For some stupid reason Fanfiction isn't letting me upload chapters. This chapter was supposed to go up on Halloween but I couldn't upload it. So this is kinda test to see if I can get through. If I get through then awesome, if not then this will be the 5th attempt in a week to get through and FictionPress needs to get their shit together.

Here was the author's note for when this would have been uploaded on the 31st:

Happy Halloween everyone!

So this is it, the end of the story for now. It was on this exact day 8 years ago that this story started, and now it's done even though it took so long lol. I'm so happy to have finally completed this project! I'll be completely honest right now, when I started this story it really had no true plot or even an ending, I kinda just made all of it up as I went along lol. Either way I think it all went well in the end.

There are a few projects I want to work on after this, mainly "Blood Dirge" and a oneshot that is based around the events that take place after this epilogue. I also have quite a few ideas that may get written out, but no real promises there lol. What ever happens I'm planning on staying active in the fanfiction community and look forward to telling more stories. Though I'll probably take the rest of this year off, working to finish this story in the year has really drained me lol.

I really want to thank all of you for sticking with me till the end of this story! You guys are amazing and I'm so happy that you all liked this story so much! I really do appreciate every follow, favorite, and review. You guys have helped me get through some tough times and I thank you for it.

Anyway, I do happen to have a poll on my main page that I'd like you to vote on if you could. It's to see what should be worked on first: "Blood Dirge" or a new oneshot story (totally separate from "The Plunge") that I have in mind. Please vote if you can, I'd like to get your feedback on it.

What a fun ride this has been! Thank you everyone for your support and I hope you'll stick around to see what else I have in store. Here's a hint: All of these story ideas are parental Roy!Ed and Al, because I adore them so much lol.

I'll see you all in the next story then!

:3

Epilogue

It was close to three weeks later when Edward was finally released from the hospital. While he was a little sad at the thought of leaving, the excitement and happiness far outweighed it. The doctors had told them that there was no reason for Ed to stay there any longer, he could get the care he needed at home. Mustang had already offered to take the brothers to his home, where they would be staying in the guest bedroom until Edward healed fully.

He had finally gotten strong enough to handle having his automail arm reattached and his hip had healed faster than the doctors could have imagined. They had even been able to remove the pins and plates from his bones without complication. He no longer needed to be on oxygen or stay attached to an IV, two things he would never miss. While his right leg would be in a cast for a few more weeks he was just glad to finally be free of the hospital. Theodore Isaac had also been convicted and was facing serious jail time for his crimes, meaning that Ed would never have to see the man again.

"I'll really miss you boys…" Julia sighed from where she stood in the doorway. "But I'm so happy to see you so much better, Edward." The nurse had been kind to the three of them, and they would all miss her enthusiasm and gentle wisdom. Ed looked towards his brother, knowing Al would miss her the most.

As Alphonse stood by Julia, saying his final goodbyes, Edward felt Mustang put his arm around his shoulders. While the colonel helped him get situated with his crutches he looked fondly at the man, seeing the same warmth glowing in those onyx eyes. Mustang had stayed by his side the whole time, just like he had promised. While the nightmares and flashbacks had drastically decreased, sometimes Ed would find himself gently cradled in the man's arms when he awoke from a particularly bad dream. Mustang had been a steady support to him and his brother, and he was eternally grateful for him.

"Are you ready to leave?" The colonel asked, a teasing light to his eyes. "I know you'll miss this place so much."

"You'll only miss it because the lieutenant said you'd have to return to work once I'm out." Edward snorted, watching as Mustang let out an over exaggerated sigh.

"While this wasn't the vacation I had in mind, I'm glad it worked out in the end." The man said, his grip tightening gently across his shoulders.

"Are you two ready to leave?" Alphonse asked, looking the two of them over from where he stood next to Julia. While neither he nor the colonel were in peak condition, they looked a lot better than they had a few weeks ago.

"Of course," Ed let out a small grunt. "If you're finally done saying goodbye to Julia at least," He smiled when he saw an embarrassed glow take over his brother's gaze as Julia let out a quiet laugh.

"I'm sorry to have held you up!" She teased lightly, turning to leave as she glanced over her shoulder. "If you're ready, follow me and I'll lead you out."

As Al grabbed a small suitcase, filled mostly with the colonel's clothes and various other small things, Edward began to hobble to the door. While he was able to put slight weight on his healing leg, the cast left it in an awkward position. With Mustang steadying him on his right side they began the slow walk through the hospital hallways.

"Edward," The colonel whispered as Al and Julia pulled slightly ahead. "There's something I wanted to tell you."

"What is it?" He asked, concerned until he saw the man's dark eyes glowing with fondness.

"I just want you to know how happy I am to not have to keep your promise." Ed smiled, gently nudging Mustang's shoulder with his head.

"So am I." He said, a bright light distracting him as he blinked against it. When the light had cleared from his eyes he slowly opened them, overjoyed to see the outside world once again. The sky was clear from any clouds, the sun shining down as a gentle breeze blew through his braided hair.

He could see a black military car waiting for them near the sidewalk, Hawkeye saluting when she saw the group. She had offered to drive the colonel's car home, where Havoc was waiting to take her back to the office afterwards.

"It's good to see you looking well, Edward." The lieutenant said as they drew nearer. She smiled as she opened the passenger side door. "You and the colonel can sit up front and Alphonse can take the back."

Ed nodded as Mustang helped him into the car, carefully sitting beside him and making sure he had enough room. While it was a little cramped he wasn't too upset with sitting close to the man. Before the accident he would have been embarrassed and complained, but now he saw the same fondness he felt glowing in Mustang's eyes.

As Edward looked out the window, letting out a quiet laugh as he saw Julia hand his brother a small piece of paper, he felt content. Eventually all their goodbyes had been said and Hawkeye started the car. He looked back at Al, winking playfully as his brother ducked his head in embarrassment.

For the first time in a long time Ed felt truly at peace. He had his brother and Mustang by his side and he was forever grateful. As he looked towards the colonel, seeing warmth glowing in his eyes, he knew that he had finally found the father he had been searching for.