Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 48: The Oath in the Tunnel

Greed, wearing Ling's body, and Lan Fan stalk Gluttony through the dark forest. Lan Fan's new automail blade is a silent, terrifying extension of her will. She slices Gluttony apart, explaining her Chi sensing allows her to see energy, making darkness useless against her. Greed watches, impressed, as Gluttony regenerates again and again, unable to counter their swift, invisible attacks.

Edward Elric and Heinkel meet Fu, an old warrior who reveals he can sense several powerful Chi signatures nearby, including Pride and Gluttony. Edward realizes the third, massive aura is likely his father, Hohenheim, or something mimicking him. The revelation that all major players are converging on this one spot fills Edward with a grim urgency. They rush forward, Edward anxious for Lan Fan and Ling's safety.

Distant explosions rock a nearby town, then the streetlights flicker on, banishing the temporary darkness. Edward immediately understands the danger this poses. He explains to Fu and Heinkel that the returning light restores Pride's shadow abilities, making him a long-range threat. The forest takes on an eerie glow as the distant town lights reflect off the clouds, marking a shift in the battlefield.

Pride's shadow tendrils erupt, attacking Darius, pinning him against a tree. Pride mocks human weakness, enjoying the lion chimera's struggle. When villagers with torches stumble upon the scene, Pride cunningly reverts to his 'Selim' persona, crying for help. The villagers attack Darius, only to be ruthlessly slaughtered by Pride's shadows, just as Edward Elric arrives to intervene.

In Central, Roy Mustang meets with his foster mother, Madam Christmas, who provides critical intelligence. She reveals Selim Bradley hasn't aged in fifty years, confirming the homunculi's deep infiltration of the government. Military investigators arrive, but Madam Christmas detonates explosives in her bar, destroying evidence and allowing her and Mustang to escape into the sewers. Mustang vows to change the nation, his determination hardening.

Mustang reunites with his loyal team, Riza Hawkeye, Breda, and Falman, in a secret bunker. They review the latest developments, including the Führer's supposed death, and plan their path into Central. Mustang delivers a powerful rallying cry, giving one final, absolute command: 'Don't die.' His team responds with unwavering resolve, leaving the bunker to begin their revolution.

Back in the burning forest, Edward uses his carbon-fiber automail to block Pride's shadow attacks. Pride then possesses Alphonse Elric's empty armor, turning Edward's own brother against him. Edward hesitates, but signals Fu, who detonates flash grenades, severing Pride's control and blinding the homunculi. Heinkel rescues the inert Alphonse, giving the humans a brief window to retreat.

As Pride and Gluttony recover their sight, Pride notes that the Xingese warriors are a significant threat. He ruthlessly decides Gluttony is no longer useful, telling his 'brother' he will absorb his stone for more power. Gluttony screams in primal fear as Pride's shadow maw lunges and consumes him. The forest is filled with Gluttony's final agonized cries as Pride gains his senses, transforming into something even more monstrous.

Pride suddenly pauses, his newly enhanced senses detecting an overwhelming, familiar scent: Van Hohenheim. His face twists in sinister delight at the approach of the 'mastermind.' In a post-credits sequence, Hohenheim approaches the burning forest, his expression somber. He senses his sons and the dark energy, preparing for the clash that will change everything.

In Central, Father meets with military generals, listening to their panicked concerns about the rising rebellion. Olivier Mira Armstrong proposes kidnapping King Bradley's wife to use as a hostage against Mustang. Father finds the idea ridiculous but gives his silent approval. Mustang's team then intercepts Mrs. Bradley's vehicle, securing her as a hostage, with Mustang confronting her with a heavy heart.