His apartment was a mess, but only if you looked at floor. It was scattered with notes and sketches and plans. Plans to make something right. A large transmutation circle was drawn on the ground expertly designed. The couch and coffee table was pushed to the wall to make room to get all the details in the circle correct. In the center of it all, of all the 'organized' was a single man. A state alchemist, who's power was well known and feared. The newly promoted, Brigadier General Roy Mustang. He was still impeccably dressed in his royal blue military uniform and ebony coat.

He moved all the papers around to clear it away from the circle. He stood up to look at his work. Piercing raven eyes looked over every detail making sure it was perfect. Not a millimeter off of place. It could very simply mean the difference if his succeeding in his goal or him failing, and possibly not getting another chance. He smirked and admired his work, finally knowing he may actually succeed. One never knows when they play god.

He slowly got down on his knees and took a moment to think. He knew once he activated the transmutation, he couldn't stop it. He was along for the ride and only a passenger. A terrifying thought when going against the laws of nature and balance. Even the laws of science and equivalent exchange were being forgotten if he went through with what he plans. He knew the good out weighed the bad in this case-scenario, in his mind at least. Others would find it ludicrous. A suicide mission that would accomplish nothing. Roy knew better. He saw what others haven't. He will do it just like one other has. In that moment he realized he had no regrets about what he's doing. He already has letters written to everyone important in case it goes south. If he does succeed, he'll burn the letters.

With that he took a deep breath. He had a lump in his throats that would go down no matter how much swallowed, and his heart was beating against his chest like it was a wild animal trying to escape its cage. His gloves were forgotten on the coffee table with one leg shorter then the rest. He closed his eyes as he cautiously clapped his hands together and placed them on the intricate circle. An abrupt light emerged from the circle and engulfed  him. In the next moments the light faded and died out, but Mustang wasn't sitting on the floor when it fled.

Mustang opened his eyes. For a brief moment the bright white stung his eyes. He fluttered his eyes until he could look at it without feeling as if salt had been thrown in his eye. The entire space was a blank white, giving off a crushing feeling of how small and helpless you were. Once everything settled, it hit him, he was back. The hairs on the back of his neck stood straight as he remembered the events fallowing the prior time he was here. He felt a looming structure behind him. He already knew what was behind him. The gate.

In front of him was something else. A figure only distinguished from the white by a shadow lingering behind. It was his exact shape, but a white silhouette with a ghastly grin that petrifying still. It has said what he was. It is the universe. It is god. It is all and one. It is him. It is the truth. "I didn't expect you to come back. Not many do, you know. They learn their lesson once they pay their toll. Are you just stupid, or is there something you want to accomplish?"

He didn't like the insult per-say but he knew better then to challenge. "Honestly, I would have preferred not to come back. There are much more pleasant places on my end, but yes, I have something that I want that you have in your grasp." His voice was professionally and monotone.

The Truth seemed to consider this for a moment. Not many things would bring Roy Mustang back, considering he had everything. Almost. "What is it you want that I have? It couldn't be power, or wealth or any of those trivial things that people alway seem to want. What could drive you to complete such a risky act?" It should have been obvious. The only thing he wanted, was something he lost.

"I want something that was taken from me. This meeting is much overdue, in my opinion." He straightened his back and kept his gaze steady. "I want a man back. He was a husband and a father. He was my best friend. He was the most optimistic and kindest person I know despite what he's been through. He has enough strength to carry on and enough love to care for every who needs it. He is the smartest person in the room, even if you don't realize it. I want my best friend. I want Maes Hughes back." How simple. He was human and still had a greedy want for something lost.

Truth's grin stretched like a snake. "What are you willing to pay? Like everything else, you must pay a toll. It's what you alchemists call 'equivalent exchange'." Mustang finally lost his professionalism and a cocky smirk slowly crossed his features. He may actually succeed.

He turned his back to the truth and looked up at the gate. Words inscribed that he couldn't comprehend fully. "My own alchemy. I'll completely give it to you," and have no regrets. "All I want is Maes Hughes in return." From behind him Truth started laughing, he knew he had been beaten for the second time. He clapped.

The gate slowly opened its doors to a wicked ebony. An eye, the eye, opened In a sideways manner and a chill went down his spine. Small hands like ribbons danced out, wiggling and worming everywhere. Suddenly a form started  materializing from within the gate. A body. As it grew closer he could see more features. He moved forward, closer.

The body had dozens of those small nightmarish hands wrapped around it, pushing it forward. It slowly opened his eyes, a bright golden hazel. His eyebrows drawn in confusion. Scruff slightly out of control. His hair longer then it was. He was much thinner, Roy could count every bone. Roy recognized him immediately and all control left. "Maes!" He called out, finding his voice.

In the fallowing moments everything flashed away. Had he failed? He was so damned close! There was no way. He was back in his living room. He pounded on the ground in frustration. The full ache didn't compare to anger and disappointment he felt. He had failed. He failed Hughes.

"Roy," came a soft whisper from behind him. He froze. Roy turned around and nearly cried. Maes was right behind him, he hadn't failed after all. He leapt in the others shocked and scrawny arms, tipping him from a sitting position to laying on the floor. Mustang felt a honey hand wipe away a few stray tears that. He heard a weak laugh from underneath him and he swore it was the best thing he had heard for years. "Roy, I can't breath." He pried himself off. And looked over him, all the scares from the war and stray bullets during a job still there. Realization hit him and he took off his black outer coat and wrapped it around Hughes.

He has done it. He had brought Maes Hughes back, much like Edward had done for Alphonse no more than a year ago. He couldn't imagine anything better. In this moment he had everything he wanted, everything he needed. He had his greatest advisory. His accomplice. His best friend. God damnit he was proud and was going to enjoy it this time. He couldn't miss a moment to say thanks this time around. "Hughes, I missed you."