"Mr. Elric, answer this one question. Who killed Colonel Roy Mustang?"

"I-I did, s-sir...I killed h-him-I...I killed the Colonel.

The court room was in awe; the child in front of them was admitting to the murder, and his lawyer quite literally had no way of defending him now. The opposing lawyer turned to face the Judge, then the Jury, and the case was dismissed: Edward Elric was proven guilty.

"Pardon me, miss, but I have reason to believe that Edward's mental stability is shaky, and would like to testify as such." Edward's lawyer struggled to cover up what his client had admitted- the only option now was to say that Ed was crazy, that he didn't know what he was doing when he killed the colonel. That way, at least he wouldn't have to face the charges against him.

"Why, Mr. Glenwood, because he admitted to his crime? Nobody somewhat sane would admit to a crime of such caliber, is that what you propose?" questioned the Judge, gesturing for the Jury to be seated again, as she arranged the evidence in front of her. Now that Edward was proven guilty, the only possible way for her to keep him out of jail would be to say he's nuts- but everyone knew that wasn't true. Edward was a child genius, a prodigy and The Hero of the People. If she allowed his lawyer to prove that he was insane, it would be the equivalent of saying that all the good he's done in the past was wrong...and how could she allow someone to testify that?

Mr. Glenwood studied his client for any hints as to what to say next. He received none, and reluctantly said, "Yes, your Honor, I don't believe my client's actions were in the right mind."

She scoffed at him, flicking her wrist in his direction as to say, "Get over it, you've lost." So the man stared at Edward sadly as he watched the Jury make their decision in about 15 minutes.

Edward was proven guilty.

Armstrong put his head in his hands, trying to avoid tears. Edward Elric was a kid of 16 - how could he do this when his whole life was ahead of him?

So he and the Colonel had a few fights, here and there...

Well, that was an understatement. But the point was, they were all in teasing, good fun. Everyone knew that the Colonel still cared for the boy, and was always concerned for his well-being. It didn't fit that Edward would do what he said he did.

But the most puzzling part was what had become of Edward.

He stuttered. He stuttered. Edward was losing his mind, not speaking to Armstrong or any or the other military personal. He was secluded in his own thoughts, never speaking what was on his mind. He didn't seem to be eating either.

But that was the least of his concerns, because the worst was yet to come. All of the convicted criminals were entitled to two calls a week, to check up on family and friends, to explain themselves. When Edward was offered a call, he did not take it.

Why wouldn't he call his brother? Why wouldn't he call Resembool, the Rockbells, anyone? There were plenty of people who'd help him out of this; Ed had plenty of friends.

At first, Armstrong thought he was probably just to humiliated to call, but that didn't make sense, since Armstrong thoroughly believed Edward was not guilty of such a crime.

But Ed pledged as such. This had caught Armstrong off-guard, and confused him. There was only one person he could call to talk to, and that was just the sort of call Armstrong needed at the time.

"Hi, it's Havoc, what's up?" Havoc's jovial voice chimed through the military line as Armstrong began to speak his mind.

"It's Armstrong, dear friend...I have a concern about-"

"Ed, yeah, I know man," Havoc interjected, "There's no way he'd kill the Colonel... absolutely no fucking way."

"Please, refrain from such language, Havoc." boomed Alex through the phone he cradled in his hands. Swearing has been banished from the Armstrong family for generations.

"Sor-ry man," Havoc drew out the word mockingly. "Anyway, I know it's depressing that Mustang's been... well, you know...but I just don't understand what's going on with the Lieutenant. She's quit!"

This was news for Armstrong. Riza Hawkeye has resigned from the military?

"Well, the Colonel was the only reason she'd joined the military in the first place, Lieutenant. I think it'd be hard to stay, without Roy Mustang."

"I just don't believe all of this has happened...it's just not right, you know? I mean, one minute the Chief is running around slamming the Colonel's door and being all proud because his little brother's back to normal, and suddenly...it's all gone."

"I know," said Armstrong, "and today Ed admitted to the crime."

"Wait, Chief's-"

"Yes. Edward is guilty as charged."

Havoc went silent. The quiet, fuzzy noises of a dead line sounded in Armstrong's ear.

"Jean."

"I know, I'm worried too...what if Ed's actually lost it this time? What if he really needs us right now, and we just don't know what to do?" His voice was downcast, low and shaky. Alex understood completely how he felt.

Torn. He was torn on what to believe. Roy was really dead, but how could it be possible that Edward did it? It didn't fit. They wanted to have faith in him, but even Edward himself was admitting to the crime. There was nothing to believe anymore.

"Jean," began Armstrong, "I have reason to believe that Riza has moved. As much as I want to figure out this case, we both know that we're not as good in that department. Please, find her so we can figure this out."

Jean was already off the line, on his way to the military base. He'd have to search through some records in order to find where Hawkeye had went, but that was easy as pie.

A/N: I have had this story floating around in my brain for so long, so this is super exciting! I'm aware this chapter was a bit slow, but it should pick up after the next chapter or so. Thank you for reading, reviewing, follow/favs! Leave a review, I'd love to hear what you think! :) Until next time, stay awesome! :D