[[I apologize. This is a short chapter. (I keep apologizing…I apologize XD) But I just couldn't keep writing after that last line. It needed a dramatic silence.]]
I saw the face of my father. Only younger. Cockier. "The bastard…had another kid…" I heard my own voice speaking, but I couldn't believe the words.
Dante smiled. "Envy is the result of your father's failed attempt to bring back our son who died prematurely of mercury poisoning. At one time, you and Envy were brothers." She laughed.
Envy finished the story. "Our father abandoned me to start over with his perfect wife and kids. Needless to say, I never did like being replaced."
Envy morphed his hand into a blade and I felt the mixture of hot and cold that came with every blow. Only I knew this one was fatal. This time it really was the end. Al had to go on without me. I wouldn't be coming back from this adventure. I guess…I never will tell Winry I love her…
"BROTHER!"
I listened to Al's screams as the life faded out of me. My blood covered the floor. "Tell…tell Winry…"
~*~ Winry
I dropped to my knees. Something felt wrong. Something went wrong. Granny came up next to me. "Winry, is something wrong?"
I nodded, my breath shaky. "Something doesn't feel right…Something feels…empty…"
She did her best to help me upstairs. She tried to take me to my room, but I wanted to go to Edward's. It still smelled like him.
~*~ Al
"NO!" HE CAN'T BE DEAD! HE COULDN'T BE! THAT'S NOT HOW THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN! IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ME!
Wait…it still could be me… "Brother hasn't been dead long. His soul must still be at the gate…I'm going to get him back." Before anyone could stop me, I'd already clapped and used the whole philosopher's stone to bring my brother back. Even though it cost me my life…
~*~ Edward
I opened my eyes slowly. "Al?" I glanced at the empty suit of armor, but I already knew my brother was no longer here. My voice was a coarse whisper. I felt a tear roll down my cheek. "You idiot."
I thought of what my dad had told me. That his mind, body and soul had all been in the gate. Well if Al's soul was all that was here, his body and mind must be in the gate and now his soul has joined them and he's whole again. So…he can come back now!
But equivalent exchange…I don't care what they say, it's real. And what could possibly match having my brother back besides not being able to see him once he's back? If I'm gone when he's here…that would be equal…wouldn't it?
I started to draw my own transmutation circle. I guess I really didn't need to, but it felt more solid and concrete this way. More likely for success. I took off my shirt to add circles to my arms, forehead, and chest. After so many years with Alphonse, I was ready to die. If it's for him, I will happily die.
Rose was next to me for awhile, but I've been ignoring her. "Rose…tell Alphonse I love him. Tell him to look under his pillow…"
"Edward, what do you mean?"
I clapped my hands and saw the light of the alchemy through my eyelids. I smiled, my eyes still closed. So I guess I won't tell Winry…but Al will. I opened my eyes and for a half second, I saw my younger brother. Flesh and blood. Happy. Smiling. Living.