***

Epilogue

Fuhrer Mustang was demoted to Brigadier General for going against the council, but to the military's surprise, he wasn't disappointed. He had climbed to the top to protect others and to eradicate corruption from the government. His demotion was proof that he had been able to accomplish both. "Actions always carry consequences, and I take full responsibility for my actions," Mustang said.

The retired state alchemists, Edward and Alphonse Elric, took up residency in Resembol. Rumor had it that they were even starting to rebuild the home that they had burned down many years ago. Without the military to guide them down a path, they were free to create their own. The one that they had chosen involved rolling hills and a beautiful blonde mechanic who was quickly becoming the central focus in Edward Elric's life.

But what were the consequences of the Elric brother's actions?

After destroying the strange being from the Gate, a phenomenon occurred—alchemy vanished from the world altogether. Slowly, but surely, the world recognized that no alchemy could be used, neither using transmutation circles or otherwise. Ed and Al were called upon to explain this occurrence since the disappearance of alchemy could be directly linked to their battle. Edward had only one explanation—equivalency.

"I kept my brother's soul and my life in exchange for destroying that beast, which was an extension of the gate. In essence, we destroyed the gate itself, and isn't that the heart of alchemy?" He explained to scientists and military alike.

Without alchemy, civilians and government officials would be forced to learn new ways of doing things. When Edward Elric himself was asked if he missed the greatest science to have ever been discovered, he answered with: "I have all that I need right here. I don't miss a thing."

***1 Year later***

"Brother, hurry up, we're going to be late!" Alphonse yelled as he stood by the door and tapped his foot impatiently.

"I know, I know!" Edward replied as he hopped down the stairs wearing only one shoe. Shoving the other one on as they went out the door, Ed chased after his brother as he ran in the direction of Winry's house. As was their tradition, dinner was served at 7:00 at Winry's every night. The brothers had been learning to cook on their own over the past year, but culinary arts was a science that they had not yet mastered so the Rockbell's helped them out whenever they could. When the two brothers arrived at Winry's, she was already standing outside waiting for them.

"Hurry or it will get cold!" She scolded. Alphonse headed in to the kitchen immediately while Edward paused to greet his girlfriend with a quick kiss. Before the three had a chance to start eating though, the phone rang.

"Who is calling in the middle of dinner?" Granny Pinako grumbled as she got up to answer it. The boys listened absentmindedly as they began to eat. "Hello. …Yes, Edward's here." Pinako turned to the elder Elric. "Ed, it's Brigadier General Mustang on the line."

"Tell him we're eating," Ed replied automatically.

"He said it's urgent."

"Not as urgent as my dinner," Ed retorted. Pinako scoffed and held out the phone to him. With a sigh, Ed got to his feet.

"What do you want?" Edward demanded. Quite suddenly, Edward's eyes doubled in size. "What? But-- how?" Both Winry and Alphonse looked up from their plates in curiosity. "Yeah, okay, I got it. Thanks." As soon as Ed hung up the phone, he ran outside. Winry and Al immediately got up and followed him. On the front porch they found Edward staring up at the sky. Much to their surprise, stars were streaking across it creating a brilliant display of blue and white light.

"Brother, what is it?" Al whispered. Not answering, Edward ran out into the field. Clapping his hands, he raised them into the sky, still running. Al gaped as the stars suddenly changed direction and started falling towards them. "Ed, watch out!" He yelled. Edward was surrounded in blue light that was so blinding that both Winry and Al had to shield their eyes. When it faded, they hurried to Ed's side. He was busy looking at his hands, which were emitting a faint blue glow.

"Hold out your hands," Edward instructed his younger brother. Al did so and Ed pressed their palms together. A tingling sensation overtook the younger Elric and they both smiled in unison.

"What is it?" Winry asked. Using actions to answer in place of words, both Elrics clapped their hands and pressed them to the ground, splitting the earth in a display of power. "Alchemy!" Winry exclaimed.

"It's back!" Edward confirmed. But after a moment, their smiles faded.

"Brother, does this mean…?" Alphonse trailed. Ed instantly adopted a serious expression.

"That the Gate is back? I don't know… but I do know one thing, Al. No matter what they throw at us, we'll face it together," he boldly proclaimed.

"Mm," Al agreed with a nod of his head. Lifting their eyes to the sky, the three stood and watched as more stars raced across it, filling the world once again with alchemy and hope.

~FIN