Hi guys! I figured I'd stick my responses to your reviews up here this time.

Penelope Jadewing: Heheh xP

Parfois Marguerite: Thank you so much! ^^ I'm happy to hear that. I noticed that as well back when I was reading Envy fanfiction and I found it frustrating, so I've been trying my best to avoid doing that in my stories. The romance actually wound up being pretty minimal in this story, but it didn't feel natural trying to add more in so I left it be. I'm really glad you've enjoyed it!

Khait Khepri: You know, you're actually the third person to make that comment on my stories and I really appreciate that you took a chance on it anyway. I don't much like Envy either at this point, but I've still found him incredibly entertaining to write about for some reason. He's just a fun character to mess with I guess. I've noticed some of those errors myself when glancing through this and a couple of the really bizarre ones were (much to my consternation) blips caused in the transfer of files, so I've gone back and fixed them. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled for that in future. Thank you so much for the feedback! ^^ I hope the ending is satisfactory.

You turned a page inside my heart

Brought the light when my world was so dark

I feel something I can't explain

You consumed me and took on my shame

Everything is gone that held me down

Your arms are around me

All the pain has left my selfish heart

And your love it surrounds me

You woke me up and made me learn to love more than myself

You took my hand before I knew there was more than myself

Myself ~ Fireflight

It didn't take him long to reach the town. The place she had mentioned was thankfully not far off. He could see the old building looming over its neighbors. Why had his father wanted to meet him? There could be no doubt in the man's mind that it would be the death of him. The hatred which had bubbled up inside Envy, burning like acid, felt harsh and unpleasant. Despite its familiarity, he found himself startled by the intensity of it. For several weeks he'd felt no trace of it whatsoever and its return came as a shock. Had he always lived in this much discomfort?

He reached the door of the building several minutes later. He tried the handle and upon finding it unlocked he slipped inside. The interior was a large space, dimly lit by several windows, each one covered by a protective metal screen. The wood floor was worn and squeaked in places as he walked across it. The shapes of basketball hoops loomed high on each end of the gym, their chains glinting faintly in the grey light, like empty gibbets. At the far end he saw a figure standing, his face hidden in shadow. Envy started towards him, each step filled with frightening determination. When he was ten strides off, the man stepped forward into the light.

"Hello...Son." At the sight of Hohenheim's face Envy's mind went blank. A dull roar filled his ears, his vision growing hazy. White hot fury burned its way through his veins.

Kill him.

He barely noticed the harsh voice. He could hardly think past the rush of heat filling him. The next thing he knew Hohenheim was pinned against the wall. Envy's hand was at the man's throat, his other fist drawn back in preparation to strike. He would beat him black and blue. But how could it ever make up for anything? Nothing could make up for the lost time. But then... for some reason he hesitated. Staring into his father's golden eyes he found a very different emotion there from what he'd been expecting. He'd been looking for fearful revulsion, but instead he found deep regret. The eyes were so familiar, so hated and so missed. In that instant, four-hundred years of pain, loneliness, insecurity and self loathing crashed over him and he found his vision swimming with unbidden tears. They were hot tears of anger, bitterness and shame.

"Why?!" He shouted, hardly realizing what he was saying. "What do they have that I don't? What was so wrong about me that you couldn't stay? Why wasn't I good enough?!" The tears were rolling down his cheeks now. His father's eyes widened.

"Is that you...William?" He whispered. Envy's hand tightened on his throat, his drawn back fist trembling. Then inexplicably his father smiled. "You didn't kill Leah, did you? She does look an awful lot like—"

"Don't even say her name," Envy hissed. "It's your fault she died. It's all your fault!" His words rang hollow in his own ears. He had made the choice. He had chosen alchemy over his childhood friend. The blame rested on no one but himself. And in that moment the past became painfully clear. His father had not left him without cause. He had driven the man away. From the instant he'd been dragged back into existence, a cruel malice had infested his heart. He'd been nothing but a monster from day one. Could he have changed things? Could he have made an effort to cling to his former humanity? Whatever the answer, it didn't matter now. He was rotten to the core. There was nothing in him left to save. He finally understood just how unworthy he was of the compassion Leah had treated him with. And he'd fully intended to murder her for it. Surely she'd sensed the evil in his heart. Couldn't she tell how despicably worthless he was? He'd given her every reason to hate and fear him, and she'd given him nothing in return but loving kindness. In that moment of realization her mercy cut him straight to the core.

It's too late.

The voice intruded into his thoughts.

None of it matters anymore.

"Tell me something," his father spoke up, voice hoarse past the hold Envy had on his throat. "After you kill me, will you kill Leah as well?" Envy stared at him wide-eyed. What right did he have to ask questions? What he did with Leah was none of Hohenheim's damn business! And yet... The words of warning from earlier echoed in his mind. What would happen to her after this? What if...

Just let go.

The voice purred seductively.

Give me control. Only I can give you what you really want.

Envy wavered, torn between his knew, unfamiliar anxiety, and his long ingrained desires.

Give it to me.

At his hesitation the voice took on an impatient edge.

Give me control. Give it to me now! Before it's too late! Don't throw away this opportunity. This is what you've always wanted!

What about Leah?

The old voice whispered. It was soft, gentle, barely audible past the new voice hollering at him.

Who gives a damn about her?!

Envy abruptly released Hohenheim and staggered back several steps, cradling his head in his hands. He was losing his mind... He was losing his mind! An image plastered itself across the forefront of his thoughts. It was Hohenheim, his body pinned to a wall by a number of knives which had pierced him through-his head slumped forward, his blood running along the hilts of the weapons which had murdered him, dripping to form a puddle on the floor at his feet. For an instant, Envy couldn't help but feel the faintest hint of satisfaction at the sight. But just as it welled up within him the image blurred and flickered. Suddenly it was no longer Hohenheim he was staring at. It was Leah. Her slender form was pinned like a butterfly to a board. The life had vanished forever from her clear grey eyes. Envy's stomach wrenched and bile rose up in his throat at the sight. Past the horror which filled him he could hear the now very menacing voice screaming inside his mind.

Kill them! Kill them both! KILL THEM NOW!

Then somewhere deep within him, something grew still. It was a silence of determined clarity.

"No," he whispered. The moment the words left his lips he was hit by a wall of absolute rage. It seemed to come from without as much as within. He staggered from the force of it. His vision blurred and flickered like the rapid flutter of butterfly wings. Alarm filled him. Whatever it was that had just been bargaining with him, it was now attempting to seize control by force. With an act of sheer willpower he turned and staggered towards the door. Despite his hatred of the man, the soft voice had been right. If he killed Hohenheim it would be all over, not only for his father, but for Leah and him as well. He'd lived under the rule of the monster within him long enough to know exactly what it would do once it gained control. There was no doubt in his mind. And he didn't know if he would be able to fend it off this time.

He burst out into the street, trying to stay upright despite his head spinning and his ears ringing.

"William!" The desperate, familiar voice made him flinch in alarm. He turned and saw Leah standing across the street. She seemed to be wavering. He could see the uncertainty in her eyes even at this distance. He heard a scream of rage in his mind and everything went black for an instant. When his vision returned he found he'd staggered into the street in Leah's direction. A wash of horror crashed over him. He had to get away from her. He had to get away from everyone, or someone would wind up dead. He turned and bolted down the street away from her. She called after him but he blocked out the sound of her voice. He didn't pay attention to where he was running. A blind panic fuelled his steps. That he didn't run into anyone was a miracle. He saw a building at the end of the street. Without pausing to think, he made a beeline for it. He bounded up the front steps to the door and latched onto the handle. Astoundingly, it was unlocked. Without stopping to question it, he darted inside.

The door slid shut behind him with a click. He rushed forward, hardly aware of his surroundings. It was the utter silence that finally got his attention. There was a hushed blanket of stillness over the rows of empty pews. A skylight in the roof spilled light onto the alter in front of him. He was standing in the center isle of a church. Looking up at the far wall he saw a large, wooden cross fixed there. It was the same symbol he'd seen Leah wearing. His legs suddenly gave out and he fell to his knees, gasping for breath, vision swimming with tears. A desperate fear gripped him. He was going to lose control. It was going to win. If it did, Leah would die. And it wouldn't be short or painless. Calandra had died because of him. And now Leah was going to as well. His throat constricted.

"Help me," his voice was barely audible. He hadn't the slightest idea who he was talking to. "Someone...anyone... Please," he whispered, "Save me from myself. Please save me from myself." His eyes slid shut, the tears slowly rolling down his cheeks. He could feel the pain and rage consuming him. His energy was spent. He couldn't hold it back any longer. Finally his hold on consciousness slipped through his fingers and darkness engulfed him.

William

A voice. It was the first thing he became aware of. How he had heard it, he didn't know. He couldn't feel anything. It was like he'd been taken out of his own body. He was blind. The next thing he heard chilled his soul. It was laughter-soft, malicious laughter.

Help me.

The words were sharply mocking, mimicking the final desperate plea he'd made before losing consciousness.

You don't need help. You need me. Just give up already. You'll never win this.

It was as if someone was breathing down the back of his neck. He turned, trying to find the source of the voice in the darkness.

"Hello?" He called. His voice echoed through the air, yet he couldn't feel the words on his lips; no air from his lungs had formed them. Something stirred in him. Fear. He was afraid.

William

It was the soft voice again.

"Please, where are you?" He called, reaching out hands he couldn't feel, trying to grasp something he couldn't see. What was the use? What was he hoping to find? Forgiveness? That was impossible. It just couldn't be possible. But he wanted it. Frustration welled up inside him, and a cry of despairing lamentation spilled forth from him, echoing in the darkness. "I'm sorry!" The words seemed tear themselves out of him, fighting through a resistance he didn't understand.

Sorry? Sorry for what? Are you really so pathetic that you'll grovel to someone you don't even know? What's the point? Don't be a fool.

He choked on what had to be tears, though he couldn't feel them.

"I know...I know I'm not...I'll never be able...I can't make up for anything..."

Your ransom has already been paid.

He stared into space, wide eyed, uncomprehending.

Do you want to be saved?

It was the same question Leah had asked him. He hadn't had an answer to it before. But he did now.

"Yes," he whispered. Then all at once light spilled into the darkness. It was white and blinding, and yet it didn't hurt his eyes.

NO!

The scream of rage echoed behind him.

Don't look back.

In the light he saw a figure above him. He couldn't make out who it was, but he saw them reach a hand towards him, palm up for him to grasp. He reached out and clasped it tightly, clinging to it like a lifeline. And then the light flooded his senses. A warmth he'd never before experienced flowed into him, filling up an emptiness that had always existed in his heart. For the first time in as long as he could remember, he felt complete.

"William!"

The sound of a familiar voice calling him slowly roused his unconscious mind. He lay for a moment with his eyes closed savoring the gentle warmth in his core. Though the initial brilliance of it had faded, it left behind a peacefulness he'd never before experienced.

I love you.

The whispered words echoed for the last time through his slowly waking mind. His eyes fluttered open and he found himself staring up at a roof that sloped upward towards a skylight. Sunlight had broken through the clouds outside, its rays finding their way into the silent sanctuary. Envy turned his head and caught a glimpse of golden hair out of the corner of his eye. Without having to look at the rest of himself he knew he was back in his true form. He hadn't consciously willed the transformation, and yet he knew instinctively that it was his last. Something in his core confirmed the truth of it. His powers were gone. With this knowledge came a wash of incredible, healing relief. He was finally free from all the lies. This was who he was and he no longer had any desire to change that.

"William?" The tremulous voice drew his attention outward. He recognized it. He raised his head slowly, finding that despite his final transformation his body felt perfectly rested. There was no weakness or pain left in it anywhere. He sat up all the way. Glancing down at himself he found that his former outfit had changed back into the clothes he'd worn long ago; the white dress shirt and dark green vest were distantly familiar. His gaze was drawn to the end of the isle, near the door of the church. There was Leah, standing with one hand resting on the back of a pew, the other raised to her mouth. Her eyes were wide and her face was ashen. One look at her expression confirmed to him that she had witnessed his transformation.

"Leah," he greeted her, his true voice sounding out her name for the first time. Though he spoke softly, it was readily audible in the quiet that reigned around them. She simply stared at him, frozen in place. Slowly he rose to his feet. He took several steps towards her, but then stopped. Now that he was closer he could see her trembling, her eyes filled with tears. "It's me," he assured her.

"You look just like…" She broke off, her voice failing her.

"I know," he replied calmly.

"But how…?"

"I tried to tell you earlier, but I knew you wouldn't believe me." At his words she slowly shook her head.

"I don't understand," she whispered.

"It's a very long story," he replied resignedly. She continued to stare at him, standing perfectly still. "Are you afraid of me?" He asked softly. After a moment's pause she slowly shook her head again, lowering her hand from her mouth. The tears in her eyes had spilled over and down her cheeks, but she didn't seem to be aware of them. Seeing her uncertainty over how to react, he moved first, crossing the distance between them and coming to a stop in front of her. She seemed smaller and more fragile than before, but he knew it was he that had changed and not her. She held his gaze unblinkingly, as if afraid to let him out of her sight for even an instant. He could see the confusion and disbelief swirling behind her grey eyes. He knew she was experiencing the same thing he had felt when he'd first laid eyes on her that morning in the kitchen several weeks earlier. The dizzying dissonance of seeing a person identical in appearance to a lost loved one, while at the same time knowing perfectly well it was someone else. He longed to reassure her somehow, but how could he? In this form he was like a ghost to her-a walking reminder of the man she'd lost. He knew how unsettling that was. It had taken weeks for him to adjust to her. There was no way to know how long it would take her to adjust to him. Perhaps she never would.

"What are you?" The tone of her voice startled him. He'd expected fear, revulsion perhaps. But he now saw that the uncertainty in her large eyes was mixed with something like wonder. She was shaken, but not repulsed. Seeming hardly aware of herself, she closed the last of the distance between them with a single step. He stared down at her, overwhelmed by surprise when she haltingly raised a hand to his cheek. Her fingertips traced lightly across his skin as if trying to reassure herself that he was real and not just an apparition. He reached up and laid his hand over hers.

"I believe...I'm human now," he answered her question softly. Her eyes widened.

"Now?"

"As I said, it's a long story. And not a terribly pleasant one at that," his eyes grew grim.

"I'm willing to listen if you're willing to tell me," she suggested uncertainly. "I can hardly doubt you now." At her words his gaze softened and he lowered her hand from his face, though he continued to hold it. Then both of them jumped in surprise when the door to the church opened. Leah's hand slipped from his as she turned to see the new arrival. As Envy's gaze settled on the man in the doorway his expression hardened.

"Hohenheim," he greeted him brittlely. His father stepped inside, allowing the door to shut behind him, but did not attempt to approach further. Behind the glasses his golden eyes were wide with shock at the sight of his firstborn son in his true form. After a moment of frozen silence, Envy stepped around Leah and strode slowly towards the man. When he stopped they stood eye to eye, father and son, striking in their resemblance. Envy's eyes were hard as he stared at the man he'd so long hated. Beneath the weight of his son's gaze, Hohenheim's surprise melted away into regret. When he finally spoke his voice was hoarse.

"I know I can never make up for what I've done to you; but for what its worth, not a day has passed by that I have not regretted what my selfishness put you through," he said. "I don't expect you to ever accept it, but I am more sorry than you'll ever know," he shut his eyes, unable to hold his son's gaze any longer. Envy stared at his father. The pain was still there, deep down inside him, and so was the anger. He had nursed it for far too many years for it to vanish now. And yet...what right did he have to hold this man personally accountable for his sins? Though they had caused him so much pain and suffering, he himself had done far worse to others. And he'd been forgiven. Could he really refuse to extend that to another person? Envy's hands clenched into fists, his jaw tightening. Was it even possible to overcome four-hundred years of anger and resentment? Hohenheim stood with his head bowed, his shoulders drooping as if the weight of all the centuries gone past was bearing down on him. For the first time Envy noticed the lines creasing the man's face-lines of stress and sorrow. The once proud figure of a man had withered, despite appearing no older than forty. In his worn travel cloak and boots, with his golden hair showing the first traces of grey, he appeared an old, weatherbeaten figure. It occurred to Envy in a way that it never had before that his father was a truly pitiable man. All the years of cheating death, jumping bodies, and running from his mistakes had taken their toll. Who was he, Envy, to cast judgement on such a man? He'd been no better himself. In fact, he'd been worse. And though he'd blamed it all on his father, he himself was the only one responsible for the choices he had made.

"I will never forget." Envy's words were quiet and his eyes were guarded. He tried to reach for the words he knew he needed to say, but for a moment they evaded him. When he finally found them, they tasted like bitter medicine. "But... I forgive you." Despite his anger, sincerity found its way into his tone. He meant every word. Hohenheim's gaze snapped up to meet his, eyes widening with disbelief. Words seemed to fail him, but tears welled in his eyes. They spilled down his cheeks, guilt and relief washing over his features. He wavered, and then Envy was forced to take a step back as his father fell to his knees in front of him. Hohenheim was shaking as he raised a hand to cover his face. As Envy stared down at him he felt a weight that he hasn't realized he'd been carrying lift from his shoulders. Without a word he stepped around Hohenheim and opened the door, slipping out of the church into the afternoon sun.

Outside, Envy came to a stop at the base of the steps. He glanced up at the sky and found the clouds were rapidly scattering, revealing the pure blue behind them. A cool wind whispered past him, playing with his loose golden hair. Autumn was fast approaching. Soon the leaves would begin to turn. Where would he be by the time they had all fallen and were hidden beneath a blanket of snow? Behind him he heard the door open and shut. Soft footsteps descended the stairs and came to a stop next to him. He glanced down at Leah. She was staring at him with a look that took him off guard.

"What?" He asked. She wavered for a moment, and then without a word she threw her arms around him.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered, her breath tickling across his collarbone as she clung to him. He stared down at her wide-eyed. Then, after a moment, the smallest of smiles tugged at his lips. Wrapping his arms carefully around her, he savored the feeling of holding her close, knowing he might not get the chance again. He could feel her tension and knew that just looking at him must be painful for her. With reluctance he finally spoke the thought that was weighing on his mind.

"Would it be better if I left now?" He asked softly. She pulled back in surprise, staring up at him with as searching gaze.

"What makes you ask that?"

"Seeing me in this form must be difficult," he said. Understanding flashed across her features and then she glanced down, staring at the ground between them.

"It is, a bit. But... if you're willing to, I'd be happier if you stayed," she admitted.

"I'm not Edmund," he pointed out. Her gaze darted up to meet his once more. She stared at him a moment before speaking.

"I know you aren't. And I'm not Calandra," she replied. "But I'd like to hear your story. I know we aren't the same people, but..."

"Perhaps we can start over and not mess things up this time?" he finished the sentence for her, raising an eyebrow questioningly. He saw amusement flicker across her features.

"I'd like that," she smiled. Without further ado he swept into a courtly bow.

"My name is William. Will you do me the honor of telling me yours?" He asked solemnly. She let out a chuckle.

"I'm Leah," she replied, and he saw her eyes dancing with amusement as he straightened up again.

"Leah, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Though his tone was still solemn, there was warmth in his eyes.

"Likewise," she said with a small grin. Then she reached out and took his hand. "Lets go home," she suggested. Her hand fit perfectly in his own, the warmth of it reassuring. He smiled.

Home. He liked the sound of that.

~End~

-Author's Note-

So at last we've come to the end of this story, just in time for Christmas too! I hope you enjoyed the ending. I knew some of Envy's diehard fans would likely be less than thrilled by his permanent transformation into his true form, but I felt it was necessary in this particular story to round off his inner transformation. I hope it didn't come as too much of a disappointment for some of you.

This is actually the first story I've written that I managed to plan out completely while still in the early stages of writing it, so it was a learning experience. I've been trying to hone my writing skills in order to publish something original in the future and I've attempted to put what I've been learning into practice in this story. Looking over it now I can see areas that could definitely use improving, but the feedback I've gotten from you guys has been really encouraging, so thank you! :)

As for further stories, I've decided to go ahead with a sequel to Uninvited Company just for something fun to pick away at in the new year. I have no others planned aside from that but my muse has surprised me before, so we'll see.

Again, thank you all so much for the reviews, favorites and follows! It makes writing these stories incredibly rewarding and brightens my day. I wish I could give each of you a hug! ^^

Merry Christmas everyone and happy New Year! :)