Humankind cannot gain anything without first giving something in return. To obtain, something of equal value must be lost. This is Alchemy's first law of equivalent exchange. In those days, we really believed that to be the world's one, and only, truth.
For the Love of Alchemy
Chapter 9:
Russell Elric?
"Al have you ever noticed how we are always on a train?" Christina chuckled at Ed's statement. She glanced at the two and then reached for the window so she could open it. Rain drops found their way in and Ed glared at her. She just flat out laughed now.
"Where are we going now?" Alphonse asked as he closed the window and stopped his brother from jumping at Christina.
"To a friend's place, he is the one that has my watch. After that we definitely have to get back on my brother's trail." Christina held up the map and Alphonse looked at it. So far there was a red line from the East Headquarters to Resembool.
"Can you remember anything from back then Christina?" Taking the map back quick, Christina eyed the suit of armor for his question. She just turned her head and ignored the question. By this time Edward was also waiting for the response.
"Xenotime, welcome to Xenotime the City of Gold!" Ed and Al got off after Christina who now glanced around. Looking around the town was grey and smoke seemed to be everywhere. People walked back and forth with mine carts full and some empty.
"Did you call him ahead of time?" Ignoring the question from Edward she began her walk through the little town.
"Hello sir, I'm looking for a boy by the name of Russell. He's quiet, a bit taller than me and his hair comes over his eyes. His hair is also lighter than his." She pointed to Edward. "You wouldn't happen to know were he's at would you?" Christina asked the owner of a small fruit stand.
"Hmmm, I don't know anyone by the name of Russell but that description matches the Elric boy."
"Elric boy! Wait what the hell?" Edward jumped at the man's statement and was ready to jump in if it weren't for Christina.
"Oh that's even better, um if he happens to come by this way, tell him Christina Clark is here and that I'll be at the nearby inn." Christina shook the man's hand and he smiled. After she let go she turned sharply, glared at Ed and pushed him to walk in front of her.
"Someone's using our name! What the hell!? We need to find out who!" Ed began to throw things around the small room and Alphonse cowered. Before they had entered their room, Christina asked around and got access to talk with the fake Elrics.
"Look we'll find out tomorrow, okay? I'll talk with the fake Elrics then. But you just need to stay quiet till then okay?" Christina said as she landed on the bed near her and curled up. Ed and Al could feel the tension.
"Oh it's so good to have another Alchemist in our midst." A man by the name of Mugiar escorted Christina in. She had left Ed and Al at the gates of the estate to wait.
"Why's that?" Christina asked while looking around. It wasn't a very clean place so she noticed, but what caught her eye was a ripple that went threw the house, 'Alchemy' she thought.
"Well with only two Alchemists it's always harder to get accurate knowledge. I like to have a third to look things over." Mugiar gave Christina a crooked smile and she just pretended to look interested. Another ripple came but this time noticeable.
"Damn those boys, always doing something wrong. That's now the ninth failed attempt!" Yelled Mugiar as they reached a staircase.
"Just go down I have to check security." He pointed down the stairs and turned to leave. Christina didn't care what she heard after that, she wanted to know but had a feeling she already knew about these fake Elric's.
"So it's the Tringham boys right? The Elric name just gets you more status, correct?" Said Christina as she came down the stairs. Shuffling sounded and a few beakers were heard crashing. When her face came into view another ripple went threw the house and she came face to face with a sword.
"Russell is this how you greet friends now? Because I thought we used to give hugs." Christina smiled as a small head popped up from behind Russell. He adjusted his green head band he wore and took off the face mask he wore.
"Christina!" The little boy yelled as he ran towards her. Russell's sword finally lowered and Christina braced for the little guy's charge.
"Have you been takeing care of him Fletcher?" Christina asked as she pulled away from the hug, Fletcher laughed.
"Fletcher, can you soak up the water that beaker spilled? I need to talk to Chris number one." Christina rolled her eyes at the name. She ruffled Fletcher's exposed hair as he went to do as his brother told him to.
"I see you're taking good care of him, your mother would be proud." Christina followed Russell to a table off to the side of the lab. Once they sat Russell just stared off.
"Russell either you talk to me or I bring the real Elrics. They're waiting outside
…..Russell Samuel Tringham! I'm older now answer!" Russell laughed at the use of his full name but then his face went grim.
"The real Elrics? Goddamn it Chris!" Russle yelled and she nodded as she leaned back in her chair.
"I had no choice. That pompous asshole Mustang partnered us up. Even after that, they burned down the seven books I needed." Christina placed her hands behind her head and stretched as she spoke.
"Come out and meet them and all five of us can talk it over, okay?" Russle by this time realized that he still had his mask on and took it off and gave a heavy sigh.
"That's not why you're here Christina. I worked on it and amplified it by at least 80 percent. Be careful this time. Fletcher, fetch your coat we're going out with Chris." Russell handed her the box and stood up. She smiled and put it in her back and got up as well.