Array 035 [Voice/Video]

[bloodseal_soul]

[The PCD clatters to the floor, spinning crazily across the room to lodge itself against Al's bedpost, showing a wildly tilted view of Ed and Al's bedroom. There are places in the walls that are broken, plaster dented from what looks like someone being slammed bodily against it

Comments

[Some hours later][Private//Voice//Unhackable]

[kin_slayer]

I take a nap and trust Sasuke to deal with things....

What have I missed, exactly, this time?

[Private//Voice//Unhackable]

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al's voice sounds stressed, but somehow... detached, like he's keeping it together, waiting to break until later.]

Zedd just murdered Ginia. Ed's trying to go after him, I stopped him. Shirou Kamui might be going after Matt and Mello. Near is unstable.

Something's wrong with Naruto and I don't know what--

[Al takes a breath.]

The whole world is going insane, Itachi... nothing seems real.

[Private//Voice//Unhackable]

[kin_slayer]

Kyuubi would be Naruto-kun's problem. I told Kakashi-san his student lacked discipline.

[Itachi sounds rather unconcerned. Almost bored, still a little sleepy.]

How is your eye?

[Brief pause.]

Just stay home, let Sasuke watch after you and your brother--have him tie Edward-kun to a chair if necessary.

Things will settle down.

[Though mostly spoken in his normal calm tones, Itachi's voice has an edge of command, like he cannot even imagine Al not obeying his directions. It's less like arrogance and more like a military commander's directions. Something like Roy, when Mustang gets serious about giving his orders.]

[Private//Voice//Unhackable]

[bloodseal_soul]

I don't know what that is. Something needs to be done. He stabbed himself.

Sasuke is getting ice.

[Of all things, listening to Itachi seems to calm Al down. Though he's still shaking and his eyes are wide, marking him as a victim of shock-trauma, he nods decisively and closes his eyes.]

Understood.

[Private//Video//Unhackable]

[kin_slayer]

I'll explain the kyuubi later. Naruto-kun is not something you should concern yourself with, unless he loses control he'll be fine.

Good.

[Itachi examines the screen for a moment and his expression is alert, serious, and unflustered.]

Have him get you something light to eat, candy to suck on, and sit down and breathe, Alphonse-kun.

Give me a detailed status report.

[Still in military command mode.

[Private//Video//Unhackable]

[bloodseal_soul]

[There is a pause in the feed, and looks like Al managed to sweep the glass off the floor. He has an ice pack over half his face. For a moment he's silent.]

Physically. Bruised ribs. Black eye. Nothing broken. No medical treatment needed.

Mentally. Still working. Asking questions, putting facts together. Still working on theories, speculations.

Emotionally. Numb, at the moment. In shock. Condition unstable but not likely to interfere.

I will not leave this house until further notice.

[Private//Video//Unhackable]

[kin_slayer]

[Itachi nods once, only glancing sidelong at the screen before staring at something beyond the PCD.]

Very good. Remain with Sasuke. Contact me if anything else arises.

Contact me before if you even think of leaving the house. The line will be open to you and Sasuke.

I will likely see you this evening, Alphonse-kun. I will be interested in your theories and speculations.

[Itachi looks at the screen again and he is still entirely calm.]

You know what the sitaution calls for. Continue to keep your head.

[Private//Video//Unhackable]

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al takes several deep breaths.]

... understood, Itachi.

Understood.

[Private//Video//Unhackable]

[kin_slayer]

Hm. I will see you all this evening.

[Itachi looks directly at the screen, meets Al's eyes for a moment, then shuts off the feed.]