Disclaimer: Everything Fullmetal Alchemist is owned by Hiromu Arakawa

Era's POV

I knew flashing those eyes would help. Just a matter of minutes before the Younger Elric would look for me for answers.

It immensely helps having the same eyes as the one at the Gate of Truth.

"Colonel Armstrong!" Alphonse Elric shouted, running towards me.

"Yes, Mister Elric? Is something the matter?" I asked him, waiting for him to catch his breath.

Sigh. Of course, being stuck in the gate for the last some odd years does not help in the running department. How did I know? I was there too. Maybe not most of the time, but often enough.

"Who are you really? What are you doing here? And what have you done with Brigadier General Hughes! Is he—" he started, but was unable to finish his last question as if he is afraid of what he might say.

"You want information, I see. And in exchange? You very well know everything is with a price. Equivalence, no? I said, bearing an all too familiar toothy grin.

Seeing the look of horror on Alphonse Elric's face as he realizes how I plan to play this out just was fun to look at. But then again, I need to keep my sadistic tendencies in check. The Guard of the Gate is already sadistic enough for both of us. Oh well.

"Join me for tea." I said.

"What?" Alphonse said, disbelievingly.

"Your payment. Your company for the information I have. I think that should be sufficient a toll, don't you think" I said, smiling, but hiding the teeth.

"J-Just to join you for tea? Seriously?" Alphonse repeated.

Ah, a skeptic. Of course, this is not the deals the Elric brothers are used to. They are more used to paying the toll with something more tangible. Like an arm or a leg. Sigh.

"Unless of course you want to pay me with something else. Which is fine by me, of course." I told the younger Elric, still smiling.

"No! I mean yes! I'll join you for tea" Alphonse quickly replied.

"Well then, I'll see you on the yard. Warrant Officer Fuery may be able to lend you some pants as well." I said, leaving Alphonse Elric, tea stain already drying in in pants forgotten.

-line break-

Era's POV

Peppermint tea? Check. Sugar and honey? Check. Milk? Check. Food? Sandwiches, ladyfingers, scones and cakes. That should be sufficient. Ah, here comes young Alphonse.

"I see you found the Warrant Officer, Mister Elric. Please take a seat." I gestured to the wicker chairs. Noticing a shadow in the hallway, I added "And you too, Colonel Elric. This may take a while so, please, have a seat as well."

On the second thought, I need to get another batch of whatever I have now. Taking the well renowned appetite of the Fullmetal Alchemist into account. Sigh.

"So, tea, anyone?" I asked as both of them settled into their seats.

"Cut the crap, will you. Who are you and what are you doing here?" Edward Elric growled, slamming his fist on the table.

"Colonel, the table can only hold so much damage. A little manners, please?" I said before I stopped myself. Bad word choice. Bad, bad word choice.

And, start

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING SO SMALL I COULD FIT INSIDE A TEACUP!"

"Brother! She didn't say any of that!" Alphonse said, trying to placate his brother.

"Are we done now, Colonel? I only have a short time before I'm done with my break. I believe your brother has some questions for me."

That apparently was the right thing to say as the older Elric sat down grumpily.

"So, Mister Elric, I believe you have some questions?" I prompted after serving tea.

"I have seen you before. In the gate. Who are you really?" Alphonse asked.

"In all honesty? I'd consider myself a dignified errand girl." I answered. Hmmm.. yep, that sounds about right.

" errand girl? Who the hell are you kidding?" Edward butted in before I can continue my explanation.

"Yes, Colonel. An errand girl. Now, If you'd allow me" I replied, irritation already seeping in my voice. "Going back, Equivalence, or the world's balance usually can take care of its own without much intervention. For major alchemical transgression, the Guardian of the Gate of Truth is the one to take care of it. But what about imbalances to the world of a non-alchemical nature?"

"Let me guess? That is where you come in." the older Elric asked.

"Exactly. A little push here and there to make sure the balance is still kept and the world can go on it's merry little way. I do whatever it takes, all in the name of Equivalence. Ergo, dignified errand girl." I explained.

"So, you are here to correct an imbalance? From here?" Alphonse warily asked. Of course, they'd be a teensy bit paranoid. With what they'd been through and all.

"Don't worry. The imbalances are not from here. I just have to be from here for the push needed to balance things." I added.

"Will the military be involved?" the older Elric asked.

"The government, not the military. But since your government IS the military, then it won't make much difference. Rest assured, it will all be peaceful. I'm not a fan of bloodshed."

"But what about Brigadier General Hughes? Is he really alive?" asked the younger Elric, fearing for the Brigadier General.

"All I said in the General Mustang's office is true. He would really have died in that phone booth if not for my intervention. It's just that I have some better use for him living than dead. He is still very much human, though, thank you very much"

It seems I have answered all that bothers the brothers as the both of them looked more relaxed and ate the snacks I prepared more enthusiastically.

"What about doing Mustang's paperwork?" Edward Elric asked after he consumed so much snacks I forgot to keep track.

"Sorry Colonel?" I asked. Darn, I can't believe he actually asked that. Very perceptive.

"I said, what about doing the General Bastard's paperwork. Don't tell me it's of great importance to the great balance you always preach."

"Hmm. Doing General Mustang's office duties? Well, because he's the most handsome thing that happened in the Amestrian military! I. Need. Inspiration.", I answered seriously. It's true, at least in my personal opinion. Besides, the General has much more use than eye candy. Some very gorgeous eye candy at that.

Just seeing the incredulous faces on the brothers. Priceless. I just can't help but laugh. Loudly.

Once I had the giggles tapered down a bit, I finally said, "I do everything for a reason. Always. All in the name of Equivalence."

"Oh, and this as well." I added as I activated the transmutation circle underneath us and watched the Elric brothers be taken by those little black hands.

Now that I already have the brothers where I want them, I guess it's time.

Time to visit that slave driver known here as Truth again.

A/N:

Edit 07 July 2016: so, there. TheUltamateBlastoise kindly went over the manuscript for me to do some editing. Any errors will be due to me not listening.

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