Ed pulled a map from his pocket, "All right," he murmured, resting his finger on their location, "The closest town on our way is about ten miles away. If we walk fast, we should be there at least by sundown."

Syaoran frowned as Sakura shielded her eyes.

"Take this," Ed insisted, holding out his coat to Sakura, "It's not much, but it will keep the sun off your shoulders."

A wave of jealousy exploded in Syaoran's soul. He should've been the one to give up something of his, not Ed! Syaoran decided to put it behind him. After all, he didn't want to be mad at Ed and knew he wasn't trying to make a move on Sakura; just being a gentleman.

"Thank you, Elric-kun." Sakura said as she slipped the coat on. It was surprisingly light, even if it was slightly big on her.

Walking through the desert had been an informative experience. They all told the story of how each ended up in the position they were in. They enjoyed it so much that they were almost sad to see a town on the horizon.

"Do you see what I see?" asked Sakura, squinting through the evening sunset.

"I hope it's not another mirage, right nii-san?" said Al.

"Yeah," grumbled Ed, spitting another pocket of sand from his mouth, "I wasn't thinking," he subconsciously defended, "I just saw the giant dumpling and got excited!"

"Well, everyone can see the town, this time. I think we're all right in asuming it's there." Syaoran added.

"As long as there's somewhere I can take a shower. My automail's all gummed up with sand." Ed complained, limply swinging his right arm like a store manequin, "Winry's gonna kill me."

"Winry?" Sakura said inquiringly.

"Winry's our best friend back home," he explained, "She's also my mechanic. She and her grandma make automail for a living, so they watch over me a lot."

"Speaking of guardians," Syaoran began, "Where is Keroberos?"

Sakura smiled sheepishly and opened her satchel. Inside, Kero lay amongst the blankets, cloths, and towels Minoru had supplied them with, fast asleep.

"I had to use Sleep, before I left because I knew he'd cause lots of trouble," she explained, "Though I think you two have seen oddities of your own!"

"Look, this is all we have!" Ed cried, rummaging in his empty pockets as if expecting another coin to magically appear. He laid his chin defeatedly on the high counter and glared at the small coins. The innkeeper raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Well there are four open positions down in the tavern. Work for me for two weeks, and that'll cover your stay and food. Plus, a little something extra in your pockets for the rest of your travels." he said. Ed's face lit up.

"Thank you very much!" he said cheerfully, sweeping the coins back into his pocket, "When do we start?"

Four aprons were tossed to them, "Now."

--

"The tavern closes at midnight," Al stated, staring at the wall clock as he washed out another mug.

"So, we'll be here for at least another four hours," Sakura sighed as he handed it to her to dry.

"You must be very tired," he commented as he watched her yawn. Sakura shook her head and smiled.

"I'm all right," she denied. Out in the eating area, Syaoran and Ed were trying their hand at waiting.

"Um, Syaoran?" Ed asked, peering over to look at the notepad he had orders written on.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure if the cook will be able to read that..." Ed replied, pointing to the Chinese writing on the paper, "Why don't you trade jobs with Al?"

"Good idea..."

--

"So, you're just like me?" Al asked that evening as Ed and Sakura slept off their day's efforts. The two sat out on the back veranda, illuminated by the full moon. Syaoran rested his arms above his head as he leaned against a support beam.

"Yeah, I guess I am," he replied.

"What's it like for you? Can't you feel things?"

"Not really. When I put my hand on things, something in my head tells me how it should feel, but I can't feel the sensation under my hand. It's almost like torture. I know how it should feel, yet I can't."

Al looked at him closely, "For me, I don't remember what touch feels like. I can't even remember what hot or cold feels like..." He sat up strait. If he could, Al would've been putting on a brave smile, "But I don't really miss it! When I get my body back, I'll probably hate feeling things again!" He chuckled a little, but Syaoran frowned. He knocked on the wood under him, hoping to feel the slight ignorable pain under his knuckles, but it never came. He sighed. Maybe he would get used to it like Al did. Al had so much hope. He stared down the world with a bright outlook, when his own life was so dark. Syaoran looked to the full moon and smiled.

"Let's turn in for the night. I think tomorrow will be a good day."