it's really over...

[dzioo]

so that's it folks, it's really over. the last chapter's RAW was put on the net yesterday, and translations are pending all over the place. and it feels so strange reading this one, not so little chapter. 7 years of my life have been marked with this series. now that it's over.... gah, I'm getting emotional again ;_;

AAANYWAY! there wasn't a better way to end such an amazing series, seriously. even if, theoretically, everyone got their happy endings, prices paid were huge. I don't understand Japanese that well and not the whole chapter has been translated yet, so there are still things to be explained. but I'm happy. and content. the evil was brought down, and not by the main hero alone, but thanks to collaboration of all and every character. seriously, EVERYONE had their share in it. and that's what I loved about this series the most. that not even the smallest character was overlooked. those who worked hard got their share of the prize. Ed and Al are back and happy (well, Ed still has his automail leg, but it's alright), Roy has still path to his goal opened, and he's already working on it! with Riza on his side, of course^^ Ling got back to Xing and is setting new rules for royal families, which is amazing on his part. this whole 'fight for the throne' custom is ridiculous to me, but I'm european, can't help it. Hohenheim's closure was heart wrecking, but very satisfying ;_; he died where he wanted the most, after finally making peace with his boys.

one thing I still can't quite accept, even if it's perfectly logical. Ed paying the toll with his very ability to perform alchemy. it's just... too sad. I know that he's still got the knowledge, and that he and Al are now researching more alchemy, but.... that's always been his trademark. his sly grin, his red coat, his metal limbs... and his powerful alchemy.... I still wonder if that can be reversed in some way. he's a fictional character and I shouldn't be worrying about him in such way (for pete's sake, I'm 26 already>< ) but.. he grew on me. I've always loved him for how he was, a little tornado that left a mess and gargoyles behind him^^; he himself seems perfectly fine with his situation as well. seeing him smile on so many panels in one chapter has totally made my heart skip a beat ;w; and that group hug scene, perfect ;w; but still, it felt a little bitter leaving him ripped of his tremendous power. the price was perfectly logical as I said, even if I still haven't read any translation for that particular conversation by The Door. I'm probably going to think up ways for him to get it back, because really, I just CANNOT imagine him being a totally normal person not seeking any trouble^^;

Arakawa always said, that life is complicated and world isn't perfect, and she ended her series in such way. with hopeful tone and with many possibilities for it to still develop, but with realistic conclusion. Mustang's working hard to establish new Ishval politics, by which he can finally clear his name of a mass murderer. people keep complaining about lack of Royai. you see, I don't think there's total LACK of it. Roy and Riza, perfectly knowing it, sacrificed their private happiness for the sake of their country. that's what makes them an amazing couple. didn't we get some intense and emotional developments for them already, back during Envy episodes and then when Riza was injured? don't look at last chapter alone, look at the whole series. this couple is special, and because we DON'T have a determined ending for them, doesn't mean they can't be into something serious, or will be, in the future. it's up to our imagination. I support all 4 canon couples, and I'm extremely satisfied with the ending. the geeky proposal of course being a cherry on the cake, as well as those future photos. still can't get over how extremely happy all of them are (and how TALL both boys - now men - are) and how pretty the girls look. I'm happy that RanFan still watches Ling's back. I'm surprised that Falman decided to stay in the north O_o wonder if Olivier's still the queen there, as they blames her for the whole uprising. everyone looks fine and content, working hard on their futures^^

and again, I'd like to thank the almighty Cow for creating such an amazing story and characters that have ceased my heart for 7 years and will always reside in it on the top shelf. can't wait for the next project you work on.
thank you to everyone I met during this period of time, friendships I made, some lasted some didn't, but I'm grateful for all. thank you for your time, your patience and support. it's been a crazy but pleasant ride^^
abayo...

Comments

[duokai.livejournal.com]

I still need a scanlation for the interesting text parts. There's only so much I'm able to understand in my analphabetic way, and more intricate explanations aren't among those ><

I have seen it before. Some fangirls just aren't happy unless they get to see actual wedding scenes as endings. While I much prefer endings like this one, since it's more open and less fairytale.

And hey, don't mope too much! *hugs* It's a good ending - kind of the best we could hope for in many ways. Not too overdone and final, and not sad. It leaves you with a good amount of dreaming and interpretation possibilities ^^

Oh, and for Ed's part. Of course he'll suffer from alchemy withdrawal syndrome, but I think he's still satisfied with that being the price he had to pay. And I doubt the lack of alchemy makes him a totally normal person. He's Ed after all XD Besides, he still should be quite an awesome fighter, because all those moves and fighting training shouldn't just disappear with his alchemy ability. So I'm sure he still will have plenty of opportunity to break Winry's mechanical handiwork while in action ^^

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

but that's just soo CHEEZY>< I know I speak as an EdWin fan who got a proposal as a conclusion, but I'm also a Royai fan and really, their ending is perfect for me>< no need for exagerations, really><

I know, and I'm perfectly fine with it^^ one story is finished but there are thousands of possibilities for other beginning. I'm just too used to certain characters being the way they are^^;

[amestris-star.livejournal.com]

If Roy proposed to Riza after that... they did it between themselves in private, no need to do a OMG I LOVE YOU SO MUCH thing in front of everyone (and that means in front of the readers too ;P)

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

exactly. they're all about discrete and secrets, I wouldn't want to see them walzing around holding hands><

[the-gakushi.livejournal.com]

Oh my, I felt like crying when I read this ;___;
I just couldn't agree more with you, what a fitting end! The fact that every character had their role has always been one of the things that got me so addicted to this manga. Royai fans are going crazy but I'm sure that with time they'll see things from this perspective ^^

When I realized what Ed traded for his brother.... I was in complete shock with tears threatening to fall! Taking away what he always was from him... it was so heartbreaking. But I think Duokai is right, he's a natural being a troublemaker xD no alchemy needed for that. And I also just looove how peaceful he looks with his resolve! It's such a relief to see him smile like he was in the end ;___;

And I just overdosed with that EdWin moment, I just can't shake it off my head xD I just can't see it happening in another way. And those future picture with everyone in the right place it's.... bah, no words really.

Overall, best birthday present I could ever ever get... and I won't stop saying this "bow to the almighty cow!" xD because she's... incredible. Hard to explain really xD
Reading this manga was a rollercoaster that was worth every hour I spent in front of a computer xD
Now back to work I go!

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

yeah, me as well ;_;
it's important that a mangaka uses all of his/her wonderful characters. it's nice that each one of them got some sort of ending^^
they should, and they should be happy that their favs are alive at least><

I know he IS a troublemaker at heart and that will NEVER change, true XD he's an adorable character, with or without alchemy. the truth is, I need his alchemy for my own story XDD but relax, I can adapt to the actual ending^^ and yeah, his content smile is more than enough to leave us at ease^^

I know, right? XDDD not the typical proposal or boyfriend/girlfriend relationship, just a dorky proposal just before he LEAVES her for God knows how long^^;

no need to explain it really, I perfectly know what you mean^^ and once again, happy birthday <3

[the-gakushi.livejournal.com]

(and I'm breathing again!)

SO your story is related to fma uh? I see I've got a new fandom to explore xD

That guy just haaad to leave again! With such a good looking girl at home, he is indeed a geek xD

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

yes it is^^; it's sort of future story, not even an AU^^; LOOOOOL, there's nothing much to explore, really XDDD

yeah, he's too much of a wondered XDDD but I bet next time Win would tag along XDD

[sharyamato.livejournal.com]

Truly a magnificent masterpiece. Now to go blog about it~

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

it is~~ I need to relate to your blog as well <3

[amestris-star.livejournal.com]

Haven't stopped crying since I finished reading it - I burst out midway and can't stop...

I loved it. Perfectly EdWin, perfectly RoyAi... Perfectly perfect for me.

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

I cried a little during the chapter and now I'm really sad but content.

wasn't it perfect?? you're the first Royai fan I see that is satisfied with the ending, thank you for it.

[amestris-star.livejournal.com]

I loved it. And was better than my expectations as I thought that more people would have died.

And yes, I am satisfied as the subtleness of the Royai in it characterises them perfectly ;)

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

exactly, my death list was much much longer^^ good think we don't have to cry over them^^

exactly! thank you! at least one fellow fan who's understading><

[amestris-star.livejournal.com]

You're most welcome :D

[kirarakim.livejournal.com]

I still can't believe it is over. I thought the ending was so beautiful though, mostly happy and hopeful with the characters still working towards making things better but there were still some costs. Mainly Ed losing his alchemy ability.

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

yes, that cost was a little too much for me. but other than that, everything was perfect. it's going to be so sad now, without our monthly chapters...

[ishte.livejournal.com]

I agree with everything you just said. I think Ed paid a high price, but this time it was a price of his choosing. Also, I'd just like to point out that even though he gave up his inner gate, the truth actually pointed out that there is a 'back door' and I think that Ed will eventually discover it. I also agree with the idea of ed keeping his Automail leg. It seemed like there were times when he was way more focussed on getting Al's body back and when Al reminded him of his own needs, Ed seemed more like he was agreeing only to humor Al, and just shrugging off that possibility as less important.

There's just so much open ground for creative endeavors to continue on from here. I hated to see the story end, but I'm glad I didn't hate the ending.

That panel on page 84 and 85? I colored it this morning. Lookie.



You can click on the little one to see it full size.

[dzioo.livejournal.com]

there are so many possibilities for him to recover his gate, at least I believe so. Ling has the philosopher's stone, both brothers travel to foreign countries, chances are high (but it's not like Ed would so easily agree to it, he HAD justified his decision after all. but still, I'd really want him to get it back)

haha exactly XDD remember when they were discussing how to pull Al's body out and Ed was thinking about using his other arm? that was just way too sweet^^ his automail turns to be rather handy at times, so for Winry's sake it's good he realized it soon enough XDD

yes! I'm already busy summing up all the possibilities^^ it's fantastic!

ooohhh, look how pretty it looks^^ so delicate <33 thank you for showing it to me^^