Equivalent Exchange

Germany : Train

In the morning, Al and I didn't waste anytime. We packed our things, checked out with Amett (who cried like crazy), and got on the next train out into the countryside. On our way there, we talked about the plan.

"So I think we should split up. One of us finds the bomb, the other finds the goons boss," I stated.

Al shook his head, "That's not good. What if the bomb requires the two of us? You know, two heads are better than one? We shouldn't rush just because we're reaching the end."

I moaned, "But Al..."

"Here's what I think; we should find the bomb and stealthily defuse it. Then we can take care of the Thule Society for good."

"If we do find the bomb, the scientist will probably be with it," I realized. I smiled at Al, "I suppose we can do your plan. As long as I get to kick the scientist's butts."

Al smiled back, "Sure thing."

I stared out the window of our train and watched as the building disappeared and fields of snow appeared. For two years Al and I had been hunting down that bomb... Soon it would all be over. I placed my index and middle finger on my forehead and wondered what was next. All this time with a mission, I needed to find another one: but what would it be? I turned my head and saw Al reading the journal. I quickly looked away.

"Not interested?" Al asked, not looking up from the book.

"Nein."

"Fahrkarten! Fahrkarten!" a voice came from outside our room.

I pulled out my ticket and stared at the location. A one way ticket... We were running low on money... You could only steal from the Thule Society when there was one, I would have to find a new way of making money. Maybe I could get a job as a scientist somewhere and make medicine or something.

I waved the ticket slowly through the air and wondered about jobs and schools. This ticket would be our last for a while. We would have to try and find work around the area or at least close by. I smirked when I thought about the future. I couldn't wait to beat up the last members of the Thule Society.

"Ed, why are you smirking at your ticket?" Al asked, eyeing me.

I snapped back into reality and laughed, "Never mind."

There was a knock on our door, "Fahrkarten!" I felt my gut twist and I watched as the door opened in slow motion. That voice sounded oddly familiar... but I couldn't place it. I slid my hand to my gun hoister from under my trench coat and focused my eyes on the doors motion. I saw the face of the man calling for tickets and my gold eyes widened in shock.

The man had black hair left unkempt on top while a ponytail was wrapped almost entirely in pale yellow ribbon. His eyes were amber and he wore a crimson train conductor uniform with yellow buttons.

Al saw my hand on my gun and quickly kicked me in the shin of my right leg.

"OW!" I yelled, letting go on my gun and grabbing my shin.

"Sorry sir! My brother just made a rude comment before you entered," Al laughed awkwardly.

I looked up at the man who was identical to Solf J. Kimblee. I almost forgot that there were people who were counter-parts. I had to remember that this wasn't the same man who had kidnapped Al and soon after betrayed the man he did it for. This wasn't the man who loved suffering and death or took pleasure in them. For all I knew, this could be the nicest man in this world (yeah right).

"Not to worry," Fake Kimblee bowed, "I only need to see your tickets."

I handed him my ticket. "So, what's your name?" I asked, eyeing the man.