Chapter 2: Annoyances

The Crystal Light Alchemist ripped a black wig off her head and let a sigh of bliss as her red hair toppled down like silk over her bare neck. She removed the green contacts out of her eyes and blinked back as they began to water. Everything was going great. She slipped out of the slender black gown she had been wearing and shuddered as the cool air danced over her body.

She got the warm water in the shower running, her heart racing at the sound of running water. She grabbed her favorite pair of warn out jeans and her trademark black shirt, the right side a tank top and the left a t-shirt, tight to her skin but falling past the bulk of her arm. A green shawl was folded gently on top of her clothes.

She climbed into the shower and cried out, thankful for the feeling of warm water running over her skin. She ran her long fingers through her scarlet hair, wincing slightly when they hit tangles. Nothing could go wrong for her. Everything was just perfect.

Then the phone rang.

She scowled and shook her head. They could leave a message. Her bliss was far more important than anything that could be thrown at her. But it kept ringing and ringing. When it did stop and she thought she had been left alone to enjoy the warmth of her shower, the annoying ringing only continued. With a scowl, she wrapped a dark blue towel around her and grabbed the phone. "What do you want?" She hissed furiously. She recognized the voice and sighed.

"The Colonel wants you."

"Riza, please," she rubbed her eyelids. "Can you tell him I just got back from a mission." She yawned. "I am tired and I need to finish my shower."

"Now."

Crystal Light sighed. "I'll be down there in about five minutes."

"Make it three."

Silence.

She scowled and slammed the phone on the receiver. "Damn you, Mustang."

"So how has the search for the Philosopher's stone gone?" Edward Elric, the Full Metal Alchemist scowled irritated with the smug look on the Colonel's face. "But I hear you've failed yet again on a fake lead." Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist, sighed. Riza Hawkeye, his trusty gun slinging first Lieutenant shook her head. "How am I supposed to keep funding this goose chase?"

"Geez," Edward sighed, shaking his head, "Now why does that sound familiar?" Mustang sighed once more, shaking his head.

"Edward, you do also know that your exam is coming up." The Flame Alchemist smiled. "And luckily for you, I already have your exam ready."

The door behind Edward flew open and a young girl with scarlet hair and sapphire blue eyes stormed into the room. Her eyes blazed furiously into the room. "Now I want to know the reason why, Colonel," she sneered the word, "that right after I return from a mission and I finally get to take a shower, I get summoned back here?" Edward just stared at her with wide eyes. "What the hell is your problem, Roy?"

"Listen, Crystal Light," he hissed, his black eyes blazing furiously. His voice was little more than an angry growl. "You will address me as Colonel, understand?" Crystal Light straightened and nodded curtly. Edward watched the exchange then turned sharply to the Colonel.

Then it snapped in his mind.

"I have to fight her?" He growled, turning sharply to the man smirking behind the desk.

Her eyes flashed to Edward. "Whoa," her eyes flickered to Mustang. "Why is there a shrimp in here?"

Edward jumped from his seat, his eyes blazing. "WHO ARE YOU CALLING A SHRIMP SO SMALL YOU CAN ONLY SEE WITH A MAGNIFYING GLASS?!" The girl held her ground with a small smile.

"And with the anger management issues?" she added. Mustang chuckled.

"Both of you have your recertification tests within the month," he smiled. "I thought you should meet each other before the match tomorrow morning." Both of their jaws dropped. Riza couldn't help but smile. "Edward, meet our very own Crystal Light Alchemist."

Edward and the redhead exchanged looks and moaned.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I have things I need to do," he grumbled. Edward was out of the room in a flash after a curt bow. Crystal Light stayed in his office. "Can I help you?" She looked at the door and sighed.

"Cut the crap now, Roy," she growled. "Why do I have to face the pipsqueak?" She crossed her arms over her chest.

"Because the Fuhrer won't let me face you for your test," he rubbed his temples. She rubbed her shoulder covered by the longer sleeve. "You know that."

"But the kid?"

"He's a lot stronger than you think," he told her, with a smile. "You may be up for a challenge." He winked.

"Please," she fell onto the couch and yawned. "Can't I just take the written exam?"

"What is wrong with you?" Mustang grumbled. "Since when do you back down from a fight?"

"When I have had to run on six days of sleep for a two and a half week mission," she growled, "and then I have to take my test kinda sets me off in a bad mood." Her blue eyes glared at him.

"You'll survive," she sighed and shook her head.

"But why so soon?"

"You never used to whine this much," he shook his head and pointed to the silver stop watch in her pocket. "But if you want to keep that," he intertwined his fingers and laid his chin on top of it. "You'll do as you're told." She sighed and walked out of the room.

Crystal Light shifted uncomfortably on her bed. Despite the face she was tired beyond all recognition; she could not get her body to drift into the much needed sleep. Her mind wandered to the upcoming battle between the Full Metal Alchemist and herself as she gazed at the few twinkling stars.

She slowly drifted off to sleep, her hand resting gently on her shoulder, stiff from the scars.

Thanks for the reviews that I got! I am so happy! I know this chapter is short, much shorter than normal, but it will get longer! I promise!