A Game of Chess

West Berlin, East Germany

October 3 1950

6:40 PM

Alfred mumbled softly to Ludwig, expecting some hesitation from him about the plan. It really wasn't the safest option they could take but then again, it was the only option. Ludwig pulled away with an unsure expression on his face. "Are you sure about this Alfred?" He said in a uncertain tone.

"Trust me. I got your back in this." He said, his fingers tracing the barrel of his gun. His voice was confident, his eye contact level was strong. He really didn't seem like he was going to take a no for an answer.

Sounds of footsteps grew nearer and nearer the longer he stood there. Ludwig sighed, glancing away from him. "Alright, we'll do it your way." Alfred smiled victoriously as they headed up to the front, taking their position. Alfred trailed behind him, his hand locked onto the gun.

They waited there, as the sounds of the footsteps paused. A minute had passed, and Ludwig waited irritably there, getting more restless by the second. He was hoping they could get to the bar early today, since they could've made it to the Jazz band that was going to play there tonight. He didn't particularly enjoy the Big-Bands that were getting ever more popular every passing day, but he had to admit that the music they were producing weren't too bad. And his guest would've definitely enjoyed a little taste of German Swing. It all counted on him to get Alfred to enjoy this trip as much as possible. But now with this setback.. He muttered a small 'Tch' out. He just hope there was still some time he could redeem himself before the time ran out.

The sky had grown dark, night taking over the bright orange sunset. Light from nearby street lights flickered on, casting its bright lights on to the streets. It didn't sound like many people were out there anymore. Maybe they got the clue that there was a gunman here and quickly ran away. That was really the only positive thing that came out of this. Ludwig squinted at a dark shadow slowly started to reveal itself to them. Though it was hard to see, the dim lights were able to reach the alley ways, puppeteering a long shadow of a man danced closer to them. They took small steps, almost afraid to know of what was behind that corner.

Ludwig tightly clenched his right fist, as the shadow neared. 'How annoying it is to get caught in something like this.' And to have been nearly knocked for a couple of weeks out by a shot to the head would've been troublesome to explain to the hospitals here. He sighed quietly, waiting for the right moment.

He watched as the man took one final step, finally in arms reach. 'Now!'

Quickly, Ludwig whipped out of the corner, grabbing the man's arms and lifting them above their head. They were caught by surprise, unable to react. The gun they held, dropped out of shock, as it bounced slightly away from them. His grip was strong, holding their arms tightly in place while they began to fight in a war of tug and pull. The man jumped up, kicking Ludwig's knees, hoping he would falter. But years of training didn't prepare him for nothing. In fact, the kicking was rather soft, not much force was placed in them. Not to mention how unbelievably thin their arms were for any international type of spy that was sent after them. He could accidentally snap their arms if they continued squirming around. For a moment, he questioned himself, 'Is this man trying to die? Or does he already know that his fate is doomed?'

After all the trouble he caused them, especially when he had continued to pursue them, he could've used a lesson for messing with immortals. But Alfred wanted him stable enough for questions. He sighed, getting countless kicks in his stomach, to the point where they would actually start to hurt.

Nonetheless, he flipped the man over onto his chest deep into the alley, patting his hands together after doing his part. Now it was Alfred's move.

Alfred stood over the man, a cold look on his face and the gun twirling around in his right hand. Ludwig looked at him, studying that expression he had. By the looks of it, he didn't enjoy being held back by some inconvenience like this either. At least he knew when to get serious.