Hohenheim and the others prevent Father from making more philosopher's stones. As Edward rejoins them, Father spawns humans resembling the people of Xerxes before attacking with a powerful blast which takes out half of the headquarters. They barely manage to survive the blast, but Alphonse and Hohenheim are heavily damaged protecting the others. Before Father can kill Edward and Izumi, the Briggs Fortress soldiers, along with several of Edward's allies, combine to attack Father and force him to exhaust his stone supply. Father lowers his barrier temporarily to try to absorb Greed's stone, giving Edward, Armstrong, and Izumi the opportunity to attack him to the point of needing to physically defend himself. As Father starts to lose control, he creates a blast which pins Edward's left arm while his automail right arm is destroyed. With Edward in danger, Alphonse convinces May to help him perform a transmutation, trading his soul for the return of Edward's right arm. Alphonse rejoins his body on the other side of the gate and, with his arm returned, Edward fuelled by the loss of his brother frees himself to unleash a series of powerful blows on Father.