Episode 46: Human Transmutation (2003 series)


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

"Human Transmutation" (人体錬成) is episode 46 of the Fullmetal Alchemist TV series originally aired 2004-08-28.

Synopsis
Shou Tucker makes a Quid pro quo with Alphonse, offering to show Al how to use the Philosopher’s Stone in exchange for using the stone to resurrect his daughter, Nina. Edward and Izumi Curtis discuss a love letter she found at Dante’s house, 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.

Führer King Bradley (Pride) sees off the newly-promoted Brigadier General Mustang and Lt. Colonel Armstrong on the campaign to the northern border with the country of Drachma. 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 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 Gateway, denying Envy revenge upon Hohenheim. Dante offers Envy a consolation: there is still a Philosopher’s Stone, and the hope it represents, to be taken from Hohenheim's sons; this prospect appeals to Envy.

Lust and Wrath intercept Ed upon his return to the room where he left Al. Wrath remains loyal to Dante, even though he thinks he won't need her to make him into a human being, but Lust no longer believes Dante's promise of humanity. Lust tells Ed she will help him rescue Al from Sloth, who is on her way to Tucker’s factory, in exchange for making her human. 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.