Why Did Alphonse Elric Not Wear a Suit of Armor and Souls Not Shown in Their First Meeting with Izumi Curtis?

The issues of Alphonse Elric not wearing a suit of armor, and not showing his soul when he first meets Izumi Curtis, have long puzzled many Fullmetal Alchemist fans. To unravel this mystery, we must first delve into the timeline of events that led to this moment in their story.

Timeline of Key Events

Van Hohenhiem, the father of Edward and Alphonse, departs: This marks the start of Edward and Alphonse's journey into the world of alchemy. Sadly, their mother, Trisha Elric, is not with them.

Trisha Elric dies: Trisha, who was the Elric siblings' guardian, passes away, leaving them more alone and determined to master alchemy.

First Meeting with Izumi Curtis: Edward and Alphonse, now slightly older due to their time in Dublith, cross paths with Izumi Curtis. The meeting is strained, but Izumi reluctantly agrees to take them as apprentices.

The Alchemic Journey Begins

Izumi Curtis's Apprenticeship: In Dublith, Edward and Alphonse learn alchemy from Izumi for two to three years. By the time they return to Resembool, they are notably older than when they initially joined her.

Tragic Ritual and Aftermath

The tragic ritual aimed at resurrecting their late mother ends in a catastrophic failure. It results in Alphonse's soul being confined to a suit of armor, and Edward losing his arm and leg. This deeply profound moment marks a turning point in the brothers' lives. Edward, only 11 years old, is at the heart of their quest for Alphonse's body and redemption.

State Alchemy Offer and Military Journey

Their story takes a new turn when Colonel Mustang, an official from the State Military, discovers the failed ritual. Impressed by their young age and the complexity of their alchemy, he offers them the rare opportunity to become state alchemists. Edward, now 12, eagerly accepts the offer and begins the military journey to recover Alphonse's body and find the Philosopher's Stone.

Meeting Izumi Curtis (Again):

Some time after their transformation, on their return visit to Resembool, Edward and Alphonse encounter Izumi Curtis again. However, now, different from their first meeting, Alphonse is not seen in his suit of armor. Neither their souls are revealed during this meeting. This change is likely due to the fact that neither party wishes to show the extent of their current condition.

Why the Change?

1. Morale and Protection: Openly showing the extent of their injuries and the soul babies (as they are later revealed) could have a negative impact on the morale of everyone involved. Protecting what is left of themselves and their psychological well-being might have been a priority.

2. Respect for Izumi Curtis: Perhaps they did not wish to burden Izumi Curtis with the full extent of their current condition. By choosing not to show their injuries, they respect her feelings and keep her from having to deal with such trauma.

3. Power Dynamics: In the military and government, there may have been certain expectations or norms about how to present oneself, especially in a formal or official capacity like meeting a high-ranking official such as Izumi.

Concluding Thoughts

The meeting between Alphonse and Izumi Curtis is a pivotal moment in the Elric brothers' journey. Their decision not to wear a suit of armor and their souls not being shown could be attributed to various reasons, including personal choice, respect, psychological well-being, and cultural or social contexts. By understanding the timeline and context, we can appreciate the depth and complexity of this integral part of their story.

The Fullmetal Alchemist story is a profound exploration of sacrifice, redemption, and the will to overcome life's challenges. The brothers' journey, marked by their physical transformation, moral growth, and resilience, continues to inspire fans around the world.