Disclaimer: If I need one, I don't own it.
"Well, Mayor? What are we going to do? Most people don't want to deal with that kind of pressure!"
The mayor of Tier looked at the sky, debating how to solve this new problem. "We'll find someone. We have to."
"Right! Some idiot is just going to walk right up and volunteer!"
Meanwhile, Ed and Al had reached the entrance to the fair, Ed considerably ahead of his brother. Excitement glowed deep in his golden eyes as he took in the entrance to the fair. I haven't gone to a country fair in at least a couple of years. I wonder if they'll have funnel cakes, Ed considered this as he waited for Al.
"Hey, Brother! Look at that sign!" Al pointed to a large board on which many different things had been nailed. Smack in the middle of it was a red bordered sign that advertised an alchemy competition.
"It says it's open to 'amateur' alchemists only. I can't enter, but you could Al. Why don't you go ahead, I bet you'll win easily!"
If armor could blush, Al would have matched Ed's coat. "Do you think so? I mean…"
Ed grinned. " Go on, Al. Besides, I see they have cotton candy! Let's go!"
Al followed his older brother into the fairgrounds. "Ed, the tent over there is where I sign up. I catch up to you later."
Ed nodded, his eyes on the booth with the cotton candy.
Al walked to the tent, careful not to bump into anything. It was still early, so there weren't many people out yet. The man in the tent smiled as Al came in. "Hello there! Are you interested in our alchemy competition? Let me explain the rules. We tell you before hand what elements you will be using, then, later today, everyone will perform their alchemy in the field to the left of this tent. We provide the materials. Would you like to enter? You are an amateur, correct?"
Al nodded. "Yes. I think I will enter. My brother can't, so I guess I can show off a little."
"Oh? Why can't your brother enter?"
"Ah, well, uh…"
"Don't worry, Al." Ed walked into the tent holding a paper cone with a large amount of blue cotton candy on it.
"Well, um, okay, what's your name?" The man asked Al, while eyeing Ed. There was something about him that seemed familiar.
"I'm Alphonse Elric."
The man blinked. " So that's why your brother seemed familiar! I used to live in Central, so of course I heard all about the Fullmetal Alchemist!"
"Um, am I still allowed to enter?" Al quietly asked the now very excited man.
"Oh, yes. I don't see why not. I mean, your brother can't, but, I don't see why you wouldn't be allowed to." Suddenly the man gasped. "Wait right here a moment, please. I've just had an idea, and I must find the mayor!"
The man bolted from the tent, leaving the Elrics to stare after him.
Okay. I wonder what that's all about, Ed thought as he glanced at Al. "So, Al, are you going to win? Because if you don't…", a sneaky grin slid across Ed's face, " I'll have to tell Winry and Granny Pinako all about it."
"Ed! You're evil!"
The man from the entry tent ran up to the mayor of Tier, waving his hands wildly. "Mayor! I've found someone!"
The mayor smiled, " What, you've found someone? Are you sure?"
"Yes! I mean, I haven't asked him yet, but I think he will!"
A happy look descended upon the mayor's face.
"That's wonderful! You've found us a third person to judge the food entries!"
A note: Thank you to all the readers! Have I mentioned that I like reviews? (Hint, hint) Also, I know the first two chapters where short. Hopefully they will be getting longer. I think this one is. Thank you again!