Rightful place ch1 - an FMA Robin Hood story

[okami_hu]

Feedback greatly appreciated!

Disclaimer

: Characters are the property of Arakawa Hiromu & Square-ENIX. However, the writing itself belongs to us (Lenihan & OKami). We have to stress that – sadly – we’re not making any money from this.
Rating: Varies from chapter to chapter, from G to NC-17
Warnings: LOTSA m/m (later m/f and possible f/f) smut, major OOC-ness here and there
Pairings: a LOT. Ed-Al, Al-Fury, Fury-Rose, Scar-Rose and everything else we can stuff into it later. We’re open for submissions too, until they don’t clash with the set rules (Read: NO Roy x Ed. No Greed x Anyone. No Fury x Havoc, etc.)
Note: This is an RP. I didn’t even bother to rewrite it as an ordinary fic, I left it in the screenplay format. But I don’t think it’ll cause you any pain. The setting was based on the Kevin Costner Robin Hood movie, the Robin Hood book of E. Charles Vivian, Lenihan’s version of RH and very loosely on the TV-series “Robin the Hooded Man”. I won’t list the roles, they can be figured out easily.
Note 2: ** - actions; ~~ - thoughts; "" - writing, quoting, Fury's gestures; CAPITALS - stressed words; italics - intermezzos, descriptions

 

The Rightful Place – chapter one

 

Scar: *entering Roy's house* Sir, some passing noble was spotted near the Hanging Tree. Do you wish me to take several men and catch the carriage?

Havoc: *nods* I saw them as well and I could hear the money from miles away. If you listen carefully, you can even hear it here. Scar and I could take down the man in no time at all. ^^

Roy: *thinks about it for a moment, then nods* You two do that. Take some ten men with you and let's help this poor nobleman from the terrible weight of his money.

Scar *bows and rushes out*: Fury! Brosh! Come with us. Friar Breda, would you like to join us as well?

Breda: Of course! Nobles tend to forget, how God likes generosity.

Havoc: *grins broadly* Finally some action again. ... What did you say, Fury? Oo

Fury: * repeats several gestures *

Roy: He says you should hurry if you want to catch this nobleman. The sheriff and his men are on their way as well.

Fury: *nods*

Near the Hanging Tree, in the carriage:

Ed *blinks out on the window nervously* *grumble*

Al: *watches Ed* Is there a problem, Niisan?

Ed: No, no, I just remembered the rumors about those bandits residing in this forest. Not that I'm afraid of them but I want to get to the Castle as soon as possible. I want Bradley to explain this whole situation to me. Where could Father be?

Al: I wouldn't know, Niisan. The people say that he left to fight a war, but it's been years ago since we've had any news. *looks down to his hands* I don't think I’ll like it very much in the Castle, Niisan. The people who walk around there are all so... so... sneaky and unfriendly.

Ed: Bradley makes me uneasy as well. I don't trust him. But, well... *leans back with feigning to be carefree* We're the rightful heirs of the throne, so he has to hand the power to us once we're there. And when Father's back, we'll talk to him about all those sneaky bastards.

Al: *smiles, all happy once again because of Ed's apparent ease* Hn. And then we'll show them that it's not nice to be sneaky. ^^

Ed *grins widely*

Outside, on and behind the nearby trees, Roy's men are ready.

Scar: Fury, give them the sign. And don't hesitate to shoot when some of those henchmen try to resist. All right?

Fury *looks up on Scar and nods hesitantly, then gives the sign to the others*

Everyone: *stands ready*

Havoc: Don't wait too long, Scar. *squints at the oncoming carriage*

Scar *muscles tense, then jumps down from the tree to land five meters before the carriage* CHARGE!

Everyone: *charges, loosens their arrows*

Carriage: *stops haltingly*

Chaos. The guy on the driver's seat jumps up and starts begging for his life. The soldiers are equally scared.

Ed: What the Hell?! *pokes his head out* What happened?

Scar *with slight astonishment* A child...?

Ed: WHO ARE YOU CALLING SMALL, YOU DARK-FACED DEMON?? *attempts to get out of the carriage, presumably to skin the one, who insulted him*

Al: N-niisan! Niisan, matte! Don't do anything rash! *pulls Ed back for as far as that's possible*

Havoc: *stares at the two* ... Children? Are we supposed to fight against children? O__o;;

Ed: WE'RE NOT JUST SOME BEAN-SIZED KIDS, WE'RE THE HEIRS OF THE KING!!

Havoc: ... Everyone can say they're heirs of the king, chibi.

Ed: *screams, gets free from the grip of his brother, launches forward*

In the next moment, an arrow hits the ground in front of him, missing his foot only by one inch. Ed halts.

Scar: *looks up* Thank you, Fury. *looks back to the blond boy* Can you prove that you're a prince?

Ed: *holds his hand forward* This ring is the ultimate proof. Now, let us continue our journey this instant!

Havoc: It looks real enough to me, Scar. You know that the Boss doesn't approve it if we fight against the king or his family.

Al: *stands nervously behind his 'big' brother*

Scar: It might be true. But remember the current situation, Havoc. I don't think Bradley will welcome the rightful heirs. *bows* Well then, princes... You shall come with us now. It's much safer.

Ed: *puts his hands on his waist* I'm not going anywhere with you, bandits! You attacked us and insulted me; but when you just leave now, I might consider not telling Governor Bradley about what happened.

Havoc: Listen up, kid. Even if you go to Governor Bradley, he won't find us. He already knows we're up here and he knows that very well, because of all the men he sent and who never returned. Besides, Scar has a point here. The Governor won't welcome the two of you with open arms. You'd better come with us, you know.

Al: *pulls at Ed's sleeve* Maybe we'd better listen to them, Niisan.

Ed: *grumbles*

Breda: Young Prince. Listen to God's servant. I promise that you will be not harmed; neither will your men suffer any injuries.

Ed *considers this* Well, let it be. I won't put up a fight against a priest.

Fury jumps down and hands Scar several blindfolds.

Scar: I hope, you understand, princes. Security reasons.

Ed *opens his mouth to protest*

Al: Niisan. *pulls firmly at his sleeve* Just do as they say.

Havoc: At least your older brother knows how to deal with this, chibi.

Ed: DON'T CALL ME CHIBI!! I'M THE OLDER BROTHER!!

Fury: *starts to snicker soundlessly in the background*

Havoc: *bursts out into laughing as well, laughs enough for him self and Fury Oo* You must be kidding~! XD

Rest of the men: *are snickering as well*

Ed: DO YOU THINK IT'S FUNNY??

Fury *protests in his own way*

Ed: *under his breath, clenched fists trembling* You're going to be SO VERY SORRY for this...!

Scar: *a muscle twitching lightly under his left eye* Let's go back to the camp, shall we...?

Half an hour later in the rebels’ camp...

Rose: Roy-sama, the team has just returned. They brought two young men with.

Roy: Aa? *looks up from his bow, which he had been repairing* ... Scar, I hope you have an explanation for this.

Scar: *bows respectfully* Sir, these young nobles declare that they're the sons of King Hohenheim. Their attitude and the ring the older one showed us suggest that they're telling the truth. I thought it is best to bring them here for further investigations.

Roy: The sons of King Hohenheim, hm? *rises to his feet, bows respectfully to Ed and Al* Welcome to my camp your Highnesses. I hope you will enjoy your stay here. Rose, prepare a meal for us, will you? We can't let the sons of the King grow hungry.

Rose: *smile* Of course, Roy-sama! The hunters returned with plenty of game from the morning hunt so we can celebrate the heirs' homecoming. *bows & leaves*

Fury: *cautiously stares after her (Scar shouldn't see...)*

Al: *does see it, but says nothing, will wait for a moment where he's alone with Fury*

Roy: *murmur* Good girl she is. *straightens then* Please have a seat, your Highnesses. Grass is all I can offer you, but I can assure you it's comfortable.

Ed *drops down casually and eyes Roy with distrust* So, you're the infamous Roy Mustang, huh? Slayer of the King's soldiers, the Phantom of Central Forest, the Generous Bandit, who steals from the nobles and gives the money to the poor...?

Roy: *shrugs* That's what they call me. *continues with repairing his bow*

Al: *takes quickly place besides his older brother*

Ed: So tell me, oh Fearful Bandit King, why did you bring us here? We have to return to the Castle.

Roy: Of course you can return to the Castle. But how long do you think you will stay alive there, your Highness? I know you and your brother are a thorn in the Governor's eye - both probably since it's you and your brother. I am almost positive it won't take long before he tries to eliminate you both.

Ed: He has no courage to do that. He's but the Governor; he can't lay a hand on us!

Roy: That's what you think, your Highness. But your father has been missing for many years now and I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Bradley declares your father dead today or tomorrow. That would make you King, but it's very hard to be King if you don't have a head on your shoulders. I suggest you wait here until my informant arrives with news.

Ed: *completely baffled* You mean... Bradley practically took the throne...? That... that... BASTARD! He should have called us back! Waitasec... Isn't Lady Dante here? She's our aunt. What did Bradley do to her??

Roy: *shrugs* I don't know. It's a long way from the Forest to the throne, your Highness.

Ed: *grumbles* I have to clear this mess up. Bradley definitely forgot where his place is. If he laid a hand on Lady Dante... *clenches fists*

Roy: Don't do anything rash, your Highness. You are not the King -yet-.

Hughes: *approaches the camp, whistles cheerfully, is maybe still a mile away, but already everyone with good ears can hear him*

Roy: *has very good ears* *looks up from his bow* Ah, there you will have my informant.

Fury: *has good ears as well and he smiles brightly, dashing out to meet his "foster daddy"*

Roy: Rose! Make sure there's enough food for Hughes as well! *continues with his bow, nearly finished*

Al: ... I don't see him… Oo;;

Roy: Possible. He's still a goodly way from the encampment.

Scar: *bows* If you'll excuse me... I have to supervise the young swordsmen’s practice. *leaves* (has some grudges against Hughes... too cheerful, carefree and NOISY... Not to mention his constant rambling about Alicia...)

Roy: *suppresses a smirk, sees right through this excuse, stands up, grabs an arrow and aims at the forest* *waits for a few moments, then loosens it*

Hughes: *a startled cry* Roy~!!!! >< Don't shoot at me, will you?

Roy: *BROAD smirk now*

Ed: Is THIS how you treat your informants?

Roy: He knows how to avoid it. Don't you, Hughes? *raises his voice slightly*

Hughes: *grumbles, appears out of the forest in the camp, throws his ruined hat to Roy* You ruined this, you idiot.

Roy: You were too slow, Hughes. Your wife can repair it again. It gives her something to do when you come to visit me next time.

Hughes: ¬¬ *sees Ed and Al then* ... Since when do you have royal visitors, Roy?

Ed: Hah, finally somebody, who recognizes us right away!

Fury: *steals the arrow and slips in into his quiver* (might be handy later...)

Hughes: I wouldn't be good in my job if I didn't recognize you, your Highness. *bows* What brings you two to Central Forest, your Highnesses? ^^

Ed: Well, me and my brother were peacefully driving through the Forest, when these BANIDTS here *throws a glance to Havoc, since he's the only available one* halted our carriage and practically kidnapped us. Although I have to mention, that they haven't harmed us. So, you have some information from the Castle? Do you know anything about Lady Dante? I worry for her...

Havoc: ^^;;;

Hughes: I've got some news, but that's probably already outdated. What do you want to know?

Ed: How is Lady Dante doing? What is this whole mess about Bradley claiming the throne for himself? Any news about my father?

Hughes: *ticks the topics off his fingers...* Your aunt is doing fine, probably even better than the rest of folks who live in the Castle. Motives about the Governor claiming the throne of your father are unknown, although there are a lot of rumors about that. And no news about the King.

Ed: Geez, do I have to PAY for some clear facts? What rumors? I can't base my plans on some cloudy statements.

Hughes: *spreads out his hands* Some say he's obsessed by power. Others say he's being pressed by the sheriff and the Church. And still others claim that the King's sister, your aunt Lady Dante, is behind it all. I don't know. I know how to gather information, but I can't read minds yet.

Ed: *sighs, looking a bit lost* Al...? Any ideas...?

Al: *shakes his head* How is our mother doing?

Hughes: *looks serious, turns to Roy* Roy, I do think you should let them go. The Queen is... The Queen's health is deteriorating and the doctors haven't been able to discover the cause of it.

Ed: WHAT? Mother is ill? Why didn't we receive a word about it? Is East City that far away? I can't believe they didn't notice us!

Hughes: I think they sent messengers to you, but you were probably already on your way when they arrived. She fell ill two days ago. *looks at Roy, slight movement with his head*

Roy: *walks away with him, until Ed and Al can't hear them anymore* There is more?

Hughes: There is a huge suspicion that the Queen is poisoned.

Roy: ... Are you sure?

Hughes: *nods*

Ed: *turns to his brother* We have to settle this as soon as possible. We can't let Mother be alone now. We have to go to the Castle and call Bradley to account for all this.

Al: Hn... But what if Mother has a natural disease?

Havoc: Do you two really want to go alone to this guy without any help? You're fools if you do that, you know.

Ed: I did NOT plan to go alone! I know, that Bradley has control over the Castle Guards now... I need my own army... *looks at his hands* Even with my alchemy, I'm weak against them. Damn it! *punches the ground* But where will I find armed soldiers? Maybe I should call mercenaries... Maybe our money will last...

Havoc: You could talk with the Boss.

Ed: Huh? Come on, you're BANDITS. Why would he help us nobles? He has no reason. He was a commoner, wasn't he? He surely learned to despise us...

Havoc: No, he was a nobleman once as well. A small one, of course, but he did fairly well. The Church had its eyes on his lands so when he was gone again for a visit to his love, they outlawed him. He thinks that those who currently hold the power in the Church and the government are corrupt and wrong, but he's still loyal to the King. We are all loyal to the King. We just don't agree with who's in charge at the moment.

Ed: Oh, well... *shifts uncomfortably* Maybe...

Rose: Roy-sama, your Highnesses... The lunch is ready!

Roy: Little John, blow your horn, will you? There are still a few men hunting, they should be called back as well. *turns to Rose* Thank you, dear. *pats her fondly on her cheek*

Havoc: I -wish- he'd stop calling me that. *pulls out his horn, blows a melancholy melody*

Other nameless men: *flow into the camp after a few moments*

Breda: Finally! Hey, hey, hold your horses now! You don't touch anything before I said the prayer!

Rose: There's plenty enough for everybody, you don't have to worry about getting a bite.

Ed: WHOOOA. *eyes wide at the sight of the feast*

Scar: *stops for a moment next to the table* Rose...

Rose: I'm coming, I'm coming. *smiles on the children* I'll be back in a minute. *leaves with Scar* (different religion, different prayers)

Men: *clasp their hands obediently in a prayer, although some keep their eyes open to look at the food*

Al: *a bit uneasy, follows their example*

Ed: *does the same*

Breda: Oh, God Almighty, bless our food today. Bless our hunters, who returned with enough game. Bless those hands who cooked this meal for us. *snickers can be heard all around* Bless the forest, which gives us its treasures. We thank you for all this and especially for the Sheriff, who was stupid enough to send a carriage with wine barrels to our way. Amen.

Men: *snicker* Amen.

Al: *has to swallow hard at that last sentence before he can murmur 'Amen' as well*

Roy: *gestures to his men and guests* Don't let the food get cold.

Ed: *looks like wtf but digs in* So you raided the Sheriff's wine, huh? What did the ol' Marco do to deserve this? He was a good man, if I remember correctly. Haven't seen him in four years though... *shrugs*

Roy: *shrugs* We have to feed ourselves as well, your Highness. And we are a lot friendlier towards the lower classes than the sheriff and his companions.

Al: *pulls at Ed's sleeve* Niisan... don't make them angry...

Ed: But Father wouldn't have made Marco the sheriff if he would be a bad man! *looks grim; he likes Marco* (And he doesn't know that the Sheriff isn't Marco anymore)

Men: *stare at Ed*

Roy: ... You don't know it yet, do you, your Highness?

Ed: Know what? *blinks*

Roy: Tim Marco is no longer the sheriff. He disappeared one night and no one could find him. Then Governor Bradley appointed Envy as sheriff - in the name of your father, of course. *looks at Hughes* When did that happen?

Hughes: *chews pensively on a piece of bread* Three or four years ago. Four, because it was in the same year my daughter was born. ^^

Men: *SIGH*

Hughes: *unaware of the sigh* Is it me or is it a bit chilly here?

 

Hope, you liked & understood...