DA: Well, I guess this is it guys! I'm gonna save my ramblings till after the epilogue. So enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own FMA, but the plot of this story remains with me.


Darkness to Dawn

Epilogue

Ed pulled at his clothing as he approached the gate to Central Headquarters, an irritated scowl etched on his face. Al walked behind him, hovering like an ever present babysitter. After weeks of sitting in the hospital without the feel of tight leather on his skin, the sensation of his standard clothing wasn't exactly comfortable. But that wasn't what was bugging him. How the hell was he going to face the Colonel after that night in the hospital? Mustang had been discharged shortly after the scene, giving neither time to consider how they might act towards one another. Ed wasn't sure he'd be able to keep up an honest argument going. "Are you alright Brother?" Al asked, voice light as it had been all day. The younger boy was simply overjoyed that his brother was finally out of the hospital.

Ed sighed, letting his gloved hands drop to his sides. "I'm fine, Al. Just not looking forward to getting bitched out by the bastard Colonel," he responded, trying to keep annoyance alone in his tone.

"You shared a hospital room with him Brother. I'm sure if he didn't yell at you then, you have nothing to worry about." He huffed, blowing a strand of his bangs from his face.

"He was just high off of pain killers. The thought didn't occur to him. It will now." Al just laughed behind him and shook his head, nudging gently as his brother's back. The blond shot him a glare and pushed open the gate, storming through. He stomped through the hallways of the military building, aiming his glare at anyone who dared even look at him. The acid in his gaze was enough to keep any unwanted attention away from him, their stares skittering away once the molten gold touched their own. He came to a stop at the bastard's door, frowning harshly at the wooden barrier. "Well, go on Brother. Keeping him waiting won't help either of you."

Throwing his brother another look, he lifted his hand, the metal one, and knocked loudly on the door before opening it. The group inside glanced up at the sudden intrusion, light smiles adorning each of their faces. "Hello, Edward," Hawkeye greeted, nodding at the boys. He smiled, the expression shaky. Havoc stood, his chair sliding away from him, and walked over to the alchemist, grinning from ear to ear.

"Hey boss!" he said, slapping the boy on the back. "You're looking well. It's good to have you back." Smoke wafted in front of Ed's face, the cigarette smoke a somewhat comforting smell after the strong disinfectants of the hospital. The others announced their agreement at the 2nd lieutenant's statement, their words reassuring the teen. Stepping away from Havoc's hand, he walked over to the door to Mustang's inner office.

"Go right on in, Edward. He's waiting for you," Hawkeye said, her expression softening at his hesitation. She knew, somehow. She always fucking knew everything when it came to Mustang. He didn't know how, and frankly, he didn't want to know how. But he still smiled at her, though it appeared more like a grimace, and twisted the door handle in his grasp. He yanked it open with his usual flair, letting it slam back on the wall, and stormed in, his glare painted on his visage.

Mustang looked up at the noise, a black eyebrow arched at the flashy show. A smirk instantly curved his lips and he placed his pen gently down next to his stack of paperwork, relief cooling his insides at the sight of the kid alive and well. Ed pulled the door shut behind him and stomped up to his desk, golden eyes fiery as they stared into cool onyx. The energy in the gaze wasn't as strong as it usually was, a mixture of emotions swimming behind that gaze. After a few minutes of staring, Ed sighed, dropping his eyes to the desk. "Look, Mustang..." he started.

"Late as always, eh Fullmetal?" Mustang questioned at the same time, watching with amusement as the boy's head jerked up, confusion flashing through his face. That confusion melted to a sudden surge of anger, the words just registering in Ed's mind.

"I was just discharged from the hospital you ass!" The Colonel leaned back in his chair, a pleased expression on his face.

"My sources tell me that you stood in front of the entrance to Central Headquarters for fifteen minutes, Fullmetal. Have trouble reaching the handle?"

"I AM NOT SO TINY THAT I NEED A STEPLADDER TO REACH THE DOOR HANDLE YOU BASTARD!" Roy chuckled, his arms crossing in front of him.

"Yes, yes. So anyway, onto business. The danger from Creta has been diffused for the time being and the Fuhrer given me a commendation for achieving such a task." Ed's eyes narrowed, a scowl creasing his face.

"Manipulative bastard," he mumbled beneath his breath.

"However, he didn't request that I submit a report on the events leading up to the arrest of the Major General, so you're off the hook this time for the mission report. Understand that this is the only time I won't make you write a report." Ed's expression eased slightly, understanding erasing the anger. Maybe the bastard did have a heart after all. He hadn't been looking forward to reliving what happened just so Mustang could read it. A small smile ghosted over his lips.

"So any new leads for me then, bastard?" Mustang smiled as well, his hands leafing through a stack of files on the side of his actual paper work.

"Actually I do." He gently eased a certain file from the middle of the pile, handing it to the boy across from him.

"Ever hear of the desert city of Liore?"


DA: Not very long, I know, but I thought it wrapped everything up very nicely. I hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

I have no sequel planned for this story because, as you can tell, I melded it right into the start of the manga/brotherhood/2003 anime. However, I might reappear every now and then with a few one-shots for you all to enjoy!

Right, thank yous. I wish to thank you all for taking the time to read this story and an extra special thank you goes to anyone who has placed this story on their follows and favorites lists. And a gigantic thank you goes to everyone who review this story, as each review inspired me to write a bit more and I love you all for it. I actually meant to do a list of everyone who favorited, followed, and reviewed this story, but time ran away from me this week so I apologize for that. But those of you who did any of these things know who you are.

I want to thank my best friend, Sarenna, who continued to encourage me to finish this story and tolerated me while I bounced ideas off her. I know I must have been all sorts of annoying, but thank you nonetheless. She actually came up with the idea for the function of the array, so I owe her quite a bit. If it wasn't for her, I might not have finished this story. But now, I've finished my first novel-length story and I'm incredibly thankful.

Well, this is it then... Isn't it? I'm proud of the way Darkness to Dawn turned out and I'm glad that so many of you enjoyed as well. My PM inbox is always open for those of you who want to talk or have an idea that you want me to write. Thank you all for sticking with me for this long and I hope to hear from you all again real soon!

May your hearts stay strong,

DarkAngel555