Event Year: 2009

While visiting Izumi, their childhood teacher, the Elrics recall the early difficulties of grasping equivalent exchange. They also discover she shares their intimate knowledge of alchemy's greatest taboo.

The Elrics, realizing alchemy has yet to unlock the mysteries of creating life, feel powerless when a new friend goes into labor. Winry, however, jumps into action with a young thief named Paninya.

When the conspiracy surrounding the Philosopher's Stone closes in on the highest ranks of the military, one of Mustang's most trusted and cherished allies is murdered.

Ed and Al sneak inside the Fifth Laboratory to search for more answers about the origins of the Philosopher's Stone. However, it is not long before they are each attacked by former death row murderers who now guard the complex.