Edward was free falling towards the bottom, when the same light that swallowed Alphonse encircled him as well. Suddenly, he found himself... at the gate!

"WHAT THE HELL!" He yelled, looking around him "Why am I here, of all places!? Is this some kind of sick, cruel joke!?"

That was when he noticed the figure sitting behind him. There were no eyes on that figure. No colour to its skin. The only thing that stood out and what had caught Ed's attention was the huge, disturbing smile that spread out across its face. Even though it was smiling, it wasn't warm or welcoming in the slightest. Edward knew this face as he had seen it before.

"You!" Was all he could get out, as if it were the worst insult he could think of.

"Yes me! Nice to see you again, Fullmetal Alchemist Edward Elric!" He spoke in a demented voice that echoed all his words.

"Why am I here? WHERE'S AL!? IF YOU DID ANYTHING TO HIM I'LL KILL YOU!"

"Oh, I've done nothing to him Edward, but let him pass." The thing smiled wider, as if that were possible. "You, on the other hand, I wanted to speak to before you joined up with him"

"I won't listen to ANYTHING you have to say" screamed the alchemist clapping his hands and resting his left hand on his right, metal arm. But... nothing happened!

"Oh, you can't do alchemy if I don't want you to." The thing laughed.

"Who are you!" Ed screamed as he kept trying to transmute.

"I am known as many things. I am God. I am the universe. I am you. I am Truth. Nice to meet you." Truth said as he stretched out his hand.

"We've met before, you dumbass!" Edward backed away from the outstretched hand. Without his alchemy, he felt very defenceless.

"I know, but we never properly introduced ourselves before." Truth shifted and two limbs on his body seem much more visible. A right arm and a left leg. "I've been bored lately, so I'm sending you on a quest for my entertainment. I want you to recover something called the Shikon Jewel for me. Now I know, equivilent exchange means I have to give you something in return because you're giving me some amusement, so I will let you keep the jewel as it contains many powers that are similar to the Philosopher's Stone. It increases your power dramatically and grant's you one wish."

This had Edward's attention. A way to get Al back to normal is what he's wish for, but being Truth's little entertainment act wasn't all that appealing.

"So the deals set. Don't disappoint me now. I will see you upon your return." Truth waved his hand as the strange light enveloped Edward again.

"Wait I-" But he was cut off as the wind was ripped from his lungs.

"Goodbye now Edward. Put on a good show!"

And with that Edward was gone.