okami_hu | The rightful place ch3

Back in the camp

Ed: Oi, Al! Where have you been?

Al: Eh? Oh, uhm, he showed me some things of the woods. *points at Fury* By the way, Niisan, have you already asked that scarred man about Raphael-sensei?

Ed: No, I was waiting for you. I watched the guys here to practice. Some moves seem similar to ours. Come, let's find this "Scar".

Al: Ah, gomen ne, Niisan. ^^; Let's find him then now, yes. ^^ *follows Ed to Scar*

Ed: Ah, there is he. Um, Scar, sir, I'd like to ask something.

Scar: And I'll try to answer, your Highness.

Ed: You know, the man who taught us unarmed combat and swordplay, was an Ishvarite, like you. He and his family lost each other during some war and I thought you might have some information.

Scar: *cocks an eyebrow*

Al: Our sensei would like to find his family again and maybe you can help him. Maybe you have ever heard of Raphael-sensei, Scar-san?

Scar: *eyes go wide then pulls up his sleeve on his right arm* Do these marks seem familiar to you?

Ed: Yes!

Al: Didn't sensei have them as well, Niisan? Oo;;

Ed: Yup, all over his body. So you know him, Scar?

Scar: *nods absent-mindedly, then calls out* Rose! Rose!

Rose: *comes rushing* What is it, Onii-sama?

Scar: * hugs the girl close* Rose... He's alive, Raphael is alive!

Rose: What? Really? But...

Scar: *turns to the Elrics* Your Highnesses, Raphael is my elder brother. We got separated during the war and me and Rose were captured and sold as slaves. I always hoped that somehow my brother survived and one day, we can meet him. Thank you for telling me.

Rose: *in tears, hugs both of the boys* Thank you, your Highnesses!

Al: *smiles* That's good news then! ^^ Maybe you three can visit each other again.

Scar: Definitely. But we have a war to fight here first. I couldn't protect my sister back then...

Rose: You were twelve years old!

Scar: ^^;;

Ed: We still have a whole day before us, so mind if we join you, Scar? I see, you're teaching these guys here how to handle the sword. I can show them a thing or two.

Scar: Of course, Prince, as you wish. Rose, darling, just go back and prepare for tomorrow. Take good care of your daggers - although I hope, you won't have to use them.

Rose: *smiles, kisses Scar, leaves*

The rest of the day passes in relative silence. In the morning, Roy, Fury and Rose set out on their way.

Roy: *as the three approach the City* It looks like there's a festival going on. That should make things even easier than I thought. You two know what to do, don't you?

Fury and Rose: *in unison* Yessir! (Well, Fury nods like that)

Roy: Okay. Let's go then. And stay close to each other. Rose, as soon as you spot Father Farman, go to him. You can even invite him for a dance if you want, but take him to me. *takes out his lute, nods to Fury to start playing as well, walks to the Gate while playing some merry tune*

Some Guard: Halt! Who are you?

Roy: *stops playing, bows fluently* We're just some minstrels on our way to entertain the people here with our music and dances, Sir.

Armstrong: *appears in his full grace, sparkles an' everything* Let them pass, my boy, musicians are always welcome here!

Guard: S-sure, Sir Armstrong! You can pass!

Roy: *bows even deeper* Thank you, Sir Knight. *motions to Fury and Rose, walks on further*

Liza: *is there somewhere as well, trying to get away from Envy* (Luck has left her today though)

Envy: Oh, what a beautiful sight on a beautiful day! Lady Hawkeye... *bows deeply* No pleasure compares to knowing you here today as well. ^____^

Liza: Ah... Thank you, sheriff Envy. *produces a polite, but weak smile* Your compliments overwhelm me. ~Asshole ¬¬~

Envy: For my greatest regret, I have to let you roam freely in the crowd... But we shall meet later today. And don't let anybody harass you! If there is a problem, any of the Guards will help you out. You shouldn't trust the mob.

Liza: ~I shouldn't trust you, you mean. -.-~ Of course, sir. Your concern is greatly appreciated. I won't take much more of your time then. *smiles charmingly, walks away as fast as possible from Envy*

Back to the three bandits

Rose: *whispers* Maybe we should carefully approach the chapel, Roy-sama. Where else could a priest be?

Roy: *scans the area* Maybe. Let's wait a bit. There is someone else I want to talk to as well.

Rose: You can go. We'll entertain the people here. ^_^

Fury:*starts playing a fiery melody*

Rose: *starts dancing and she's good at it*

Roy: *rises to his feet to slip away*

Liza: *catches up with him before he has the chance to do that* What are you doing here, Roy? Don't you know it's dangerous in here? *speaks in a low voice*

Roy: *shrugs* Something important came up. Can you get us to the chapel? We have to talk to Father Farman.

Liza: I'll see what I can do. ¬¬ In return, can you keep that leech of a sheriff away from me?

Kimblee: *approaches, whistling innocently*

Liza: Fine, fine, follow me. You big idiot.

Roy: *turns to the other two* Fury, keep playing. Rose, come with me. *follows Liza, who quickly tries to get them away from the approaching Kimblee*

Kimblee: *stops in front of Fury, throws him a coin* Nice tunes, brat. But where's that adorable beauty who was dancing here a moment ago?

Fury: *shrugs*

Kimblee: Answer me, when I ask you!

Fury: *makes some gestures to explain, that he can't talk*

Kimblee: Oh, drat. *glances into the direction, where Liza disappeared*

Liza: You should learn to be more responsible, you know. That was Kimblee the bootlicker of the sheriff.

Roy: That's not very becoming, my Lady. The sheriff is a respectable man.

Liza: *snorts disdainfully* That's why you rob him. He's a leech. *glances at Rose, decides to keep her mouth shut* We're here. *opens the door to the chapel* I'll wait here.

Rose: *slips through the door, stops a little that her eyes can adjust to the darkness* Father Farman! Father Farman, are you here?

Farman: *startled* Yes, my child. I am here. How can I help you?

Rose: We brought you a message from somebody you know. *blinks around* Please, keep quiet, Father, we'll be in trouble if anybody notices us.

Farman: Of course, my child. No one will know of this visit. Can you tell me who this somebody is?

Rose: *smile* The young Prince Edward and Prince Alphonse.

Farman: Thank god. *sighs* The Queen was so worried about their safety. I'm sure the news will help her to get better. Can you give me the message then, my child?

Rose: Here *hands out the piece of paper* If you have the chance, assure the Queen that they're feeling well and they're among friends.

Farman: I will. Thank you, my child. Go with God's blessing.

Rose: *smile* Take care, Father! * leaves*

Roy: And? Did you give him the message?

Rose: Yessir, I did. Now, we should leave maybe... Unless you want to spend some time with the Lady Hawkeye. Cain and I will come clear until you return.

Roy: *smiles a bit sadly* I don't think that's a good idea. There are too many people walking around here who can recognize me and this is much more important. Let's go back to Fury.

Fury: *blinks up on the arriving Roy and Rose* (Fortunately, Kimblee left... or at least, he can't be seen.)

Roy: *quietly* We're leaving. Did anything happen while we were gone?

Fury: *gestures him about Kimblee*

Roy: Then it's definitely time to leave. Good thing you could keep him away, Fury. *nods approvingly* Now let's go. *moves towards the gate or something like that*

Liza: *waits for them there* You go already?

Roy: I have no choice, Liza. *puts a hand against her cheek* You'll see me again soon. *gives her a light, chaste kiss, then motions to the others to follow him*

Liza: *watches how they leave*

Guard: Hey! You just came in and you're leaving already?

Rose: *hysterically* I won't spend any more time here! I'm an artist, not a whore! *rushes out, her skirt flapping*

Fury: *runs after her* ~Phew, she's quick to improvise.~

Roy: Some of those men tried to rape her. I would appreciate it if you did something about this, good sir. He had black hair and yellow-brown eyes, I think. Now if you excuse me, I have to make sure everything is alright with my dancer. *calmly walks after Fury and Rose*

Fury: *grabs Rose's hand and smiles on her brightly*

Rose: *laughs* Now, am I a good actress or what?

Fury: *nods enthusiastically, then his face turns serious*

Rose: Uhh?

Fury: *looks into her eyes, then points to himself, draws a heart on his chest and points at Rose* ~Hey, wasn't even that hard!~

Rose: C-Cain... You... like me?

Fury: *nods, faint blush creeping to his cheeks*

Rose: *takes Fury's hand* Well. I... I think I... like you too.

Fury: *leans a little closer*

Rose: *leans closer as well*

Roy: *coughs politely* Do you think you two can wait with that until we're a goodly way away from the Castle? *absolutely straight face*

Rose & Fury: *release each other quickly, they blush and start walking obediently back on the road.*

Roy: *smirks broadly, winks to them when he passes them to lead the way*

Rose: *keeping his voice down* Cain... Teach me that gesture-language. Only Roy-sama, Hughes-san and Friar Breda can understand you in the whole camp. You surely miss conversations.

Fury: *nods, then smiles at Rose*

About half and an hour later, they reach the camp.

Al: *probably waited breathlessly for news... poor kid... he must be short on oxygen now ¬¬*

Roy: *moves immediately to the open spot where they have conferences, lunch, dinner and such things*

Ed: Hey! Sir Mustang returned! Did you succeed?

Roy: *nods* We managed to get the message to Father Farman.

Al: *moves quietly over to Fury* And? ^^

Fury: * smiles brightly and nods; looks after the politely departing Rose*

Al: *smiles* I told you it wouldn't be that hard. ^^ And? Does she return your feelings?

Fury: *doesn't care about anything anymore, hugs Al*

Ed: Hey, what was THAT for?

Al: ^^; Maybe I'll explain it later to you, Niisan. *gently removes Fury from his neck* I'm glad for you that it turned out like this. ^^

Fury: *bows politely and leaves*

Ed: Oookaaay... So. Sir Mustang, do you have constant watch by the spot we met your men first?

Roy: Yes. We wouldn't want to miss any couriers carrying gold for the sheriff or the church.

Ed: Good. I called Father Farman there to meet us. Sooner or later, he'll show up, I'm sure. When he does, bring him here.

Roy: *amused* Of course, your Highness. Maybe you would like to stand watch with my men, so you're absolutely positive he will be brought here? Or maybe you would like to hold my hand while I give the orders? We are always -so- delighted to hear any royal advice, you know.

Ed: *cheeks turn red* I put my hope into it, that you'll be able to handle the situation on your own and I won't be forced to command you around. But if you insist, I can do that any time!

Roy: Of course you can, your Highness. We have absolutely no doubt in that. That's why you asked us to help you after all. Stop making such ridiculous orders, Prince. We -know- what we're doing. We don't need someone to look after us. *voice turns sharp at the last two/three sentences*

Ed: *nicks his head coldly and walks off to the training grounds. Once there, he taps at Scar's shoulder*

Scar: Yes, your Highness? How may I assist you?

Ed: Are you up for a spar? Bare hands or sword, it doesn't matter but I'm kinda feel like beating up something right now!

Scar: *radiates WTF* Well, if you're sure...

Ed: Absolutely, positively and perfectly!

Al: *sigh* Niisan, you baka. *shakes his head, walks off in some random direction*

Roy: *glares after Ed, then checks up with everyone what has happened here*

While Ed and Scar loose their upper clothes and proceed to beat the crap out of each other (surrounded by swooning ladies), Fury knocks on the Hughes family's door.

Gracia: *opens the door* Cain! Come in! I just baked a pie, why don't you try it out, dear? ^^

Fury: *nods smiling* "Is Maes at home?"

Gracia: No, he said he had something to do. I don't exactly know what, but I'm sure he'll be back before darkness falls. Was there something you wanted to talk about with him?

Alicia: *totters towards Fury, hands up, giggling*

Fury: *pats her head but doesn't take her up yet - he needs both hand to talk* "Yes. He's like a father to me... And you're like a mother. I'm so happy, Gracia!"

Gracia: *smiles* You know you're always welcome. Did something good happen to you?

Alicia: *waits patiently until Fury has the time*

Fury: *dreamy sigh* "I told Rose... that I like her. Finally, I told her!" * Hugs Gracia*

Gracia: *embraces Fury* That's good news. I'm so happy for you, Cain. Now, sit down and we'll celebrate this with a cherry pie and apple cider. *ushers Fury to a chair*

Fury: *laughs soundlessly, then takes Alicia into his lap and kisses her on the cheek*

Alicia: =3 *HUG*

Gracia: *gives Fury his piece of cake and cider*

Fury: *digs in with good appetite* (Love makes some people hungry XD)

Alicia: *plays with her teddy on his lap, lets it walk on Fury's arm and such*

Gracia: You can stay here, if you want, until Maes returns.

Fury: *with one hand* "Thank you!"

Outside, Scar and Ed are busy sizing up each other's strength. They settled for unarmed combat practice.

Scar: I assume my brother's apprentice will turn out to be a fine opponent.

Ed: You bet! Raphael sensei always praised me back home!

Scar: *charges, purposely let it to be countered* He wouldn't have said it if it won't be true.

Ed: *delivers a kick, which is parried * Heh. You're not bad yourself.

Scar: Thank you, your Highness. *throws a punch*

The fight continues. The Ishvarite and the blond prince show off their graceful moves. Scar's obviously stronger, but Ed's faster and smaller (size matters indeed). As they warm up, the attacks grow more furious; when one or another gets a blow, the ladies gasp. Scar's red eyes narrow; flames are dancing in Ed's golden orbs furiously. The battle continues for about fifteen minutes; then the opponents – out of breath and totally spent - settle for a draw.

Roy: *smirks, sardonic applause at the end of the fight* Excellent, you Highness. But may I ask how good you are when it comes down to archery?

Ed: Umm... *tries to catch his breath, doesn't pay much attention* I was raised to be a king, not an assassin

Roy: Archery is something most of the soldiers learn, not assassins. Assassins work with daggers, your Highness.

Ed: If you wanna show off your superior skills, ask my brother. He's the archer type.

Roy: You mean your Highness can't do that?

Ed: *eyes flare up* Gimme a bow and let's get started!

Roy: *conceals a smirk* As you wish, your Highness.

Scar: *shakes his head* ~Sir Roy simply can't stop teasing the Prince. This might get bad.~

someone: *gives Ed a bow and provides a target*

Roy: You first, your Highness. 300 paces away from target. BIG paces, not your usual small ones.

Ed: WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SMALL THAT HE GETS TIRED EVEN WHEN WALKING ROUND A BARREL???

Roy: Havoc, measure it off for him.

Havoc: Yessir. *does that*

Ed: *probes his bow, face grim and determined*

Roy: *eyes him, smirks*

When the paces are measure and the target is set, Ed motions to Roy.

Ed: You first. I would like to see, what kind of opponent I have here.

Roy: No, your Highness, you first. You'll be given a chance to try to beat me afterwards.

Ed: *stands on the mark without any further fuss, aims very carefully. He tightens his bow with all of his strength and shoots.*

The arrow hits, but on the edge, not in the middle

Roy: *murmur* Splendid.

Ed: your turn, Mustang.

Roy: Of course. *draws an arrow, aims and loosens the arrow in one smooth move. Hits the center, of course, or he couldn't be playing Roy Hood*

Ed: *coldly* Nice. Second turn now. *repeats the previous process. He really concentrates*

The shot is better, closer to the center

Roy: *smirks* Try this, your Highness. *moves away even further from the target, turns around*

Havoc: *concerned* He's never going to make that.

Ed: *narrows eyes*

Roy: *closes his eyes, concentrates, then suddenly his eyes snap open and he draws an arrow even as he turns around and loosens it*

The arrow’s only a thumb away from the center

Ed: No.

Havoc: No?

Ed: *calmly* There's no way I'll try something like this. I can handle the bow but I don't like it because of my fiery temper. If I miss, I might unwillingly injure somebody and I don't want to spill blood by accident. *raises his head proudly* Besides, the target is too far away for me. And you knew that. ~Eat this, Mustang!~

Roy: *smiles, offers his hand* You were a good opponent, your Highness.

Ed: *smug smirk* *accepts Roy's hand*

Roy: *smirks back* Now let's see if dinner is ready. *walks over to collect his arrows*

Ed: *is looking forward to dinner*

Scar: *relieved sigh and an approving glance towards both Roy and the prince*