Chapter 70: The First Homunculus

Synopsis
Winry is called to do maintenance on Edward's automail, due to the cold-climate malfunctions. She is escorted to Briggs by Kimblee, and learns that it was his team that recovered her parents' remains. He says that they carried a photograph of Winry, and praises the late Rockbells, saying it is an honour to meet her.

Upon meeting Ed, Winry asks why they were locked up. Kimblee reassures her that it is nothing important, but Ed whispers to Winry not to be to trusting of Kimblee, due to what he heard from Lt. Hawkeye told him about Ishval. Thinking of Hawkeye, Ed remembers that she theorizied that Ed actually loves Winry, causing him to freak out and think of something else (by reciting the periodic table of elements). Winry mutters to herself "Why did I fall in love with a weirdo like him?"

When Winry's repairs are done, Ed notes they are much lighter. Winry explains she used lighter materials too add to Ed's speed and flexibility at the sacrifice of a little durability. Captain Buccaneer arrives with a new arm, which Winry admires, asking if Ed wants something like that too. On noticing Ed and Winry's relationship, Buccaneer proceeds to hit Ed over the head and storming off saying; "You pissed me off." Winry is then given a tour of the automail facilities, but not before Ed gives her a warning, which she acknowledges. Kimblee once again says he admires Winry for her talent and dedication, (Ed mistakes this as a crush which Kimblee quickly declines) he then proceeds to tell Ed they need to discuss his duties as a State Alchemist.

Meanwhile, Al is still imprisoned, since only Ed was allowed out. Al realises that Kimblee has the upper hand in seperating the brothers and inviting Winry to the base as if saying "See? I've got a firm grip on her." Meanwhile, Major General Armstrong is bids farewell to Bucaneer and his group that are about to leave and search the underground tunnel for the search party that had not returned. Bucaneer tells Olivier to seal up the hole if they are not back by 24 hours, she agrees. Olivier tells her men to blame all this on her if Central hears of this. Reluctuntaly the men agree. Bucaneer leads the men down the passage way to begin the search.

From the Flower Shop Lady, Mustang learns that Olivier's believes the North army needs to join with the East army to combine the defence of the North and the offence of the East. Roy acknowedges the North's defensive strategies, however he quickly interpruts this as praise to himself. The Flower Lady quickly shoots him down by telling Roy that Olivier said "Mustang can get lost for all I care." Roy says that he could easily trade this informaion to Central for a promotion, the flower lady says that Oliver said "Mustang's not that kind of man." She leaves by saying she has servered the Armstrong family for generations, leaving Roy with a rather large amount of flowers and several onlookers.

Back in the tunnel, Bucaneer and the group come across a dead horse, severed limbs of their comrades and shards of metal cut clean. Venturing further, they find two of the men in great fear, who reveal that some others survived but they got split up. When they get close the men get frantic and plead for them to run and turn off the light or else "the Shadow" will come back. They begin moving the men back towards base, but the shadows begin to follow them. Before they can attack the group, the eyes in the shadow look back and the creature leaves the surviors to return.

Riza appears at the Fuhrer's mansion as his aide to give some work. Mrs. Bradley apologises, saying that her husband is away. Riza gives the paper to Mrs. Bradley and is about to leave when she feels a presence behind her. Turning around, it is revealed to be Selim Bradley. Riza apologizes for waking him, and he thanks her for working so hard. Selim leaves for bed and Riza compliments him for being such a kind and bright boy. Mrs. Bradley brags about him saying "He's my pride and joy." She says she can boast all about him because he is adopted. Riza believes that Selim is from Mrs Bradley's side of the family, but the mother reveals that Selim is actually from her husbands side. Shocked, Riza quickly leaves the mansion in fear.

While walking, Riza summarises that King Bradley was raised in isolation since childhood, as part of the experiments to become the seventh homunculus, realizing that should have no blood relatives. She is pulled from her thoughts when Selim appears in the shadows, realising that Riza has figured out who he really is. Riza says that presence she felt before was the same presence she felt when the Homunculus Gluttony snuck up behind her. Asking who he is, Selim says that she is quite brave to be asking questions in this situation and that she is smart for not drawing her gun, stating that she is no match for him. Asking if he is a homunculus, Riza corrects herself by saying that the pressure she feels is on a totally different level than Gluttony. Selim says that he is related to Gluttony but that they should not be put on the same level. Shadows like the ones from the tunnel appear from behind Selim as he reveals his true identity, saying "I am the First Homunculus. My name is Pride."