Berlin, Germany. 1924

Edward could no longer look at the world from a logical point of view and this tidbit of information baffled his younger brother to no end. His brother had never believed in God, now there was not a day in which the former state alchemist could not be found pouring over excerpts from the bible in his study. He called himself a man of science and shunned those who depended on the lord, now he spent his days milling about the grounds of the local church as he waited for the doors to be opened. Edward insisted that the change was a good thing, said that he was benefiting from it. Alphonse knew better. He had lay awake in his bed on countless occasions just listening to his brother scream and cry and carry on as he tried and failed at whatever alchemic research he was working on. Alphonse was certain that if this routine kept up, he would eventually lose what he had left of his brother.

The blonde bun tied at the back of Edward's head bobbed with each step he took along the cobblestone alley. He continued reading his to do list to his brother who had lost interest in listening long ago. "Then after we pick up the new shipment of flowers for Gracia we have to help Noah paint her shop." He closed his pocket journal and slid it into the pouch swinging from his hip. "And that's our plan for the day."

Alphonse snapped out of his mid-day haze and gave his brother a shifty smile. "No church?"

Edward sighed as if he was genuinely disappointed. "Remodeling. Won't be finished 'til Tuesday."

"Oh, that's too bad."

Silence fell upon them, each brother lost in his own thoughts. It wasn't until Alphonse realized that the elder was talking to himself about Eckhart that he stopped, his brother continuing on down the narrow path as his one-sided conversation consumed him.

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Amestris. 1924

"So you're sure you won't come back?"

Roy picked his head up from the pile of papers he was supposed to be sorting through to look condescendingly at the blonde muscle builder situated by his door.

"Yes, Lt. Armstrong, I'm positive."

The lieutenant sighed and saluted his once commanding officer. "Of course sir, I'm sorry to have bothered you."

The former state alchemist nodded and dropped his head back down on his makeshift pillow to resume the nap his commanding officer had rudely interrupted.

Alex turned and exited the cramped work space. "Hawkeye wishes you the best." Were his parting words before clambering into his car to return to his station on the outskirts of Lior.

Mustang meanwhile swiveled his eyes to the now closed door and grimaced.

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Well folks that's it for the prologue.

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Note: All chapters following this will be 6 pages or more.