ironysoul

Al had no body! He couldn't possibly get drunk! Even if the Community trapped him in this bar surrounded by increasingly inebriated friends and family, nothing would happen to him, right?

He would just sit here, in the corner. Hiccuping.

Hi, Community!

I know if you saw Brother's post a few days ago it looked really bad, but I promise everyone we're okay! We're gonna go and see our mechanic, so we'll be back really soon and better than ever! So please, don't worry about us!

[There's a rustle as Al rolls over in bed. But it's not the Al we all know and love -- this one's missing a ton of armor that he usually wears. Slowly, his eyes blink open.]

Huh. That's -- strange. I don't usually fall asleep like that. I wonder what --

[Long pause.]

Brother! Hey, Brother, wake up! I wanna see if I'm taller than you!

[OOC: Years that Never Were. Al has his body back, but he remembers the armor. And, since I can't find my good Al icon, just pretend that he's awake and not ten.]

Not just the Colonel... But Lieutenant Hawkeye, and Winry too? This place... It really is just awful the way it toys with our emotions. You stay here long enough and you take it for granted, I guess, but it never forgets how to hurt you. But -- I'm glad. I'm glad they're home. They can live their lives now, and they can move forward. So you didn't win, City. I know it won't be easy for them but it's better than stagnation. I'm glad.

Private to Edward Elric

I walked Den and I made us dinner.

This library. One of these days I will go through and catalogue the place myself.

Since my searches haven't turned up anything, I suppose I'll just ask here. Has anyone studied time, in the City? I know that, in our world, theoretically time has stopped. We'll return to the same moment from which we came. I'm more interested in the changes while you're here. Has anyone noticed any discernible aging? In children, especially, do their bodies seem to mature? Or in those who have been here for a while. If you don't mind me asking, or you've noticed anything -- I'd really appreciate it if you would tell me.

Oh! And of course, welcome to all the new arrivals! It seems we're getting another rush. I hope you're all settling in and adjusting well.

Private to Riza Hawkeye//Unhackable

Lieutenant? You've come and gone from this place several times, correct? I'd be especially interested in your insights, if you wouldn't mind sharing them.

Private to self//Unhackable

I wonder -- are we frozen in time here? If we're not, if we're aging, then how does the City reverse those changes before it sends us home? Does my their hair grow? Or their fingernails? Is my body still aging while I loiter here? If it is...

My soul. Could it really reject the armor while I'm here? And if it does... I could be trapped here, like the City Dead. Or would I be gone for good?

Well, at least that's over. Separating someone from the people they love most -- that's the hardest thing someone can go through, even if it only is for 24 hours. Still... sometimes... Sometimes, you lose people. It's part of this life.

Well, that's enough of that.

Welcome to all the newcomers who have arrived here in the recent weeks. I know the adjustment can be hard, but I hope you're all finding ways to settle in. And don't forget, if you need a companion to keep the ticking at bay, you can come to the Year of the Cat Animal Shelter. We have many puppies and kitties waiting to find their new home. Having a pet around can really help you get comfortable in a new place, too!

[Private to Edward Elric]

You've been really quiet recently, Brother. What's going to blow up?

[/Filter]

[Private to Riza Hawkeye]

Lieutenant, how is Hayate?

[/Filter]

Winry, don't --

Brother!

[OOC: Al's back, nabbed from the end of Chapter 46.

Update details (and Otakon pictures!) behind the ( cut. )

Huh....

This isn't Lior. I'm not sure this is even where I got off the train.

I guess I should check in with the Colonel and get my orders...

Ah! Excuse me, but is there a military base nearby? Or, if not, a public phone I could use? I would very much appreciate it!

[OOC: Explanation is longer than the post. *dies*

Al's been Road Not Taken'd to a reality where he refused to help his brother with their mom. Ed attempted to resurrect her and died in the process, despite Al's frantic attempts to save him. Al has two automail hands which he wears gloves to hide. The rest of his body is fifteen and human. He joined the military in an attempt to find a way to bring his brother back. Personality-wise, he's mostly the same -- a little sadder and a little tougher. But he has a body! Yay!]

A-Ahhhh..

Hey! Stop that! That's my head, and I need it!

No, you can not stick your hand in there -- Hey! I said stop!

BROTHER!!!!!!

Is there anyone in this City today who isn't crazy?

[OOC: Fourth walling is go! Don't forget, he's also available for torture here.]

A wild Alphonse appears.

[OOC: Have at! Action for anyone who would like!]