Prologue
He couldn't stand trains. Even though he had been on them for most of his time as a state alchemist, Edward Elric despised them. The rides were long and boring, not to mention that he had nothing to do but sit, think, or look out the window at the scenery passing him by. But it wasn't the same places that he saw out that window.
Everything was different.
That whole world was different. He wasn't in Ametris anymore; he had known that for two years. Two years ago, he had been brought into a strange new world that was called Earth. What kind of a name is that? He thought. Earth… what a stupid name.
I want out.
But that was the thing: he couldn't leave. Why? Because he had no clue on how to leave, that's why. Sure, he got in through the alchemic gate when he tried reviving Al, but the people on Earth didn't believe that alchemy existed. Well, it made sense, since Earth was the alter world of Ametris, so inventions like the steam engine took place of the science of alchemy.
Al… are you even alive? Was my sacrifice in vain? I attempted to give up my life for yours, but here I am…
I'm alive.
Edward's father Hoenhiem Elric had talked to him about the sacrifice he had made and told his son that Al could still be alive. But instead of Edward's life as the sacrifice, maybe it was Al's memories of their five year long journey that was lost. That had reassured, Edward a little; at least Al would have forgotten all of the pain and strife they had gone through, But would that mean that his memory would still be fading away? Would Al forget everything? Would he forget his own brother?
Edward closed his eyes and shook his head, shaking the thoughts away. No matter how much he thought about Alphonse, it always ended with the same questions and no answers. Slowly, his eyes opened and the German countryside passed him by. He remembered that he was on the train and he frowned. The owner of golden eyes looked out the window, up at the sky, and sighed heavily.
I hate trains, he thought bitterly.