myalofme | (no subject)

Character: Alphonse Elric
Series: Fullmetal Alchemist (manga)
Character Age: 14

Canon: Fullmetal Alchemist is a heart-punching exercise in brotherly codependency, bitter irony, and body horrors. In a world where alchemy is more than just wishful thinking, two young brothers use the scientific art to commit one of its ultimate taboos—"transmuting" (that is, using alchemy to modify the body or soul of) a human being. Trying to bring their mother back from the dead costs Edward Elric an arm and a leg, and his brother, Alphonse, an entire body. The series starts four years after this failed attempt, and follows them as they search for the Philosopher's Stone, a legendary source of power that might be the key to regaining their original bodies.

Alphonse is the younger of the two brothers, although his maturity and mother henning often leads people to assume otherwise. Despite the fact that he now exists only as a soul bound to an antique suit of armor that is unable to feel, eat, or sleep, he tries to stay upbeat and optimistic, and is always friendly and ready to help friends and strangers (and stray animals) alike. Al is generally seen as endlessly kindhearted, polite, and patient, but he can get indignant about some things (his large size is a bit of a sore spot), and isn't afraid to assert himself, or even get violent, if he has to. Although his real age shows in his naive attempts at pacifism, he knows a good menacing knuckle-cracking—from a 7 foot tall suit of armor, natch—might be just what you need to get the job done.

Notes: Because human transmutation is illegal, Alphonse has to keep the fact that there's no body inside his armor a secret. He's being taken from around chapter 72, before his soul starts to try to detach itself.

Sample post:

What is your job here at CFUD? What do you think that means?

I keep telling you, I'm not a counselor. This armor just makes me seem big! Really, your men wouldn't stop trying to get me to sign these forms... I tried to tell them there was a misunderstanding, but they just wouldn't listen. Although I guess it was nice that they gave me options to choose from. Mm, let's see. Official watering can, official paperweight, official doorstop... Ah, that's mean! Then again, those jobs would be pretty easy, wouldn't they? —What am I saying? I'm not doing any of these! That's child labor, you know. I wouldn't want you to get into any trouble.

Tell us about yourself in a few words.

Oh! How many is "a few"? This feels so official. My name is Alphonse Elric, age 14! And that's why I can't be a counselor. But I think I'm good with kids, so I'd still like to help out. Since this is a summer camp, I bet it gets hectic, and I have experience wrangling stubborn people. Really, if I can get my brother to drink milk, I can handle most things. He bites.

Why are you joining our happy community?

The truth is I was in the middle of something else, and I sort of ended up here on accident, so I didn't have a choice. —Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude! I'm sure I'll get used to it. Really, as long as you have a library, I'm happy! It's pretty here, too. I've never seen the ocean before, so this is really nice. I just hope I don't rust.

Do you have any deep personal traumas you might inexplicably be compelled to share in this interview?

Umm... I think I'll pass.

Have you committed any crimes you were or should have been convicted of?

... Pass!

Are you lying on your previous answer?

These questions make me seem so shady! Sorry, do you think we could we change the subject...?

Do you have a five year plan in mind?

I can't really talk about that, either, but—Once things settle down, I'd like a pet kitten. Maybe even two or three! We've been on the road a lot, so I'm not allowed to keep the ones I find. I know it seems silly compared to all the other things people plan for, but they're so cute...! I wonder if there are any around here. If they need a good home, it's okay to adopt one, isn't it? Just for a little while! And we don’t have to tell my brother, right? ... Right!

What’s your most distinguishing feature?

My personality! ... Is what I'd like to say, but it's the armor, isn't it... I guess it can't be helped. But I promise I'm not as scary as it makes me look! Then again, if these crows keep trying to use me as a nest, that might stand out even more than this does. I've heard they like shiny objects, but this seems a bit extreme.

Voting went down here!