[ VIDEO ]

[shortcut]

Haah. . . style around here isn't so bad.

[ SOME THROAT CLEARING. the device flicks on to distant spraying water, the familiar chatter of the Square's crowds—before a hand adjusts the camera to focus on a boy sitting at the top of a bench by the fountain.

he looks pretty cranky, boots braced along the seat, and the bench, well. it's still a bench. sort of. ]

Right. Listen up! For the next two hours only, I'm offering a special trade! Answer a few questions for me and I'll upgrade any personal items you've got. No material shifts, but I can adjust the style or the mechanics! Free of all other charges!

This is the Fullmetal Alchemist Edward Elric speaking, all right? And the deal's good for another—one hour and fifty-nine minutes!

Comments

[sixwinged]

What questions?

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Seen any weird-looking people around?

[indecent_butterfly]

Trade? You mean like a deal or bargain?

[sixwinged]

Dozens.

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[ . . . ]

Weirder than whatever you're thinking of. Try full armor, with a spiked helmet.

1/3

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Swap, exchange, transaction—you can use whatever word you want.

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[ . . . ]

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Do you know what those are.

[indecent_butterfly]

Given that One is a master at deals, yes. [Of course, most don't appreciate how a deal with a devil works out, but he didn't ask that now did he?]

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Terms are non-negotiable. I'm not interested in anything else.

[indecent_butterfly]

And what is it you wish?

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Like I said, a few answers.

[indecent_butterfly]

To what questions? If One is not asked, One can not reply.

1/2

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[ suuuspiciouuuuusssssss... ]

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Tell me about the local customs.

[mortemscintilla]

...People here often answer questions for free, little guy.

[ Dun dun dunnnnnnnn. ]

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[ listen carefully, Hei. do you hear that? that slight tremor in your eardrums?

the unnatural stillness in the air, as if something's drowning out all other noise?

that vibrato descending, in a slow sharp cut, all the way from a range unfit for dog whistles?





look, you're obviously deaf. that is the sound of Ed's soul screaming in rage. ]

Ah? Did you say something to me?

1/2

[mortemscintilla]

[ A scream to end all screams. Truly a terrifying not!sound. ]

[ ...............Or it would be, if. Y'know. ]

[ He could hear it. ]

Yes.

[mortemscintilla]

Um ... [ Catching straaaaaaaange vibrations. ] Is something wrong?

[sixwinged]

There's worse than that. --but no, haven't seen anyone in a full fucking suit of armor. Not here.

[infernoandhearth]

I'll take you up on that offer. Ask me whatever you'd like.

[binarysky]

Uh...I don't know if any of my stuff needs upgrading, but you could just ask?

What's an alchemist?

[indecent_butterfly]

[Why so suspicious of the helpful clown?]

Such a large question. Better for One to find out first, how long have you enjoyed the City? One would dislike to provide previously acquired knowledge.

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You notice any newcomers making a lot of noise? Any areas they're telling people to stay away from this afternoon?

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[ life-rule #9485: only psychopaths talk in the third-person. also royalty, and cutesy little girls. but I repeat myself. ]

Start with the jewelry everyone's wearing. Is there usually a lot of trade with the local mining towns?