I plan to marry FMA. That way.. IT WILL BE MINE! But for the time being.. I don't own it.

Held

By The Gomp

My eyes turned to the palace before me. The trickery of heaven dancing before my eyes. The world was white with a light mist to it. The air had a faint scent of… blissfulness.

So beautiful, so peaceful.

The soft click of heals came from behind me. I didn't bother to turn.

"This is what you have been searching for, is it not?" Her voice.. It felt so soothing to the ear. My throat felt dry as I spoke.

"I… I don't know."

"Then is it me who you have come for?" A hand was placed on my shoulder. Its warmth radiated through my thin shirt.. I closed my eyes so I could savior the feel.

"I'm always watching." I felt her warm breath puff against my ear. It felt so real, so close.

"Are you really?"

Her fingers ran across my cheek. They were so soft and fragile. She turned my face towards her. My breath got caught as I saw her beauty. Saw her loveliness.

She began to play with a lock of my golden hair as she smiled softly at me.

I really was in heaven.

"Edward. Why did you create me?"

I blinked a few times. When did I…..

"You made me this..." Her fingers turned to an icy cold liquid. The liquid wrapped around my throat, choking me. "...way."

"Mo..th..er"

My eyes snapped opened from a loud clacking sound. I lifted my head slightly so I could stare at my offender. The security guard only smirked at my displeasure. The jerk had been smacking the metal bars with his Billy club.

"Get your ass up. Your hearing is in twenty minutes."

I sat up, feeling a nice cramp in my neck. I must of fallen asleep while I was waiting.

I glared at the security guard who had awakened me. The man didn't even flinch, just kept his smug smirk firmly in place. I suppose working in a jail would make you immune to most glares. After a few more moments of us staring at each other, he turned swiftly on his heals and left. Weird.

I began to rub at the sore muscles in my neck. Jail beds just weren't comfortable. What a bummer.

I was in Central now. Ross's and my meeting was only brief the previous day. I had so many questions to ask her, there was so much to catch up on. But she was a First Lieutenant now and had many other obligations to attend to. Before she left though, she promised she would get a hold of Roy for me.

She better keep that promise. Especially considering I was about to get my hearing in… oh I would say about fifteen minutes.

Also before she left she said that we would meet again. I was really hoping that to be true. Ross was always a pretty cool person.

After me and Ross's reunion I was placed on a train to Central. There wasn't really anything interesting that happened on the ride. I got stuck with a very stern officer whose only enjoyment was to try and stare me down. The train ride went through the night so I didn't get to Central till about tenthe next morning. After that I was instantly taken to Centrals main jail hall and I've been here ever since.

How fun.

The security guard that I was becoming oh-so-fond-of returned again. His smirk was still plastered firmly on his face. I always hated it when people acted that way. You know, like they are smarter than you. Even though I bet you dim-to-a-dollar that my IQ would crush his.

A loud click came from the doors lock. The man pushed the jail door open and motioned for me to follow. I did as ordered. See, I was a good boy.

I was lead through the many corridors of the facility. The place seemed likea heaven of steal. Some of the prisoners banged on the bars of their cells while screaming foul and explicit words at me. Man, some prisoners obviously have too much time on their hands. I just ignored them as I followed the guard.

Finally we made it to the front doors where I was thoroughly checked. And I mean very thoroughly. I suppose I should appreciate the fact that they didn't underestimate their prisoners. But at the same time I wasn't very appreciative that they considered me as one.

Once I had their approval, the officer led me to the outside world. We were in Centrals Grand Military Station. Military and government buildings lined up next to each other on a long cement strip. As a kid I use to marvel at all the ancient looking buildings. Now they just left a foul taste in my mouth.

I looked to the left at the familiar Military Headquarters that I had grown to hate early in my youth. It still looked the same and seemed as busy as ever.

The guard poked his Billy stick into my chest which automatically grabbed my attention.

"Stop lagging, we're on a schedule."

You know, even though the Parliament had ultimately pissed me off, there's one thing I must admit. The Parliament was being extremely efficient. A hearing in four days after a committed crime was unheard of in the old government. It was just impressive.

Instead of walking to the court house like I had expected, we headed over to where Bradley's Political Meeting Hall use to be. Pillars lined along the entrance of the white pristine building. Two statues of silver lions stood proudly on either side of the stairs.

As we walked up the stairs I realized something, this was going to be my first time entering this particular building.

The inside of the building was a sight to see. The floor was white marble and the walls a pasty brown. The ceiling was a round top with paintings of patriotism done in great detail. Images of soldiers standing proudly with the Amestris flag in their hand's while others showed soldiers fighting for their country. For a moment, it made me proud to be an Amestris.

I was lead to two rather large oak wooden doors. Both doors had engravings of two lions encircled around each other. Beyond those doors sat the political power of the Amestris nation. In their hands they held the destiny of the next few years of my life. I swallowed hard as the security guard pushed both the doors open.

"Wait!"

My eyes shot open. HALLELLUJAH! The heavens have opened and God has heard my call.

I turned to watch Roy running towards us. Well, more like limping quickly.

The security guard allowed the doors to close back shut. He looked at Roy with annoyance.

"ROY! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" If I didn't have handcuffs firmly constricting my wrists I most likely would have jumped on him with kisses and hugs. And I'm not joking.

Roy finally caught up to us. He took in a few big breaths to try and calm his breathing. I could only smile while praying that Roy had somehow gotten me out of this mess. Once Roy had fully composed himself, he stood up and began to straighten my clothing out for me. I eyed him curiously.

"Well.."

"Well Edward.. I just wanted to wish you luck before your hearing. So good luck and see you later."

My mouth fell open. This wasn't what I was expecting. He had to be joking.

"Huh..?"

Roy tapped me on the forehead and thenwalked right past us and into the room that my hearing was being held in.

I blinked a few times.

He did not..

Oh he just did not..

The guard grabbed me roughly by my shoulders and pushed me through the doors. Stupid jerk.

I walked into the room that was simply enormous in size. Holy mother of pigs was it huge. Blue and white ribbons were firmly wrapped around a large table that stretched across the room. The members of the Parliament all sat behind the desk, each watching me closely.

We walked past Roy who occupied one of the many chairs that lined up against the back wall. I glared at him with the devil in my eyes. I was pissed beyond words. He only looked at me with a gleam in his own. A gleam of hope possibly.. Better be…

There were twelve in the Parliament. Twelve men who were well aged and seemed to hold much wisdom. Notice I used the word 'seemed'. Each representing a different section of Amestris. All twelve set's of eyes were following my every movement. I was tempted to squirm.

We finally stopped a few feet away from the mammoth sized table. The security guard left my side, left me to the vultures.

"Edward Rockbell?"

The first one to speak was a man who was rather tubby, very bald, and had a thin gray mustache that graced itself above his lips. His cheeks jiggled slightly as he spoke. "Are you Edward Rockbell?"

I looked back at Roy. Deep down I knew Roy had a plan. He wouldn't fail me like that.

Roy shook his head. I lifted an eyebrow at him. He motioned for me to continue with a hand gesture but still shook his head.

I turned back to the Parliament, not sure what the heck Roy had up his sleeve. I took a deep breath before I spoke. "No, my name is Edward Elric." My name felt like it was being ripped off my tongue. My cover was blown. It was over. It was all over.

The Parliament broke into loud chatter. Each of them turning to the other, conversing on what I just said. I closed my eyes. I planned to beat Roy senseless when this was all over.

"Are you the same Edward Elric that had the alias FullMetal?"

I looked at the man who just spoke. I knew his voice… It took a few minutes for it all to click in. It was General Hakuro. Well I suppose Chairman Hakuro now. Years ago I had rescued him and his family from a train that had been taken over by rebels. He was the one that gave me clarification to take the State Alchemy test at such a young age.

"Yes."

All of them broke out into chatter again. All of their conversations seemed to hold a tone of excitement.

Hakuro cleared his throat before he spoke. "Edward Elric, the Parliament would like to know where you have been for the past four years. Would you please explain yourself?"

I turned to Roy again. He just motioned for me to continue. I didn't like where this was going.

"In the summer of 1916 I quit the military and went off to live my own life. At that time I informed Roy of my resignation. My actions were legal considering I had completed my four years of required service."

Hakuro folded his hands in front of himself. He lifted an eloquent eyebrow. "Oh? If I remember correctly you had signed a legal contract binding you for another two years in the military. It was under the impression that you were doing research to benefit the government. During that time the government provided you with funding."

Well shit. He was right. Figures they wouldn't over look something so minor. Heh heh, right.

"But, that contract wasn't totally binding. I was allowed to break the contract if I found a sufficient enough reason to. And I did find a sufficient reason to break it. May I remind you of King Bradley.." Score for me. Wahoo.

Again the room broke out into chatter. Some nodding their heads while others were shaking their own. I wasn't sure if it was good or bad.

Chairman Hakuro picked up a few sheets of papers and flipped through them. He stopped at one, his eyes skimming over it. "Just informing your superior officer of your resignation isn't a proper way to break a military contract. You were suppose to prove your case and give proof of your 'sufficient reasoning'." This guy had to be joking.

"The person I was supposed to present this to was King Bradley himself. Do you honestly believe that King Bradley would have listened with any form of reasoning? Yes, I did break a legal contract in an illegal manner. But I think if you consider the terms I was under you would find some understanding in the way I did things."

Chairman Hakuro began to rub his chin. He smirked as he looked at me. "I can't prosecute you under laws you broke from the old government. But, we do have a present issue on our hands. The Parliament has been giving your brother compensation for your 'death'. Would you like to explain that one?"

Eww, ouch. Wasn't the trial supposed to be about illegal alchemy?

"No sir, I cannot."

Hakuro's smirk turned into a smile. A very uncomforting smile.

"We are getting off subject here, are we not? How about we turn our focus to the main issue here. Edward Elric, are you aware that alchemy is illegal?"

I groaned while nodding my head. Illegal alchemy, how stupid.

"Do you understand why alchemy is illegal?"

I nodded my head again. Of course, they considered it a tool of mass destruction. I will admit I can see some of their reasoning. But there was still so much good that could come out of alchemy. It was a shame they were too blind to see that.

Chairman Hakuro ran a hand through his graying hair. "Your case has been reviewed and discussed thoroughly. Through reports we havelearned your story and your reasons for using alchemy. All of us have decided that since this is your first offense and alchemy was used under terms of self defense, we will allow you to go free. But be warned that if this same mistake happens again, you will be prosecuted to the full extent."

My heart jumped for joy. Well, that was easy. Way too easy. Wahoo!

"By the way Mr. Elric, I would like to see you in my office."

And of course Hakuro had to ruin the moment.

"You should be grateful that you once saved my life. And you better thank your friend General Mustang; he put his job on the line for you. I have every right to court-marshal him for withholding information from the military. But I owe him a favor and this will be my way of paying him back. You see, if General Mustang hadn't informed me of your situation then very likely your hearing would have taken months to process and you would have been found guilty almost immediately."

Chairman Hakuro took a sip of his whisky. I sat across from him on a silk blue couch that was placed in the center of the room. Hakuro's office was actually King Bradley's old one. It had been refurnished. The room gave the impression of a parlor rather than an office now. I was curious of how he got Bradley's old office considering it was the nicest one in all the buildings, but kept my mouth shut.

"I am grateful for all that you have done. All I want to do now is to talk to General Mustang and head home." I took a sip of the water I had been drinking. Whisky yucky.

Hakuro only smirked. It wasn't one of those friendly smirks, more like the evil smirk from hell. He had been doing it a lot throughout the conversation and it was making me totally uncomfortable.

"We still need to discuss this compensation your brother has been receiving."

I sighed as I leaned into the couch. I knew there was a catch. "Look, the compensation was a mistake. It's the military's fault for declaring me dead. Besides, why was I even receiving compensation if I had resigned? Before this past year I was unaware of my brother receiving the money. I have no problem returning the money and if you want interest I won't complain." See, simple and easy.

Chairman Hakuro took another sip of his alcohol. "You received compensation because Roy couldn't process your resignation in time. I am confused on how you never knew about the compensation. And, if you were aware for this past year why did you not report it?"

I bit on my lip. Why did he have to make things so difficult. "For three years I didn't live with my brother. I moved out on my own. I needed to get my head clear, you know. And I didn't report the compensation because I've been recovering from surgery for the past seven months. I wasn't exactly in proper health to be worrying about a military flaw." Ok, so I mixed some truth with lies. It was a good combination.

Chairman Hakuro stood up with his glass. He walked over to his desk and leaned against it. His eyes narrowed as he looked at me. "I don not believe your story. But, I will not question you any further."

I nodded and began to stand, I just wanted out of there. Hakuro stopped my movements by slamming his glass cup on his desk. "SIT. I did not excuse you." I looked at the man wearily as I did what I was told. Wow, was that uncalled for.

"General Mustang and I had a nice little conversation before your hearing. The Parliament will not over look this whole situation. In the Parliament's eyes you have stolen thousands of dollars through your own false death. The Parliament is already talking about a trial date for you. I got you off from illegal alchemy, but this one won't be so easy. But…"

I always hated 'buts'.

"Mustang and I have come up with a plan…"

I narrowed my eyes at him. I didn't like this one bit.

"WAS THIS YOUR PLAN THE WHOLE TIME!"

Roy sat back in his chair while taking a sip of his coffee. I slammed my hands against his desk. "How could you do this to me? I mean, I finally found peace… God damn it Mustang… ANSWER ME!"

Roy sighed as he placed his coffee cup on the desk. He folded his hands in front of him. "I will answer your questions once you compose yourself."

I growled at him. I wanted to tear him limb from limb. "I hate you."

"Edward, please take a seat and have a civilized conversation with me. I will not answer you unless you follow my request."

I took a deep breath in, hoping to relax my pulsing heart. I was torn with emotions. On one side I wanted to scream and yell, throwing stuff sounded appealing too. But on the other side I wanted to wallow in self misery. Life never was fair to me. Never ever ever.

I took a seat in the wooden chair that was in front of his desk. Suddenly all of my energy drained away. I felt so tired and warn out. I was so sick of these games.

"Why.. How could you do this?"

Roy rubbedhis nose bridge between his eyes. "Edward, I didn't have much of a choice. If I wanted to get you off charges of alchemy, they needed to know your real identity. If you compare one year of military service to years in jail, which one is better?"

"JAIL!" I folded my arms across my chest. Yes, I planned to be a baby about this. Bite me.

"Edward, me and you both know that's not true. Look, I promised I would look after you. You have been assigned as one of my direct subordinates. I guarantee you I will keep you safe and out of danger. And retaining your rank as Major isn't too shabby either."

I groaned as I placed my hands over my face. This just totally sucked. I finally was able to live a happy normal life with my brother and then my life takes a turn like this. It was all shit. Sucky poopy shit.

"There is already a dorm being set up for you. I doubt I need to show you around the building… There haven't been too many changes."

"Roy, how could you do this to me?"

Roy stood up and walked around his desk. He placed a hand on my shoulder. "Edward, I told you alchemy was illegal. Don't blame me for your mistakes. But, I am interested in hearing what really happened in Rizenpool that night."

I grabbed Roy's hand and pushed it off my shoulder. "Yea, I was interested in the same thing. What the hell did happen?"

Roy's lips curled in a smirk. He grabbed some papers off his desk and handed them to me. I tried to read them but my eyes didn't want to corporate.

"Those are all the reports I have received. Colonel Sanders is in charge of operations over there. This is his first assignment as Colonel so don't be surprised if some of the reports are.. unclear. You can take them if you like; I am done looking through them."

I placed the papers on my lap. I would read them later when I got myself a new pair of glasses.

"What am I suppose to tell Al? Am I even allowed to go home to say goodbye?"

Roy sighed while shaking his head. "You are under a one month probation and must remain in Central for that time. A phone call will have to suffice. Just be honest with him. Once your probation is over I'll permit you to visit him as occasionally as possible. I am sorry things turned out this way."

"Yea, I'm sorry too." I ran a hand through my bangs. I knew Roy had saved my ass. Pretty much my 'sentence' is as follows.. I must return the money my brother had received from the government and instead of jail time Hakuro bargained one year of volunteer military service. That way there would be no trail and no jail. Hippy dippy mother fudging yay.

Roy smiled at me. "Now let's talk about Rizenpool."

I groaned as I looked at him. For a man that usually was lazy with his work, he seemed very adamant on finding out about Rizenpool.

"The Xing came in.. They killed some civilians and burned down many houses. I'm sure that's allin the reports."

Roy nodded. "Yea, that isn't any news to me. Is there anything else?"

"Yea there is." Before the whole trial mess there was something I desperately wanted to talk to Roy about. He knew about Tucker. He knew the horrors of what Tucker had created. I swallowed hard.

"Chimera."

"What?" Roy tried to cover his shock but was doing a petty job.

"So I suppose that wasn't in your reports. Figures. There was only one that I saw and it wasn't a normal chimera. It didn't follow the laws of equivalent trade. The size of the animal was much too big to be done under terms ofequal mass. The chimera itself was too perfect to be done by any normal alchemist. It has to be one of Tuckers. Tucker was always a specialist when it came to chimera. And if anyone could beat equivalent trade when it came to Chimera…"

"Edward, what your saying makes no sense. First, even Tucker couldn't beat equivalent trade. And second, it can't be Tuckers."

I looked at him. "What do you mean it can't be Tuckers?"

"Two years ago we found Tuckers corpse. It was in a sewer system, clogging the drains. It seemed he died from various organ failures. His body was going against the laws of nature; he couldn't survive long in a body like that."

Tucker wasdead? There was no one else in the world that could create a successful chimera like he did. What about..

"Was there a young girl with his body?"

Roy lifted an eyebrow. "No.. It was just Shou Tucker."

I shook my head. That was something I would have to figure out later.

"Do you think it's possible that the Xing Alchemist's are that advanced with alchemy? I mean, Tucker's personal library contained books that were written over a few hundred year's time span. The knowledge he had on chimera's was not something that someone could just figure out with no direction…"

Roy walked back around his desk and sat down. He seemed deep in thought. This whole thing didn't make sense. Chimera.. How could someone have that type of talent with chimera's and avoid the laws of equivalent exchange...

My whole world darkened.

There was no way. How could they.. Why would they.. But it was the only explanation.

"..philosopher Stone.."

Roy looked at me curiously. "The philosopher stone? What would that have to do with anything?"

"It has to do with everything! Shit Roy, they have the philosopher stone. Ignoring the laws of equivalent trade.. producing perfect chimera... There is no other explanation."

Roy blinked a few times as if he was trying to allow everything to sink in. He shook his head. "How would that be even possible? I mean, all the research in our country on the philosopher stone has been destroyed. Xing, up until recently, has done research only on medical alchemy. It's just not logical."

"It's totally logical. Our alchemy research in this country has never been focused on the philosopher stone but our military still tried to create it in secrete."

Roy sighed while he used his hands as a chin rest. "There's so much that doesn't make sense. Let's say they do have a philosopher stone.. I am only speaking theoretically. Well if they are using it to create chimera than obviously its being used for military purposes. Then that means they have mass amounts of military power. With that much power wouldn't they have advanced in on our borders already?"

I looked at Roy curiously. "What do you mean? What about Rizenpool? Call me stupid, but that seemed like one hell of an advancement."

Roy shook his head. He swirled in his chair so he was looking at the map behind him. It was a world map.

"Do you remember the surveillance photos you saw seven months ago?"

I nodded. The surveillance photos I saw showed camps and trenches all throughout the Great Desert. It was kinda freaky.

"For almost a year now Xing has done nothing but grow in numbers in the Great Desert. It's like they are waiting for something but aren't making a move till that something happens. There have been a few conflicts and battles but it's only been when our side provokes them. Rizenpool has been there first true advancement. If they are so powerful then why have they been holding off for a year? And out of all places why would they make Rizenpool their first target? Rizenpool is a agricultural community with a low population. It makes no sense."

He was right, it didn't make sense. "Does anyone know of my return? Could it be because of me? I'm not trying to flatter myself here but during my military days I did make some enemies."

Roy shrugged his shoulders helplessly. "The only ones whowere aware of your originalreturnwere a few trusted military personnel. Riza, myself, and Armstrong. A couple rumors went around when you first surfaced, but I had silenced all of them. I'm not sure how word could have gotten to Xing."

I sighed. It all seemed too confusing and too coincidental.

"So you're stuck there for an entire year."

"Look, this is the best I can do."

Winry wasn't taking the news very well. I had been on the phone for about an hour already trying to explain everything to her. Talking to her was like talking to ablock of wood at times.

"So, are you going to take care of Al for me or what?"

"Ed, he's going to want to be with you. How could you do this to him?"

I growled into the phone. We had gone over this already. "It's too dangerous for him to be here. I can't afford for Al to get hurt. And this isn't my fault so don't start blaming me."

"What do you mean it'snot your fault! Look, I'm not trying to fight with you Ed. But Al just got you back. He's going to be upset about this. He should be with you."

I sighed as I leaned against the wall. I really, really, REALLY wasn't thrilled with the whole situation. "Rizenpool is a lot safer than here. I know Al will be upset.. I'm upset about this. But it's either this or jail. Look, I'll call as often as possible and once my probation is over I'll be on a train to Rizenpool."

Winry took in a shuddering breath. For the first time in my life I truly wish I could be there to comfort her. She had lost Al and I more times than I could count. Everyone was just being torn apart all over again.

"Winry, I'm sorry. Really I am. But it just worked out this way. It's not like I planned for any of this."

"I know you didn't… It's just easier to blame you for everything. I'll take care of Al; you don't need to worry about that. Ed, just be careful. Make sure you keep in touch."

"I promise I will."

"Ed, there's one more thing."

I frowned at the phone. "What?"

"I swear to god if you damage your auto-mail I will KILL YOU."

I smiled.

"Bye Winry, take care."

I hung up the phone before she could say anything else. She could be one scary girl when it came to her auto-mail.

"Edward Elric?"

I turned at the sound of my name. Behind me was Roy's secretary. She was a very pretty woman, probably no older than myself. Her hair was black, done up nicely. Her blue military uniform fit her petite figure very well and caused her blue eyes to stand out. She smiled at me.

"Your dorm is ready for you. General Mustang told me to inform you."

I smiled sheepishly at Roy's secretary. "Heh, yea thanks.. I've never stayed in the dorms before. Can you please point me in the right direction?"

Her smile broadened. "Of course sir. Just follow me."

I nodded my thanks as I followed her.

We passed by many military personnel. Not one of the faces looked familiar. There were so many new people.Everyone was busy at work. It was so unlike the old days when the military offices were very relaxed. The military headquarters use to feel like such a friendly social place. Now it felt like a giant office filled with businessmen.

After awhile of walking wecameto a long hall way filled with closed doors. It was a quieter atmosphere when compared to the office rooms. The young woman stopped at one of the doors and pulled out a key to unlock it. She handed me the key and opened the door.

"Thank you so much."

The woman only smiled while shaking her head. "It's fine; this is part of my job. Your uniform is on your bed. General Mustang also suggested that I give you the schedule's to the cafeteria and for the gym. They are on the desk. Also, General Mustang told me that he expects you up and in his office by 8 am tomorrow morning. If you have anymore questions you are more thanwelcome to ask me."

I stepped into the room to take a look around. The walls, coverts, and the desk were all bare. The room was painted a light blue with a window next to the bed. I suppose it was better than nothing.

"Thank you Miss."

The woman nodded and smiled before leaving and closing the door behind her.

I sighed as I threw the reports Roy had given me on the bed. Today had been one of the longest days of my life.

There was a door on the left side of the room. I looked at it curiously before I opened it. It was a tiny bathroom. Tiny was a understatement. There was blue tile that made up the floor and walls. A small bathtub was squeezed into the coroner while the sink and toilet stood practically on top of each other. I stared at myself in the mirror that hung above the sink. I looked tired and worn. I had dark circles forming under my eyes. Oh hell I was too young to like this.

"I need a shower." My voice fell flat to the empty room.

I walked over to the desk and looked at the schedule. Well at least I was getting free food out of the whole ordeal. And I was back to the possibility of research funds. I like research funds.. Even though I didn't have anything to research these days.

My eyes took in the small cubby hole of a room. It was so small and tiny. It was beyond me how people could live in the dorms for their whole military careers. My eyes suddenly stopped at the blue uniform that laid on my bed.

I groaned as I looked at the ugly clothing the military forced everyone to wear. When I was a kid they once tried to get me to wear the vile attire, but I refused.

And my opinion still hasn't changed.

I looked out the window making sure there was no one out there. I was on the third floor and I had a nice view of the small park that was on the military's property. I went to the front door and opened it. No one was out in the hallway. Bwahahahah!

I locked the door and walked right back to the hideous blue uniform.

I clapped my hands and used alchemy to transform the monstrosity of clothing into beautiful black pants, black tank top, and black jacket with white lining. I clapped my hands again changing the nice policed shoes into lovely black and red boots.

Now, for the final victor. I took off the clothing I was wearing; I needed lots of fabric for my last creation.

I clapped my hands one more time and created my signature red jacket with theblack Flamel printed on the back.

Even though my mood was still blue, I couldn't help but smirk.

The Fullmetal was back.

Authors Notes:

Waaaaaaa.. This took me awhile to write (Sorry guys!) I had a mild family emergency (I think everything is ok now) so I lost one day of possibly writing and also I had MAJOR writers block. AND to top it all off I had evil school work. I think this chapter came out alright, I just hope its not too confusing. I hope you all enjoy!

Questions you might have…

1. Terminology for court proceedings.

I'm not a crime major or anything of the sort. I know nothing at all that really deals with the law. I tried to do some research on it but I really I came out empty handed. I can say for a fact that the Parliament is nothing like our government. So in away I suppose terminology doesn't matter for the court proceedings but if you do see anything that's like eye poppingly wrong I would really appreciate it if someone pointed it out to me. Thanks!

2. Does everyone get a trial with the Parliament?

I didn't really explain this part. No! There is no way the parliament would be able to see all the court cases in Amestris. That would be horrible for those poor old men to run a country and do all hearings. But then again I can be a horrible person.. heh heh. Anyways, the reason Ed's was done in front of Parliament is because alchemy is that serious. Your probably going 'wtf.. alchemy cant be that bad' but it is. In chapter 3 Death of FullMetal Roy tells Ed that Parliament got a nice whiff of all the stuff that happened almost four years ago. Don't forget the Parliament is made up of a bunch of old fogies. The events freaked them out. And there is a little more to it. Ok A LOT more to it but I'll explain myself as the story goes along.

3. Huh, Roy knew about Ed but didn't get into trouble?

Ok, I think this came out unclear. Roy didn't tell Chairman Hakuro everything. He told him that Edward Elric was being charged of illegal use of alchemy and needed helped out. He knew if he would have given Hakuro Ed's identity then Hakuro could help Ed. The reason Roy didn't get into major trouble for with holding information concerning Ed (like knowing Ed existed) was because Hakuro owed Roy a favor. There is no significance to whatever deal Hakuro and Roy made.. I'm just trying to prove a point. Amestris is like our society. You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Its all about what you do and who you know.

4. Colonel Sanders!

Bwahahah! Well, I needed a made up random character. The KFC Colonel seemed perfect.

5. Concerning new characters in the future.

I am honestly trying my best not to add too many made up characters, even though there will be some.But I guarantee you Ed's going to have a lot of reunions with old 'friends'. I will add only a few manga characters (ex. Ling), but not too many.

SoulOmenspride- Yea, Ross is totally cool. I left a nice little hint for what may come in the future with her. And yea, the Parliament totally sucks. But the whole point is alchemy is destructive in their eyes. They are just trying to protect their country. Thanks for the review!

Sorceress-fox- Haha, you're a great guesser! When I read your review I was like 'damn, their onto me!'. Yup, Ed's in the military to clear his recorder. There was no way I could throw poor Ed in jail. But I do think Ed might look cute in strips. Hmm.. Well thanks for your review!

SiR MaGuS- That interesting turn is all part of my evil plotline. I think you will find a lot of twists and turns in the future. Wahahahaha.. Or, maybe not. Must read to find out. Thanks for the review!

Priestess kurumi inu's sister- Well I only say things I truly mean (trust me that actually gets me in to a lot of trouble). Thanks for the review!

Aharah Musici- THANK YOU! I fixed the errors. Heh, I don't have a proof reader so sometimes I miss a lot of mistakes. Any mistake your willing to point out I'm more than willing to fix. This goes for everyone! I'm defiantly not the best with English and spelling so all corrections are more than welcome. Thank you!

Mena- Between my poor attempts at speaking English and Japanese, I do know some German. Held means Hero in the German language. This is the explanation I gave in chapter one:

Held (the title of the fic) is actually hero in German. Because in English it means to hold I figured Held would make a good title. As I look at it, I am twisting the German meaning with the English. It's to represent the physical/mental holding on the hero Ed use to be. He's desperately holding onto his past while trying to move forward in life.

So yea, that's pretty much where I got Held from. I hope it makes more sense now. Thanks for the compliment and review!

Katratzi- Are we going to see more chimeras? Hmm, I'm not huge on giving away spoilers but I will say this.. I think chimera's are totally neat in their whole concept (well actually Dr. Stuart Newman (professor at New York Medical College in Valhalla, New York) has been trying for years to get a patent to do some 'chimera' (or embryonic stem cells swapping) experimentation. So its not really a concept anymore, more like a future possibility). Creepy creatures that go bump in the night. Oh it brings back the whole child fantasy world I miss having. Thanks for the review!

Kasha of the Wicked Darkness- Is Ed going to get kidnapped by Tuckers creations.. Hmm.. I'm a horrible person and I'm going to say.. no spoilers! XD! Lol curiosity did kill the cat but at least he died a bit smarter. Thanks for the review!