Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 37: The First Homunculus

At Briggs, two soldiers eye new arrivals with deep suspicion; they know Kimblee is up to no good, manipulating things from the shadows. Meanwhile, Winry Rockbell is hard at work, bolting new cold-weather automail onto Edward Elric. She chides him for his recklessness, her hands moving with practiced care as Ed blushes furiously when she leans close. He distracts himself by reciting the periodic table, a clear sign of his discomfort, both from the pain and her proximity.

Kimblee takes Winry on a drive, weaving a chilling narrative about her parents' deaths during the Ishvalan Civil War. He claims to have seen them, praising their bravery in helping others, even showing a photo of young Winry they carried. The memory brings Winry to tears, unaware she is being meticulously manipulated. Kimblee's politeness makes his cruelty all the more unsettling.

Back inside, Kimblee introduces Zampano and Jerso, two chimeras who serve him, creatures modified from human form. Winry's professional curiosity, a mechanic's instinct, pulls her to examine Zampano's powerful automail claws. While she is distracted, Alphonse Elric sits alone, his glowing red eyes reflecting a stark realization. He understands that by bringing Winry to Briggs, she has become their hostage, ensuring the brothers' obedience.

Deep within Briggs' tunnels, General Olivier Mira Armstrong gathers her most loyal officers. She makes no apologies for General Raven's death, taking full responsibility and demanding unwavering loyalty. Her soldiers pledge their allegiance, prepared to defy Central Command for her. Olivier's resolve is absolute, a testament to her strength and the dangerous game she plays.

In Central, Roy Mustang meets a flower shop owner, a discreet contact for his hidden network. Their conversation is coded, discussing the strength of Northern defenses and the need for an offensive strategy. The contact confirms Olivier Armstrong's readiness to cooperate against the Fuhrer. Mustang maintains his charming facade, concealing his revolutionary plotting beneath a bouquet of flowers.

A squad of Briggs soldiers venturing into the deep tunnels discovers a scene of gruesome carnage. A terrified survivor screams about a shadow with eyes, pleading for them to extinguish their lanterns. Suddenly, massive shadows with multiple eyes and sharp teeth manifest on the tunnel walls. The entities hunt the soldiers in the flickering light, revealing a terrifying supernatural presence guarding the underground.

Riza Hawkeye arrives at Fuhrer Bradley's residence, delivering documents late at night. She is greeted by a perfectly polite Mrs. Bradley and Selim, who is an innocent, sweet child. Despite the domestic facade, Riza feels a chilling unease. As she prepares to leave, Selim's shadow detaches, wrapping around her like a living entity. Selim reveals himself as Pride, the first homunculus, threatening Riza and Mustang if she speaks a word of his true identity.

In a secure room, Kimblee outlines the Fuhrer's demands for Edward: hunt Scar, find Dr. Marcoh, and carve a 'crest of blood' at Briggs. Edward reacts with horror, refusing the implied mass slaughter. Kimblee remains unsettlingly calm, questioning Ed's morality in a world of war. He then produces a glowing red Philosopher's Stone, placing it on the table as a reward, trapping Ed in an agonizing moral dilemma.

Edward returns to Alphonse and Winry, discussing Kimblee's offer. All three agree that a Philosopher's Stone made of human lives is an unacceptable price. Edward reveals a secret plan: by following the lead on Scar, they can find May Chang, whose Alkahestry might offer a way to restore their bodies without sacrificing others. This strategy allows them to outwardly comply with Kimblee's mission while secretly pursuing their own moral path.

The convoy prepares to depart Briggs, heading into the treacherous northern landscape in search of Scar. Winry insists on joining them, using the pretext of needing to maintain Edward's new automail. Kimblee grudgingly agrees, keeping his 'collateral' close. As the trucks disappear into the blinding snow, Edward and Alphonse worry for Winry's safety. The mission, fraught with danger, has officially begun.