Well this is it, guys! The last chapter! It's been a long road getting there, and I hope you all enjoyed it.

On with the story!

. . .

As the spear lodged itself deep inside her chest, Dante's eyes bulged out of her head. The light of her final transmutation attempt fizzled out. For an instant, she stood in place – looking as though she'd received little more than a shock. But then she opened her mouth, and instead of words blood pooled out, and she began to choke on it.

Her last action before she collapsed was to clap – as if it could somehow save her. Then Gluttony began to eat her, before she had even really finished dying. At that, Envy's short-lived relief turned to nausea.

Roy snapped his fingers – over and over, until Gluttony stopped getting back up.

It was over.

Al drew a last circle – incredibly rough around the edges; Envy was amazed the thing even activated – and freed his brother. Then he collapsed, exhausted.
The others, it seemed, weren't far behind. While Hawkeye was able to lift Ed to his feet, there was a clear wobble to her stance as she did so. It was a good thing Dante was beaten – Envy was pretty sure they all had nothing left in them.

"What do we do about this one?" Roy asked, turning to face Pride. Envy watched his face for a moment.
"We leave him," he said. Hawkeye stared at him like he had lost his mind.

"We cut the head off the snake, already," he said, pointing to Dante's corpse. "The body can't really do much." He addressed Pride.
"Look, you got two options here. We can keep setting you on fire over and over until you die. You're alone now, so don't even pretend you have a chance of winning. Or you can just… leave. Go live a life – whatever that means for you. I'll leave it up to you, which you'd rather."

Pride was out of the room almost before he had finished speaking. Roy chuckled.
"Look at that. And for all those words of bravery, earlier."
"He has nothing left to fight for," Envy said.
"Are you sure letting him go was a good idea?"
"No. But I wanted to give him a chance. There's been enough bloodshed."

He watched Ed help Al up, and sighed.

"Let's get out of here."
"This was your home, right?" Ed said. "Do you want anything, while we're here?"
"No." The answer came faster than he had expected, making him raise an eyebrow. Envy shrugged.
"There's nothing left for me, here. There hasn't been for a while."

They left, returning the same way they had come. The journey was silent, and sombre. Al practically had to be carried by Ed – who wasn't in good shape himself. Roy refused to move his hand from the deep wound on his torso, possibly worried that he might bleed out otherwise. Riza kept a careful watch behind them, just in case Pride should decide to chase them down.

Envy was lost in his own thoughts.

They had won – but it didn't feel like a victory.

It was worth it, he reminded himself. He might not like the idea of killing anymore – but if there was ever a time it was justified, it had been that fight.

Still, he wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to stop seeing the knife hit her chest, when he closed his eyes.

As they started up the long flight of stairs to the surface, he felt something cold and hard bump against his chest. He looked down at it – it was Lust's pendant, still hanging around his neck.
He'd forgotten about it entirely. His hand closed over it; and for a moment he considered tossing it over the railing. Let the damn thing stay there, undiscovered, forever. It was too painful a reminder.

At the last moment, he decided he couldn't do it. As silly as it was – she didn't need it anymore – it had been entrusted to him. And he didn't feel right about throwing it aside. So instead, he tucked the pendant underneath his tight crop top, to stop it from moving around too much.
He'd figure out something to do with it, later.

. . .

It didn't surprise him when he heard, a few days later, that the Fuhrer had mysteriously vanished. Pride had never really been interested in running a country. He had done that on Dante's orders. It surprised him a little when Lieutenant General Grumman was announced as interim Fuhrer – but not enough for him to take any serious note.

He had more important things to worry about, anyway – like recovery.

Everyone needed time to rest, after the fight; especially Al, who had taken more injuries than anyone had realised. He had ended up spending over a week in the hospital; during which both his brothers had hovered over him anxiously.

He had cast several knowing looks Envy's way. And Envy had known what they meant, and agreed with him. It was time.

So one day, while they were getting lunch in the hospital cafeteria, he cleared his throat, looked Ed steadily in the eye, and began.
"We need to talk about something."

It went better than he'd feared – better than he'd dared hope, actually. While Ed was indeed shocked – his pale face and wide eyes were a testament to that – he accepted the idea relatively quickly, given his entire worldview had just been burned to the ground.

"So," Envy asked, once he'd given him a chance to catch his breath. "What do you think?"
"I don't really know, yet," Ed admitted with a short laugh. "I wish I could tell you I was surprised – but I guess part of me knew, deep down."
"Makes sense; Al figured it out by himself, too. Once you really sit down and think through the timeline, it becomes kinda obvious."

He watched Ed cautiously for any signs of stress, knowing he was the type to hide negative emotions.
"How do you feel about it?"
"Honestly? A lot better than I think I would've, if you'd told me earlier. If I'd found out about this back when we were still enemies, it would've… I don't know what it would've done."
He sighed. "But I think I'm okay. Because we're okay, now. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah. It does."

He didn't voice his reasoning out loud – that they were now closer to brothers than they were killing each other. He didn't want to presume how Ed felt about their relationship; there was a chance he'd never feel like his brother. They may have helped each other out, recently – but they had been enemies for half a decade, and the past few weeks may not have been enough to make that go away.

"It does explain everything," Ed said. "Now I know why you were… The way you were. You really believed that Hohenheim was off playing happy family with us, didn't you?" He scoffed. "Of course it pissed you off."
"It wasn't just that," he admitted, "And none of it is an excuse. As I'm sure you saw, Dante – my mother," he bit out, "Was really good at pushing my buttons. She knew how to convince me to do whatever she wanted."

Ed shook his head, a sad gleam entering his eyes.
"No mom should treat their kids like that."
But then he paled, and fell silent, and Envy could guess exactly why.
"You didn't know any better," he said. "And you need to stop feeling guilty about it. All you knew was what rumours you'd heard."
"Maybe we should change that," Ed said. Envy looked up at him, resting his chin in his hand.

"What do you mean?"
"You're right. The big problem is that no one knows anything about homunculi. Most of the country doesn't even know you guys exist. That's what made it so easy to dehumanise you – to treat you like monsters. All anyone's ever heard about is the campfire stories designed to scare children."
He shrugged. "Maybe we need to open that door. Teach everyone that homunculi are a normal by-product of human transmutation, and what that means. But then… I'm worried that could make more people try human transmutation."

He had certainly given Envy a lot to think about. Envy tapped the fingers on his free hand against the table.

"A lot of the reason for the secrecy was Dante, you know. She didn't want the secrets of the philosopher's stone getting out, because then she'd have competition. She didn't want us to get out, because it might mean other people made homunculi, and then she'd lose her edge. And she kept human transmutation illegal, so that it would be easy to find and capture anyone who'd done it. Sure, it's dangerous and it doesn't work – probably should be illegal. But that law never existed to protect anyone.
"Maybe you're right. It would be a long fight, and a hard one – but maybe it's worth it. To try and make things better, for the next homunculus who's created. It's a lot easier to take advantage of someone who doesn't leave a footprint in the world. Even if Dante's gone… If it happened to me, it could happen to someone else. Ya know?"

He sighed. "I'm just not sure if I'm ready to be the person who starts that fight. Not yet. I think I just want to enjoy my life, for a while; before I risk it again."
Ed laughed. "Believe me, I understand that. But, you know. If you ever wanted to… Just know that I'd fight alongside you, for however long it took."
"Wait, you would?" He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Well, you fought with me, to save Al. Seems only fair."

Ed had said the words simply; as if it should have been obvious. Envy didn't think he'd ever realise just how much it had meant to him.

"We should get back," he said, pushing his empty plate aside.
"Yeah," Ed said.

They didn't speak on their way to Al's hospital room. But Envy's heart felt lighter.

Once Al had finally healed, they returned to Resembool – with Envy in tow. They still had yet to hear anything from Roy, and until that happened, Envy was still officially in custody. So wherever the brothers went, he did too.
Not that he minded, anymore.

When they got back, they were presented with a note by Pinako – who was clenching her jaw tightly, as if to hold back emotion. It wasn't signed, but Envy recognised the hand immediately.

It was Hohenheim's.

My sons,

There's a good chance I will never see any of you again. I know that each of you has good reason to believe I've simply abandoned you – as I did once before. Know that I would stay, if I could. The only reason I left was to face a monster, to try and protect you as I should have to begin with. Should I not return, know that the monster has won – and you are all in serious danger.

Edward: I understand, going forwards, that many things will be difficult for you to come to terms with. The fact that you are not my oldest child (though I am glad he has found you). The fact of my sudden re-appearance, and subsequent disappearance. And the fact that – however much you may doubt this – I truly did love your mother. I didn't leave because that ever changed. I left because I felt she deserved better. I trust, having met you, that you are both old and responsible enough to bear that truth.
I recognise now that while I felt I was giving her a better life, I was also robbing you of your father – and I will regret that until the day I die. If I had only been there, it's possible you never would have travelled down the path you did, or lost the things you lost. For this, I accept every ounce of blame. I only hope that perhaps someday, you'll forgive me.

Alphonse: my treasured youngest. I understand, having spoken to Pinako, that you are the most openly empathetic – and thus, that you will bear your pain and the pain of your brothers. I'm sorry, it cannot be helped. Know that you carry your mother and I with you, always – regardless of what happens. Her especially, I have seen in you every day since you were born.
Know that I love all of you – and that I wish I had been more of a father to you, when I had the chance. Please understand that none of this was ever your fault or your responsibility – and remind Edward of the same. He might take it better from you.

Envy, who I had originally named William:
For you, I am the most sorry of all. When I left your brothers, I left them in the care of a kind and happy mother. While she was forced to leave them too soon, I had every expectation when I left that they would be raised in a happy, stable environment.
When I left you, it was fuelled by disgust and revulsion, and you were left with a cruel-hearted monster. I understand why you're angry.

I wish I could assure you that your mother was not always the person she is now. But the truth is, I don't know. I did know who she was when I left you in her care; and that is a sin I will never be able to cleanse. I should have taken you with me. I should have brought you to Trisha, and raised you in her house alongside your siblings.
Know that I am unfathomably glad that you managed to find your younger brothers. I hope that you choose to strengthen that bond, rather than run from it. You three need each other more than you know.

You may not believe that they are your brothers; you may not believe that you are William. If that's so, then I understand – you should be free to forge your own path, not held to the expectations of a ghost. But know that I see him in you. Pieces of that person remain inside you, whether you acknowledge them or not. And for that reason, regardless of who you identify as, I will always see you as my child.
You were raised by two monsters – but that doesn't mean you have to become one. You have a choice – you always have. Choose better than your parents did.

Should I not return, I wish all three of you the very best. Don't come looking for me – it's not safe, and it's unlikely that you'll find me. Please, take care of each other, and try to be happy. It's the least you all deserve.

None of the three boys knew how to respond. Ed and Envy glanced at each other, then back at the note. Al had started to cry, but was doing his best to stifle it – probably embarrassed to be sobbing in front of his brothers.

Without looking at him, Ed reached over and pulled him into a hug.

Envy ached. He ached for the childhood he'd never had, the father he'd never known. And he ached for the pain of his brothers. He realised then how silly he'd been, all his life. Ed and Al were far more similar to him than he'd ever understood. He'd never needed to be jealous of them. He'd never ever needed to fight them.

"Wow," he said. It was the best he could manage; but it seemed that Ed at least understood.
"Yeah," he replied.
"What did he mean, 'don't look for him'," Al asked – his voice still trembling. He pulled back far enough from Ed to look Envy in the eye. "Do you know what she would've done to him?"
"I'm… I'm not sure," Envy admitted. "It's probable that she killed him. She did have the advantage."
"She was stronger, you mean?" Ed asked. Envy shook his head.

"She had your mom. Or, well, Sloth. It sounds like Hohenheim really cared about her. It wouldn't have been hard for Dante to use that against him. Both the women he loved, teaming up against him – he wouldn't have lasted long."
Ed cursed; and it sounded like he was about to start crying, too.
"We're never going to see him again, are we?" Al asked.
"I don't think so," Ed said. "I'm sorry. I know how bad you wanted a relationship with him."
"I'll be okay," Al said. And the fucked-up part was, Envy knew he would be. After all, he'd done it once before.

But that didn't mean he should have to. It didn't mean any of them should have to.

Somewhere, in a world far from their own, Hohenheim looked to grey skies with hope – and smiled for the first time in years.

His sons would be alright. He was sure of it.

. . .

A few weeks later – quiet weeks, blessedly – Roy and Hawkeye arrived to visit.

"You didn't hear anything about Pride, did you?" Envy asked. Roy yawned, and scratched his stubble.
"Not yet, no. And the entire country's been looking for the Fuhrer; so if he was causing any trouble, we'd know about it by now. It seems like he's laying low."
"Good. The less we hear about him, the better."
"What do you think he'll do?" Hawkeye asked. "You know him best."

He thought about it.

"Honestly, I think he'll try to blend into normal human life."
"Really?" From her tone, that clearly wasn't the answer she'd been expecting.
"Yeah," he said. "He ages, so he knows he can pull it off. And he'll know that we're waiting for him to show his face again. Since we're so tied up in the military, the best way to avoid us is by disappearing."

He fiddled with the cup in his hands. "We should keep an eye out, though. It's always possible he could show up at some point, wanting revenge. Unlikely, but we should be prepared in case it happens."
"Right," Roy said. "I agree. And what about the boy – Wrath?"
"What about him?"
"He disappeared during the fight."
Envy had thought his fate was obvious. Apparently not.

"No he didn't," he said. "He died."
Roy stared at him in confusion. Envy rolled his eyes.
"The last person to fight him was Gluttony – who at that point, had been reduced to his base instincts. Gluttony walked away from that fight. Wrath didn't. Logical conclusion: Gluttony ate him."

He put the cup down, and rolled his shoulders back; wincing at the pain the stretch caused him.
"I feel bad for him, ya know? Sure, he was on Dante's side… But he was just a kid. He didn't know any better. She was probably the first friendly face he'd ever seen."

Ed's idea, of introducing the homunculi to Amestrian society, was playing on his mind more and more.

"So what happens now?" he asked.
"With what?"
"With me. I'm a criminal, remember?"
"Not anymore, you're not," Roy said. He slid a piece of paper across the table. Envy picked it up and read it, noting the Fuhrer's signature at the bottom.

"Wait. I've been pardoned?"
"That's right. Explaining the situation to Grumman was… Difficult. But lucky for you, we know him quite well. I've gotten him to agree – as of today, you're a free man."
Envy couldn't quite comprehend it.

"So what does that mean?" He was aware the question might make him sound dumb – but he wanted to be sure exactly how far his new freedoms extended. He wasn't exactly used to being a law-abiding citizen.
"Well for one thing, you're no longer under military custody. Which means you don't have to follow the Elrics around anymore. You can go wherever you want; do whatever you want."
"As long as you're not breaking any laws," Hawkeye added. Her lips quirked into a smile.

"Shit," Envy said. He cracked a smile of his own.

"Hey, congrats!" Ed shouted, breaking into a grin.
"What are you going to do now?" Al asked. And his words hit home – for the first time, Envy was forced to really think about that. About the implications of what had just happened to him.

"I don't know," he said. "I've never gotten to make these decisions for myself, before. When I was human, I lived with my parents. Then Dante was telling me what to do. Then I was so focused on stopping her, so her shadow wouldn't be hanging over me the rest of my life."
He chuckled. "I guess I never thought about what I'd do once it was over. Guess I'm not used to having a choice."

There was a beat of silence. Ed was the first to speak.

"Why don't you stay here?"
"What?"
He couldn't believe it. After everything he'd done to them, both of them…
"Are you saying you want me to stay?"
Ed grinned that stupid, wide grin of his.

"You're family, right? Family sticks together. So why don't you stick with us, for a bit? We'll help you figure out where you belong."

Envy's heart swelled, and he was finally able to place that last, troublesome emotion.
It was love. The last time he'd felt it had been with Mary, two hundred years ago – that was why he'd had such trouble with it. Despite it all, he had actually grown fond of his brothers. Ed was right – somehow, they had wormed their way into his heart and become his family. And he was quickly realising, now that he had it, he didn't ever want to let it go again.

Not that he would ever admit that to his brothers. He had never been the mushy type. So instead he threw his head back, with that shark-toothed grin, and said "You know, maybe you're right. It's not like I have anything better to do."
He tousled Al's hair. "Sorry, tin can. Guess you're gonna be stuck with me for a while, after all."
"I think I can learn to live with that," Al said.

Envy had always thought his future was set in stone. That had long been his only source of security in an ever-changing world. But now, an odd twist of events had occurred.
His future had never been less certain – and he had never been more okay with that. He was confident that, as long as he had his family with him, he would be okay.

. . .

And it's over! Oh my gosh, that was a ride. I kinda don't know what to do with myself, anymore. Ha ha. I've spent so long just doing this, and now it's done.

Guess it's time to work on some of my other story ideas, finally. Hope everyone enjoyed the story, I'll see you all next time!