Chapter 6

"America."

"What?"

"That's the name of our next destination." Edward slammed down a Scientific American periodical onto the kitchen table; a sly grin was splayed across his face as he awaited his brother's reaction. Alphonse barely moved his eyes away from his school work as he decided to once again entertain his older brother during one of his "bright ideas".

"As in the United States of?"

"Correct Alphonse."

"And why would that be our next destination? For what?"

"Take a look at that article I ran across this morning while I was at the University." Edward pressed a finger firmly in the middle of the magazine, where it had already been folded to a specific article. A picture of a man with dark eyes and a dark mustache in a coat and hat standing next to a metal frame was printed next to a heading that read, "Flights of the Future; Liquid Fuel Rocket Flight a Success!"

"See that man, Al. That's Dr. Robert H. Goddard; the man who introduced the world to the first liquid-fueled rocket."

"Really brother? That's awesome!" Alphonse picked up the magazine and scanned over the article. "It says he launched it about a month ago and it soared to about forty-one feet!"

"Yea, it may seem small, but it's a start. That means those theories we had about possibly being able to reach the moon could be true."

"Do you think that there are still some bigger truths on the moon?"

"Could be. And with this discovery, who knows? Maybe there's an even bigger connection of other parallel universes and this could be the thing that gets us that discovery." Ed walked over to the window that hung above the kitchen sink and opened it. It was a beautiful afternoon and a number of people were out enjoying the comfortably cool air that was being ushered in by the spring. He turned back around and leaned against the sink, facing his brother once more. Alphonse set the magazine back onto the table and stood up, pivoting slightly to look at Ed.

"Wait, is this why you want to go to America?"

"Why not? Think about it, Al! I've been here for years, and though there have been some great progress, especially at the university, there hasn't been anything like this! This guy made something happen that some said couldn't be done! I'm going to try to study under him."

"But brother…" Al dropped his head a bit and turned it slightly away from Ed. "I don't want to leave. We were just getting settled. And Frankfurt's a nice city. I like my school…I'm actually making friends. You really want us to move again? Plus, do you want to leave now even though there are talks of that Hitler guy coming into supreme power again? What about the Thule Society?"

"What about 'em, Al? We put a cork in their plan a long time ago. They can never cross that gate again to use the alchemy back home; besides, if I become an apprentice to Dr. Goddard, who knows what I'll be able to do for the world. It could put an end to war as we know it…" Ed's voice trailed off as he looked up and saw Al's face. "Aw, c'mon Alphonse, just think of the good we'd be able to…do…" The look on his younger brother's face was so heartbreaking that he could hardly finish his statement. He lowered his own eyes and was a bit startled by his brother's next response.

"You know I'll follow you anywhere, brother. If you want to go to America, then we'll go to America. You're brilliant and I know you'll do so much more if you're able to learn under Doctor Goddard." Alphonse turned away completely and proceeded to head out of the room. Ed couldn't help the flow of feelings that crowded his mind. He was being so selfish. Al had always followed him mostly without question. His loyalty had no bounds and Ed couldn't bear to impose on his brother again. He had went along with bringing their mother back, even though it was taboo and had even agreed to burn down their childhood home and follow Ed throughout his stint in the military and quest for the Philosopher's Stone. Ed had asked so much of the young boy with giving him very little for his personal feeling in return. All Al seems to want was to just be with his brother. Ed called out to the obviously dejected young boy.

"I'm sorry, Al, I don't know what I was thinking." He threw an arm behind his head and gave a laugh. "There I go again, thinking of only myself. I just got overly excited, like some kid. Of course we're staying here." Ed turned back around to look out of the window before he could see Alphonse's face, though his excited scream made him give up a soft smile.

"Really brother? We can stay?"

"Sure, Al."

"But what about studying under Doctor Goddard? Won't you be missing a huge opportunity?"

'Naw, there'll be others. Who knows? Besides, you're more important." Ed stepped away from the window and smiled warmly at his younger brother.

"Brother…"

"I'll see you later Al. I'm going to see the doc about my arm." He passed by the slack jawed Alphonse without another word, grabbing his coat on the way out.

Edward maneuvered through the streets at a slow pace, stopping once to grab a fresh apple from a fruit stand and dropping the change on its counter to the vendor. The air was comfortable and carried the scents of different pastries and meats from local delicatessens. He took a few bites of his apple and peeked at a few dress shop windows.

"Maybe I should grab a few new shirts. Hm, maybe some pants. I think I grew a few inches." He laughed a bit to himself as an elderly seamstress stepped into the door frame and smiled at him.

"My, what a handsome young man! Would you like to come in and try on some pants?"

Ed's face flushed as he began to stammer. He started to scratch the back of his head as a voice graced his ears from nearby.

"Thank you, just two, please." Edward's head turned slowly in the direction of the voice. It was strangely familiar and he was slightly afraid to find its owner. His eyes widened as they landed on her. Her long blonde hair that seemed to glow with the brilliance of the sunlight was pulled back tightly into a ponytail and held securely by a sky blue bow. She was wearing a sundress of the same color and she was carrying a basket that she had filled with an assortment of fruits and vegetables. He saw her hand some money over and wave as she turned to leave, blending into the crowed streets.

"Win-Winry…" Edward's voice was barely a whisper and he felt rooted to the cement in front of the seamstress's shop as he watched the woman walk deeper and deeper into the crowd. He barely heard the old woman call out to him as she tugged on the arm of his shirt.

"Young man? Young man?"

Edward started to apologize as his legs found their strength again. He broke out into a sprint as he called out over his shoulder. "Sorry ma'am! I'll come back another time!" He lunged into the street amongst the pedestrians, narrowly dodging a few motorcars. She's here? She can't be! How did she make it-? Ed's mind was racing with a million thoughts as he pressed through the thong of people. It was her! He was sure of it. He had seen Winry! And she was here with him in Frankfurt, Germany. He followed the sidewalk a few blocks before stopping to catch his breath. He'd lost her. His heart was racing as he leaned against a lamp post. "That can't be her. Why would she…? Maybe it's just like when I found Lieutenant Colonel Hughes or King Bradley…maybe it's just her…" But still, Edward couldn't remove the thought from his mind that he'd found her parallel. After a few minutes he straightened his stance and looked through the crowd once more before reluctantly heading towards the doctor's office.

"So Edward, I see you've been taking better care of yourself. Seems like you've grown a bit" The doctor chuckled as he flexed Ed's right arm out and in before him. Edward scoffed a bit at the statement.

"Well doc, I told ya I wouldn't stay this size forever! I'm growing like a weed!" They both shared a laugh as the doctor let go of Ed's arm and he started to roll his sleeves back down over his forearms. Still teasing, Edward continued. "Before long, Dr. Richter, I'll be able to look at you eye to eye!" Edward stood up and the doctor walked over to his side to examin him, making sure the adjustments to his leg was in perfect working condition.

"That's it for today, Edward. I'll see you in about a month."

"Sure doc." Edward took his coat that was hanging on the back of the chair he was sitting in and turned to leave, sending a wave to the doctor over his shoulder. A tiny bell sounded and a voice rang out from the front room and Ed froze in his spot.

"Hi dad! I just wanted to stop by and bring you lunch on my way home from school. It's something healthy!" The girl in the blue sundress and matching blue bow stepped into the door frame; a bright smile and gleaming blue eyes looked back towards Ed. His eyes widened in response as she stopped inside the room, holding the big basket's handles in her hands.

"Hello."

"Edward Elric," the doctor smiled as he introduced the girl. "Meet my daughter, Julia."