Disclaimer: Everything Fullmetal Alchemist is owned by Hiromu Arakawa

The brothers found themselves in an all too familiar place. An endless expanse of white and even if they hadn't seen it yet, they are sure both of them are standing in front of a large stone gate.

The brothers tried to move, but for some reason, both of them are frozen in the spots where they are standing.

"Brother, what is happening?" asked Alphonse, unable to hide the fear in his voice.

"Damn it!" Edward growled to himself. "I'll get us out of here Al, I promise." he reassured his brother, though he himself is already becoming afraid. Remembering that it was Era who activated the circle that brought them there, he yelled. "Just what the fuck is going on? Answer me Armstrong!"

"I'm sorry for the inconvenience but I have to do some business here. And yes, it involves both of you here. Since this may take quite some time, might I suggest both of you just enjoy the show." A voice from behind them said. Turning around, they found Colonel Era Armstrong, standing in front of the stone gate, talking to them as if they are still drinking tea in the East City headquarters.

"Goddamit Armstrong! Release us this instant and let me and my brother go!" Edward Elric snarled at the girl, struggling to unfreeze himself by sheer will.

"Sorry boys. My gate, my rules." Era said, teasing the older Elric.

"I just can't agree on that, Lit-tle Miss" a voice seemingly coming from everywhere said.

A smile crossed on Era's lips as she turned from the two brothers and faced a silhouette of a girl of her height and build standing behind very large stone doors.

"Oh, didn't notice you there. So, do you have what I wish?"

"I have all that you wish and more. Question is, can you pay for what you want?"

"Of course, I got my payment for that. Right here."

A look of horror crossed the face of the brothers. More so now, both of them tried to break from whatever it is that holds them in place, however, none seems to work as both are still frozen in place the same way as they were before.

"Open the Gate, Guardian and receive your payment."

Little black hands started to come out as the Gate started opening. Era threw a circlet and the black hands closed on it, dragging it to the gate.

"That is the payment for the gifts I ask." and then she threw a ring to the eager hands "And that is the payment for the trespass. Would that be enough?"

Waiting as the Guardian to seemed to deliberate the matter, Era looked at the brothers, she asked them, a smirk on her face "Do you actually think I would use both of you as payment?" A pause as she took in the faces of the brothers. "I guess so, shame. If it does mean anything, I have better use for you two than toll payments." turning back to the Guardian, she asked "Again I ask, is that enough?"

"This should be sufficient for the mean time. But remember what I need from you. Remember what you were sent for."

"I know, I know, the rest will be delivered to you. One way or another. And before I forget Guardian, I still need those containers. They still don't know I took them, bless their hearts."

"Pick them up on you way back. I'll look forward seeing you soon, lit-tle miss."

"I hope it's not too soon Guardian. Oh, and another thing! I know the payment I gave for the passage is more than enough for the three of us. We both know I don't need a toll for the crossing your realm, me doing your work and all. It should be enough for a safe journey for these two, don't you think?"

"I take what is due. No more and no less. I know you know that well."

"Darn, I really thought I can negotiate their safe return. Oh well, I guess I have to work with what the Guardian will give me, then." Era muttered to herself.

Addressing the brothers, she said "I will be sending both of you off now. I'll just finish some business here and then I'll be on my way back too." At which two stone gates materialize behind each of the brothers started opening.

"I guess I'll see you soon then, Mister Elric, Colonel. One time or another. Yep, sound about right." was the last thing they heard of her as the little black hands dragged them to the closing gates.

Edward woke up to his brother begging for him to wake up.

"Brother, thank goodness you are okay! I was trying to wake you up for a while now. I thought something happened to you already." Al said, relief evident in his voice.

Ed did a quick self check, nothing missing so far. "Hey, Al. Don't worry, I'm okay. What happened?" he said sheepishly. Turning his head on his brother, he asked "What about you? Are you okay Al, does something hurt anywhere?"

"I'm fine, brother. I promise" Al gave him a reassuring smile.

Remembering the previous events, his expression immediately darkened and he growled "Armstrong. Where. Is. She."

"Brother, I don't know. When I woke up, we were back here in the East City Headquarters yard. And I found that on the table."

On the table was a note addressed to the Elrics.

Picking up the note, Ed read:

General Mustang has relayed that the Colonel needs to report in his office in three days time for the results of the deliberation. A room in the military dorm has already been made available for you for the mean time.

See you whenever,

Colonel Armstrong

"What do we do now, brother?" Al asked his brother after Ed finished the note.

"We stay Al. We find out what the hell Armstrong wants with us." was his brother's answer.

A/N: 07 July 2016 EDIT