’t think he was.

Greed laughed as Al gave him a pointed look while wiggling his bound wrists. “Yeah, sorry about that. I don’t know how you got your body back, but you’re in a pretty pitiful state. It wouldn’t take much to do you in. Not that we expect that to matter to you. You’ll probably go charging after your brother regardless if you get hurt or not. So we had to strap you down for your own protection.”

Alphonse’s face shifted to a glare. He was being held there against his will? They couldn’t do that!

Greed shrugged. “Sorry, but them’s the breaks. Take it up with your military friends if you have a problem with it. They’re the ones who said you needed to be protected.”

Al shook his head, frustrated that the mask was preventing him from talking. They didn’t understand! He didn’t have time to lay around in bed! He only had one month! He wanted to see his brother!

“That little panda girl is working on something that could possibly seperate our brothers. Until then, the big guys are going to keep Edward safe and restrained, I’m gonna keep you safe and restrained, so...yeah. That’s the jist of it.”

Alphonse raised an eyebrow, something the homculus had said previously moving to the forefront of his mind.

As if reading his mind, Greed waved a hand. “Oh, the hostage thing? That’s my back-up plan. We feel like a sort of fool-proof plan into getting Pride to let go of the reigns is to make Ed feel like you’re in danger. I mean, it’s one thing if ‘ol Pride forces the body to attack you, but we believe that there’s no way Ed will be able to ignore you getting captured by mean, old Mr.Greed.”

He folded his hands behind his head, looking very relaxed despite the situation. “Now, just in case Edward doesn’t buy my bluff of holding you hostage, don’t freak out if I have to rough you up a bit. He won’t be able to resist if I suddenly switch character and attack you in front of him-“ He hissed and pressed a finger to his temple, his relaxed posture gone. “Damn it! I’m kidding, Ling! Don’t have a cow!” He grumbled and looked over at Al. “Well...I may be anyway....”

Alphonse groaned under his mask. He didn’t care about any of that. He couldn’t move. He was trapped. He just wanted to see his brother again. But maybe he was being selfish. If Mei managed to seperate Ed and Pride, he could still bring the latter to Truth. Hopefully.

But he didn’t want to be a protected hostage. He wanted to be there for Ed, let him know he was there for him. He wasn’t alone. His little brother wanted to save him. And he certainly didn’t want to stay in this bed and do nothing! Geez, was this what Ed felt like every time he went to the hospital? No wonder he always caused such a ruckus!

Al was scared. He felt so powerless. He wanted his big brother. He wanted to know how he was doing. The plan was to keep them seperated?

Nothing good ever came from seperating the Elric Brothers...

@alchemic-elric

valiant-noble-soul‌:

As soon as Al heard the confrontation going on outside the armor, he scampered out as fast as he could–just in time to see his brother plummet into a makeshift chasm far below the ground. Their golden eyes locked on each other’s before they were separated once again.

“BROTHER!” His legs were too weak to just spring up on his feet. His muscles hadn’t been used in years. He opted to drag himself to the edge of the hold, frantically searching for any sight of his fallen sibling. Oh god, what if he was seriously hurt? Or worse? No….homunculi were supposed to be immortal! Ed couldn’t have gone down just like that! Al wouldn’t let him!

But what could he do? There was no way he had enough energy to move the ground back up! Leaving Ed there wasn’t an option. He didn’t want to go find the colonel either. He had Pride in his sights. He didn’t want to risk the homunculi running away with his brother’s body.

Finally his eyes landed on his suit of armor. He quickly did the calculations in his head. He didn’t have enough energy to move a mass of earth and concrete, but maybe some metal? Yes, for his brother, he could find just enough energy to pull it off.

He scampered over to the armor, looking at the face that had refused to for five years. It felt surreal to look at it now, slumped over lifelessly. A literal out of body experience. He ran his fingers over the ridges. Too bad he was too concerned about Ed to focus on the sensation of touch again.

Finally he sighed. “Goodbye old friend. Thank you for everything.” He clapped his hands together, using his hands to change his armor into a long pole attached to the edge of the hole.

Al collapsed, what little energy he had having been spent on the transmutation. He felt so weak. He wasn’t used to being tired. His breathing came in shallow gulps as sweat ran down his bare body.

No. He couldn’t stop here. He needed to get his brother. He couldn’t waste any time. If Ed was hurt, he’d need help as soon as possible. He focused on the mental image of his brother’s face as he forced himself back up. He crawled over to the pole. He didn’t allow himself to think about it. He grabbed the pole and slid down, down into the darkness. He couldn’t help but feel like he was diving into the bowels of hell in order to save his brother. Well, he’d always he’d do it for his sake. High time he proved it.

His grip loosened a little too soon. He fell down a few feet above ground. He gave a sharp yell from his first painful experience in years. He didn’t dwell on it long though. His brother was just a few feet away from him. He needed to be there for him. He needed him.

He dragged himself over to his brother’s unconscience form. He placed his hands on his face, trying to get a good look at him. Somehow the feeling of being able to touch his brother made him more exhausted. Before he even knew what he was doing, he rested his head on the other’s chest, similar to how he did when they were kids and decided to share a bed.

“You’re….so warm…” Al whispered, feeling soothed by the sound of the other’s heartbeat. In a matter of moments, his eyes closed and he joined him in his state of unconscience bliss.

—

Mei could only provide Xio Mei with a comforting head pat as she worked fervently on her circle. Everyone was at the battlefield, getting ready to prepare for the plan Mr.Greed proposed. Nobody liked it, but no one had any better solutions. Many things could go wrong. Mei had never used her alkehestory the way she had been instructed to use it. this type was used for separating diseases from sick people. Would it really work on separating the ‘illness’ form Mr Edward’s body?

She doubted it, but the homunculus controlling her rival’s body seemed confident that it would. And since he had no way of knowing about alkehestory, the plan must have actually been her rival’s. Ling’s. He was really in there. So that meant Mr.Edward was still in there. Then they had to find a way to separate them. Nobody was willing to sacrifice him. Even that mean Briggs lady had been convinced to do whatever was necessary to save him.

….She also really hoped Alphonse would be okay. As amazing as he was, she knew that Mr.Greed was the stronger of the two. He had the power of immortality after all. She just hoped he remembered not to hurt him when he finally caught up to the Elrics.

“I would give up all the immortality in the world if it kept those boys safe.” Of course Mei hadn’t forgotten her clan, but the Elrics….after everything they’d been through, they didn’t deserve this. And she wanted to marry the younger one one day. She prayed that this plan turned out right, and they were returned safe and sound.

She looked up at all the soldiers who were severely injured after the battle with the homunculi, but who refused to be treated until the boys were returned safely. They had a lot of people waiting on them. It was only right that they survived. It was only right.

@alchemic-elric

“Lieutenant report. What happened to Fullmetal? To Alphonse?” Mustang sounding feeling the heavy squeeze on his shoulder that was his queen’s grip. Something obviously bad had happened considering the sound of Fullmetal’s voice and the sound of Alphonse screaming. Little fool probably did something reckless again.

“It seems Alphonse was returned to his body, Sir and so Edward took the ground out underneath himself to keep himself away from his brother, Colonel. He just fell a great distance and Alphonse went after him.” Hawkeye explained, her grip tensing up as she spoke, doing everything in her power to keep her composer.

“Then why are you still here? Go after them. Retrieve the Elric Brothers, Lieutenant.”

“Sir.”

Hawkeye only took a second to look towards the Armstrong pair before racing to the long pole that Alphonse had transmuted only moment’s ago. She’s diving head first into the situation to save the children she’s grown so fond of over these long years. When she’s close enough she jumps down to the ground and races over to the fallen pair of alchemists.

“They’re still breathing but I need help getting them back up!” She sounds cupping her hands around her mouth in hopes it would help her voice to carry.

Armstrong is at her side as quickly as he’s able. Stopping only to look the two boys over. Edward is covered in blood but seems otherwise uninjured. The power of the stone within him no doubt. Surely such a fall would have killed him otherwise.

“Stay close to them, Lieutenant.” Armstrong commands, pulling back his fist to slam his gauntlet into the ground causing the earth beneath them to rise.

Both boys were brought to a section of Command that hadn’t been destroyed in the fighting - Alphonse given medical treatment as quickly as possible and a fresh pair of clothing. Armstrong was setting with him, as was Hawkeye - waiting for the younger to wake.

‘Ugh…’

There’s a groan as the teen’s face started to twitch as consciousness returned. Slowly he opened his eyes to be met with nothing but pitch black surrounding. What? What was going on?

‘W-What happened?’ The alchemist sounds as he lifts his head up slowly still feeling groggy from the events of before.

“Edward?” A voice chimed in the darkness, causing the blond to look in the direction of the sound.

“Colonel?” Edward met him in response to his name. “What’s going on? Why’s everything black? Why are the lights off?”

“You’re blindfolded Edward. Your friend Greed explained the problem at hand to us. So please forgive us for restraining you.”

“Restraining me?” As if just to check the validity of the statement the boy leaned forward to both his arms were firmly fastened to back of the chair he was seated in. He twisted, twisted and shook trying to get himself free for a moment. “What the hell Colonel?! What’s going on?! What the hell - “

“You’ve been possessed by one of those beasts, Elric.” General Armstrong’s voice rang through. “In fact it’s the one who tore up my men while you were at Briggs. It can’t activate it’s power if we keep it in darkness, so that means we need to keep you in darkness.”

“Wait… what… what are you….”

“Pride.” Mustang cuts him off striking Edward to silence when he starts to feel a pain rooting it’s self in his skull like it’s tearing him apart.

Edward’s leaned over, letting out a pained cry as he heard that cry of inner agony stir inside himself all over again. He’s shaking his head as if he can get it out, the voices - the tormented screaming not unlike fighting Envy in that beastly form. Make it stop. Make It Stop. Make it STOP.

“I can make it stop, Edward Elric. Fade away and join them and you’ll never have to hear them again.”

Selim’s voice echoed from inside him, as his eyes went wide despite his inability to see. Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck.

It all came back in a flash - everything that had happened hours before. He’s breathing heavy - heaving quickly as he starts to panic, remembering all that occurred only to feel like he’s being pulled back inside his own body and to lose control of himself. To become a spectator of his life through his own eyes.

The teenager’s body calmed, breathing slowed and shaking stilled. He became all too composed at once, leaning back in the chair he was bound to looking up and turning his head in the direction that Mustang’s voice had been coming from.

His lips took a dark expression.

“So then Colonel Mustang.” The voice that left him was both Edward and not all at once. “Tell me….what happened to my brother?”

#small body; big heart! [edward elric]#i’m a gentleman [alphonse elric—that’s me!]#our brotherhood is my truth [elric brothers]#wolf in sheep’s clothing [greedling]#i feel.....sick [selim/pride]#fma brotherhood #AU #rp #my brother is not a sin [pride!ed]

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