Roy didn't know what was more distracting: the empty clang of armor moving steadily toward him, or the shrill shouts of Edward Elric reverberating off of the hallway walls. He decided it was the latter, given the annoying qualities of its origin. He sighed resolutely as the sources of the echoes grew louder and louder, eventually arriving outside of the thick wooden door that guarded his office.
One of his guardsmen knocked timidly as he cracked the door open to announce the brothers' arrival. Like the Colonel didn't know who was outside of his office by now. Honestly, where did they find these soldiers? Roy interrupted him, cutting right to the chase. "Let them in."
"Yes, Sir."
The door flew open wildly as the elder Elric stormed in, his massive counterpart following after in a comically sheepish way. Only Alphonse Elric could make a 7-foot suit of spiked armor appear sheepish Roy decided, chuckling to himself.
"What is it, Ed?"
"Our last battle was cut short, and I demand a rematch! I want everyone to know that your defeat was a clean one, undisputed!"
"Ha! Your little delusions are so entertaining..."
"Already with the short jokes. Is that all you've got? 'Cause you're gonna need a lot more than that to beat me!"
"I doubt it." What was it with this kid? He surely was a glutton for punishment. Well, the Colonel did have to admit that he admired the kid's fervor. It reminded him a bit of himself at that age.
"So you're scared then. Scared you just might not have it in you, right? The Flame Alchemist is nothing more than a dying spark..."
That was it. "You're on. Tonight, at dusk, on the fair grounds." He may have admired the kid's spirit, but he wasn't about to let his reputation and title be called into question. That and he enjoyed torturing Ed to no end.
"I'll be waiting." With a smug grin, the young alchemist turned and marched out of his office, while the younger brother bowed politely and then followed after. Roy could barely contain the laughter that was bubbling to burst out of him.
"Sir, this is hardly appropriate..."
"Hawkeye, if the kid thinks our last battle wasn't enough for him, who am I to deny him more?" Oh how he would enjoy tonight. He'd make the kid eat his words and teach him a lesson in humility.
"But, Sir..."
"Falman, notify the proper personnel about the impending contest."
"Yes, Sir!"
"But, Sir..."
"You know, Roy, this could be bad for the kid. He barely left the ring with a draw last time. And I know what it did to you, I saw you...are you sure this is what you want?" Damn that Hughes; he was always such a spoilsport.
"The kid needs to be put in his place now and again. Besides, Maes, it could be fun!"
"But, Sir..."
"What is it, lieutenant?" She was far too serious Roy concluded.
"Sir, did you happen to take note of the weather? It's raining."
