Episode 46: Human Transmutation (2003 series)

Human Transmutation
Series	Fullmetal Alchemist (anime)
Episode number	46
Japan airdate	August 28th, 2004
U.S.A. airdate	February 11th, 2006
Language	English/Japanese
Subtitles	English
Navigation
Preceded by	A Rotted Heart
Followed by	Sealing the Homunculus

This article is about the Fullmetal Alchemist episode. For the taboo, see Human Transmutation.

Synopsis

Al meets with Tucker, and Ed scours Dante's mansion for clues that could lead him to the Homunculi's leader. Meanwhile, the Führer sends Mustang and Armstrong to command his northern campaign.

Full Synopsis

Tucker reveals he knows Scar created the Philosopher's Stone successfully after observing Colonel Archer's injuries and learning of the Elric brothers' desertion. Tucker admits that he also knew the truth about the homunculi and their master all along due to his time in the fifth laboratory. Tucker wants to make a Quid pro quo with Al, offering to show Al how to use the Philosopher’s Stone within him in exchange for using the stone to resurrect his daughter, Nina.

Meanwhile, Ed and Izumi meet at Dante's house. Izumi points out the real mystery with her former teacher was with her seclusion in a forest and keeping her alchemist knowledge to herself to hide something despite her incredible knowledge. Izumi remembers this is what caused her to have a falling out with Dante. Izumi shows Ed a love letter she found, that is addressed from Hohenheim to Dante. The date on the letter indicates it is 400 years old. Ed realizes that if Dante really is that old, then she may be the one directing the actions of the homunculi. Ed leaves, deciding he'll handle the homunculi on his own.

Führer Bradley (Pride) sees off the newly-promoted Brigadier General Mustang and Lieutenant Colonel Armstrong on the campaign with General Hakuro's troops over the northern border into the country of Drachma to retrieve the boys who they believer are up there. The Führer mentions that Archer, who is still alive, will protect Central Command in their absence. Pride then goes to the city hidden beneath Central where his creator, Dante, informs him that Mustang and all of the other soldiers who have learned too much about the Philosopher's Stone and Hughes' death will be killed on the battlefield by Envy. Envy arrives and is furious to learn that Dante has sent Hohenheim to the other side of the gate, denying Envy revenge upon Hohenheim. Dante offers Envy a consolation: there is still a Philosopher’s Stone, to be taken from Hohenheim's sons; this prospect appeals to Envy.

Lust, Wrath and Sloth arrive at the room where the Elrics are staying. Seeing the note which Al left, Sloth decides to head there alone to capture Al and eliminate Tucker for knowing too much. Tucker begins the alchemical process using the same array from Lab 5, while Lust and Wrath intercept Ed upon his return to his and Al’s room. Ed reveals to Lust that he knows her weakness and tricks her into attacking a cabinet where the locket is stored, stunning her. Ed is then attacked by Wrath, who gains the advantage when he transmutes a part of Ed's automail arm into himself. While being laid down to the ground and choked by Wrath, Ed points out that Wrath won't become human even if he steals his limbs and that souls make them human, not their bodies. After Ed kicks Wrath off and transmutes a shield, Wrath takes the locket off of Lust, regaining her conscious. Lust destroys Ed's transmuted shield, forcing him to flee by jumping outside the window, but the two homunculi pursue and corner him in the alley.

Lust suddenly stops for a moment despite Wrath urging her on, and Ed asks her if she is desperate to become human. She tells him that she believes Tucker is currently teaching Al how to use the Philosopher's Stone and adds on that if Ed does know how to use the stone, then she pleads with him to make her a human being, much to Ed's reluctance. Lust concludes that if Ed turns all of the homunculi into humans, then they would not be chasing him anymore and he will have no more enemies. Wrath on the other hand remains loyal to Dante, even though he thinks he won't need her to make him into a human being. However, Lust makes it very clear that she no longer believes in Dante's promise of humanity, acknowledging the fact that she only wants to use the stone to prolong her own life and for that reason: countless wars have followed. Wrath attacks Lust for her betrayal by using the locket to paralyze and injure her. But Ed uses a transmutation to shove Wrath out of the way and remove the locket, saving Lust, who strikes Wrath down with one of her spears, rendering him unconscious. Lust urges Ed to leave with her and he does, putting the locket in his pocket.

While on their way to the factory that Al went to meet with Tucker, Ed admits to Lust that he didn't promise her anything and demands to know why she wants to become human when she is immortal and uses superhuman strength and abilities that no human could ever top. Heartbroken, Lust convinces Ed not to be so cruel and softly yet blatantly condemns Ed for being such while reminding him that his attempts to return Al into the flesh is the same as her wanting to be human, which makes Ed's heart drop without a response. Ed then furiously asks Lust for her master's identity, but Lust refuses to answer unless he makes her human. Ed warns her that he still has her weakness and Lust quietly states she won't forget that. Meanwhile, Tucker has used up a portion of the Philosopher's Stone--and therefore a visible portion of Alphonse--in a futile attempt to resurrect Nina. Sloth arrives to take Al to Dante, and she explains to Tucker that he just didn't have sufficient strength of will to attach Nina's soul to the perfect yet mindless child he has created.

Trivia

• This the first episode where Edward do alchemy without putting his hands praying or using transmutation circles instead he use his arms in a strange manner, the series never explain how or when he learn to do that.