For info on the "Reading Reference", go to page 6.


==================


~ No New Chapter This Month? ~

No release this month???



<Last edited by Michiyo- on Oct. 30, 2011>

Late raws does NOT mean no release this month. People who scan and upload raws have lives too, you know. =P

http://www.fullmetal-alchemist.com/forums/...mp;#entry571377

@Reika - Long time no see!! Nice to see you!! ^^
We are still searching for Japanese Raw for chapter 74, which came out in Japan on Aug. 11. You can keep checking Chapter 73 Spoiler Party thread for the latest.
Meantime, if you see Japanese Raw posted on any FMA board in Spain, please bring it here and post on the above thread!!

ETA: Oops, AA battery posted before me!! Thanks!! ^^

I know everybody has a life, but since there's no "chapter 74" thread nor any release so far I thought there wasn't any...

Gahaha, Reika, if that were true, that would sure make all of us go nuts this month!!

Nah, chapter 74 did come out in Japan, and tons of Japanese fans already bought this month's magazine with chapter 74, read it, and writing about it and discussing about it on their blogs, etc. You can read some of it, since you can read Japanese. Links for some of the Japanese blog sites with Spoiler summaries for chapter 74 are posted on Chapter 73 Spoiler Party thread, as well as one translated supposed Spoiler summary of chapter 74.

~ Chapter 74 Raw & Scanlations ~

After a loooong wait! :

RAW~~~~!!!!!!!! CHAPTER 74!

Rapidshare ///Gigasize///Sendspace///Megaupload

(^all from Manga helpers)

SCANLATIONS:

http://www.mediafire.com/?5t1vmn2dcia

http://blackenoir.forumfree.net/?t=1947240...stpost#lastpost

Chapter 74 Scanlations!! ^^


@Paca - Gahaha, you were 3 min. faster than me!!! (My computer is way too slow.. ^^)
Thanks!!

My prediction is that this sendspace will get overwhelmed soon.
If anyone can make another sendspace, please do!!

~ Chapter 74 Spoiler Party! With page-by-page Translations/summary!! ~


Raw is here!!
(And, a quick short summary of this chapter, if you're interested, is here. ^^)


Page by page summary/translation for Chapter 74!!


Chapter 74: "A Homunculus in a flask"


Page 1: The chapter starts with Ed explaining about Kimbley's Alchemy to Miles and others in the Briggs' Fort. (Note: Nice color page!! ^^) Diagrams of Kimbley's Transmutation circles, one on his right hand, and the other one on his left hand.

Ed: "Kimbley's right hand has the Sun symbol, and the left hand has the Moon symbol."
----------------------------
Ed: "That makes up 'Yin and Yan,' two opposing, and balancing forces in the nature."
----------------------------
Diagram of two triangles making a hexagram.
Ed: "Further, if we combine the upright and downward triangles, they become a hexagram," "that is a symbol that contains all Four base elements."
----------------------------
Ed putting his both hands together and continues: "His Alchemy circle is a type that would be put into motion when both left and right palms are met together."
Miles: "That means, if we take out just one of his hands, that might do?" Ed: "... that's how I would like to think. But..."
----------------------------
Ed: "That bastard has a Philosopher's Stone." "And, that would be our problem..."
----------------------------
Caption on the left side: "Alchemist vs. Alchemist?! What would decide the victory, or defeat...?"



Page 2&3: Color page with chpater Title: Chapter 74: "A homunculus in a flask"*
Caption: To the unforeseen future, the story drives further!!
(Note: This is my poetic translation for the chapter title. More descriptive title can be: "Homunculus - A little man in a flask.")



Page 4: Officers from the Central Army inquire around about the whereabout of General Raven, asking questions to solders in the Briggs Fort.

Solder at the lookout: "About Lieutenant General Raven?" "Well... it doesn't seem like he has gone out of the Fort."
---------------------------
Solder in the basement: "Inside this Fort is a labyrinth," "It's possible that someone who is not familiar with this place would walk around alone, and get in an accident somewhere.."
--------------------------
At the Automail mechanic's shop.
Buccaneer: "Let's see.. "
--------------------------
Buccaneer: "The last time I have seen him was when he and Major General Armstrong were descending to the lowest level."
---------------------------
The inquiry officers can't get any clear information from Briggs' solders, and look at each other.



Page 5: The scene turns to the Central Army Headquarter.
Major General Armstrong is on the way to the Fuhrer's office, flanked by two escorts.
---------------------------
Armstrong spots Mustang.
Armstrong: "Muh!"
---------------------------
Mustang is surprised to see Armstrong: "Oh?" "It is Major General Armstrong?!"
---------------------------
Armstrong seems displeased at the sight of Mustang at the Central Headquarters.
Armstrong SFX: Ha!
Armstrong: "A greenhorn like Mustang is serving at the Central headquarters?"



Page 6: An aura of tense rivalry fills the air.
Armstrong: "What kind of connections have you pulled?"
Mustang: "Nah, I say, he must have gotten here on his own merit and talent!"
An escort officer thinking <In small letters>: What's this tense aura in the air!!
---------------------------
Mustang walks along with them for a while, and talks to Armstrong.
Mustang: "Major General, ma'am, with what kind of business are you here today?"
Armstrong: "I was summoned by His Excellency the Führer. I may not be able to return to the North for a while."
---------------------------
Mustang: "Well then, please have a dinner with me sometime."
Armstrong: "Your treat? If I could scoff my way to make you bankrupt then I would have dinner with you."
---------------------------
Mustang: "...I think I will give up the dinner with you."
Mustang thinking <In small letters>: She may actually bankrupt me!
Armstrong: "Ha, a man with little guts and a small wallet, aren't you?!"
---------------------------
Mustang: "Then, at least let me send you some lovely flowers, well-matched to the beauty of Major General."
Mustang's mention of "sending flowers" gets Armstrong's notice.



Page 7: As Mustang parts, he lets Armstrong know he had a contact with Armstrong's flower shop lady.
Mustang: "We have many good flower shops here in Central."
---------------------------
Armstrong receives Mustang's words on her back as she's being escorted on: "I see."
---------------------------
Armstrong is in Führer's office, being face to face with Fuhrer.
---------------------------
Führer: "Well," "Major General Armstrong,"



Page 8: Führer, stares Armstrong straight in the eyes, and asks straight forward.
Führer: "I ask you about the disappearance of Lieutenant General Raven." "What have you done?"
----------------------------
Armstrong thinking: I can't pull off my deceit with him.
Armstrong quickly makes the course change: "Your Excellency,"
----------------------------
Armstrong: "Why was it that someone like your Excellency was keeping such a careless bloke as him within your close circle?"
----------------------------
Führer: "Did you dispose him?"
----------------------------
Armstrong: "You won't need that thing." "Having such a lip-servicing blabbermouth fellow like him brings no benefits to your Excellency."



Page 9: Führer: "You've done that at your own discretion?"
Armstrong: "Yes, and I did it on my own hands." "If you'd like, dig up the scene of the crime. My gloves with blood on them are buried there also."
----------------------------
Führer: " What has Lieutenant General Raven told you?"
----------------------------
Armstrong: "About the immortal army, about how this country was formed, about the Homunculi, and about your Excellency's true identity ...." "He revealed to me various things that I didn't even ask."
----------------------------
Führer: "... Even after hearing all that you answered my summons?"
----------------------------
Armstrong: "Yes." "Your Excellency, give me the seat that fool was occupying."
----------------------------
Führer: "Hum.."



Page 10: Führer bursts into a laughter: "Hahaha!! Bwahahaha!! This is amusing!!" "That is how you should act ... as my men!!"
---------------------------
Führer: "I am pleased!!"
---------------------------
Führer: "Then, make your efforts with all your might, human!"
---------------------------
Führer turns to Homunculus mode.
Führer: "Fine! I will give you the seat." "In return, the Briggs Fort would be commanded by someone under me, understood?"
---------------------------
Armstrong: "Do as you wish." "Those are exceptionally strong solders I had trained with great care myself. I'm certain that they will please you."



Page 11: Armstrong is invited in to join the Führer's inner circle of top officers.
----------------------------
Officer: "Welcome, Major General Olivier Milla Armstrong."
----------------------------
Officer: "Please, take you seat."
----------------------------
Behind Armstrong, the door closes.



Page 12: Meanwhile, at Briggs Fort.
Buccaneer and Henschel talk about Armstrong's, and Briggs' futures.
Henschel: "To capture tiger's cubs, you must enter the tiger's den; nothing ventured, nothing gained."
---------------------------
Henschel: "Major General has entered the tiger's den herself, hasn't she?"
Buccaneer: "Yes."
---------------------------
Buccaneer: "Here, the Briggs would soon be commanded by the brass from the Central at the top of us also."
---------------------------
Henschel: "--- But, they are far too ignorant of us Briggs solders."
---------------------------
Henschel: "Even in the absence of the true master, we can move as one collective will, without wavering, as if one giant monolith..." "Such is the Briggs Fort."
---------------------------
Buccaneer: "From now on, there will be devouring matches between tigers and bears."
Buccaneer grips his Automail hand tightly.



Page 13: The scene change back to Central Headquarters.
The military cafeteria. Crowded and filled with noises.
---------------------------
Hawkeye is eating her lunch alone.
---------------------------
Someone takes a seat across her.
Voice: "Is this seat taken?"
---------------------------
Hawkeye looks up, and sees Mustang.
Hawkeye: "Colonel..."
---------------------------
Hawkeye: "...No. Please."
Mustang: "What is it, you look down."



Page 14: Mustang: "Something bad has happened?"
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "No, nothing."
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "How is your work recently?"
Mustang, showing the paper works he had brought along for lunch: "As you can see."
----------------------------
Mustang: "Since I lost my capable aid, I even have to work during lunch just to keep up." "How about you?"
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "There are many things I have to learn, and the work is busy in its own way." "But, his Excellency works fast, and that helps."
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "Above all, he does not shirk," "as what one would expect of a capable gentleman."
Mustang: "...I have a feeling this conversation is not going to go well."



Page 15: Mustang changes the subject: "Would you like to have a lunch together sometime?"
Hawkeye: "We are eating lunch face to face now."
Mustang: "What a cold-hearted answer. that makes two defeats in a row today."
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "Two defeats in a row?"
Mustang: "I saw Major General Armstrong from the North just a while ago. I was turned down flat."
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "As usual?"
Mustang: "Yeah. As usual, she is one harsh lady."
----------------------------
Hawkeye seems to have something in her mind.
----------------------------
Shadow lurks underneath the table by her feet. "..."



Page 16: Hawkeye: "Speaking of the North.."
Tap, tap, Hawkeye taps her mug on the tray twice as she speaks.
That draws Mustang's attention.
---------------------------
Hawkeye continues: "I hear Scar is in the up North now." "I believe the Elric brothers are in the North as well."
---------------------------
Mustang ponders for a moment, then starts running the pen as they carry the conversation.
---------------------------
Mustang: "---Is that so?"
---------------------------
Hawkeye: "Lucy and Issac from my class are in the North now, and they tell me many things about there."
Mustang: "I see.." "Speaking of, the joint training with the North is coming up again soon."
---------------------------
Hawkeye: "Is it that time already? We got beaten by Major Miles' company and Captain Buccaneer's company many times."
Mustang: "I remember their hair-styles more intensely than the battles against them. Don't those two get cold with those hair-dos up North?"



Page 17: Covered by the jumble of other conversations and noises of the cafeteria, Hawkeye and Mustang carry on the conversation.
Hawkeye: "Do you know my friend, Rebecca*?" (Note: To match Mustang's note later this should be Lebecca, but I think Rebecca sounds more likely. )
Mustang: "Aha, the one with black hair."
Hawkeye: "She was very happy that Major General Armstrong has taken to her."
Mustang: "Speaking of, you, particularly, have been her favorite, haven't you?"
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "No, she often spoke kindly to Dave, Lysander, Edger... and York also. So, I don't think I alone have been especially favored by her."
Mustang: "I receive nothing but harsh words from that Queen."
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "And, she spoke kindly to Ida and Sugar also."
Mustang: "...I'm even lower than them in her eyes..."
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "Trench exercise at the North, that was the worst!"
Mustang: "They shouldn't have scheduled it during the midst of Winter!"
Hawkeye: "There was a big incident of Second Lieutenant Havoc nearly getting frostbites."
Mustang: "I bet that was caused by him having neglected to dry his sweat-soaked socks."
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "At every Winter exercise Oscar and Mike were full of complaints."
Mustang: "Of course, nobody likes being in the cold."
Hawkeye: "No, they complained that rations from the Northern army tasted terrible."
Mustang: "How spoiled! Nothing tastes worse than coffee at the Eastern Headquarters!"



Page 18: Hawkeye carries on: "Do you remember Uni in a mess hall cooks' unit?"
Mustang: "That one, at Briggs, when told to procure some food provisions.."
Hawkeye: "He took along sniper Nora and brought back a nice big deer."
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "That was so delicious! Although, I heard that Charlie had snatched Uni's portion, so he didn't get any bite for himself."
Mustang: "That's his own fault. 'Be off guard and you'll lose' is the rule of the North, right?"
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "Oh, and Lucy was always the first one to show up for the meal."
Mustang: "She is gaining more weight every time I see her. She is a good match with Breda!"
---------------------------
Hawkeye: "Uni joked that if she would get any more porky he might use her as an ingredient for the mess hall meals'..."
----------------------------
Mustang: "Oh yes, that fight was some sight!"
Mustang <In small letters>:Ku, ku, ku.
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "If you were watching it, you could have stopped them. Starling had to get in the hospital from the injury he received trying to break up the fight!"
And, Hawkeye taps her mug on the tray once again.



Page 19: Mustang stops running the pen.
Mustang: Ha, ha, ha. "Those are fond memories." "Really!"
----------------------------
Hawkeye: "--- Oh, I shouldn't have been going on with the idol talk." "I have to go back to work, so.."
Mustang: "Ah, yes."
----------------------------
Hawkeye leaves the table.
Hawkeye: "Excuse me, but I'll go ahead."
Mustang: "Good work!"
----------------------------
Mustang checks the clock: "Oops, I'm going to miss time to go to the men's room."
----------------------------
At the men's room..



Page 20: Mustang is inside the stall.
----------------------------
Mustang decodes Hawkeye's message.
Mustang: "'Scar' is in the North." "'Elric' brothers are in the North also...."
----------------------------
"'Lucy' and..." "'Issac' told her a lot..."
----------------------------
"'Miles'..." "'Buccaneer'" "'Lebecca'" "'Armstrong'"
----------------------------
"'Dove', and 'Lysander', and" "Next is 'Edgar'."



Page 21: Mustang continues: "'York'" "'Ida'" "'Sugar'"
----------------------------
"'Havoc'" "'Oscar'" '''Mike'..."
----------------------------
"...'Uni'" "'Nora'..."
----------------------------
As he finishes decoding, Mustang's expression turns to that of a shock and astonishment.
Mustang: "......................."



Page 22: The scene changes again, to the town of Dublith.
----------------------------
Sig's butcher shop.
Mason: "Here, that will be a total of 850 sens. And, this is a bonus."
Customer: "Ah, thanks!"
----------------------------
Mason: "Come again!"
Radio: "Briggs region, snow continues today again. Some parts may see heavy snow storms.."
----------------------------
Boy: "See you again, Mr. Mason---"
Mason: "See you again~"
----------------------------
A car stops in front of the shopp.



Page 23: Car door opens.
Mason: "?"
----------------------------
Military Officer speaks to Mason: "Is there an Alchemist named Izumi Curtis?"
----------------------------
Mason: "She and her husband left on a trip the other day." "I'm entrusted to take care of the store while they are gone."
----------------------------
Officer: "Where did she go? When will she back?"
Mason: "I don't know. Traveling is their hobby, and they decide when to come and go on their whims.."
----------------------------
Another officer: "Are you sure they are not here? Do not hide things from us."
Mason gets irritated by this. Mason SFX: Muh!



Page 24: Mason: "I'm saying she's not here because she's not here!" "Who are you, anyway?! Showing up unannounced, and demanding to see Mrs. Izumi?"
----------------------------
Officer: "We are sent by Führer Bladley."
----------------------------
Mason: "Führer?"
----------------------------
This gets the attention of Bedo who was staying on the rooftop of the nearby building.
----------------------------
Bedo takes a closer look: "!!!"
----------------------------
Bedo watches them: Führer's minions..
Mason: "I really don't know when she will be back."



Page 25: Bedo realizes: They are...
---------------------------
Bedo: "Those are solders who took away Mr. Greed!!
---------------------------
Officer to Mason: "It's no use. We'll leave empty handed for today." "When Izumi Curtis comes back, tell her to contact us right away."
---------------------------
The car leaves.
---------------------------
Bystanders: "What was that!" "How arrogant!" "Indeed!"
---------------------------
The car with officers drives away...



Page 26:
The car with Führer's officers drives away.
----------------------------
Underneath, Bedo is hitchhiking the ride.
----------------------------
Back to the Central.
----------------------------
GreedLing is in the basement.
----------------------------
GreedLing sees Selim.
GreedLing: "Oh, wow." "It is rare that he visits here."



Page 27: GreedLing speaks to Pride: "Mr. Pride."
-----------------------------
GreedLing: "Father is..?"
Pride: "He seems to be asleep."
-----------------------------
Greed: "Huh..." "That is rare also."
-----------------------------
Site of Father being asleep.
-----------------------------
The scene turns again...



Page 28: Scene in Father's dream?
----------------------------
Flash back.
----------------------------
A scene of a town in some centuries ago?
----------------------------
(Note: Possibly a town in Xerxes?)



Page 29: A boy is inside one of the dwellings.
----------------------------
He is cleaning a room that looks like a some kind of lab.
----------------------------
He is mopping the floor.
----------------------------
A voice speaks to the boy: "Boy!" "Boy there!"
----------------------------
Voice continues: "Hey." "Hello."



Page 30: The voice finally draws the boy's attention.
----------------------------
Boy briefly stops the cleaning and turns to the direction of where the voice is coming from.
----------------------------
He looks for a moment.
----------------------------
Then he goes back to the cleaning.
Voice: "Ah!" "You're ignoring me."
----------------------------
Voice continues, and tries to lead the boy to where it is.
Voice: "Here." "Little further this way." "Right here."



Page 31: There is a round black ball in the flask.
It speaks: "Here."
----------------------------
The boy looks at the thing.
----------------------------
Boy then turns away: "I'm busy now. Make it later."
Thing: "What!"
----------------------------
Thing: "Shouldn't you act at least remotely surprised, or show some curiosity about me!?
Boy speaks back casually as he continues his work: "Will you give me something if I act surprised?"



Page 32: Thing continues talking to the boy: "Hmm. You do not fear me. I like that." "What is your name?"
----------------------------
Boy: "No. 23"
Thing: "Mr. 23? Don't tell me the numbers, tell me your name."
----------------------------
Boy: "I don't have a such thing." "I'm a slave."
----------------------------
Thing: "Slave..." "That is 'kind of humans who are not given any rights nor freedom, and being alienated and/or sold/purchased as someone's property,' isn't it?"
----------------------------
Boy: "?.. Alienate?"
Thing: "That is,'to transfer property or a right to the ownership of another.'"
----------------------------
Boy: "Hmm?"
Thing: "....."
----------------------------
Thing: "You are not bright."
Boy: "Leave me alone!!!"



Page 33: Thing: "I have no idea how come I was born from a contraption like this one!"
Boy: "?"
----------------------------
Thing: "You are the one who gave me blood, right?"
Boy: "Blood..."
----------------------------
Boy: "Ah, yes, my master has drawn a fairly large amount of blood from me, saying that's for the experiments."
----------------------------
Thing: "I was born to this world because you gave me your blood." "Thank you, uh..."
----------------------------
Thing: "'23' is rather insipid." "As a token of my appreciation, I will give you a name."
Boy: "What do you think you are?"
----------------------------
Thing: "Something prominent." "Let's see... Hmm, Theo.. Theophrastus Bombastus...



Page 34: Thing continues: "..Vo.."
Boy: "Too long!!"
Thing: "Ahhh----"
----------------------------
Thing: "I see... You are not too bright, so you can not remember a long name."
Boy: "Stop saying I'm not too bright!!"
----------------------------
Thing: "Well then, Von..."
----------------------------
Thing: "How about 'Von Hohenheim'?"



Page 35: Boy: "'Von Hohenheim'... I guess I can remember that."
Thing: "And, the spelling is.. Oh, can you read and write?"
Boy: "I can't. But, I can do my work even if I can't do such things."
----------------------------
Thing: "But then, you will always be as you are now."
----------------------------
Thing: "Don't you want your rights and freedom, Von Hohenheim?"
----------------------------
Thing: "Are you going to spend your whole life as a slave, never gaining your rights and liberty as a human being?" "Going to stay as a possession of others, being denied of your freedom and never knowing the vast world outside, and to rust away in a cage?"



Page 36: Thing: "Then, that would be the same as staying inside this suffocating flask."
----------------------------
Thing continues: "Knowledge could become your best treasure. It would not burden you, and it would be your power in your life." "It could become the mean to free you from the slavery."
----------------------------
Thing: "I will give you a knowledge," "Von Hohenheim."
----------------------------
Boy is now looking at the thing seriously.
Boy: ".... What are you." "What shall I call you?"
----------------------------
Thing slightly changes it's shape to...



Page 37-38: Thing slightly changes it's shape to reveal an eye, and a grinning mouth, and tells the boy: "Call me-----" "'Homunculus'"
SFX: Grinn...
----------------------------
In a bathroom stall at the Central Army headquarters, Mustang, using his flint Alchemy glove, burns his note with the decoded message from Hawkeye.
Mustang: "Oy, what kind of joke is this!"
----------------------------
"'SELIM BRADLEY IS HOMUNCULUS'....!!"
(Note: According to Mustang's decoded note on the paper it's SELIM BLADLEY. ^^)
----------------------------
"Impossible..." "That can not be possible... can it!?"



Caption: One more identity of the darkness (has revealed)...!!
(End of chapter 74)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 75 will be out in Japan on Wednesday, Sept. 12!!

And, the additional page is the Front cover of this month's GunGun magazine (Sept. 2007 issue) with Ed and Al on the cover.




Went over the translations again, and IMO they are much better, and more accurate, and makes more sense now. I will probably go over it again later to catch more mistakes. ^^
ETA: Huge thanks to Edamame for proofreading!!

The Guy (young Hoho?) is teh smexiness <3<3<3<3<3<3

I had read spoilers on this chapter and it's cool and Olivier looks so pretty when she meets Bradley^^ The cafeteria scene was also nice Royai fluffiness and I laughed at the guy who was... uhhh... letting out his bodily fluids in the bathroom xD Nice bit of comic relief, makes me think of that Public Bathroom omake where Ed and Scar meet xDDDDDD

Props to Arakawa-sensei for correct grammar when she wrote SELIM BRADLEY IS HOMUCULUS. (Maybe this will stop all the annoying Salem-stuff... He looked rather cute in tuxedo xD)

I add megaupload , rapidshare and gigasize...(but as Tombow said it would be good of someone can make another.....)

@Paca - You're so sweet!! Love ya for doing that!! *hugs!!*

@Paca-Thank you!! *glomps*

Selim is so cute in his tux...Roy is smiling *faints*

*drools* OㅠO
Thanks! Will be welcoming a file into my computer^-^

Selim looks so cute in a suit >0< Who could have thought that he was Pride? And I totally agree with Reta, young Hoho was teh smex. Well, assuming that he was Hohenheim, but come on. Look at the face! Did he look like Ed or what? I always felt the resemblance, but seeing this...well. I feel that Arakawa-sensei did this part very well, putting the family resemblance in there, but I see slight differences between Ed and Hoho's faces...how does she do that?
The lizard-man reappeared, too! I wondered what happened to him...what's he thinking? I need the translation!!
The black stuff in the bottle, though, did anyone else feel 'The Gate' vibes? I mean, in the last panel, look at the hand of the thing. It looks like one of those black tentacle-like hands, doesn't it?

On a side note, Ed's eyes look HUGE on the cover...whoa.

Well...now I can ship Olivia/Roy freely! Teehee! :3

OH!!! YEAH, THANK YOU!!

Thanks!! *heart*

Ok, I'm done 1/3 of the way.
I'm taking a break and go eat something.
I'll be back later and finish the translation, then edit and fine tune the translations.

Oh, BTW, at the end of the chapter, there is Roy spelling the name of Bradley, and according to his spelling, it's Bladley, not Bradley. Hmmm...


And, while you are all waiting for the translations to come out...
This Chapter 74 Short Summery was taken from Japanese site http://anwarterdrei.seesaa.net/ and, I translated it, and posted with pspoiler tags on chapter 73 Spoiler Party thread while waiting for some way to confirm it's validity. Turned out, most of it are correct.

Fullmetal Alchemist, chapter 74:

- Alchemist vs Alchemist!? What will decide the outcome of the match?

Somewhere in Briggs:
To prepare for the fight against Kimbley, Ed teaches Miles and others about Kimbley's Alchemy. The tricky point for the fight against him is his Philosopher's Stone.

At Briggs Fort:
The officers from the Central Army inquire about Raven's whereabout to Briggs' solders. The solders all play innocence.
Central:
Major General Armstrong runs into Colonel Mustang. They don't look like they get along very well.
Armstrong: "A green horn like Mustang is working in the Central? What kind of bribery did he use?"
Mustang: "Nah, must be his true ability."

Yet, he wont forget to invite her for dinner.
Armstrong chases away Mustang by answering that she would eat till he will be all broke.
As they part, Mustang: "There is a good flower shop in the Central. I will send you some flowers."
Armstrong goes into Führer's office.

Führer's Office:
Führer and the Major general, face to face.
Führer asks straight forward: "What did you do to Raven?"
Armstrong quickly realizes that she can't hide it, and readily admit that she murdered him.

In addition, Armstrong admits that Raven told her about the Homunculus, how this country was formed, who/what Führer is, and knowing all that, answered to Führer's summons. And, asks Führer to give her Raven's seat in the upper military.

Führer likes Armstrong's answer, and gives her Raven's seat. Briggs will be commanded by officers from Central. Armstrong seems fine with that.

Briggs Fort:
Buccaneer and others talk about Armstrong being summoned by Führer, and the Briggs are being commanded by officers from Central. Just as Armstrong, they do seem to be taking these fine.

Central:
In the cafeteria, Mustang and Hawkeye exchange small talks. Mustang worries about Hawkeye being seemingly dispirited.

Hawkeye, while checking the shadow on her legs, starts talking about the time they had the joint training with the Northern army.
Mustang, realizes something, and start writing something as they keep the chat.
They reminisce while Hawkeye keeps bringing up names of solders in the Northern army, or subordinates in the Eastern army.

Later, in the bathroom, Mustang decode Hawkeye's message, and his expression changes to that of in shock.

Dublith:
Izumi and Sig are on a trip and out of town. Mason is running Sig's shop. Führer's messenger arrives.

On the rooftop of nearby building is Bido, one of Greed's company. He realizes the solders are the ones who took Greed, and hide himself underside of their car.

Underground, Central:
LinGreed is there. Pride is there also. Father is asleep.

Father is dreaming?? Flashback scene:
Some town. Different from Amestris.
A boy, the look has similarities to Ed and Hohenheim. He is a slave with no name. Being called No. 23.
He is cleaning a room.

A round shadowy figure in a flask speaks to the boy.
The boy is not surprised by that. He keeps cleaning the room.
The shadow in the flask likes that, and keeps talking to the boy.
The boy does not seem to understand what the shadow is talking about.

The master of the boy draws blood from the boy.
The shadow in the flask is born to this world because of the blood from the boy.
To thank the boy for giving his life, the shadow gives the boy a name.
The name is "Von Hohenheim."
The shadow also tells the boy that he would also teach the boy some knowledge.
The boy is interested. Asks the shadow "What shall I call you?"

The shadow shows the eyes and the mouth similar to that of Pride, and tells: "Call me a Homunculus in a flask."

Central:
In the bathroom, Mustang burns the memo with the decoded message. "What kind of joke is this!!"
The memo reads: "Selim Bradley is a homunculus."
"Improbable!!" Matters Mustang.

Caption: "Another identity of the shadow revealed??!!

-End of chapter 74-

I'm I'm I'm...
OMGWTFBBQBESTCHAPTEREVARASDFGASGASDGASGSG

OK, I'm overreacting a bit, but... oh dear, oh dear, oh dear...

I mean, Bido!! All the other appearences were more or less expected given the title name, but for Bido, the only Devil's Nest member to survive, to reappear; for Arakawa sensei to prove again that every fuggin' thing in this manga happens for a reason, and a really well thought one...

m(__)m m(__)m m(__)m m(__)m

I have to go to bed now but I'm too friggin' excited!! GAAAAHH!!!

And don't even get me started with the Flashback.... Hohenheim was a stupid and nameless slave in Xerxes, and Pride was made with his blood! And Pride was originally the shadow itself! Selim did come later! The posession theory might resurface again, but it might not be that simple...

Pride: "Theophrastus Bombastus..."
#23: "That's too long, I won't remember it" XDDD

PS: SELIM BLADLEY XD
I guess Bladley is the official transcription for the Fuhrer's last name, from now on? U
Ooops, nope. That 'L' comes from Rebecca's name (Riza's friend, the one from the "Figure Red" gaiden), so I'd take it just as a small mistake, as Rebecca is written with 'R' too.

PPS: Oh, and Olivier does have some Big Balls Going to the fuhrer and telling him the truth straight away. Wow.

Daaamn, I love this chapter. *loves on it* It's just... such an awesome chapter. ;.;

And I agree with all the other young!Hoho (? -.-) fans, he's so rapeable seeeexy.

Correct me if im wrong but bladley is still pronounced "bradley" because of how some people who are Japanese pronounce their "l's"? Also, does anyone else think that "Father" could have been Honenhiem (sp)'s daddy which was some sort of alchemist (pehaps a poor one) which is the reason why they resemble each other?

OMG, this is an exciting chapter! The mystery deepens. Now I'm wondering who this alchemist is who is young Hoho's master and who created the bottled homunculus. And why is Father having this dream/memory? I got the impression that Father created Hohenheim, but .... now it's a little confusing. But yes, young Hoho is yummy. And Olivier gets cooler by the minute! I love her!

I thought it would make more sense for that boy to be a young Father rather than a young Hoenheim (though he sure as hell acted like Ed with the short temper and all XD). I'm guessing he's around Ed's age there.

I have a feeling that when the secret to how a homunculus is created is finally revealed in its entirety, it may even be more interesting than the anime version.

Also, YAY for more Greed/Ling cameos!

Mmm. This chapter just makes me think that Ed needs to get down and dirty more. Sweat and grime is quite fetching on a guy, really.

Also, I'm really interested in the whole Izumi storyline. I wonder why the military is there. To hold over Ed's head as another hostage? Or has the military discovered that she has seen the Gate, as well?

~ Chapter 74 Translation, Smoothed out ~

Page 1:
Side: Alchemist vs. Alchemist! The deciding factor is...?

Ed: Kimblee's right hand is tattooed with the sun symbol,
and his left with the moon.

Yin and Yang, essentially.

When the triangles are placed on top of one another, they combine to form a hexagram,
a symbol which represents all four of the basic elements.

By putting the palms of his hands together, Kimblee creates a transmutation circle that causes explosive reactions.

Miles: Meaning we just have to occupy or take out one of his hands somehow?
Ed: That would be the case normally...

But the son of a b*tch has a Philosopher's Stone.
That's gonna give us some problems.

Page 2:
Yellow text: Pushing towards an unseeable future, driving their story on!
Title: Chapter 74 - The little man in the flask, "Homunculus"

Page 3:
Border Guard: General Raven?
We never saw him leave...

Bobby: With all the machinery down here,
there's about a million places where you could have an accident, especially if you don't know the layout.

Buccaneer: Hmmmmmm...
The last time I saw him was when he and Major General Armstrong descended into the fort's lowest levels.

Page 4:
SFX: Step step step step

Armstrong: Hn-

Mustang: Oh,
if it isn't Major General Armstrong!

Olivia: I'm amazed a greenhorn upstart like you made it to Central, Mustang.
SFX: Snort

Page 5:
Olivia: How many strings did you have to pull?
Mustang: Not a single one, I got here on ability and skill.
Escorts: Did the air just...get a lot heavier?
SFX: RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUMMMMMMMBLEEEEEEEEEE

Mustang: To what do we owe the honor of your presence, General?
Olivia: His excellency the Fuhrer summoned me.
I doubt I'll be back up north anytime soon.
SFX: Step step step step

Mustang: Then you'll have to join me for dinner sometime.
Olivia: You treating?
If you don't mind me eating you into bankruptcy, I'll be glad to join you.

Mustang: Forget it, then.
Small text: You look like you mean it.
Olivia: Short on cash AND guts, are we?
SFX: Step step step

Mustang: Then at least let me give you some flowers, to match your beauty.

Page 6:
Mustang: There are some wonderful florists in Central.
Olivia: Is that a fact?

Bradley: Now,
Major General Armstrong,

Page 7:
Bradley: I want an explanation for General Raven's disappearance.
What did you do with him?

Olivia: He's not going to buy it.
Your excellency.

Why would you allow such a spineless, careless idiot into your trust?

Bradley: Did YOU eliminate him?

Olivia: You have no need for THINGS like him.
Brainless yes-men with loose lips won't do anything to advance your cause.

Page 8:
Bradley: And you gave the order?
Olivia: I took care of it personally.
If you'd like, I can excavate the body...
It's buried deep in the fort, along with my own blood-stained glove.

Bradley: What did Raven tell you?

Olivia: About your immortal army, the future of our country, the Homunculus, and your true identity.
He revealed it all with hardly any sign of hesitation.

Bradley: And knowing all this, you still answered my summons.

Olivia: Yes.
Let me have that foolish buffoon's seat, please.

Bradly: Hm...

Page 9:
Bradley: Hmmaahahahaha! Interesting!
Very interesting!

I love it!
You struggle so desperately, human!
SFX: THWACK

Bradley: Very well! You shall have your seat!
And in exchange, control of Briggs will be given to my subordinates. Agreed?

Olivia: As you wish.

They're all exemplary soldiers that I've trained personally,
and yours to command.

SFX: Step step step step

Page 10:
SFX: Creeeeeeeeeeee

Someone: Welcome, Major General Olivia Mila Armstrong.
SFX: Creeeeeeeeeeeeee

Someone: Please
take your seat.
SFX: eeeeeee

SFX: SLAM

Page 11:
Henshel: You can't catch a baby tiger without sneaking into the mother's den. (Note: This is literally a japanese proverb equal to our "Nothing ventured, nothing gained.")
And the General pretty much charged right in, didn't she?
Bucc: Yes.

They'll put some puppet from Central in charge here soon.

Henshel: They know so little about Briggs soldiers, it's almost funny.

Even if the true master is absent, we remain collected and operate as a single, cohesive unit, sharing one will, and one consciousness.

That is what makes Briggs, Briggs.

Bucc: The tiger and the bear will soon try to devour each other.
SFX: Squeeze

Page 12:
SFX: Blah blah

SFX: Blah blah

Mustang: Is this seat taken?
Hawkeye: Colonel...

Go ahead.
Mustang: Boy, YOU'RE awfully cheerful.

Page 13:
Mustang: Something bad happen?
SFX: Chomp

Hawkeye: No, nothing.

How has work been?
Mustang: How do you think?

I lost all my best assistants - now I can't even escape this crap on my lunch hour.
How about you?

Hawkeye: There are so many things to keep track of...I'm constantly busy with something.
But his Excellency gets things done quickly, so that helps.

He never ducks out early, either.
I should've expected things would be different, working for a true professional.
Mustang: Something tells me this conversation's about to turn south.

Page 14:
Mustang: Why don't we have lunch tomorrow?
Hawkeye: You mean like we're doing right now?
Mustang: Ouch.
That's makes two times I've been rejected today.
SFX: blah blah

Hawkeye: Two times?
Mustang: Yeah, I ran into Major General Armstrong earlier.
She left no room for interpretation, either.

Hawkeye: Same as ever, then?
Mustang: Yeah, she's as harsh as the last time we met.
SFX: Blah blah

Page 15:
Hawkeye: Speaking of the north...

Scar's worked his way up there...
and so have the Elric brothers .

Mustang: Really?
SFX: Tap tap

Hawkeye: Lucy and Isaac from my academy class are up there, too...they taught me a lot.
Mustang: Hunh...
That reminds me, we'll be doing joint training with the north very soon.
SFX: Blah blah

Hawkeye: Is it time for that already?
I remember working with Major Miles' and Captain Buccaneer's units several times.
Their hairstyles are burned into my memory, even more so than their fighting ability.
I always found myself wondering, "Aren't those two COLD"?

Page 16:
Hawkeye: And remember my friend Rebbecca?
Mustang: Yeah, the black-haired girl.
Hawkeye: General Armstrong took a liking to her - she was so excited when she told me.
Mustang: I thought she liked you, too?
SFX: Blah blah

Hawkeye: I don't think she considered me anything special,
she called for Dove, Lysander, Edgar, and even York to join her...
The Queen of Briggs never had anything but sharp criticism for me.
SFX: Blah blah

Hawkeye:Then she asked for Ida and Sugar,
I guess I was even lower than them in her eyes...
SFX: Blah Blah

Hawkeye: The trenches in the north were the worst ones I've ever been in.
Mustang: No one in their right minds would ever try to take them during the dead of winter.
Hawkeye: 2nd Lieutenant Havoc got frostbite...he wasn't quiet about it, either.
Mustang: Served him right - the idiot's socks were soaked in sweat and he didn't dry them out.
SFX: Blah blah

Hawkeye: Oscar and Mike were complaining non-stop during the winter training.
Mustang: I'll bet. No one likes being out in that frigid weather.
Hawkeye: Actually, it was about how bad the north's rations tasted.
Mustang: They don't know how good they had it! Nothing's worse up there than the coffee!

Page 17:
Hawkeye: And my friend Uni, who worked in the mess hall?
Mustang: Ah, him. They sent him to bring some supplies back to the fort...
Hawkeye: He went with Nora, since she was a great sniper, and the brought back a nice big deer.
SFX: Clank clank

It was delicious...Charlie grabbed it on the sly and Uni didn't get a single bite.
Mustang: That was his own fault. One of the sayings in Briggs is "Drop your guard and you'll be devoured."
SFX: Clank clank

Hawkeye: Of course, Lucy was always the biggest eater.
Mustang: She'd gained some serious weight the last time I saw her.
I mean, she was on par with BREDA.
SFX: Clank clank

Hawkeye: I heard Uni once joked that if she "ate any more pork, she'd be cooked for dinner tomorrow."
Mustang: Oh man, that started one hell of a fight!
Small text: Hehehe

Hawkeye: If you were there, you should've stopped it.
Starling tried to calm them down and he ended up in the hospital!
SFX: clak

Page 18:
Mustang: That takes me back...
Wow.
Small text: Hahaha
SFX: Tak

Hawkeye: Well, I don't have any more time for chit-chatting.
I've got to get back to work.
Mustang: Right.
SFX: Scoot

Hawkeye: Sorry to leave you alone.
Mustang: No problem.

Mustang: Crap,
I've only got a few minutes to hit the bathroom.

Page 19:
SFX: Flushhhhhh tak tak katunk

Mustang: "Scar" is in the north,
as well as the "Elrics"...
SFX: scribble

"Lucy..."
and "Isaac" taught her a lot...

"Miles"
"Buccaneer"
"Rebecca"
SFX: Scribble"

"Armstrong"
"Dove" and "Lysander"
Next was "Edgar"...
SFX: Scribble scribble

Page 20:
Mustang: "York",
"Ida",
"Sugar"...

"Havoc",
"Oscar",
"Mike",
SFX: scribble scribble scribble

"Uni",
"Nora"...

Page 21:
Mason: That'll be 850 Cenz, and I'll give you a little extra.
Woman: Oh, thank you!

Mason: Come back soon!
Radio: Snow continues to fall on Briggs,
and today brings another strong blizzard.

Boy: Bye Mr. Mason!
Mason: Bye now!

SFX: Vrum

Page 22:
SFX: Katunk katunk

Officer: Is the Alchemist Izumi Curtis present?

Mason: She and her husband left on a trip yesterday.
I'm watching the store while they're gone.

Officer: Where did they go?
Mason: Dunno,
Traveling is one of their hobbies, so they usually don't come back until they feel like it.

Officer 2: Are you sure she's not here?
Don't try to hide them.
SFX: Blink

Page 23:
Mason: Look, if she ain't here, she ain't here!
Who do you people think you are, anyways? Coming over here outta nowhere and demanding to see Mrs. Izumi...

Officer: We're here on the Fuhrer's orders.

Mason: The Fuhrer?
SFX: Grab

Bido: The Fuhrer's goons...
Mason: I really have no idea when they'll be back.

Page 24:
Bido: It's them...

They're the ones who abducted Master Greed!

Officer: Very well. We'll be leaving this area later today.
Tell her to contact me as soon as she returns.

SFX: Vruummm

People: What did they want?
What nerve!
Really...

SFX: Vrumrumrumrumrum

Page 25:
SFX: Vrumrumrumrumrum

SFX: Vrumrumrumrumrum

SFX: Clang clang clang

SFX: Clang clang clang

Greed: Hunh.
This is a rare sight, you almost never come by,
SFX: tak tak tak

Page 26:
Greed: Pride.
SFX: Clang clang clang

Greed: What's dad up to?
Pride: He's sleeping.
SFX: Claclang

Greed: Heh...
Two rare sights in one day.
SFX: Clang clang

clang

clang...

Page 27:
All the small sky SFX: Jibber Jabber

Page 28:
SFX: Jibber Jabber

SFX: Swish swish

Swish swish

Flask: Kid...
Hey, Kid...

Hellooooo...
Anyone home?

Page 29:
Flask: Ah-
You're ignoring me.
SFX: Swish swish

Come here...
C'mon, over here.
On the shelf.

Page 30:
Flask: Here.

Boy: I'm busy. I'll with to you later.

Flask: Shouldn't you, say, act a little surprised or impressed or something?
Boy: You gonna give me something if I do?
SFX: splash splash

Page 31:
Flask: Don't scare easily, do you? I like that.
What's your name?

Boy: Number 23.
Flask: 23? I want a name, not a number.

Boy: Don't have one.
I'm just a slave.

Flask: A slave...
"Humans with no rights or freedom who are bought, sold exchanged between other humans in legal conveyance," right?

Boy: Con-WHAT-ance?
Flask: "The transfer of ownership rights to an outside party."

Boy: Tr-...huh?

Flask: Boy, you're stupid.
Boy: Screw you, ....!

Page 32:
Flask: You know, I have no idea why I'm like this, or how I came to be.

It must've been you
who gave me his blood.
Boy: Blood...

Yeah, when he was experimenting on me, my master DID take a lot of blood...

Flask: Then you are the one who gave me life.
You have my gratitude, uh...

"23" sounds so cold.
Why don't I give you a name, as thanks?
Boy: Who do you think you ARE, anyway?

Flask: Who cares? It'll be a great name, I promise.
Let's see...Theo...
Theofilatos Bombastus...

Page 33:
Flask: Va-
Boy: Waaaay too long.

Flask: Right, right, you're stupid, you won't be able to remember anything long...
Boy: Quit calling me stupid!

Flask: Okay, Van...

Van Hoenheim.

Page 34:
Boy: "Van Hoenheim..." I think I can remember that.
Flask: It's spelled...
Actually, can you read or write?

Hoenheim: Nope.
But I can do my work just fine.

Flask: Then you'll be stuck here forever.

Don't you wish for freedom, for liberty, Hoenheim?

Will you live your life to the end as a slave, bound to others, with no rights of your own?
Trapped in a web, left to rot, dying with your freedom stolen and no knowledge or experience of the vast world we live in?

Page 35:
Flask: Because that's the same as living in a flask, as I do.

Knowledge is to be treasured. It is true power - the only way to live a life without becoming a burden to others.
The way a slave, like you, can escape his shackles.

I can give you knowledge,
Van Hoenheim.

Hoenheim: ...Who are you?
What...what's YOUR name?
SFX: Fizz

Page 36:
Flash: Why don't you just call me
"Homunculus."
SFX: Grinnnnnn

Mustang: What the hell is this...
SFX: Fwoosh

[H: Considering the first "L" in "Bladley" was "Rebbecca" that's clearly a f*!@-up. I'd suggest scanlators try to change it to "Bradley".]
Mustang: Selim Bradley is Homunculus...!!

Impossible...
It can't be...
can it?!
Text: The true form of the darkness, revealed!

aiiiiieeeee sankyuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu *GLOMPS*

Such a great chapter, I love Olivier even more, and the scene with Roy and Riza!

Insane Insane Chapter. Lots of glimpses of vital info surrounded by even more questions ^^;;

LOVED the fact that the ballsiest people in the chapter were the women. Armstrong stood strong against the fuhrer and didnt even flinch when he went into creepy homunculus mode. And Riza took the risk of letting Roy know the truth immediately... tho i think she should mention soon the whole 'he has the power of shadows' thing so that he doesnt do/say something stupid and get someone killed.

The real shocker was Father's dream tho... so we now know that Hoho USED to be human.. so now the real question is... where does father come in? Was he Hoho's Master that created pride? If so, was it just a coincidence that they look identical later on? But if Pride was created in Xerxes (did it officially say that in the chapter or was that assumed?) when was prides philosopher stone created? Xerxes becomes envy's stone ne?

@TheRainbowConnection: I think the military trying to get Izumi has to do with Father's little chess pieces... they want to find her so that they can confirm whether or not she has seen the Gate. As for why Izumi had such perfect timing in her trip.... could she have felt that something bad would happen if she didn't leave or was she just lucky? (her and Sig DO go on a lot of trips.... maybe they're up North too )

WAAAAAAAAH!!! COOOLL!!! ARIGATOU, PACA-CHAN!!!

THIS CHAPTER IS AWESOME! HIROMU ARAKAWA IS COW GOD *worships*

she knows how we fans pair roy and riza together and she take advantage of this and twist their relationship around and almost every scene that includes them now turns into hints of the next story (and hints of their love relationship too) that makes us got addicted more to FMA and to roiai - like what roy mustang said "turn your misfortune into gain" i guess she really put sun tzi's art of war in the making of the manga

anyways, now i sooo love olivia! she's goddamn brave >.< wish i got guts like her when i fight with my mom

I guess we will see if Bladley gets corrected into Bradley later when the fine-tuned version (ie, manga volumes) comes out XD
but yeah... it does indeed say Rebecca @_@ hmm weird
I wonder why it's written with L.................................... I don't think Riza's friend's name is spelled as Lebecca... or that it's spelled wrong on purpose so that it's less noticable (by the enemy)?!

But still, what a genius way of telling Roy this big secret! Kudos to Riza (and arakawa-sensei XD)

and Olivier Armstrong, we love you. XD "give me the seat that idiot had." XDDD WIN, TOTAL WIN.

*goes sleep... does not care about the name issue anymore*

Tombow, you're the best! *big squishy hug* Sorry if I wasn't of much help...still on elementary Japanese, and it doesn't really help too much with reading raws yet. ;;; Obviously...

Yeah, I think it's more feasible for the boy to be a young Father. Perhaps Hohenheim was related somehow to him (maybe they really are brothers...maybe) and probably had better treatment than Father being a slave. Yup...now Father would have more reasons to not cooperate with Hohenheim...but like I said, these are just big fat maybe's.

Still...we can't really tell. Dang lookalikes. XD Who knows?

And no wonder it was called "Homunculus in a Flask". Ooh, what was Pride doing hanging around in a flask, anyway? Which means someone has already created him...in a way...and which also supports the idea that the young boy could be Hohenheim, and he may have been working for a younger, more human Father.

ROYAI! *fallsoveranddies* It's brave of Riza to take a risk - though it might be possible that Pride didn't get anything. I couldn't understand the code myself till Roy deciphered it in the bathroom! The guy emptying his bladder was a nice touch. XD Whoa, looks like Roy also knows the secret...and it was very smart of him to burn the paper. Mwahaha.

Go Olivier, kick some corrupt upper brass butt! XDDDDDD Olivier > Führer, definitely. I liked her encounter with Roy. I smell another major rivalry - get it? Major? *shot for bad puns* And I like how other characters are returning - Bido, and Greed (I mean, he makes much more than just a cameo appearance this time), and Pride...not to mention the guys from Dublith! Hope to see more of Izumi and the gang in Briggs in the next chapter!

And that, my friends, are just a few reasons why I have immensely enjoyed chapter 74. *bows*

...

Did I mention the Royai? Yup.

At the page 22 you say Miles even if it's Mason^^

Oooh, Pride was created from Hoho's blood?! O.O

I WANT CHAPTER 75! *cries*

Oh yeah...oh noes, Hohenheim's blood? So technically, the Elric brothers and Pride share the same blood...?

Hmmm, useful little tidbit for future chapters.

If Father really is Hoho's master, then he must truly be a scary master, drawing blood from his poor...slave. As if he isn't scary now...

Ok, the page-by-page translation/summary of chapter 74 is done!!! (It's on page 1) ^^
I will go over again and edit typo and misspelling and grammar errors and whatnot and tidy up the whole thing tomorrow!!
(Thanks Reta McClain for catching my boo-boo on page 22. ^^)

Wow, what a chapter!!!! So much happenings!!
It will take me several days to digest all the new info!!
Right now, my head is sleep deprived, and after translating Mustang's last bit with him saying "Nooo!! That's impossible!!!" and my head is playing the Star War thing, and the Selim saying "Mustang, I'm your father.. " XDD That means, I better get some sleep. XDD

Anyway, IMO, Olivier Armstrong is the guttiest FMA character I've ever seen!!
Yap, more than Ed, IMO!!

Oh, and... this OT: To our great ZOMGFT scanlator..
Happy Birthday, Umeko!!!

If Pride was made from Hoho's blood, that would mean Ed and Al are related to Pride, meaning, yet again, they have a homunculus/half sibling, just like the anime. (except it's not Envy this time XD)

Happy birthday, Umeko!

Hahaha...

"Mustang...I AM YOUR FATHER."

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

XDDDDD

Indeed. I can't get over the fact that Ed and Al are also related to a Homunculus in the manga as well. Hmm...hopefully this'll become some sort of catalyst or a very significant detail in the future. I mean, the only purpose of revealing that Envy was the Elrics' half brother in the anime was to distract Ed so Envy could kill him. Although it was a good ploy...poor Ed was too stunned to attack.

Thank you thank you thank you
As always you are so brilliant Hisshou-san
Don't wanna read any other translations than yours

Thanks!!! this chapter was awesome!!! that´s... Hoho?! O-O

thaaaanks!!! You are the best! this chapter is great!! I cant believe it!! That´s Hoho!! That´s the way it was!!! amazing. thanks a lot!!

Thank youuuuuuu!!!

Heeheehee. Yey for Royai~ Their code is freakin' awesome!

Thanks thanks thanks!



LOL! That is SO omake material. XD



Yes. Gutsy. More than Ed? Hmm... I'm not sure I agree, but YES, she is super gutsy. And she's allthemore gutsy-looking because she's so cool and stuff. Ed's always exploding and all (which we love), so he's a sharp contrast to the Queen.

-hops away to reread the chap and mull it over repeatedly-

Now now... This chapter just kicks ass. Great plot twists!

Thanks a lot, once again! : D

I rather see "Father" and Elric's Dad originated from the same person, as in Calvino’s Cloven Viscount. In that novel, the body of the main character were hit by a cannonball and split in half, with the mentality split also, one good and one evil. At the end, they meet each other again, fight to death and merge back into one.
If my guess turns out true, then there is nothing strange why "Father" dreamt himself being called Hohenheim, because he IS Hohenheim.

Just read translation...thanks for all your hard work!
But Tombow, on page one, you said 'bustard'. Is it censoring for kiddies O-O?

And some spelling mistakes I found while reading...
Page 13, though, "But, his excellency works fast, and it helps."
Page 17, brought back a splendid deer
Hawkeye taps her mug
Page 18, Mustang checks the clock
Page 22, Soldier asks Mason
Page 26, Sight of Father being asleep

Might have missed some...but whatever <-< I'm not being too finicky, am I?

@ehxhfdl14 - Oh! Thanks!! *hugs!!* I will go & correct them now.
Oh, and about "bustard," Umm.. no.. it's not a censored word on our board, I think... ^^ Although, in this chapter I was debating while translating that part to use that one or simply say "him" because it could be either way without changing the flavor of Raw much. I could go either way here, IMO, and yeah, probably just go with simply stating "him" here. ^^
On other occasions in some other chapters we must use that word or some other bad word because that's what characters are saying in Japanese in that part, usually in some very emotionally charged scenes, and it's essential to convey the emotion the character is feeling there in that part of Raw.

And, I will probably go over the summary, and fix more translation kinks. ^^

And, thanks AA battery for the wise reminder about Bladley spelling thingy that it would probably eventually get corrected. I agree with AA that as in the similar cases in the past, this would probably eventually get corrected. Meantime, I guess I should go with spelling with L and hence using Lebecca and not Rebecca for here for now. ^^

Li'l Hohenheim!


That's all I have to say, really.

Wow, thank you Tombow...definitely helped me because I am attempting to translate the chapter too, for practice...and it your translation gives me something to check mine by.

Hey, Amethyst Sunset, if you are really trying to get better in your Japanese, I am looking for someone to work with...I have always wanted to make my own scanlations...or just translate, so if you want to take a crack at it, I have been studying in Japan for some months, and I just got back...and still studying...ready to get a lot better.

And gah! Royai is the smex.....oh man.

that is an excellent theory. it's more plausabe as opposed to Father being Hohenheim's biological father. However, if they were from the same person and split when do you think this would have happened? If it happened before the scene that happened this chapter then I don't see why "Father" would keep Hohenheim as a slave that was I suppose freed by Pride. Also, if it happened after what we saw this chapter, then who the blink really created Pride! Sigh, gotta love this manga, really makes you think!

Just to be different (no, that's not the real reason), I will say that the Homunculus in Flask is *NOT* Pride, but in fact Father. The being that was created inside that Flask isn't Pride. In my head, it makes more sense that thing being the Father. Well, now that I said, it's time to say my arguments:

1) The flashback is a dream in the head of the Father. If he remembers that talk with Hohenheim (number 23), that means he had a part in it. So, I conclude: or he is a pervert and loves to see his slaves working, or he was inside the room (as the Homunculus, on my guess).

2) That talk showed signs to be the beginning of a great friendship between the two. I've never seen any mention for the friendship of Hohenheim and Pride. In fact, as of now, the manga says that Hohenheim and Father knew each other very well. When Ed met Father and told the name of his father (you got me, right?), Father was overjoyed, he laughed and found interesting the fact of Ed and Al being sons of Von Hohenheim. Also, Hohenheim, in his flashback, was studying the plan of the "Great Philosopher Stone in Amestris" in his house, and then he said something as "so that's what he wants". If he refereed to Pride, it'd be weird, since it's not his plan.

3) If that Homunculus was created by using Hoho's blood, it's very likely that this can answer one big question: "why does Father resemble Hohenheim so bad?" It's because he was created with the same very blood that runs in Hoho's veins! That way, he became the "clone" (it's a joke, don't take it seriously) of Hoho!

4) Pride is a part of Father. He was created with Father's Pride. Not with the blood of a single child. How that was meant, I don't know.

Of course, my theory leaves big questions. "Who would be, then, the creator of the Homunculus in Flask?", "how did Father (if that really is him) became so powerful? Maybe there is someone behind him (I highly doubt it)?", and "why did Hoho and Father got separated? When did it happen? How did it happen?" are some of the questions my theory doesn't answer, but, heck, if it answered every single answer of this series, I would be creating a fanfic (and I'd have to be able to predict the future). But, as I see now, that is the best way to understand this chapter.

I agree with Victor 3000. It seems more probable that Father would be the homunculus in the flask, rather than Pride. And Father is obviously not human, so why not? And the slave boy reminds me so much of Edward, that I really think it's Hoho-papa than Father himself. Which leaves, why in the world would Father be dreaming the flashback in the first place?

Either because he and Hoho-papa are the same person (as Owen & Billywong mentioned) or Father is the homunculus in the flash. And while both theories seem interesting, I'm more partial to Victor's. Probably because I'm a sucker for good-friendships-gone-wrong storyline... even if it's so sad.

Anyways, sorry if that wasn't so beautifully thoughout out, but I wanted to give me two cents. ^^;

Absolutely adored the chapter. It had me squealing the whole time. What with the whole reappearance of Ling, the Curtis', and more Hoho-Papa/Father details... it was such a fun chapter. <3

I want 75. D= And I want to know more details about the whole slavery system. I mean seriously, it's caught my attention. I want to know more about the culture that was going on. xD