Fullmetal Alchemist: Untold Dreams

A hooded figure stomped his feet, trying to get feeling back in them. He huffed, his breath coming out in a solid stream. "Ugh, it's too early for this!" he groaned, shivering where he stood. 1

"Awe, come on, Conrad, it's not so bad!" smiled his friend, from where he lounged against a statue.2

Conrad huffed again, pulling his thin jacket around his shoulders a bit tighter. "S-shut up, Mikael. We can't all afford fine jackets. Some of us have to find other ways to keep warm."3

Mikael grinned before pulling a pair of black gloves from his jacket. He presented the palm before putting them on. Etched into the center of each were the alchemic symbol. "I know of the other way. Would you like a roaring fire, friend?"4

Conrad growled and flipped him off, muttering, "Unfortunately, I can't wear gloves..." He sighed, looking at his hands. Carved into each were thick scars, front and back, showing the same intricate circle. With a grimace, he bent down and lightly tapped the ground. A flash of blue light flared, blinding everyone near. A few people who were walking the streets stopped to look in wonder. A pit with a roaring fire sat before Conrad, who was seated in a stone chair, still attached to the ground.5

"Are you a fool?" Mikael whispered, grabbing his friend's collar. "You know that Alchemy is considered sacred here!"6

Conrad shrugged, watching the door across the street. "The sooner Ed comes outside, the sooner we can le-" 7

An explosion cut him off as half of the building they were watching burst to pieces. "Crap! That's him! Come on, Conrad!" Mikael shouted over his shoulder before taking off after the blonde haired man. 8

Conrad got to his feet, tapping the chair as he went. Behind him, the ground returned to normal other than a few smouldering embers.9

"What were they?" Someone asked in wonder.10

"State alchemists, with their blasphemist use of Alchemy," whispered another. Little did they know, Conrad and Mikael were just teenagers, not yet able to take the exam... But they would be soon.