But my brother, he was hit too!"
"Al is fine," I said soothingly, pouring Reiki into the wounded area. "If he was able to return to the company of others, he is alright. But you…you've been holding it in, but you were agonizing. There. All better."
"Who are you anyway? Where are we?" Ed asked.
I smiled. "This is a sanctuary for those of us who are…compromised. We are all from separate worlds. I told you earlier, my name is Kurisuta Hikawa. Please don't ever call me 'imoto.'"
"I'm Edward," he said. "And my younger brother Alphonse is in the Dining Area."
"Yes," she said. "You're kinda famous here. The Flame Alchemist is her, and I believe there are a few more state alchemists around. Have you seen Nii-san anywhere? He's the one with blue hair."
"I didn't—"
"So you're the Fullmetal Alchemist?" Saito stepped into view. "You mean she really threw us in danger of another paradox? Does she even know what she's dealing with?"
"No, of course not," I said flippantly. "She's letting her powers go to her head."
"Why don't they let you handle it?" he asked.
"The board doesn't want a demon's help, Saito," I said quietly, a note of bitterness in me voice.
"Did you just say 'demon'?" Ed asked me. "What exactly are you?"
"Half demon, half human," I said.
The alchemist looked at me, wide-eyed, then laughed.
"Look at your arm Edward," I said viciously. "No human can heal you that way. And look above you."
He looked up only to be hit in the face with a blizzard. "AAAH!" He shivered. "You didn't have to do that!"
"I'm an ice demon, strictly speaking," I said. "Come on in, it's time for dinner, and I'll get you some pumpkin pie and hot cocoa. And I bet everyone is anxious to meet you."