Array 162 // Video

[bloodseal_soul]

This is Alphonse Elric, Mr. Mandrake's second and the temporary organization of the protection squad.

All units and all capable persons, please report.

Trapped and injured citizens are priority number one. Pull back, I repeat, please pull back to assist in this effort before plans of offense are made. All hands are needed

Comments

[wishgrant]

Al? What's goin' on? [ he hadn't really seen the initial broadcast, most likely asleep when it went on. ]

[bloodseal_soul]

[Oh boy. Al opens the door to Luca's room, kneeling down in the light of the PCD's and gently taking his shoulder. There are flames outside, the distant sounds of screaming.]

Luca, I need you to do something for me, okay? I need you to get dressed as warmly as you can. Boots, coat, hat, scarf. Something is happening right now. I don't know what, but I'm going to find out.

[He ruffles his hair softly.]

You are safe with me. Okay?

[wishgrant]

[ he nearly starts whining, clearly tired, but nods instead, moving to get ready as quickly as possible. He only spares the sounds of screams any attention for a passing moment, frowning, before moving on to dig his rabbit from under the covers once he's finished dressing. ]

'M ready. Do I need t' bring my blanket too?

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al pats the rabbit, kisses it's head, and helps Luca to tuck it inside his coat where it will be safe.]

I have a special blanket for you, but we'll put your blanket under it.

[He goes to the closet, taking out a first aid kit. It has a flame-retardant blanket that feels like foil. He drapes it around Luca like a cape, up and over his head.]

[wishgrant]

[ he frowns again, shifting slightly under it. ] It feels odd.

Why can't we stay here? It's safe, right?

[bloodseal_soul]

There's a fire. We need to go to a place where the fire won't burn through the walls.

[He smiles, making the blanket crackle a little.]

Okay. You're going to ride on my back. Keep your face covered, all right?

[wishgrant]

[ with a nod, he pulls the blanket down to cover his face a little more. you didn't expose your face to fire -- everyone knew that. ] But where are we gonna go? What about everyone else?

[Video][private: unhackable]

[bloodseal_soul]

Everyone else is going to put the fires out, and then get rid of what caused them in the first place. And then we can come home.

[wishgrant]

What if they get hurt?

[bloodseal_soul]

If they do, I'll be with them.

[Al lifts the boy up onto his back carefully, nodding for him to cover his face.]

I'm going to take you to a friend of mine, someone I trust and love very much. He'll keep you company for a little while.

[wishgrant]

[ tiredly, luca settles against his back, one hand keeping a hold of al and the other keeping the blanket over his face. ] No! I want to stay with you, Al!

[bloodseal_soul]

We'll talk about it when we get there. Hold onto me and don't let go.

[He holds onto Luca carefully, takes a deep breath, and plunges out into the mess. He's fast, but the ride will still be scary.]

[wishgrant]

[ it's only luca's respect for al's orders that wins out over his curiosity and keeps him from moving the blanket from his face to look at what's going on. Instead he holds onto Al desperately, nails probably digging straight into his skin. ]

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al never once complains. He gets them through safely, though it takes some time, and all of a sudden they're inside.

He carefully puts Luca down, keeping his arms protectively around him, and pulls the blanket back.]

Does it hurt anywhere? Any burns?

[wishgrant]

[ It's a little easier to breath once the blanket is pulled away. ] 'M okay. But you're all dirty. [ He reaches up to try and wipe some of the soot off of Al's face. ] Where are we?

[bloodseal_soul]

[Al laughs softly, letting him.] I'm going to look like I clean chimneys, I think.

We're in a safe place. My friend, Xerxes Break, will make sure that you're safe here. Listen, Luca-

[He looks him right in the eyes.]

It's very dangerous out there right now. And I have leave to go get more people to safe places.

I want you with me, but I want you safe more, and you won't be safe if I bring you with me. You need to stay here until I come back.