Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood Episode 43: Bite of the Ant

The episode opens on a horrific battlefield at Briggs, where Drachma soldiers are systematically slaughtered by Briggs' defenses. General Stolz, their leader, is paralyzed, realizing too late that his men were sent to die. We see Solf J. Kimblee observing this massacre with chilling detachment. He confirms his role in orchestrating this carnage, not for military victory, but for a far more sinister purpose.

In a stark contrast to the violence, a quiet northern village shows Winry Rockbell, Alphonse Elric, and May Chang living a semblance of peace. Alphonse and May discuss the nuances of alchemy versus alkahestry, with May trying to explain 'The Dragon's Pulse.' Meanwhile, Yoki is comically harassed by children, highlighting his low standing. This calm is a deceptive prelude, as Dr. Marcoh and the chimeras, Jerso and Zampano, prepare to set a trap for Envy.

King Bradley and Riza Hawkeye share a tense conversation in Central Command. Bradley probes Riza about her loyalty, asking what she thinks of being led by a homunculus. She directly states that his carefully constructed family life is sad, an act. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Bradley admits that while much of his life was assigned, his wife was his own choice.

Marcoh and Zampano lead Envy to a remote, snowy location, where Envy mocks Zampano for his supposed betrayal. Envy is confident and arrogant, believing he has the upper hand. Suddenly, the snow glows with alkahestry, and explosions erupt, revealing that May Chang has set a series of traps. Envy is caught completely off guard, forced to frantically dodge May's remote attacks.

Furious at being outmaneuvered, Envy transforms, shedding his human guise to reveal his true, monstrous form. He becomes a mountain-sized creature covered in hundreds of screaming human faces, a living testament to the souls within his stone. Jerso and Zampano transform into their chimera forms, fighting alongside Scar. The battle is chaotic, with Envy's sheer scale dwarfing his opponents.

Envy captures Dr. Marcoh, threatening the nearby village and mocking the doctor's pity for the trapped souls. But Marcoh finds a new resolve, stating that as the creator of Philosopher's Stones, he knows how to destroy them. He places his hand on Envy's arm and channels deconstructive alchemy directly into the homunculus. A blinding light erupts, and Envy's massive form begins to decay rapidly, his screams filling the air as his physical shell disintegrates.

After his massive form decays, Envy is reduced to a pathetic, lizard-like core, twitching and vulnerable in the snow. Scar picks up the tiny creature, which continues to hiss and spit insults, its arrogance undimmed despite its diminished state. The group discusses what to do, and Scar suggests May Chang take Envy back to Xing, believing the immortal creature could save her clan. May accepts, securing Envy in a jar, despite Yoki's comedic attempt to taunt the homunculus.

Back in the cabin, Winry and Alphonse reflect on their separation from Edward. May then reveals shocking news from Envy: Edward is reportedly missing after a mine shaft collapse. Alphonse remains calm, trusting his brother's resilience. Later, Scar admits his perspective has changed; he no longer seeks mere revenge but desires to change Amestris from within. The group decides to head to Liore, believing crucial alkahestry research and secret labs there could help counter Father's plan.

May Chang prepares for her long journey back to Xing, clutching the jar containing Envy, her hope for her clan's future. She says a tearful goodbye to Winry and Alphonse, promising they will meet again. The group watches as she walks towards the horizon with her small panda, Shao May, a tiny speck disappearing into the vast snowy landscape.

In the dark, rainy alleyways of Central City, Gluttony wanders, crying out for Lust, his profound grief mixing with his primal hunger. His large eyes are overflowing with tears as he moans her name. He catches King Bradley's scent and begins to follow him from the shadows, hoping 'the Fury' will lead him to Greed.

Major Alex Louis Armstrong's dramatic flair is cut short by the arrival of his sister, General Olivier Mira Armstrong, in Central Command. Olivier immediately asserts her dominance, stepping on Alex's foot and berating him for his perceived cowardice during the Ishval Civil War. She dismisses his warnings about Central Command's leadership, her unwavering resolve and cold demeanor making her intentions clear as she meets Major General Raven.

General Raven leads Olivier deep into the restricted underground levels of Central Command, explaining the hidden reasons behind the state's alchemical prohibitions. He reveals a dark, cavernous room, its overhead lights illuminating hundreds of pale, mannequin-like figures hanging from the ceiling. These are the 'Immortal Army,' soulless shells waiting to be activated for war. Olivier's eyes widen as she comprehends the horrific scale of the state's ultimate betrayal of human life, her mind racing with the implications of this secret project for the coming 'Promised Day.'