Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 17: Cold Flame

Maria Ross sits under a harsh light, accused. The bullet is presented; a .45 caliber, like hers, supposedly the one that killed Maes Hughes. She protests, citing the Fifth Laboratory and the Elric brothers, but her alibi is dismissed, the location now rubble. Her parents' testimony is irrelevant. The officers have already decided her guilt.

Outside, Major Armstrong stands grim, listening to Sergeant Broch's frantic account. Broch confirms he was with Ross at the Fifth Laboratory; he saw her fire her weapon. Yet, his corroborating report is ignored by military command. The flag ripples in the wind, a symbol of a country whose integrity is fraying under calculated pressure. Armstrong understands the fix is in.

Winry Rockbell cleans Alphonse's armor, the scratches a testament to their dangerous path. Edward lies in silence, staring at his automail. Winry's voice breaks; she fears they will end up like Maes Hughes, dead for what they uncover. She begs them to consider their safety, but the brothers try to mask the tension. Across town, Sergeant Falman sees Maria Ross's face on the front page, labelled a murderer. Barry the Chopper sharpens his blade, mocking the military. Falman, realizing the urgency, calls Colonel Mustang. The Elric brothers, stunned by the newspaper headline, quickly decide they must seek answers from Mustang or Armstrong, understanding the military has turned on one of its own.

Night falls, and Barry the Chopper moves. He carves through prison gates, guards no match for his armored form and cruel humor. Bullets bounce off him; he is a force beyond ordinary men. Ling Yao, watching from his cell, is intrigued by the 'ghost man.' Barry grumbles at Ling's nonchalance, but when Ling offers help, Barry decides to break him out. He reaches Maria Ross's cell, tossing her the newspaper that declares her a murderer. She is horrified, initially thinking Barry is an enemy. He explains her choices: firing squad or escape. With no other option, Ross agrees to flee with the former serial killer.

Major Douglas labels Maria Ross an armed and dangerous fugitive, issuing a shoot-to-kill order. Roy Mustang overhears, adjusting his gloves, his eyes narrowed with cold intent. He prepares to intercept. Barry, Ling, and Maria Ross sprint through Central's dark alleys. Ross struggles, tears of fear and frustration on her face as she becomes a criminal. Ling moves with uncanny speed, keeping watch. Distant whistles confirm the dragnet is closing.

Ross runs into a wider alley. There, under a flickering streetlamp, stands Colonel Roy Mustang. His trench coat billows, his calm chilling. He confirms her identity. He raises his right hand, the transmutation circle on his glove glowing faintly. Before Ross can react, Mustang snaps his fingers. A tremendous explosion rips through the city block, sending a pillar of fire high into the night. Windows shatter. Edward and Alphonse, searching nearby, witness the blast, their faces pale with dread. Barry and Ling, watching from shadows, recognize the work of the Flame Alchemist. The alley is engulfed in smoke and heat.

Ed reaches the blast site. A charred, unidentifiable heap lies on the cobblestones. His eyes find the dog tags, unmistakably reading 'Maria Ross.' Mustang stands over the body, back to the brothers, indifferent. Ed collapses, hands shaking, the reality of execution settling in. He screams at Mustang, demanding answers, questioning his brutal disregard for a fellow soldier. Mustang turns, his eyes devoid of remorse, claiming he followed orders; a soldier’s reality, he states, has no time for 'moralizing.' Alphonse holds back the enraged Ed as Mustang walks away into the shadows. Military police flood the alley, securing the scene. Major Douglas speaks with Mustang, satisfied. Ed and Al sit against a brick wall, ignored, their spirits broken. The colonel remains distant, watching with calculated silence.

In the sterile morgue, Dr. Knox confirms the charred body’s dental records match Maria Ross. He tells Armstrong and the Elrics the case is closed, describing the remains as a 'pile of charcoal.' Al recoils in horror, Ed stares at the floor. In the hallway, Mustang appears bored. Dr. Knox berates him, asking if the 'Hero of Ishval' enjoyed burning a young woman. Mustang ignores the insults, telling Armstrong that the stress of the investigation is affecting his performance, suggesting a leave of absence to the east. This command feels like a cold dismissal, further isolating the brothers.

Beneath the city, Envy and Lust observe the chaos with sinister satisfaction. Envy, having posed as a guard, mocks how easily Mustang took the bait. They revel in the discord sown, confident Mustang is isolated. Lust smiles, noting their plan to 'keep the fire under control' proceeds. Back at the safehouse, a nervous Sergeant Falman yells at Barry for his recklessness, but Barry just laughs, still sharpening his blade. Elsewhere, Ling Yao roasts fish, finding the day’s adventures entertaining despite the danger. His subordinates, Fu and Lan Fan, report in, relieved he is safe. Ling's expression shifts to a serious one as he considers his next move. Meanwhile, Mustang sits in his office, talking playfully on the phone with 'Elizabeth.' His subordinates, including Broch, watch with resentment, believing their commander is neglecting his duty to flirt. They whisper of his changes, his untrustworthiness. Mustang hangs up, a knowing smirk playing on his lips, his public persona a perfect mask. Then, Major Armstrong bursts into the Elrics' hotel room. Without a word, he punches Ed and slings him over his shoulder, claiming the automail is 'dangerously broken.' He ignores Winry and Al's protests, insisting Ed must return to Resembool for repairs. As he drags a confused Edward out, Armstrong’s eyes flash with a rare intensity, suggesting a deeper, hidden motive.

Mustang receives confirmation: Armstrong and Ed are on a train, out of Central. A genuine smile crosses his face, a rare sight. He tells Falman that with the brothers gone, the 'real work' can finally begin, safe from the crossfire. The scene shifts to the train tracks, the darkening Central skyline. Mustang's calculated gamble, his reputation in ruins, has set the stage for a counter-offensive against the hidden powers that control the military.