***

Edward gasped and sat straight up, his entire body drenched in a cold sweat. He first looked down at his hands to make sure he wasn't dreaming. No, he really did have his body back. Then he glanced around to double check that he was actually in Central. Yep. Outside the hotel window he could see the glistening white walls of the gaudy military headquarters standing tall in the middle of the thriving metropolis. The sun was just beginning to rise, making the spectacle all the more surreal… so; it had only been a bad dream after all.

The alchemist rolled out of bed and quickly dressed. He had a lot to do and not enough time to do it. First, he would go to Central Headquarters to see if he could find Al. "Only gone for three years and Mustang already has his slimy hands all over him," Ed muttered as he pulled on his boots. Edward regretted that he no longer had his signature red jacket. He would have to find some red fabric and transmute one when he had a chance. First thing was first though; he was off to visit Roy Mustang. Setting out of the hotel purposefully, the older Elric brother walked through the streets and was surprised to see how much had changed in just three short years. Central was busier than he remembered, if that was possible. It took him a little longer than it normally would have to reach Central Headquarters. Once he did, he was met by a string of guards standing at the gate.

"State your business," the one closest to him ordered.

"I'm here to see Roy Mustang," Edward replied matter-of-factly. Some of the guards exchanged glances before looking back at him.

"Do you have an appointment?" the soldier asked.

"No, but I'm an old friend of his. He'll want to see me," Edward reassured them. One of the guards chuckled.

"Sorry, but friend or not, you need an appointment to see Mr. Mustang," the guard apologized. Edward rolled his eyes.

"Come on now, it's not like he's someone important like the fuhrer or anything. Just tell the colonel that Edward Elric is here and I'm sure he'll come running." At this point, the soldiers' amusement turned to annoyance. Surprised at the sudden change in tension, Ed took a small step back.

"Listen kid, his Excellency doesn't have any time to deal with punks like you. Get lost." Ed's eyes narrowed angrily.

"Some welcome! Fine, tell Mr. Hot Stuff that he's got another thing coming—especially if he's using my brother to gain some sort of promotion." Edward growled, poking a finger in the guard's face. After that he stormed off. The soldiers stared after him in bewilderment. Turning the corner, Edward muttered under his breath, "Well, I've always said 'if you don't have a way, make one!'" Clapping his hands, he placed them against the walls outlining the premises and created a small hole. Crawling through, he put the wall back in place before glancing around. He saw some soldiers patrolling afar off. Ducking down, he weaved in and out of the foliage to reach the side of the building where Roy's office used to be. Clapping his hands once more, he created a ladder from a tree and climbed up to the window. Peering in, Ed was able to make out the edge of the colonel's desk. Some feet were propped up on top of it. Yep, that was the colonel, no doubt about it. Only he would be kicking back when there was work to be done.

Already formulating a lecture in his mind, Ed pushed open the window and jumped into the room. "Yo, Colonel Ego! I've got a bone to pick with--" Ed paused in mid sentence, his jaw dropping when he saw that it wasn't Mustang who was situated behind the desk, but Alex Luis Armstrong. The two stared at each other dumbfounded for a few seconds before they both started talking at once.

"Major—

"Edward Elric, is that really you?!" The former major had already jumped to his feet and was over the desk with his arms outstretched.

"W-wait, major!" Edward protested, but he was too late. Armstrong swept him up in a bone crushing hug. Ed could hear several of his ribs cracking as he squeaked in pain.

"M-major—can't—breathe!" Edward gasped.

"Oh Edward Elric, what a joyous occasion! It really is you and not some apparition! I weep out of joy of your return!" Armstrong sobbed. Edward did his best to endure the pain. When Armstrong finally did release him he had to take a few seconds to catch his breath. The giant before him waited eagerly for some sort of explanation, but Edward didn't offer one.

"Why are you in Mustang's office?" Was all he managed to say. Armstrong cocked his head at him strangely and then made a noise of realization.

"You have been gone too long, Edward Elric. I am Colonel Armstrong now, and Mustang is--"

***

Mustang looked over his stack of paper work with a sigh. New bills were waiting to be passed and several reports needed to be looked through, but the weather outside was so beautiful that all he could think about was getting home to his wife and spending the evening out on the town. "Who knew that being fuhrer could be so difficult?" Mustang asked himself aloud. Suddenly, a bang echoed down the hallway, followed by several shouts of alarm. Several more loud noises echoed the first. Mustang stood quickly to his feet, his fingers poised to snap as his eyes trained on the door. Violently, the doors were thrust open. The fuhrer took a step forward, ready to attack, but stopped when he saw Edward Elric before him, a path of mayhem and destruction in his wake. Panting, the elder Elric walked into Mustang's office, one of his personally crafted spears in hand.

"Fuhrer Mustang? What the hell were they thinking? I'm surprised this country hasn't gone up in flames yet—pun intended!" Although Edward's expression was one of anger, Roy couldn't help but feel relieved at the sight of him. It was the same hot-headed alchemist that he remembered from years past, and here he stood in the flesh, hurling his familiar taunts. Mustang was so shocked that he couldn't even think of a good comeback. Growing angrier by the second, Edward finally hurled his spear at Mustang. The fuhrer stepped swiftly aside, letting the projectile plant itself firmly in his desk.

"This is all coming out of your pocket, I'll have you know," Roy finally said. Edward rolled his eyes.

"I'm dead, according to the military. As long as I don't exist, you can't make me pay for anything. Now, tell me, where is my brother?" Edward demanded.

"Have a seat, Edward," Mustang ordered coolly. "I'm the fuhrer now. I don't take orders from anyone. First, you'll explain what the hell's going on here. Then, I'll show you where Alphonse is." Begrudgingly, Edward plopped down in the chair in front of Mustang's desk. Sitting himself in his leather chair, Roy laced his fingers together, leaned back, and looked to Edward expectantly.

***

Alphonse opened his eyes slowly and looked around. He knew immediately that he was no longer in the Armstrong household. White walls surrounded him and were matched with white bed sheets, curtains, and drawers. The whole room was so bright that he had to shut his eyes immediately after first opening them. The younger Elric groaned softly. "Where am I?"

"In Central hospital," a familiar voice responded. Alphonse opened one eye to glance at Riza Mustang.

"Lieutenant Hawkeye! Err… Mrs. Mustang," Al corrected himself. Riza laughed lightly as she came to sit next to Al on the bed. Her hair was down and it would take Al some time to get used to seeing her in civilian's clothing.

"Just Riza, Alphonse," she encouraged him. He smiled sheepishly, his eyes finally adjusting. "Armstrong found you unconscious in your room this morning. He rushed you here immediately, but they couldn't find anything wrong. He wanted to stay, but he had other duties. Did something happen last night?" she asked gently. Al thought back to the night before and quickly recalled the person who had taken on his shape. He nodded slowly.

"Someone attacked me, and he looked just like me. I have no idea who it was," Alphonse admitted. Riza nodded, her eyes reflecting that she was making mental calculations.

"I will send some officers to search the house for any evidence of a break in. I've posted some guards outside your door as well, so please don't hesitate to ask them for anything," Riza instructed. Al looked around the bland room distastefully.

"Do I have to stay here for much longer?" He asked. Mrs. Mustang shook her head.

"No, but the doctors would like you to stay here for the remainder of the day just in case." Just as Riza was finishing explaining this, a phone across the room rang. She stood to answer it. "Riza Mustang speaking." She listened intently before emitting a small gasp. "Are you certain? Yes, please, by all means. Should I let him know that he's on his way? …Yes, thank you. Thank you very much." After Riza put the phone back in its cradle she took a few seconds before turning back to Al. Her eyes were wide and moist with a film of tears.

"Is everything all right?" Al asked in alarm. Riza blinked away the liquid from her eyes and nodded vigorously.

"Yes, more than all right. Alphonse, your brother—Edward—he's alive and he's coming here!"