Silhouette of a Leader
Author's Note: I just got the idea for this today. I love dinos and I love FMA so why not combine them? Future Warning: There will be some graphic details since they will become predatory beasts, but I'm sure most of ya'll can stomach it! Enjoy!
Chapter I: Man in the Green Marquee
Edward tore through a forest of coniferous trees. His thick muscular legs seemed to be more then sufficient enough to out run the monster pursuing him. But he didn't know how to use them. They were bent in awkward ways and his clawed toes seemed to get caught on roots. Edward quickly glanced down at his hands. Both were flesh, but not his flesh. At the end of each hand, three long fingers hung tipped with sharp black talons.
What the heck am I? He thought as hard as he could and a scene appeared in his mind. Even though it happened hours ago it felt like ages. A deep roar from the beast, confirmed that it was closing in on him. Edward tried to pick up speed. He needed to find out what happened and suddenly the vague scenes became clear.
Flashback
The entire office exploded into laughter. Roy was leaning back in his chair, Havoc gripped his sides, Breda and Falman clung to each other and Furey was rolling around on the floor. Even Hawkeye, who stood at the Colonel's side was trying to keep from giggling.
"You want to be a leader?" Mustang wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.
"I may call ya "Boss" or "Chief", but I'm just playin' around." Havoc said retrieving his fallen cigarette.
"Yeah." Breda chipped in.
The Fullmetal Alchemist stood in the middle of the cacophonous noise. He was shaking with rage in his black boots.
"You can't be serious, squirt... You lack a few leadership "qualities" needed." Mustang smiled at the furious subordinate standing in front of him.
"WHO ARE YOU CALLIN' SO SHORT THAT HE CAN'T EVEN LEAD A PACK OF ANTS TO A COOKIE CRUMB BECAUSE THEY CAN'T SEE HIM!" Edward shouted felling his face turn a scarlet red. He spun around and began to leave. As he reached the door he glanced back. "I'll show you all." And left.
Shutting the door Edward looked over and saw a tall suit of armor standing next to him. As soon as the knob clicked shut the office erupted into another chorus of laughter.
"Come on Al, let's get out of here." Ed said as he walked down the hallway feeling a bit bummed out.
"Don't let them put you down brother; I'm sure you'll make a great leader. You just need a chance to prove it to them" Al comforted.
"I don't care what they say!" Edward said trying to mask his shattered pride. The brothers descended the steps of Central HQ's entrance and headed east. They walked for a few minutes in silence. "Uh, I'd do anything right now to show them!" Ed shoved his hands into his pockets. A low rumble came from his stomach. He sighed. "Let's get something to eat, I'm starved."
"Ok." Al replied.
Just as they began toward the nearest deli, a raspy voice called out to them from a shady alleyway.
"Psst…"
Edward look over at Al who shrugged and they continued to on.
"Psst."
It came louder and the two stopped this time.
"Let's go check it out." Ed said as he stepped into the mouth of the alley.
"But brother…" Al stayed behind for a moment then ran in to catch up.
The walls were littered with dirt and grim. It smelled like rotting garbage. A scraggly brown cat emerged from a trash can and hissed as they passed.
"Jeeze this place is a dump." Edward commented.
They finally reached the end. It was almost noon and the sunlight lit the small space, allowing them to appropriately see the scene before their eyes.
A large green marquee was opened up to them. They could see a shadowed figure inside seated at a round, clothed table.
"Enter please." the figure spoke.
Reluctantly, Edward entered. Al had to stoop as he followed. Ed noticed a lamp in the corner lit the tent. The owner signaled to the chair opposite of him and Edward took it. The two brothers were finally able to get a better look at the figure. He wore a long beige tattered coat, accompanied with a torn scarf and hood pulled over his forehead. Thin strands of black hair hung out from the hood's opening. The man smelled of cabbage and gunpowder. He leaned forward; the lamps flame caught the jagged features of his face and a glass eye.
"So you want to prove your worth to your comrades?" The figure asked
Ed who had been stuck on the appearance of the man stuttered for a moment. "Uh. Y-yes. I do… but how did you know?"
The man waved his hand as if it were not important and continued on. "And you'd do anything to show this pompous Colonel Mustang your leadership abilities?"
"Yes and his staff!" Edward said becoming a little excited. This mysterious man snatched the very thoughts from his mind. "How can I do that? What do I do?"
A smile cracked onto the man's face. "Just touch this." He removed the faded cloth from the table and revealed a large transmutation circle engraved on the wooden surface.
Al gasped.
Edward smiled. "What will happen?"
"You get your chance…"