Episode 29: The Untainted Child (2003 series)

Continuing from the previous episode, after Mason admits his role as the masked mans was so Izumi could toughen toughen Ed and Al, they observe the strange boy as Izumi wishes to help him. Once noticing the boy starts using alchemy without a transmutation circle, Ed confronts him, but an angry Izumi wishes to use a easier approach by asking him which he doesn't know anything. Returning to her house in Dublith, Izumi, along with Sig watch as the boy is eating. Outside, while talking with Winry, Ed knows that despite what they learned long ago Izumi could never forgive them for going against her teachings, though they explain to Winry that Izumi understands this when stopping Winry from meddling. They than change the subject to who the boy is. That night, the Elrics decided to secretly head to that boy's room to gather details and find he wants to play with them. After using alchemy to bind him with a rope to the bed, Ed demands why that boy can use alchemy like him and Izumi and that he knows him from somewhere. However, the boy uses alchemy that fuses himself with the bed, something Ed is not capable of. The noise wakes Izumi, where after angrily criticizing the Elrics for their foolish actions, helps the boy return to normal. Demanding an explanation for their meddling, Ed explains to Izumi and Sig that the boy is likely a Homunculus.

Meanwhile in Central City, Roy Mustang observes the Hughes home as Sheska is there visiting with Gracia and Elicia. Noticing his presence upon leaving, Sheska trips as she tries to pursue his car, and Mustang decides to allow her talk with him. Criticizing Mustang for his lack of concern toward Maes Hughes' murder, Sheska gives Mustang some books with the material he had been observing before continuing the investigation at her house. Meanwhile, the Führer's secretary aka Sloth over the phone assigns Envy to go after the Elrics while Lust and Gluttony can handle Greed, and also points out to Envy that they have to get the Elric brothers back on the Philosopher's Stone trail again, while preventing them from discovering the truth of the Ishval Civil War. The next day, while Winry watches the boy, Ed and Al talk with Izumi and Sig about the Homunculus. They realize the boy is different from the other Homunculi with the ability to perform alchemy and in a style which normal alchemists cannot do. Ed confirms that only he saw The Gate and was able to use that knowledge in exchange for learning how to create the Blood Rune that bonded Al's soul to the armor at the cost of his arm and leg. Ed also points out it was the reason he can perform alchemy without a transmutation circle and also where he saw the boy. Izumi decides to leave for a while to check on something, forbidding the Elrics to interact with that boy.

Izumi tells Sig she is going alone, and Sig mentions the Elrics are unaware of how a Homunculus is born. Back in Central Command, as they are unpacking their things, Heymans Breda plays a little joke by dressing up as Major Armstrong. Once they settle down, Riza Hawkeye mentions the real Armstrong is traveling with Hughes' replacement Lt. Colonel Frank Archer, whom Vato Falman identifies as a man who enjoys war. On the train heading south, Armstrong asks why they are headind after the Elrics, which Archer states that he is not going to allow them as much freedom as Mustang and Hughes had given them in the past. Back in Dublith, while Mason is watching over their room, he mentions that Izumi is returning to Yock Island for some reason. Knowing somethings up, Al secretly transmutes a phone for their room to connect to the room below them where Winry and the boy are. Once it becomes obvious his right arm and left leg are strange on what Winry said, the Elrics burst down into that room and confirm this once they see the boys right arm has the same fox bite Ed had which means he has Ed's lost limbs. The boy runs away with Ed in pursuit, unaware that they are under observation from someone. Meanwhile Izumi confirms her fears are true as she coughs up blood during her investigation.