When Scar attacks Ed and Al in FMA 03 initially he’s on a mission to kill all state alchemists because of how the military used these ‘human weapons’ to massacre the Ishvalans. Of course, Ed was just a child during the war in Ishval so it seems really cruel for Scar to attack him for it. (Even if Ed did willingly join the military which has not reversed its policy with regards to Ishvalans.)
But looking at the episodes again, I’m liking the idea that Scar wasn’t truly after them until they got in his way and even then he’s reluctant.
Okay, Ed and Al travel to this village in the East to track down Dr Marcoh. But the Iron Blood Alchemist, Basque Grand follows them there (to arrest Marcoh)..
Scar is there to hunt down Basque Grand, a man who was very definitely involved in Ishval and indeed seemed to have been promoted to Brigadier General partially due to his success in the campaign. He is still very influential in the military and generally a very dangerous person. Killing him no doubt sent a message – which is his aim.
Then Scar turns his attention towards Marcoh who was also very involved in Ishval, having supplied the military with the destructive Red Stones. Another valid target, who’s right in front of him so of course Scar makes a move on Marcoh – not Edward who is also present.
Edward involves himself, getting in Scar’s way by attempting to defend Marcoh. Only then does Scar turn his attention to Edward. Similarly, he’s perfectly willing to ignore Al until Al gets in his way by shielding Ed who is still shielding Marcoh.
Finally, when Ed is cornered, with his arm broken, Scar approaches to kill him but he’s surprisingly slow about. First, he offers Ed a moment to pray and he then has a conversation with Ed about equivalent exchange and then holds his arm over Ed head for quite a few seconds (with Al yelling in the background) without activating it until Marcoh intervenes.
Sure, this can be the show being dramatic but I think it’s that Scar was very reluctant to attack the brothers and all his words were as much about trying to convince himself to destroy them.
After this, Scar does hunt them down specifically but I think that might be because he’s aware that they’re after the Philosopher’s stone. Scar knows how dangerous the stone is and will be aware that they’re getting close to it. His quest to kill them at this point is likely specifically to prevent the creation of the stone.That’s how I see it anyway.
When Ed chooses not to create a stone after all, Scar saves him and Al, blowing up the room to thoroughly ruin the Homunculi’s plans. It’s clear he is changing his mind about the brothers, (no doubt helped by Al’s friendliness).
Zetalial 