The Choice
The President was a killing machine, but at the end of his numb life, his normally cold and cruel face was more peaceful and calm in death.
"Hmm, I guess... it wasn't such a worthless life after all..."
In his final moments, he felt a sense of calm, knowing he wasn't completely controlled by Father. He was proud of his choice in a wife, feeling no need to leave her any last words because he believed, "A king's wife will have certain qualities."
This seemingly heartless sentiment actually showed deep trust in their profound bond.
This scene differed from the 2003 version of the anime, where the manga was not complete, leading to an original storyline where the President became Pride and had a final showdown with the Colonel in his own mansion.
At this moment, the President's death brought a touch of sadness.
Meanwhile, as Pride fought Edward, his shadows, used for attack and defense, disappeared, causing his human body to lose its regenerative ability and start to break down. He attempted to take over Edward's body as a new vessel but was thwarted by Kimblee's spirit, which he had previously consumed.
"You proclaim the pride and dignity of a Homunculus."
"But when you're in trouble, you seek refuge in the body of a human, whom you scorn as inferior."
"You... are not beautiful enough!"
This moment showcased Kimblee's elegant departure, marking the peak of his character's villainous charm.
Readers felt a mix of emotions, unexpectedly finding themselves moved by a villain. Kimblee, though a villain, had a send-off that felt as tragic and somber as the death of a major protagonist, evoking tears.
He was just a villain!
Not only did the Homunculi meet their end, but even the creator, 'Father,' faced his doom.
With the five human sacrifices gathered, 'Father' opened the Gate of Truth, thinking he had everything under control. However, the transmutation circle set up by Hohenheim, using the moon's shadow and Philosopher's Stones scattered throughout Amestris, disrupted 'Father's' plan.
'Father' needed more Philosopher's Stones and tried to consume Greed. To protect Lin from being absorbed as well, Greed lied for the first time.
After being consumed, Greed used his carbon powers to try and turn 'Father' into charcoal.
"This is a late rebellion, old man!"
Unfortunately, before he could succeed, 'Father' expelled Greed and crushed him.
In his final moments, Greed recalled memories of his time with Lin, Edward, and the others.
"That's enough... yes, that's enough... I have nothing more to desire... Farewell, my friend of the soul..."
Greed had always longed for true companionship, and in the final battle, he finally got his wish.
This scene left readers feeling sorrowful.
"Tears in my eyes."
"Greed was my favorite among the Homunculi."
"It's a pity. Greed didn't need to die, right? I really wanted to see Greed and Lin return to Xing together!"
Greed's sacrifice added another layer of tragedy to the war, bringing the battle to a conclusion.
Though Greed died, he critically wounded 'Father,' allowing Edward to finish him off.
But the story didn't end there. During the fight with 'Father,' Alphonse asked Mei to create a transmutation circle on Edward's right shoulder, opening the Gate of Truth and sacrificing his own soul to restore his brother's right arm.
This was a journey to find his brother. Without Alphonse's return, how could it be considered complete?
Watching Edward refuse to use the Philosopher's Stone in pain, readers grew anxious.
Could it be that Alphonse would die?
Knowing the Porter's penchant for shocking twists, readers feared the worst. The Porter might actually do it!
This reminded them of the scene in chapter twenty-something, where Edward faced the Truth and saw his brother Alphonse's body, feeling helpless.
"Alphonse—" Edward's determined gaze held a firm resolve.
In the closing gate, Edward struggled, his steel fingers extending like his unyielding will, strong, resolute, and unwavering.
"Alphonse, I'll come back for you... wait for me! Wait for me!"
Readers' frustration and helplessness turned into boiling blood at that moment!
Could it be that the Porter would now let that passion cool?
"If Alphonse dies, I'll be the Porter's enemy for life!"
"If he really dies, I'll never read the Porter's comics again!"
Fortunately, the Porter didn't let everyone down this time.
Edward decided to use his own Gate of Truth as the toll!
The Gate of Truth exists within everyone, allowing everyone to perform alchemy.
If he gave up his Gate of Truth, Edward would become an ordinary person who couldn't use alchemy.
"Are you willing to become an ordinary person who can't use alchemy?" the Truth asked. Edward looked up with a self-mocking smile, "What's there to lose? I was an ordinary person from the start, a small human who couldn't even save a girl turned into a chimera."
He was right. In this world, everyone is ordinary. Everyone lives each day, striving for their own path, and everyone is equal.
"Besides... even without alchemy, I still have everyone!"
Edward's Gate of Truth slowly disappeared, and the emaciated Alphonse sat cross-legged, smiling at Edward.
With that, the story centered on the bond between brothers, the core of "Fullmetal Alchemist," neared its end.
All loose ends were tied up, and the fate of each character was revealed.
The seven Homunculi, six dead, with Pride reduced to a small human infant, were left to be raised by Mrs. Bradley, growing into a kind-hearted child.
'Father' died, and Hohenheim, having exhausted the Philosopher's Stones in his body, peacefully passed away at his wife Trisha's grave.
Roy, now blind, accepted Dr. Marcoh's condition to guide the country towards a brighter future and compensate the Ishvalans. Marcoh used a remaining Philosopher's Stone to restore Roy's eyesight.
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