[closed]

[alchemyfreak]

who: Catch-all post for Edward Elric
(Alphonse Elric, Jacob Kane, Frankenstein, Tony Stark (MCU) - will add if/as needed)
what: varies - catching up, explanations, and new meetings.
when: Sometime after the exploratory mission debriefing on floor six / the next day / 7/23
where: Mostly the beach for Al / Floor six for Cain and Tony / Coffeeshop for Al and Frankenstein
warnings: Discussion of rather graphic death, potential for details. If you're FMA '03 familiar, think Nina. Cain's log will also be about death!

Appropriate tags will have warnings in the subject line, should this come up.

Comments

[Closed to Cain]

[alchemyfreak]

Following this broadcast.

After helping with the weird insectoid things, Ed returned to communal housing to find out if Cain had been brought back there. He knew something was up with that broadcast, it didn't sound like he was barely wounded but his suspicions weren't going to be answered without finding the person with the answers. He located the other resting on the couch when he finally entered their floor once more, regarding him curiously with a raised brow. Ed's arms cross over his chest as he moved through the room to where he was, using his words from the broadcast itself.

"You're fine, huh?"

[aeturnus]

Healing always came easy to Cain. It wasn't like he could control it, and after millennia of getting used to it, he expected it and lived by that expectation rather than a regular person's reality. Although that had changed only the slightest bit with the serum that had come through the portal, the vast majority of the time it was always the same. Recovering from a wound didn't take long, but sometimes it was tiring. Mentally, to recover from the automatic shock reaction his body went through, if not actual physical symptoms.

So here he was in the common room of the sixth floor, laptop on his chest. There were some things he could work on even when he was resting without needing too much mental energy for it, after all, like his actual job. Sorting through the scans of Lucretia's project was going to take more effort since it was a subject he was inherently unfamiliar with so far...

That said, Cain wasn't so out of it or focused on the screen that he didn't notice Ed coming in. That tone got a wry look from Cain and he just said, "Yeah. Sure am. Your concern was appreciated, though."

[alchemyfreak]

"Sure worried a bunch of people."

This wasn't about a lecture though, as if Ed was in any place to be giving those. Mostly, he just needed confirmation so he knew where to stand on the whole concept of Cain getting injured in the future. If he didn't have to think the guy was in danger, at least he could offer some help - if he was going to be helping Giovanni of all people, no reason not to turn up the same offer here. Even if Cain didn't seem to be the type to go looking for that sort of trouble.

"You bounce back pretty quick, huh?" He looked Cain over for any obvious signs of the injury, still frowning slightly as if this had been a huge inconvenience to everyone else. He's sure the number of people that panicked over it definitely felt like it was something noteworthy. "That sort of thing normal for you?"

Anyone that knew Ed here might think he was skeptical, as if he didn't believe that Cain had the ability to just regenerate after an incident like that. Homunculi on his own world aside, he'd met enough strange abilities in Purg not to question it at this point. Like Claire... and the others, who used to throw themselves from the clocktower for fun.

[aeturnus]

"Which sucks," he allowed, shifting his laptop further down his body so he could sit up. Guess Ed wanted to talk about this, and it made sense since they were something like research teammates. Or maybe the kid was just nosy. Hard to say and Cain knew he never owed anyone an explanation about himself but he definitely knew that it could help in the longer run. "Not like I chose to get filmed after being sniped in the middle of nowhere."

It was out of his hands, sure, but he could probably do with contacting the ones who had expressed concern but didn't know about him yet... He shifted tabs on the computer, making a note about that as if he would need it, and glanced over to Ed. He'd changed his own clothes even before he got back with Dodger's help, so there really wasn't a single sign of issue with him now. The beauty of his power, at least, was that everything went back to how it was or... how it should be. However his power would define itself, it's not like Cain knew exactly what it was for.

"Yeah, it's normal," Cain said. There was no reason to be coy about it. "Even if my body stops functioning before the healing can kick in, I'll come back."

[alchemyfreak]

Well, he couldn't argue with that. At least Cain acknowledged that it certainly sent out some alarms. "How did that happen, anyway?" His tone might have softened to something more like concern there. He had asked, but was brushed aside since Cain was fine and all, no explanation had been offered aside from that.

Ed didn't really know what he was doing on the computer, but had he known he would have been relieved to find out the other was putting in that sort of effort. There is the briefest flicker of surprise at the last part said, but overall his expression lent itself to something more along the lines of relief. For one, it was one less person to worry about getting into danger in this place - even if they weren't exactly close. "Guess I'll worry less about you putting yourself in danger then."

[aeturnus]

Cain liked to keep his own affairs to himself for no other reason than they were his own to keep. He would take care of whatever happened to him and his own and being judged on his own lack of narration on it was not his problem. That said, he inclined his head to the question and gave a one-shouldered shrug. "I know someone out that way and hadn't come across any of the escaped animals yet, so when I went around the corner and crossed paths with it..."

Well. Bang.

His luck had never really surprised him, even before he had gotten used to the physical consequence (or lack thereof) for such. It just seemed to follow him everywhere that he'd get into trouble and usually work his way out on his own. That it had been broadcast was his only regret.

"Exactly, don't worry about that kind of thing with me. Focus on the ones that aren't immortal," he added.

[alchemyfreak]

"Hopefully she'll be more cautious in the future." He didn't like that much, what if she had shot someone else? Immortality wasn't exactly a prerequisite for being out there. Ed's not usually the type to pry into other people's business. At least, not without a purpose. Are you safe, are you good to continue, and can I help tended to be the most common.

At the last part he gave Cain a look as if to say he didn't buy into the concept of immortality. It was starting to get strange the way his kneejerk reaction still went against logic - and living proof.

"Just let me know if you need any clothes patched up." He might sound amused with the next part, "It only takes a second and I have a few references already."

[Closed to Alphonse]

[alchemyfreak]

It had taken some mulling to figure out how to discuss this with Al, and he knew that he still wasn't prepared. He wasn't going to be any more ready if he kept putting it off though, and it wasn't fair to his brother to make him wait and worry as Ed knew he would. He's spent some time pointedly staying away from anywhere Al would locate him, needing the time to really think this over. When he comes back to the housing building he finds Alphonse reading, approaching without so much as a word in greeting and watching him for a moment as if unsure exactly how to start this conversation.

[alkahestic]

It's impossible to ignore his brother's presence when Ed's around, meaning that when he's approached, Al is immediately aware of him. And he doesn't have to guess what this conversation will contain. He can see it in his brother's eyes, in his demeanor. Ed is burdened and he remembers Ed making the same expression at their hardest times. Enough of a reason for Al to close the book and set it aside.

"Brother?" he asks quietly before shifting to make room on the couch for his brother. He's tempted to ask, but he knows Ed needs to do this in his own time, at his own pace. So he merely nods and waits for Ed to speak his mind.

[alchemyfreak]

Ed blinks when Alphonse speaks as if not expecting him to realize he was there just yet, smirking faintly as the younger shifted on the couch. His response might surprise the younger, as it certainly doesn't fit his apparent mood but he tilts his head some - ignoring the space offered - smirk still in place.

"C'mon, Al. I want to show you something."

That certainly doesn't sound like he's going to be talking about anything his mind is burdened with. It almost comes off that Ed's made an amusing discovery he wants to share, rather than get involved in any conversation explaining the inevitable.

[alkahestic]

Blinking in surprise at the sudden shift in his brother's features and the way his voice sounds light and confident as opposed to the more cynical and hurt voice he'd been expecting, Al pushes himself off the couch. He's a bit confused by why Ed wants to show him something, but there's no one he trusts more than his brother and it must be something worthwhile.

"What is it, Brother?" he asks, ready to follow wherever Ed might go.

[alchemyfreak]

He notices the surprise, but ignores it - knowing that if he was going to be determined to do this, it had to be away from any possible distractions. More than that though, he did want to show his brother something and as far as he was concerned there was no better time for it. Enjoy that whiplash, Al, it's probably not going anywhere for awhile.

Ed turns to leave as Al moves himself from the couch, amused expression never faltering as he slipped both hands into his pockets. "You'll see." Just like that, no explanation.

They're hardly out of the building when he glances at his brother with a shrug, "You've told me what you've been up to, I think it's only fair that I return the favor. Five years is a pretty long time..." This wasn't about to be a short discussion, there was plenty to talk about and he was sure that Al would have questions. Even before he got to the inevitable part of the story that he knew his brother was so patiently waiting for.

[alkahestic]

"Five years..." It's a low hum and even more of a surprise. For him, it's been six (ish), but he knows things are different for Ed. Especially after having heard that Ed hadn't made it to the place below Central. It's a lot to think about and Al can tell his brother is different from what he remembers, from what he knows. Which is why he wants to understand what happened to Ed over that time, and what had made him into the man he is today.

But the way Ed is approaching this so casually strikes Al as strange. For one thing, it doesn't quite jive with the way Ed had pulled away so abruptly when they had been preparing for the meeting. Instead, Ed seems like he's almost... pleased and confident. A change from the broken and hurt Ed he'd seen earlier.

[Closed to Frankenstein & Alphonse]

[alchemyfreak]

Edward found Frankenstein's paranoia less alarming than Al did, after all he could relate. New world and malfunctioning prosthetis weren't exactly a good combination, especially if you didn't know the climate of how people would react to such. Unknown to his brother, he actually would have preferred something more private than the booth in the back of a public coffee shop to discuss this sort of thing. At least in private there wouldn't be the risk of others caught up in things if this went south, and that guy seemed paranoid enough to warrant such a concern. There didn't seem to be any reason to doubt that he and Al could handle things on their own, but he also knew nothing about the guy - whether he had some sort of powers that could put them at a disadvantage. These were things that Ed had learned to think about over the past several years, it certainly made for a less cocky approach to things.

He had contacted both of them individually in different posts, but even after opting to join their exploration mission Frankenstein hadn't shown up - which meant Ed was wary enough to be scoping out the coffee shop for someone that looked a lot like he didn't belong as they moved to the rear of the building. This guy already had the advantage on both of them, since he replied to video posts and had seen both of their faces, while they didn't even know who they were looking for. Just some guy probably looking over his shoulder every few minutes, by the tone of his texts.

[500gallontank]

He got there early, as he'd promised/threatened. He couldn't think why anyone here would want to kill him, but then again, he'd never figured his own proxy to try to kill him, either. And she had...twice.

Frankenstein wasn't fond of showing up where it'd be clear that his right hand wasn't working. It was awkward enough pretending at his job. The shower he'd taken...hadn't helped. Well, it had helped on the cleanliness front, but the fucking seal had apparently gone, and his hand had taken to shorting out at random intervals, throwing a few sparks, and causing the hand to spasm and twitch.

It was not a good look for him, and there were already small burns dotting the coffee shop table. He spots them coming in, recognizing the kid (seriously, how old was that guy?) from the video broadcast, and half stands, but then drops down to the seat again as his hand goes on one of its twitches. Great. Good first impression, Frankenstein

sorry for the delay!

[alkahestic]

Aware now of just how paranoid his brother had grown in their time apart, Al was quiet as he followed his brother, looking around the place for exits and areas they could retreat to in case things went south. He didn't want to believe the man would attack them, not after he'd offered help, but Al was kind and not naive. He remembered people like Scar who, even after being helped, went on to continue his path of destruction. So perhaps Ed's wariness was warranted.

Still, as the approached, Al smiled at the stranger. He noted the way the man's arm appeared to be fritzing out and almost wished Winry were there with them because if there was anyone they knew who could fix something mechanical, it was her.

Taking a pause, Al pushed his way ahead of his brother before giving Ed a reassuring smile and then raised a hand in greeting. The smile he gave his brother was shared with the stranger because he know the sight he presented: a young boy, roughly thirteen. The truth, however, was that he was much older. He hoped that would become evident in time.

"Hello! You must be the man from my post. I'm Alphonse, and this-" he gestured behind him to his brother. "Is my brother, Ed. I hope we're not late."

[alchemyfreak]

Ed picked him out of the crowd easily, even without seeing his face, when the guy sort of stands as if to greet them and then drops back down just as quickly. He was used to plenty of different types, from different worlds - and sometimes this sort of thing backfired. It wasn't something he was used to dealing with, but it sure happened - although rarely - enough for him to remember it when dealing with strangers for the first time.

Golden eyes glanced over the marked table as they approached, letting Alphonse handle the greeting because he would always remain better at it than Ed. He did glance up at the introduction, but without saying anything himself - preferring to let them talk for the moment.

[500gallontank]

Sorry for the double take. It should be, you know, expected. All things considered. "Right." Seriously. What else can he say? "You're not late."

He's just been here longer, which was his plan, after all.

Well, that's enough small talk, right? He's no expert on small talk, or conversation in general, but that seems like enough. He plops his right arm on the table, unzipping the jacket's sleeve zipper. "So?" So, you know, look, let him know you can fix it, etc. All that good stuff.

i did not get a notif for this wtf dw

[alkahestic]

Blinking at the brusque nature the man portrayed, Al quickly slid into the booth across from the man. He didn't even know his name yet ( the man hadn't given it ) but Al figured he was similar to Ed in his paranoia. Or something similar. He decided it was best to not ask questions and beckoned Ed to sit next to him before peering down at the arm.

One thing was for sure. It was far different from automail. Al didn't recognize the wiring and he had watched many times as Winry worked on Ed's automail or reattached it. It always seemed like a painful experience for Ed, and Al couldn't help wondering if it was painful for the stranger.

"This is a little more advanced than Brother's automail," Al quickly explained. "We might not be able to fix all of it, but we might be able to adjust a few parts so it works better. Brother? What do you think?"

[Closed to Tony (MCU)]

[alchemyfreak]

He contacted Tony once he was sure he knew everyone would be gone for awhile. Sure, it was possible that someone might show up, but with the increasing number of people on floor six discovering his automail already - he knew it was only a matter of time before it was public knowledge, anyway. Al was lingering around on the floor somewhere, although not involved in any manner - accessible in case there was any need for his help. After all, the only one here who remotely knew anything about the technology, their world, or his brother it was going to be Alphonse.

Ed was waiting for Tony in his vest, jacket kept nearby in case someone else came in, instead of the man he was expecting. He wasn't wearing his boots, which meant standing at his actual height of 5'4 rather than the taller impression most people might have of him. Although it was logical that he'd need to show him his leg too, Edward wasn't about to run around this place without pants on - no matter how comfortable he was getting with his floor mates. The ones that did know were only aware of the arm, except for Al, of course. He didn't want to risk the discussion that would bring up now when his thoughts were busy elsewhere.

They had a deity or whatever to find, and the only reason he was doing this was because he was set on finding it, and he knew that things didn't always go as planned. This definitely hadn't been on his list of priorities otherwise, but he'd learned to be a tad more pro-active these days, so finding out if he even had a mechanic to work with before running off to find this thing was a step in the right direction.

[buildsomething]

He didn't know exactly what to expect, there was only so much information you could gather from a couple of text exchanges, but Tony could admit that he was curious. There was a lot of new (to him) technology running around this place, at that at least was easier to focus on than the rest of it.

So when he'd gotten the invite to come down to the right floor, Tony hadn't hesitated. Sure it would have been nice to have some actual tools handy, but this was just an introduction. Probably. He could keep his hands to himself for a little while.

At least it was pretty easy to tell who he was looking for, even if the guy wasn't the only one there. The metal arm was pretty distinctive. And at least it looked very different from the only other one he knew of, so that was one partial problem out of the way. Small mercies.

"Someone call for a doctor?" He asked archly as he stepped forward.

[alchemyfreak]

Ed glanced up at the sound of Tony's voice, at first confused by the greeting - but then recognizing it from their exchange earlier. He supposed it wasn't too far fetched, considering Winry's work made her both a mechanic and a surgeon, so the initial confusion was quickly dismissed as he got up to greet the other.

"Guess so." He offered a quick smile, extending a hand to shake - something he hadn't actually been doing at all in this place, what with trying to keep people from noticing it was metal. That clearly wasn't going to be an issue here.

"Things seem a lot more advanced here than they were at home, automail is probably going to be fairly primitive compared to whatever you're used to." The explanation came in way of greeting. It was true that there were many people here who didn't understand the advanced levels of science from Amestris, but being an engineer himself, Ed doubted that Tony would fit into that category. Not when so many people here also came from worlds wear space travel was an every day occurrence and technology far surpassed anything Ed had ever seen before.

[buildsomething]

That got an actual raised eyebrow from Tony, but he reached to shake the hand on pure instinct. "We'll see," he said with a quick flash of a smile. If it was a full working prosthetic, it couldn't be that primitive. Wouldn't know until he got a good look at it.

Which, speaking of. He gestured vaguely around them. "You have somewhere you want to settle while I poke at it?" Couldn't hurt to make sure the guy was comfortable. He seemed slightly edgy about the whole thing, which Tony honestly couldn't blame him for. He'd never liked anyone getting near the reactor either.

[alchemyfreak]

He tilted his head toward the beds, smirking in response to the smile. "Probably this way." Just ignore the piles of books and notes in the corner of the room he and his brother had taken over, Tony. That's just how they operate.

Ed took a seat on the edge of the bed, "Just looking at the arm will show you how it works, but- I have a leg, too." He shifted his left leg in indication, in case Tony would want to check that out too. "They function by connecting to the nerves, so there isn't really a motor or anything." He figures that Tony can work out that the plate comes off to reveal the wiring, but he's prepared to answer any questions if it comes to that.

[buildsomething]

"One step at a time," Tony said as he settled down next to him and held out a hand for Ed to extend the arm. He was already starting to get the hyperfocused look that came along with most of his projects, eyes narrowed in on the task at hand.

"So no powersource or anything?" It was an absent question, but it didn't hurt to make sure. And he definitely wasn't going to be poking at the guy's nerves or anything so the more information he had to work with, the better.