(Open POV)
September 10
Courtoom…
"Yeah, that's right. I did it. I killed the guy. But it was the Great Thief Yatagarasu that told me to do it!" The defendant cried.
"I ask the defendant... Just what exactly are you trying to say?" The lawyer asked, doing the objection pose.
"Don't you get it? I know the true identity of the Yatagarasu! ...The Yatagarasu is the man standing over there at the prosecutor's bench!" The defendant yelled.
"Are you saying... that I'm the Yatagarasu?" The prosecutor asked.
"Don't you dare deny it! You told me to kill him when you snuck into the embassy!"
"Are you claiming that Mr. Faraday is the Yatagarasu?" The lawyer asked.
"That's exactly what I'm saying!" The defendant said, angrily.
"Mr. Rell! I think we've heard just about enough out of you...!" The prosecutor said, doing the objection pose.
"Your Honor! Please listen to me! I'm telling the truth... You've gotta believe meeeeeee!" The defendant said, worried.
"Hmph... In accordance with the defendant's accusation... ...a new prosecutor shall be called to replace Mr. Faraday. This court will be in recess until the new prosecutor is ready." The judge said.
(Jared's POV)
September 10, 3:20 PM
District Court
3rd Floor Lobby…
I'm wearing my hoodie and jeans, knowing how the next few months will turn out. Kay Faraday lost her father, Dick Gumshoe is brought in as Miles Edgeworth's detective, Calisto Yew gets away, and Miles Edgeworth will stand in trial as a prosecutor against me and Mia Fey.
"Edgeworth. How are you feeling?" I asked, clutching my sling bag.
"I'm doing alright." Edgeworth said, while he thought this to himself. '...It's almost time for me to enter the courtroom. And so, it is that my first assignment as a prosecutor will be... ...as a replacement for a prosecutor who has been accused by the defendant.'
"Edgeworth." Manfred said.
"! ...Sir." Edgeworth said.
"Have you read over all of the documents regarding this trial?"
"Yes, sir. I've memorized everything there is to know."
"Very good. The paperwork for the prosecutor substitution is just about complete. Edgeworth... always bear in mind that as your mentor, I, Manfred von Karma... ...will accept nothing short of perfection."
"I understand, sir. To have the chance to stand in court at such an early stage in my career... ...I am honored and proud." Edgeworth said.
"As I have watched over your studies, I am giving you this very rare chance. Prove yourself. Crush the defendant's pathetic lies into oblivion." Manfred said.
"...Yes, sir!" Edgeworth said, while he thought this to himself. 'That such a legendary prosecutor is watching over and judging my performance... ...I have to perfect in every way!'
"If only Phoenix was here to bring some sense to you, Edgeworth." I said, sadly. "So, Mr. von Karma, what do you think of today's trial?"
"Today's trial should have ended in just one minute." Manfred said.
"Because the defendant was picked up by the security camera, correct?" Edgeworth asked.
"...Exactly. The killer had the gall to say that he only killed because he was instructed to do so. Even more outrageous is his claim that the case prosecutor. Byrne Faraday, gave the order. Hah! Faraday is such a fool! He's been cornered by his very own prey." Manfred said.
"Sir... Are you an acquaintance of Mr. Byrne Faraday?"
"Hmph. He is a pathetic man who speaks nothing but nonsense." Manfred said, scoffing.
"Nonsense...?" Edgeworth asked.
"He once tried to explain to me a way of punishing 'those who cannot be brought to court'."
"'Those who cannot be brought to court'...? That IS nonsense, for no man is above the law."
"Well... there are always a few exceptions. However, there is no reason to even deal with such individuals. A prosecutor is a guardian of the court, one with no obligation to outside matters." Manfred said.
"Maybe." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Thus, there is no reason to deal with such individuals, I see.'
"Edgeworth... Disgracing yourself as Faraday has will not be forgiven." Manfred said.
"Hace no fear. I will not let you down, sir. In place of the accused Prosecutor Byrne Faraday, I'll prove the defendant's guilt!" Edgeworth yelled.
"Very good. I've secured an hour of recess for you to prepare to do just that. Show them all... the power of Von Karma!" Manfred cheered.
"Of course…" I said, rolling my eyes. "About today's trial…"
"So, have you achieved a firm understanding of the case?" Manfred asked, looking at Edgeworth.
"Yes, sir. I have memorized everything that is written down in the case files." Edgeworth said.
"Well then, explain the case to me. ...I want to see if you really know what you are talking about." Manfred said.
"Understood. A murder was committed on September 8th in front of the Cohdopian Embassy. The victim, Mr. Deid Mann, was a staff member at the embassy. The defendant in this case, Mr. Mack Rell... ...was held for questioning the night of the incident as he was deemed suspicious. He was quickly placed under arrested for possession of the murder weapon, a gun. Furthermore, at the time of the murder... ...the Great Thief 'Yatagarasu' had successfully infiltrated the Cohdopian Embassy as well. At first, Rell claimed that he himself was the Yatagarasu... ...but that he did not kill Deid Mann. I wonder what he expected to gain from such a desperate lie?"
"It's possible that he wants to go down while in the spotlight, if he is found guilty. There truly is no limit to people's inanity... But I digress. Continue, Edgeworth."
"Yes, sir. During the trial, the prosecution presented the security footage that captured the murder... The footage clearly showed Mr. Rell as the murderer." Edgeworth said.
"The act of Mr. Rell firing the gun could be clearly seen from the visitor's gallery." Manfred said.
"Upon seeing that, the defendant retracted his statement and admitted to the murder. 'I did it because I was told to... ...by the real Yatagarasu, Byrne Faraday.'" Edgeworth said.
"...Hmm. That sounds about right. However, you've forgotten one thing."
"!" Edgeworth said, at a loss for words.
"While this may appear to simply be the murder of a Cohdopian Embassy staff member... ...people are actually referring to it as the second KG-8 Incident." Manfred said.
"The second KG-8 Incident...? I'm very sorry, sir. I fear I've failed to study hard enough." Edgeworth said.
"...Hmph. Well, even among the police, it's information that only a select few are privy to."
"Could you please enlighten me, sir?" Edgeworth asked, as he looked over at me. "Jared, do you know what the 2nd KG-8 Incident is?
"Yeah. I do. But it's better if you hear it from Mr. von Karma." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "About the 2nd KG-8 Incident."
"Sir... What do you mean by 'the second KG-8 Incident'?" Edgeworth asked.
"In order for me to tell you that, you must first learn about the original case. Take a look at these documents." Manfred said.
"This is a... three-year-old newspaper." Edgeworth said, looking down at the newspaper.
KG-8 Incident Overview data jotted down in my Organizer.
"You have heard of the Amano Group scandal before, correct?" Manfred asked.
"Yes, I have. The secretary of Ernest Amano, the Amano Group's director, was arrested... ...under suspicion of smuggling." Edgeworth said.
"Correct. Cece Yew was an employee of the Amano Group... ...and the sole witness to the smuggling operation. It was she who brought the crime to light. However, Ms. Yew was silenced before she could testify in court."
"Wasn't a Cohdopian Embassy staff member arrested for the murder?"
"Yes... A Cohdopian by the name of Manny Coachen was the suspect. However, due to lack of evidence, the case went unresolved."
"...Lack of evidence!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"Hah! If only I was in charge of the case. I would have done everything in my power to prove his guilt!" Manfred said, determined.
"Only to get a guilty verdict." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'To make sure that all criminals are found guilty... My mentor really is dedicated.'
"Faraday was the prosecutor on the case then, and he was as pathetic as ever." Manfred said.
"...! Mr. Faraday was in charge of the KG-8 Incident as well?" Edgeworth asked.
"That's right. And now, once again, the victim of the case you are currently assigned to... ...was someone who was scheduled to testify against that smuggling organization."
"...And just like last time, the victim was murdered right before he was to testify."
"You're catching on. The victim was murdered just before his day in court against the smuggling organization. Events are occurring almost exactly the same way as they did in the KG-8 incident."
"So that's why it is being called the second KG-8 Incident?" Edgeworth asked.
"Yes... Yet, there is one difference between the two incidents." Manfred said, sadly.
"What would that be...?"
"The so-called noble thief that is sending everyone into an uproar... The Great Thief 'Yatagarasu'."
"Yup." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Yatagarasu...? I'd better find out more.'
"Yeah. You better." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"If it's true that the Yatagarasu showed up at the Cohdopian Embassy... ...what could he or she have been better?" Edgeworth asked.
"Hmph... No doubt to steal any suspicious accounting records and release them publicly. Or, more likely, to steal secrets from the Cohdopian Embassy itself... ...since the item that the Yatagarasu stole from there was sent to the police." Manfred said.
"What was it that the Yatagarasu sent to the police?"
"...I don't know the details. Anything related to the Yatagarasu is getting the top-secret treatment. Still, I find it very ironic. By returning the stolen item to the police, it was proof positive that the Yatagarasu... ...had infiltrated the embassy on the same day the staff member was killed. Criminals have a way of incriminating themselves, wouldn't you say?"
"That would have to be the first time the Yatagarasu has left evidence behind, correct?"
"Yes, indeed. If you wish to learn more about the Yatagarasu, then I suggest you ask Faraday."
"Mr. Faraday...?" Edgeworth asked.
"He happens to be the prosecutor in charge of the Yatagarasu case, as well." Manfred said.
"That he is." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'He's the prosecutor in charge of both the KG-8 Incident and the Yatagarasu case? Mr. Faraday really has a lot on his plate…'
"...What is it, little girl?" Manfred asked, when Kay approached us.
"..." Kay said, looking up at Manfred. "...You're scary, mister."
"He is." I said, happily. "How scary does Mr. von Karma look?"
"Really scary."
"!" Manfred said, shocked.
"Did you need something?" Edgeworth asked, looking down at Kay.
"Umm... I want to trade these coins with you!" Kay chirped, taking out a bunch of coins out of her bag.
"A fistful of dimes, quarters, and pennies... but it looks like you've exactly a dollar. Is this what you want?" Edgeworth asked, taking out a dollar bill out of his bag.
"Thanks! That's exactly what I needed!" Kay said, running away from us and leaving the room.
"Could that child be here to watch the trial?" Edgeworth asked.
"She is." I said, happily. "I like her. Good kid."
"She does look like one."
"How disrespectful for a child like that to be running around inside the courthouse! Does no one have respect for this country's judicial system anymore!?" Manfred exclaimed.
"The paperwork for the prosecutor substitution is complete!" The bailiff yelled.
"Why you! Do you even know how much time there is left before the trial resumes!?"
"I... I-I'm so sorry!"
"I can have you mopping up this courthouse instead of protecting it in an instant!"
"!" The bailiff said, gulping.
"It's no bother, sir. Not being completely prepared could prove to be a prefect handicap for me." Edgeworth said, frowning.
"Hmph. A proud one you are. You had better collect the evidence from Faraday and prepare yourself. It's time for your debut, Edgeworth!" Manfred said, angrily.
September 10, 4:00 PM
District Court
Courtroom No. 3…
"......" Manfred said.
"......" Edgeworth said.
"Uh…" I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"Just what is going on!? Why isn't Faraday here yet!? How is it possible that the defense is not prepared yet, either!?" Manfred exclaimed.
"Bailiff... Where is Mr. Faraday?" Edgeworth asked.
"I-I'm not sure... I wasn't really paying attention…" The bailiff said.
"Ah, you must be the one Mr. von Karma recommended... I hear this will be your first trial. I look forward to seeing how you perform. Oh, by the way, was there someone celebrating a birthday during the recess? I could have sworn that I heard a popper going off... Come to think of it... The other day with my grandson…" The judge said, looking at Edgeworth.
"Sir, it looks like the trial is about to resume, however…" Edgeworth said.
"...Yes, it will be all but impossible to prove the witness a liar…" Manfred said, sadly. "...without the evidence from Faraday! What is that balsted buffon up to!?"
"I-I-It's an emergency, siiiiiirs!" A person cried.
"S-Silence!" The judge yelled.
"There shall be no yelling in this sacred hall of law! Bailiff! Remove that man from this courtroom at once!" Manfred said, angrily.
"P-Please... wait! You have to listen to me! There's an emergency! Defendant Lobby No. 2...! M-Mr. Faraday and the defendant... Th-The two of them... They're... They're both dead, Your Honor!" The person said.
"Wh--!?" The judge exclaimed.
"Wh--!?" Manfred exclaimed.
"Wh--!? Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"Son of a bitch." I said, looking down at the floor.
September 10
District Court
Hallway…
"Stay back!" Gumshoe yelled.
"Ungh...!" Edgeworth said, uncomfortable.
"...No one's allowed on the crime scene... Period." Badd said.
"Of course not." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Just who does this... oddball think he is...?'
"Don't know. But he's a total badass."
"This is becoming quite the hotspot…" Yew said.
"Right. I forgot about her." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Isn't she Mr. Rell's defense attorney...?'
"H-Hey, you! No running in the hallway, pal!" Gumshoe said, angrily.
"And who are you to tell me what to do?" Edgeworth asked, and he thought this to himself. 'I'll never find out what's going on like this. It's time for some civil discourse.'
"Let's talk with the detective badass." I said, walking over to Badd with Edgeworth behind me.
"Right…" Edgeworth said, looking at Badd. "Excuse me, but... who are you?"
"...Detective Tyrell Badd. ...Homicide." Badd said.
"We were informed of the situation and came as quickly as possible... ...so how did you arrive and inspect the body before me and my friend?" Edgeworth asked.
"...Faraday requested for me to testify in the trial... Plain and simple." Badd said.
"Mr. Faraday requested that you be here...?"
"So, what's up with the crime scene?" I asked, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"I've already contacted HQ about the situation. I've... got nothing to say to you... kids." Badd said.
'K-Kids!?' Edgeworth exclaimed, thinking that to himself, before talking aloud. "I'm Mr. Faraday's substitute in today's trial. Therefore, I insist that you update me on the situation!"
"..." Badd said.
"Edgey, don't give up. We have to know what happened." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'I can't back down here. I have a right to know.'
"...Do I need to teach the two of you a thing or two about how to talk to adults, kids!?" Badd exclaimed.
"!" Edgeworth said, as he thought this to himself. 'Is he threatening me? I-Is he going for his gun!? I-It's just a mirror... How dare he trick me like that!?'
"...Faraday was stabbed to death with some kind of blade. And he had a gun in his hand. The other man, a Mr. Mack Rell, was shot and killed. He was found holding a bloody knife in this hand." Badd said.
"Was there anyone else who went into Defendant Lobby No. 2?" Edgeworth asked.
"Yeah, that big lug over there. His name's Gumshoe. He was in charge of guarding the place... He's claiming that no one else entered the room."
"If that's the case, then... they must have killed each other, correct!?"
"Maybe…"
"Why was he less annoying back in the early 2000s compared to now?" I asked, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Such impudence! This guy is really testing my patience!'
"Edgeworth, Detective Badd is going to testify in court." I said, looking down at the floor.
"Something you didn't tell me about. Detective Badd. Why was I not informed that you were going to testify in court?" Edgeworth asked.
"...Homicides aren't my only gig; the Yatagarasu case is also one of my assignments." Badd said.
"Hmm... So you were called upon to comment on the Yatagarasu's characteristics... ...in order to assess if Mr. Faraday really was the Yatagarasu or not?" Edgeworth asked.
"Well, well... Looks like you just might have a brain after all in that head of yours, son."
"Ooo. Burn." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'S-Son...!? I'm not your son, 'pops'!'
"Oh. Defense attorney." I said, walking over to the defense attorney with Edgeworth behind me.
"Do you have a minute?" Edgeworth asked, looking at Yew.
"...You know, I'm not really into talking to people I don't know. Especially at a time like this." Yew said.
"Ah. I apologize for not introducing myself before bothering you. My name is Miles Edgeworth. This is my friend, Jared Shay. I was to take Mr. Faraday's place in court." Edgeworth said.
"Edgeworth, huh...? Never heard of you. So Faraday's substitute is a newbie, huh?"
"I'll have you know, madam, that I studied under Manfred von Karma. Do not take me for some naïve novice."
"......Phwwh!" Yew said, holding in her laughter.
"...?" Edgeworth asked.
"...Mu...Phwwh." Yew said, holding in her laughter. "'Do not take me for some naïve novice'...!?" She then began laughing. "Ahahahahahahahahahahahaha! So, you're a student of Von Karma! I should have... Phwwh...! Those clothes are a dead giveaway! Your friend looks like he's dressed like Marty McFly!"
"S-Stop right there! These are the garments of one who gallantly presents the facts…" Edgeworth said.
"Phwwh…" Yew said, holding in her laughter again. "Ah, thanks for the great laugh, but try not to make me laugh so much, OK?"
"I wasn't trying to do anything of the sort!" Edgeworth cried.
"Ahaha!" Yew said, giggling. "Just kidding! I was just goofing around! By the way, do either of you know who I am? My name is Calisto Yew. And if you're telling the truth... then we were about to go head-to-head in court."
"Ah, but of course! I have heard much about you, Ms. Yew."
"Phwwh...! 'Ah, but of course! I have heard much about you'... You're a regular Shakespeare!" Yew cheered.
"That or Dr. Seuss." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Did I say something funny...?'
"Nope. Why not ask about the crime scene?" I asked, crossing my arms.
"I'd like you to update me and my friend on the situation." Edgeworth said.
"I don't really know anything. ...Why don't you try talking to those detectives over there?" Yew said.
"If that's the case, then why are you here?"
"Phwwh..." Yew said, holding in her laughter, before laughing. "Ahahahahahaha!"
"Urgh! What's so funny!" Edgeworth yelled.
"It's just that the way you speak is so tactless! And your friend here talks like a child! The person I was going against in court until only a little while ago was just murdered. It's not like I could go back into the courtroom pretending as though nothing happened." Yew said.
"! ...That's a good point. I apologize for asking such an insensitive question." Edgeworth said, sadly.
"...It's fine. Don't worry about it." Yew said.
"Okay. Other detective time!" I said, grabbing Edgeworth's hand and dragging him over to Dick Gumshoe. "Hi!"
"You dragged me over to this detective." Edgeworth said, looking at Dick Gumshoe. "And you are...?"
"...Who, me? Hey, pal... ...it's common courtesy to tell someone your name first before asking theirs!" Gumshoe yelled.
"Nngh...! Point taken. My name is Miles Edgeworth. This is Jared Shay. I am a district prosecutor. And he is a journalist." Edgeworth said.
"A prosecutor? I've never seen a prosecutor as young as you, pal." Gumshoe said, smirking.
"...I've told you my name and my friend's name. Now would you mind telling us yours?"
"Detective Dick Gumshoe! And just recently, I achieved my dream of becoming a detective! More than a dream... It's what I was born to do! Wait... Maybe I should check and make sure I'm not really in some crazy dream first…" Gumshoe said.
"I can help you check." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'This detective is entirely too excited to be at a murder scene…'
I then walked over to Dick Gumshoe and grabbed his hand, before shocking the detective with my electromagnetism and letting go.
"Ow!" Gumshoe said, worried.
"You're not in a crazy dream." I said, walking away from Dick Gumshoe back towards Miles Edgeworth. "Ask about the crime scene."
"So Detective Gumshoe... Would you mind telling me and my friend what you know about the incident?" Edgeworth asked.
"You know that I don't have to tell you and your friend anything, right?" Gumshoe asked.
"I know that. But it would behoove you to fill us in on what you know."
"...Wow, you're a proud one for such a youngster, aren't you? Well, anyway, Detective Badd is the one in charge... ...so you're just gonna have to ask him for all the details, OK? As for me, I was guarding the door to Defendant Lobby No. 2."
"Hmm... So you were the guard detail... Did you notice anything strange while you were on duty?"
"Well, I freaked out when I heard a gunshot, and then I kinda froze." Gumshoe said, frowning.
"I mean, you had to be scared. What happened next?" I asked, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'You're a detective and a measly gunshot scared you that much? ...Then again, I can hardly claim to not know what it's like to hear one at close range…'
"Then, Detective Badd came running to the scene. We went into Lobby No. 2 together, and both men were lying there, dead." Gumshoe said.
"Is that everything?" Edgeworth asked.
"Hmm... Yeah, that's it. I was in the hallway the whole time, but I didn't hear a single peep of a struggle." Gumshoe said.
'Liar. You were hanging out with Kay.' I said, thinking that to himself, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Interesting... Other than the gunshot, he didn't hear a single sound of commotion.'
Det. Gumshoe's Testimony jotted down in my Organizer.
"Ms. Yew! There is someone here who wishes to see you…" The bailiff said, entering the room.
"...Who is it?" Yew asked.
"A Cohdopian Embassy staff member by the name of Manny Coachen."
"Wh--!"
"...!" Badd said, at a loss for words.
"Shit." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'What's going on? Detective Badd and Ms. Yew's moods just changed all of a sudden. Wait a second... Wasn't Manny Coachen...!?'
"I'll be right there." Yew said.
"It's nice to see you again... Ms. Yew." Coachen said, entering the room.
"Why are you here? I have no desire to ever see you again." Yew said, scoffing.
"Now, now... Actually, would you mind stepping outside for a brief chat?"
".....Fine. Let's go." Yew said, leaving the room with Coachen.
"...Badd." Manfred said, entering the room.
"Von Karma...? It's been a long time." Badd said.
"I knew you would show up. You usually do when the Yatagarasu is involved, and I see this case is no exception."
"Do you know Detective Badd, sir?" Edgeworth asked.
"Yes. He's like an old bloodhound that never leaves the scene of a crime. If only he would get a promotion and move on." Manfred said.
"It's the crime scene where a detective is most useful and effective." Badd said.
"Hmph! It's not like I don't know that. Moving on though, Badd. The man that I just passed by... ...was he not the suspect from the KG-8 Incident!?"
"He was." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'So I was right...!'
"Just what is that man doing, wandering around here!? That Faraday... I can't believe he let such an easy catch get away! Imbecile! I would've proved his guilt in three minutes!" Manfred yelled.
"Von Karma! ...I think you've said enough for now. It's in poor taste to speak like that about the departed." Badd said.
"Hmph...Very well. Back on topic... I'm placing Edgeworth and his friend in charge of the investigation here…" Manfred said.
"Objection!" Franziska said, doing the Objection pose and entering the room. "Papa! How can you place him and an outsider in charge!?"
"Franziska... What are you doing here?" Edgeworth asked.
"I'm here for summer vacation, what else?" Franziska asked.
"Of course you are." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Franziska von Karma... So she is here on vacation from Germany... She is the daughter of Manfred von Karma and a student of his, who's also junior to me.'
"You're the one who's junior to me! And don't you forget it!" Franziska cried.
"You're not conveniently avoiding the Bar Examination, are you?" Edgeworth asked.
"Hah... If you were able to pass, then I'll have absolutely no trouble at all. I'll never allow myself to lose to you! Never!"
"She's worse than Weiss Schnee. When she was competitive." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Why does she always have to be this competitive...?'
"Anyway... Papa... Are you really assigning Miles Edgeworth and Jared Shay to cover the case?" Franziska asked.
"Yes, I am. Why do you ask?" Manfred asked, looking at Franziska.
"Well, you know... I'm close to becoming a prosecutor myself... And I am 100% confident that I can do a better job than them!"
"Of course you do say that…" I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'That's just like Franziska. She has no problem bad-mounting someone right in front of them.'
"...Badd." Manfred said, looking at Badd.
"Yeah...?" Badd asked.
"These three will be conducting the investigation."
"What? You want me to let these three kids loose on the crime scene?"
"Hah. This is a perfect opportunity for them to work on their prosecutorial skills." Manfred said, smirking.
"A crime scene is not a place for children to be messing around in!" Badd said, worried.
"I'm the one with the authority over this crime scene, Badd. ...And I will not tolerate complaining."
"...Knngh...!" Badd said, annoyed.
"Edgeworth! Franziska! Shay! I leave this case to the three of you." Manfred said, looking at the three of us.
"Understood, sir." Edgeworth said.
"Yes, Papa." Franziska said, happily.
"Okay." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"I'll go take care of the paperwork now. Remember, I'll accept nothing but a perfect report from the three of you. Do not disappoint me." Manfred said, walking away from us and leaving the room.
"Hold up, Von Karma...! I still... haven't agreed to this!" Badd said, angrily.
"Miles Edgeworth...!" Franziska yelled.
"It's been quite some time, Franziska." Edgeworth said.
"This will be the perfect chance for us... ...to see which of us is truly worthy of the Von Karma name."
"Would it kill you to at least say hello?"
"Yeah. You two were raised as siblings." I said, rolling my eyes.
"Unngh... Umm... Long time no see." Franziska said, annoyed.
"Very good." Edgeworth said.
"Just because you became a prosecutor first doesn't mean you can act all proud!" Franziska chirped.
"Maybe." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'S-She hasn't changed a bit…'
"Miles Edgeworth! As I was saying, we shall see which one of us is worthy of the Von Karma name…" Franziska said.
"For cryin' out loud... I've been reduced to a babysitter…" Badd said, letting out a sigh.
'It looks like Mr. von Karma was successful in convincing the detective. That's just like him; he never fails.' Edgeworth said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Now, I'd appreciate it if you could quickly run me and my friend through the facts, Detective Badd."
"You're better off checking things out on your own." Badd said.
"...Very well." Edgeworth said, while he thought this to himself. 'Seems like getting help from Detective Badd will be a most arduous task…'
September 10, 4:15 PM
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2…
I am now looking down at the bodies of Mack Rell and Byrne Faraday where they were killed at the same time.
"Endless Night? Sorry. Agatha Christie. I met her years ago. The Unicorn and the Wasp. Basically, Clue." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Nngh... Is the only real explanation that they killed each other simultaneously...?'
"Miles Edgeworth! You should listen to someone until they are finished talking!" Franziska yelled.
"Umm... What are you talking about?" Edgeworth asked.
"I'll only say it one more time... This is a competition to see who is truly worthy of the Von Karma name!"
"A competition...?"
"The person that figures out the truth first wins."
"Hmph... So the person who doesn't discover the truth is a dishonor to the name?"
"Exactly! I don't care that you became a prosecutor before me... …And I don't care that your friend knows what happened. ...I simply refuse to hear any more foolish things come from your foolishly, foolish mouth. I also simply refuse to hear any more comes from your friend's foolishly, foolish mouth." Franziska said.
"Hmph... Fine, whatever makes you happy." Edgeworth said.
"Can I take that as you accepting my challenge?"
"Once again... Whatever makes you happy."
"Hah... Well then, let's begin the investigation, shall we? I'm going to find the perfect evidence and prettily present it like the professional I am."
"Why did I even bother coming to this time period?" I asked, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Competing to discover the truth behind a crime -- how delightfully... childish.'
"You kids, over there! Hold it!" Badd said, entering the room.
"'Kid'!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"Ha! Serves you right, Miles. He just called you a kid...!" Franziska cheered.
"...I said 'kids', kid." Badd said, sadly.
"H-How dare you call me a kid as well!?"
"I'll do what I please. And I won't allow you to cause a ruckus on my crime scene." Badd said, walking away from us and towards Gumshoe. "Hey, big guy. You're... going to watch over these three."
"Yes, sir! Detective Badd, sir! Now, do what I say from now on kids, OK!?" Gumshoe chirped.
"You'd better not get in our way, Scruffy! You'll feel the bite of my whip if you do!" Franziska said, taking out her whip as an example.
"Yeah. You'd better not get hit by the tail end of her whip. She might become your boss someday. She'll whip you if you don't listen." I said, smugly.
"E-Eeek! I, I don't want her to be my boss! Th-Then you, p-prosecutor boy! Let's get your investigation started already, alright!?" Gumshoe exclaimed.
"Sorry, Edgey." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Great. Thanks a lot, Jared. Now, even THAT detective is treating me like a child…'
"Alright! It's time to get investigating! Get a move on with your friend, prosecutor boy!" Gumshoe chirped.
"...My name is Miles Edgeworth. And if you were to call me 'prosecutor boy' one more time... ...it will be my duty as a prosecutor to 'look into' your monthly salary." Edgeworth said.
"Wh-What!? And what would you do with my salary after you saw how much it was!?"
"That's up to you now, isn't it?"
"Really!? Sounds good, pal!"
"Yeah. A measly $5 as your salary." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'He's so naïve…'
Begin Investigation
Defendant Lobby No. 2…
"Detective Badd, may I have a word with you?" Edgeworth asked, looking at Badd.
"...What is it?" Badd asked.
"It appears that both a knife and a gun were used as murder weapons."
"...Yeah, it does."
"That leads us to our first question of the investigation. Where did the men acquire the weapons?"
"...The gun was inside of Faraday's bag. It was a piece of evidence that was presented in the trial earlier today. It was used... to kill the Cohdopian Embassy staff member. But... I never heard anything about the knife. Mr. Rell was being held by the police. There's no way he could have brought it in. Which means it's possible that Faraday had the knife on him from the start as well."
"Maybe it can be a piece of evidence that hasn't been presented yet. So, why don't you know about it, Detective Badd? Wait! Miles! What if its that?" I asked, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"Maybe. It's possible that Mr. Faraday brought the knife in under the guise of prosecutorial evidence. He could have then brought it out and attacked Mr. Rell with it." Edgeworth said.
"Huh... Maybe you've got a brain in there after all, kid." Badd said, smirking.
"Nngh...!" Edgeworth said, while he thought this to himself. 'Is he going to treat me like a child forever!?'
"...It looks like Mr. Faraday attacked Mr. Rell first, who then counterattacked... That's the only logical conclusion you can draw from a scene like this." Badd said.
"That is true." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Hmm... Not yet. I feel that it's much too early to be drawing conclusions already. I must first find conclusive evidence, so as to ensure the honor of the Von Karma name.'
"Who are you? Fire Lord Zuko?" I asked, and I walked over to a table. "Didn't know you'd want to be him."
"I don't know who that is." Edgeworth said, walking to the table and looking down at it. "There are some plastic bags stacked up on the table. There's a tea set, too... but there doesn't seem to be any sign of a disturbance."
"Yeah... The table's all neat and tidy. Maybe... they were super quiet in their scuffle!? After all, I didn't hear anything from out in the hallway, you know?" Gumshoe asked.
"Of course you didn't. Neither did I." I said, looking down at the floor. "What do you think. Edgeworth?"
"Maybe the plastic bags scattered on the floor are throwing us off?" Edgeworth asked.
"Maybe." I said, walking away from the table towards the open window. "Smells nice."
"It does." Edgeworth said, also walking towards the open window. "The window is open, and... heh, there's a fresh, flowery scent in the air."
"Ugh! The flowers in the garden down there are so gross and ghastly!" Gumshoe cried.
"But they're flowers. I know someone that's good at growing plants. I should visit the world of Fortune Lover again someday." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. '...Do the two of you think maybe you both could try offering something useful for a change?'
"Well, at least there's no way someone escaped through this window, pal! They wouldn't wake up and smell the flowers after a fall from the third floor." Edgeworth said, smirking.
"I know! I could go with some of Mary Hunt's tea and Maria Campbell's sweets right about now." I said, happily. "Now I see why Katarina Claes loves having those two around."
"Talking about snacking while we're investigating a crime scene. Now isn't the time for that." Edgeworth said, rolling his eyes. "...Are the two of you willfully ignoring the fact that there are also iron bars on the windows?"
"Yeah, I guess there's that, too. Either way, no one could get through these windows, right?" Gumshoe asked.
"Nope." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'They thought of everything when they were designing this courthouse. Very nice.'
"Oh. TV time." I said, running over to the TV and I'm about to turn it on. "Can I watch the Steel Samurai?"
"Whoooaaa!" Gumshoe said, looking at the TV.
"Wh-What is it. Detective Gumshoe?" Edgeworth asked.
"My TV at home is so tiny compared to this one, pal!" Gumshoe cheered.
"Mine isn't. Mine is bigger than this one." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. '...Then perhaps you should purchase a more normal-sized television like this one!'
"Ooh, let me see here…" Gumshoe said, turning on the TV. "Wow! This thing is huge! Uwaah! And way too noisy!"
"That's because you turned it on and hit the volume button to the maximum." I said, flicking through the channels and landed on the Amazing World of Gumball. "Ooo! Gumball! And it's the DVD! Classic!"
The episode starts with Gumball on the couch watching television in his underwear, while Nicole is folding laundry by the front door.
"Gumball, don't forget to take that DVD back today, or we'll get a fine." Nicole said, on screen.
"Can't you do it? You're the one with the car." Gumball said, scoffing, on screen.
"I wasn't the one who watched Alligators on a Train seventy-two times." Nicole said, on screen.
"Ah! But technically, you rented it with your money." Gumball said, on screen.
"The money I have to go and earn to feed you kids!" Nicole said, on screen.
"The kids you decided to have." Gumball said, on screen.
Nicole punches a hole in the door, on screen.
"You and your new friend here are the noisy ones, Scruffy!" Franziska said, worried.
"Don't touch it! You'll get your fingerprints all over it." Badd said.
"B-But...! I didn't touch it… Jared touched it…" Gumball said, sadly.
"Preservation of the crime scene is the foundation of detective work!" Badd yelled.
"If you say so." I said, turning off the TV. "Might hop over to Gumball someday. Maybe soon."
"You want to have adventures with a talking cat and a fish with legs?" Franziska asked.
"Definitely. But it sounds more interesting than the foundation of detective work." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'The foundation, huh...? Sounds like something the rookie and the fanboy here needs to shore up on.'
I walked away from the TV and over to the two dead bodies on the floor.
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'It looks like Mr. Faraday fell on top of Mr. Rell. At first glance, it seems like they must have killed each other, however…'
"Using logic, the only conclusion is... Aha!" Gumshoe said, excitedly.
"Wh-What was that outburst for!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"My detective's instinct just hit me real hard! It was Mr. Rell that fell first, see!"
"You don't need a detective's instinct for that! It's common sense!!" Edgeworth said, and he thought this to himself. 'But I suppose we won't know much more than that until after I examine the bodies.'
"You're right. We won't." I said, happily. "First, we have to do more investigating before we get the crime scene notes."
"Right." Edgeworth said, while he looked over at me.
Before obtaining Crime Scene Notes
"Any hints?" Edgeworth asked, while he thought this to himself. 'I won't rest until I've inspected every suspicious-looking nook and cranny.'
"Well, we should look over the bodies." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'It looks like Mr. Faraday fell on top of Mr. Rell. At first glance, it seems like they must have killed each other, however…'
"Using logic, the only conclusion is... Aha!" Gumshoe cheered.
"Wh-What was that outburst for!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"My detective's instinct just hit me real hard! It was Mr. Rell that fell first, see!"
"You don't need a detective's instinct for that! It's common sense!!" Edgeworth said, and he thought this to himself. 'But I suppose we won't know much more than that until after I examine the bodies.'
"Byrne Faraday. The prosecutor of the case." I said, looking down at Byrne Faraday's corpse.
"Mr. Faraday... How ironic it is for him to lose his life in a courthouse." Edgeworth said, frowning.
"Yeah, why did it to be like this? I don't know what to say... I can't believe this happened while I was on watch, pal!" Gumshoe said, angrily.
"Rather than beating yourself up, you should spend your time continuing the investigation. Didn't you become a detective in order to solve crimes?" Edgeworth asked.
"...Yeah."
"Then get back to work. Find out the cause of his murder!"
"R-Right! I'm on it, pal!"
"And here's Mack Rell." I said, looking away from Faraday's corpse to Rell's corpse.
"First he killed a Cohdopian Embassy staff member, then he was murdered himself." Edgeworth said.
"This guy... wasn't exactly an angel, you know." Gumshoe said, letting out a sigh.
"Oh? What makes you say that?"
"Well, he's been hauled in to the precinct several times for theft and assault, pal. So yeah, he's definitely the type to have committed a murder or two."
"Well, he did admit to killing Mr. Deid Mann."
"Which made him into a dead man." I said, happily.
"Hey! Good points, pals! I knew my detective's intuition was telling me something!" Gumshoe said, looking between Edgeworth and I.
"Detective's intuition...?" Edgeworth asked.
"Yup! Do you know about it? It's a special feeling that all detec…"
"Like a sixth sense?" I asked, looking down at the floor.
"Exactly like that." Gumshoe said, smirking. "Aren't you the Black Pearl?"
"I am. I have been an Avenger for a while now."
"We don't have time for this conversation right now. Let's return to the investigation." Edgeworth said, looking between Gumshoe and I.
"Fine…" I said, walking looking over at the plastic bags. "Plastic bags."
"Hm...? Why are there plastic bags scattered all around?" Edgeworth asked, looking at the plastic bags.
"Those bags are for keeping evidence safe, pal." Gumshoe said.
"I know that much, Detective."
"You sure are good at this stuff, aren't you, pal!?"
"He's not the only one. I did work alongside Sherlock Holmes and John Watson." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Normally, I'd be happy when someone compliments me, but when it's this guy... Anyway, could these plastic bags be evidence of a fight between the two men?'
"Don't know. Maybe." I said, looking away from the plastic bags and over at the gun.
"Looks like Mr. Faraday died while holding the gun in his right hand…" Gumshoe said.
"So he shot Mr. Rell, and then fell on top of him while still gripping onto the gun...?" Edgeworth asked.
"...I guess that does seem kinda strange, huh? I mean, why would Mr. Faraday know how to fire a gun!?"
"It's not exactly rocket science; even I know how to pull a trigger. ...Although I doubt I'll ever need to use one."
"I hope I never have to fire a gun, either, pal. But it sure looks cool to hold a gun in your hands!"
"Cool and dangerous." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'It appears that the police's screening procedures need a thorough review... Anyway, I should jot down some notes about the handgun in Mr. Faraday's hand.'
Handgun data jotted down in my Organizer.
"The knife." I said, looking away from the gun over at the knife.
"Looks like Mr. Rell died with the knife in his hand." Gumshoe said.
"There's some blood stuck on it." Edgeworth said.
"Then, he must've used this as a weapon. Yup, no doubt about it!"
"Either to kill someone or as self defense." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Was Mr. Faraday carrying this on his personage...? Did he bring this as a piece of evidence for the trial? Or... did he bring it with a very different intention in mind...? I should jot some notes down about it.'
Knife data jotted down in my Organizer.
"What about this?" I asked, looking at Faraday's left hand. "Damn. His left hand."
"Yeah. His hand is all black down here, see? ...I wonder what it could be?" Gumshoe asked.
"Hmm... If you look closely... ...this blotching pattern resembles an ink stain." Edgeworth said.
"An... ink stain?"
"Yes. I usually get ink on my own hand when I use my feather pen."
"A feather pen...? I've never seen one before. Sure you aren't just making it up, pal?" Gumshoe asked.
"He's not. Think ink and quill." I said, sadly.
"Oh. Those."
"Mr. Rell's cause of death was from being shot, correct? That's what we think, but it's hard to tell with him lying face down. Death is bad enough, but it's truly lamentable that someone would try to hide the truth." Edgeworth said.
"...Um, are you sure they were trying to hide something?" Gumshoe asked.
'I can't confirm Mr. Rell's cause of death with his body positioned like that.' Edgeworth said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "Detective Badd, I'd like to examine the bodies in further detail, if possible…"
"What's this? You're not able to form a theory with them the way they are?" Franziska asked.
"I believe an examination of the bodies is vital to finding the perfect evidence, don't you?" Edgeworth asked.
"Hmm... I suppose you do have a point. Well!? Hurry up and get on with it!"
"...Labbie." Badd said, looking at a forensics worker.
"Yes, sir! We've taken enough photos of the scene, sir." The forensics worker said.
"...And there you have it."
"......" Edgeworth said.
"......" Badd said.
"Uh…" I said, crossing my arms.
"D-Do you not approve?" Edgeworth asked.
"...Of course not." Badd said.
"What!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"Investigation of a crime scene is the work of a detective. So don't touch a thing. Hey, big fella, turn over the bodies for me, will you?" Badd asked.
"O-OK... Please forgive me, Mr. Faraday, sir...!" Gumshoe cried.
"Gumshoe... do not get emotionally involved. Remember, you're a detective!" Badd said, angrily.
"Yes, sir! Understood, sir!" Gumshoe said, flipping over the two corpses.
"Careful." I said, seeing an object in Faraday's pocket.
"I am." Edgeworth said, looking inside Faraday's pocket. "There's something in his breast pocket. It's... a mirror shards."
"Hey, you know, I always keep a pencil behind my ear! It's because Detective Badd is always telling me... 'You should always write your name on everything you own!'" Gumshoe chirped.
"That isn't a bad approach in life." I said, as Edgeworth thought that to himself. 'Yes... Somehow, you do strike me as quite a forgetful individual.'
"Oof. That's a bad way to go." I said, looking at Rell's wound.
"Shot in the chest…" Edgeworth said, his eyes widening.
"It takes some guts to fire a gun in a courthouse... I mean, I've been a detective for a whole week and I STILL haven't fired a single round yet!" Gumshoe said, worried.
"There aren't any burn marks on his clothes. That must mean…"
"Wait... Burn marks...?"
"A round grows very hot as it is discharged from a firearm. Therefore, burn marks are usually left when a shot is fired from point blank range. Ergo, Mr. Rell must have been shot from at least a yard or two away."
Handgun data updated in my Organizer.
"You sure do know a buncha neat stuff for your age, pal!" Gumshoe said, excitedly.
"Or he's well read." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. '...Apparently, this detective has as much common knowledge as your everyday marsupial.'
"Faraday's also bad." I said, looking at Faraday's wound.
"There's a knife wound in his chest here, see?" Gumshoe asked, looking at Faraday's wound.
"I wonder if the wound matches the knife Mr. Rell is holding?" Edgeworth asked.
"...Labbie." Badd said.
"Yes, sir! Verifying now, sir!" The forensics worker said, running away from us.
"...Make it quick." Badd said.
"This is a rather complicated case." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'From the look of things... ...one could deduce that the knife Mr. Rell is holding is what killed Mr. Faraday.'
Logic
'Ink stain' and 'Fountain pen in pocket'
"That splotch on Mr. Faraday's hand... I wonder if it might be the ink from his fountain pen." Edgeworth said.
"Ooh, let's ask the lab guy!" Gumshoe said, walking over to the forensics worker.
"Detective Gumshoe! I can confirm that the substance on Mr. Faraday's hand is the ink from his fountain pen!" The forensics worker said, looking at Gumshoe.
"I see. Good work! Ahhh... You know, I've always wanted to say that! Even if it was just one time in my life!"
"..." Edgeworth said, while he thought this to himself. 'If Mr. Faraday wrote with his fountain pen in his left hand... I think it's fair to assume he was left-handed.' He then spoke aloud. "It appears that Mr. Faraday's pen is very important to our case as well."
"OK, if you say so, pal!" Gumshoe cheered.
Mr. Faraday's Fountain Pen data jotted down in my Organizer.
'Neat and tidy table' and 'Plastic bags strewn about'
"There is a very tidy pile of plastic bags on the table... ...and yet, a portion of them wound up scattered on the floor as well. It's not likely that the ones on the floor were knocked over during a struggle... ...in which case, might there not be another explanation as to how they got there?" Edgeworth asked.
"Umm... Another reason...?" Gumshoe asked.
"I believe it's possible that the blood on the outside of the bag is related somehow."
"Eek! Please get that blood away from me, pal!"
"Detective Gumshoe. Whose blood is on this bag?" Edgeworth asked.
"Ummm... Hold on, let me ask the lab guy!" Gumshoe said, walking away from us.
"Alright. Please hurry. ......" Edgeworth said, frowning.
"Wait 'till you get a load of this, pals! It's Mr. Faraday's! Oh, and the technician said they didn't find anything else on or in the bag, either." Gumshoe said, walking over to us.
"Hmm... It would appear that this bag is a very important piece of evidence." Edgeworth said.
"OK, if you say so! I leave it in your hands, pal!"
Plastic Bag data jotted down in my Organizer.
"I guess there's not much left to investigate, huh? They really did kill each other…" Gumshoe said.
"No... We can't conclude that quite yet. There's still something I find very peculiar here. The theory that they simply killed one another is too simplistic in this case. In fact, there is actually a contradiction that shows there is another possibility!" Edgeworth said, angrily.
"No way, pal! Really!?" Gumshoe exclaimed.
"Hmph... I suppose I will just have to show you the conflict in this crime scene." Edgeworth said.
"Yeah. You do." I said, happily. "You got this."
I'm looking down at the two bodies. I then took out my iPhone Air out of my sling bag and made a call to Kate Stewart of UNIT.
Defendant Lobby No. 2 / UNIT HQ…
"Hello." Kate said, getting served some coffee by Colonel Ibrahim. "I've always got time for you and your friends. How are you?"
"Oh. You know. In 2012." I said, sadly. "I'm with Dick Gumshoe, Franziska von Karma, and Miles Edgeworth. It's the second KG-8 Incident."
"The day Kay Faraday lost her father. You told me about that one." Kate said, sipping her cup of coffee. "Or you will tell me about it. The TARDIS rerouted the call to me later on in your timeline. This case was hard for you to go through."
"It will be. I love Kay Faraday, I want to help young her."
"But not at the risk of altering the timeline. You know 'Turnabout Beginnings' needs to happen next."
"Kate. SHIELD's been compromised a year ago for me. I wanted to call Nick Fury. Next year, he's going to lay low for me after the Avengers fell apart."
"Right. That's when I…spoilers."
"What happens to UNIT? Is it important?"
"You'll find out the long way around, Jared. It isn't important. What is important is you get through 'Turnabout Reminiscence'."
"Have you heard from the Doctor?"
"Not in a long time. If you're that worried about messing things up. I can call Sayaka Miki and Kyoko Sakura to help you."
"Nope. I'm okay. I promise."
"Only if you're sure. Jared, you've been through so much over the years. Especially after Trenzalore and what you will be going through with Clara and the Doctor at the Trap Street."
"That I'm scared? That I'm afraid of changing things?"
"You've been on alert ever since you came here. To this universe. Trust me. You helped me, Nick Fury, and Maria Hill in a couple to a few years."
"I know. I don't want to lose any of you."
"Try to relax every once in a while. That's why you'll meet Maya Fey and Pearl Fey someday. They'll help you relax. Enjoy solving this case, okay?"
"Okay. Thanks, Kate. I will. Sorry for calling you when I've been thinking about Kay so much. Bye. Talk to you later." I said, ending my call with Kate, and placing my iPhone Air back inside my pocket.
Defendant Lobby No. 2…
Deduce
'Is this spot somehow connected to any of the evidence I hold...?' Edgeworth asked, thinking that to himself.
Deduce gun.
"It could be this." I said, presenting Mr. Faraday's Fountain Pen.
"Eureka!" Edgeworth said, excitedly. "Now we come face to face with the contradiction I spoke of, and it is... this! Mr. Faraday used his left hand to write with his fountain pen. Ergo, he is left-handed. And yet, the handgun is in his right hand! Don't you find it odd that the left-handed Mr. Faraday would hold the gun in his right hand? That. lady and gentlemen... is the great contradiction haunting this crime scene!"
"Hey, you're right, pal! That does seem kinda strange! But... How could something like that happen?" Gumshoe asked.
"The facts add up to one conclusion, and one alone. Someone else put the gun in Mr. Faraday's hand after he died." Edgeworth said.
"Someone else...!?" Gumshoe exclaimed.
"Plastic bags scattered on the floor, and a gun in the wrong hand... I sense the presence of a shadowy figure behind this case. A person of vile intent who is serious about keeping the truth from us!" Edgeworth yelled.
Investigation Complete
September 10
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2…
"Here's the autopsy report." Badd said, showing us the autopsy report.
"'It is probable for that Mr. Rell survived for a short time after he was shot. However, Mr. Faraday died instantaneously from his stabbing.'" Franziska said, reading the autopsy report aloud. "Interesting…"
Crime Scene Notes updated in my Organizer.
"It looks like we now know everything we need to know about this case." Franziska said.
"Are you sure we know everything...?" Edgeworth asked.
"Of course! The incident began with Mr. Faraday attempting to get his revenge. The prosecutor went into a rage from being accused, and tried to kill the defendant... But, the defendant fought back and they ended up killing each other. It's all very clear and simple. There is absolutely no margin for doubt."
"Do you really believe that to be the truth?"
"Hah! Are you saying that just because I figured out the truth before you and your friend... ...that the two of you don't want to believe it's true?" Franziska asked, looking between Edgeworth and I.
"N-Nngh…" Edgeworth said, annoyed.
"It's alright. If you and friend disagree with my argument, then prove me wrong. Well, if there are any contradictions to be found, that is…"
"Don't worry, I will. Let's do this, Jared. Make sure to give me hints along the way for us to see the truth."
"On it." I said, smugly. "I'll help in any way I can, Edgeworth."
-- What Happened --
"Mr. Faraday's death was instantaneous, while Mr. Rell survived for a short time. From this, it is obvious that Mr. Faraday died after he shot Mr. Rell. And Mr. Rell, while on the brink of death, stole Mr. Faraday's knife and stabbed him. Those are the facts of this case." Franziska said.
"Wow." I said, while Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Mr. Faraday's death was instantaneous, therefore, he must've attacked first... Proving that logic to be false is probably the fastest way to show her that she's wrong. In that case, I should first look for any holes in her theory!'
Rebuttal
-- What Happened --
"Mr. Faraday's death was instantaneous, while Mr. Rell survived for a short time." Franziska said. "From this, it is obvious that Mr. Faraday died after he shot Mr. Rell. And Mr. Rell, while on the brink of death, stole Mr. Faraday's knife and stabbed him."
"Press for more information here." I said, happily.
"Hold it!" Edgeworth yelled, doing the hold it pose. "So you believe that the dying Mr. Rell stole the knife from Mr. Faraday?"
"Mr. Rell became desperate as he did not want to die. Human beings can do amazing things when they are put to the test. So, the two men struggled... And in the end, Mr. Rell was able to grab the knife and stab Mr. Faraday. The messy condition of this room is a testament to their struggle. Hmm... Yes, my logic is perfectly sound." Franziska said.
"...Can you really say that it's 'perfect'?" Edgeworth asked.
"What are you insinuating?"
"Nothing... However, I can't let what you said slide by without further inquiry. One must be clear and precise, so if you could append that statement to your testimony…"
"...Fine." Franziska said, annoyed. "They struggled, and Mr. Rell used the last of his strength to counterattack Mr. Faraday."
"Here you go." I said, opening my sling bag, looking inside, and I took out Det. Gumshoe's Testimony. I handed Edgeworth Det. Gumshoe's Testimony. "This is what you needed."
"Thank you." Edgeworth said, when I presented Det. Gumshoe's Testimony. "Objection!" He then did the objection pose. "If the two men were fighting, their struggle would've surely caused quite a bit of noise. However, Detective Gumshoe testified that he heard absolutely nothing!"
"Hah. You and your friend place too much faith in that detective's testimony, you know. But for the sake of argument, let's say there wasn't a fight. How, then, did Mr. Rell get his hands on the knife?" Franziska asked.
"Mr. Faraday's bag was sitting right here in Lobby No. 2. It is not hard to imagine that perhaps Mr. Rell saw a chance and took it out at some point!" Edgeworth yelled.
"...... So... What you're saying this: Mr. Rell took a chance when he saw the opportunity, and took the knife from the bag. And then Mr. Faraday shot Mr. Rell after being stabbed...?"
"Hmm..." Edgeworth said, as he thought this to himself. 'Isn't there something... strange in Franziska's statement just now?'
"Yeah. Something's off, Edgey." I said, and I crossed my arms.
"Wait, something doesn't add up." Edgeworth said.
"...Oh, really?" Franziska asked.
"Yup." I said, taking out the Crime Scene Notes out of my sling bag. I presented the Crime Scene Notes to Edgeworth and handed it to him. "Also for you."
"Take that!" Edgeworth said, looking down at the Crime Scene Notes and opening them. "According to the coroner's report, Mt. Faraday died instantaneously, meaning... ..that he died immediately upon being stabbed by the knife! Ergo, he could not possibly have fired the gun after that!"
"...Ooh, you got me." Franziska said, sadly.
"But of course." Edgeworth said, smugly.
"Well then, if the report is correct, then there is only one correct explanation. If we suppose that Mr. Rell attacked first... ...then Mr. Faraday, who died instantaneously, would have been unable to kill Mr. Rell. Therefore, Mr. Rell must have stabbed Mr. Faraday after he was shot. Then they both died. That is the only explanation that make logical sense!"
"Negating your opponent's ideas in order to prove your own theory... I see you've been studying, Franziska."
"I just wanted to explain it to you as simply as possible. before you foolishly propose a foolish theory that only a foolish fool like you could."
"Hmph... How naïve of you to believe that only your opinions are valid... ...and still expect to discover the truth that the crime scene offers you... Franziska... You've still got a ways to go."
"What are you talking about!? Are you saying there's a flaw in my logic!?"
'Mr. Faraday dies instantly... And the fact that he did is what gives rise to the contradiction in this scene!' Edgeworth said, thinking that to himself, before speaking aloud. "The contradiction here in this crime scene is...!"
"The order the bodies fell!" I said, excitedly. "That's what!"
"Let me get this straight. What you are arguing is this: Mr. Faraday took the gun from his evidence bag and shot Mr. Rell. Then, the wounded Mr. Rell found an opportunity to take the knife and strike back. Upon being stabbed, Mr. Faraday died on the spot, and Mr. Rell died thereafter. If that's the case, then how do you explain this? Take a good look at the order in which their bodies are piled." Edgeworth said.
"...N-No...!" Franziska cried.
"Mr. Faraday's body is lying on top of Mr. Rell's. Therefore... ...Mr. Rell must have died before Mr. Faraday!"
"I-Impossible!"
'Yes, I agree that it seems strange no matter what angle you approach it from... ...which means that the real mystery behind this crime scene that we must solve is--!' Edgeworth said, and he thought this to himself.
"Objection!" Franziska said, doing the Objection pose. "No...! Not so fast, Miles Edgeworth!"
"What now...?" Edgeworth asked.
"I simply think that you ought to think a bit more outside the box... And that it's even clearer now that the incident started with Mr. Faraday's murderous intent!" Franziska said, angrily.
'She sure bounced back quickly. An explanation won't be enough this time. It's going to take some very decisive evidence to prove her wrong!' Edgeworth said, and he thought this to himself.
-- What Happened, Pt. 2 --
"It was just chance that Mr. Faraday's body fell on top of Mr. Rell's. The two bodies fell into a pile…" Franziska said. "...which indicates that they attacked each other at the same time. It really doesn't matter in the slightest that they fell in the opposite order."
'I just know that Franziska's explanation isn't absolutely correct. All I have to do is find a hole in her logic! Once I do, I can then present her with the evidence that proves the contradiction! With Jared giving me a hint to find the contradiction!' Edgeworth said, while he thought this to himself.
"I don't think you could ask for a more perfect witness testimony. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Edgeworth, Jared Shay?" Franziska asked.
'Not really. It's hardly perfect when there's a gaping hole in it.'
"Maybe in your world." I said, smirking.
Rebuttal
-- What Happened, Pt. 2 --
"It was just chance that Mr. Faraday's body fell on top of Mr. Rell's. The two bodies fell into a pile…" Franziska said. "...which indicates that they attacked each other at the same time."
"Press for more information here." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"Hold it!" Edgeworth said, doing the hold it pose. "What do you mean by 'they attacked each other at the same time'?"
"I assume Mr. Faraday had the two different weapons in his hands... He made to attack Mr. Rell while holding both the knife and revolver... and then... After Mr. Faraday fired the gun... ...Mr. Rell grabbed the knife as he was falling, and stabbed Mr. Faraday. That is how Mr. Rell wound up on bottom with Mr. Faraday on top. At close range, that is more than possible." Franziska said.
"Yes, it's possible, but…" Edgeworth said.
"Well, if you have any other ideas... ...then show me what you've got!"
"Oh, I will. And to that extent... I'd like for you to append what you just said to your testimony."
"Hmph... I don't see any point to that, but as you please." Franziska said, scoffing. "That fact indicates that they attacked each other at the same time from close range."
"Edgeworth." I said, taking out the Handgun out of my sling bag and presenting it to Edgeworth. "This should help."
"Objection!" Edgeworth said, doing the Objection pose. "So you believe they killed each other at close range...? Sorry, but that's impossible. Just as it is written in the crime scene notes... ...the firing of the handgun did not leave a gunpowder burn on Mr. Rell's clothes. Therefore... Mr. Rell and the gun... ...must have been separated by a distance of at lease two or three yards!"
"Aaaaah!" Franziska cried.
'Yes... This is by far the biggest contradiction! The two bodies are piled up on each other, yet the gun was fired from a distance. And with there being no chance that Mr. Rell moved that far after being shot... ...that leaves only one possible explanation!' Edgeworth said, as he thought this to himself.
"Wh-What a completely foolish line of foolish thought from a thoroughly foolish fool! If I'm not right... ...then who was it that made the first move with the intent to kill, huh!? Who!?" Franziska exclaimed.
"The person that attacked first with murderous intent? That would be…" Edgeworth said.
"It was neither man." I said, looking down at the floor.
"Here in this room... ...contradictions appear no matter which man we claim attacked first. Thus, there can be only one explanation. There was... a third person here!" Edgeworth said, determined.
"...!" Franziska said, at a loss for words.
"It was that third person who killed both Mr. Faraday and Mr. Rell... ...and set their bodies up to make it look like a double murder... That third person is the real culprit!"
"... Miles Edgeworth... There's just one thing you're missing."
"...Evidence, correct?"
"Exactly. Everything you've said up until now is nothing but a story played out in your head. With hints that came from Jared Shay. However, this is where the real test begins. Can you prove that there was a third person involved in this crime!?" Franziska asked.
"...Of course." Edgeworth said, while he thought this to himself. 'If a third person was truly here, that fact would resolve the glaring contradiction. The proof that this has all been a set-up, made to look like they killed each other... I'll present it, and lay bare the final piece of the puzzle that's not yet in place! What is the piece of evidence that proves there is a third person involved...?'
"Edgeworth." I said, looking down at the Handgun. "You can still use this."
"Of course." Edgeworth said, and I took out the plastic bag out of my sling bag and presented it to Edgeworth. "Take that!" He did the 'take that' pose and presented the handgun and plastic bag to Franziska. "The gun in Mr. Faraday's hand and the plastic bag with his blood on it... These two items point to the presence of a third person."
"How so...?" Franziska asked.
"Recall Detective Gumshoe's testimony." Edgeworth said.
District Court
Hallway…
"I was in the hallway the whole time, but I didn't hear a single peep of a struggle." Gumshoe said.
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2…
"If there wasn't a struggle in this room... ...then there shouldn't be any plastic bags on the ground. Meaning that someone else must've deliberately scattered them around!" Edgeworth yelled.
"...!" Franziska said, looking at Edgeworth.
"Do you not see the possibility in this? Disregarding the gun for the moment... ...there's a high probability of blood splatter when a knife is used on a person. If the culprit held the knife with a plastic bag around it... ...they could use the bag to catch any blood splatter from when they withdrew the knife. Then, by spreading a few more plastic bags around, mixing the bloody one in with them... ...and arranging the room to make it look like there was a struggle between the two... ...they were able to conceal their presence!"
"Aaaaaaaaah!"
"Looks like... we've still got a long way to go in this investigation…" Badd said, letting out a sigh.
"Yes." Edgeworth said, sadly.
"Objection!" Yew cried.
"Wh-What the heck's up with you, pal!?" Gumshoe exclaimed, when Yew walked into the room.
"Mr. Badd, I advise you to place Detective Gumshoe under arrest." Yew said, looking at Gumshoe.
"Wh...WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!?"
"...What's the meaning of this?" Badd asked.
"Hah! Looks like you're not man enough to discipline your own subordinates." Yew said.
"...Don't you dare...!"
"That detective claims he was there, standing in front of the door the entire time... ...but I have it on good authority that it was all a giant lie!"
"...!"
"...Ms. Yew! I ask that you please explain that last statement!" Edgeworth said, determined.
"I'll let His Honor explain it himself." Yew said, while the Judge entered the room.
"I-I saw it with my own eyes, I tell you! During the recess, there was a period of time when there was no one in the hallway!" The Judge said, terrified.
"Whaaaaaaaaaaat!?" Gumshoe exclaimed.
"See, Mr. Badd? So I ask you, why would a detective who was supposedly doing his job the whole time... ...want to fabricate such a lie?" Yew asked.
"...Gumshoe. Did you... Did you kill Faraday...!?" Badd exclaimed.
"N-Noooooooooooooooooo! Of course not, sir!" Gumshoe said, worried.
"It would appear that the one who set this whole crime scene up is that detective. ...Which basically renders his testimony a complete lie and wholly invalid. It looks like your "perfect" logic has just come tumbling down, Miles." Franziska said.
"Nngh…" Edgeworth said, annoyed.
District Court
Hallway…
"I was in the hallway the whole time, but I didn't hear a single peep of a struggle." Gumshoe said.
District Court
Defendant Lobby No. 2…
'Was that statement really a lie...?' Edgeworth asked, as he thought this to himself.
"...Detective Gumshoe. You're now a suspect in the murder of two men. Now, spit out the truth, or so help me...!" Badd yelled.
"I...I haven't lied to anyone, sir! Honest! I really was really there... I was in the hallway the whole time!" Gumshoe said, terrified.
"Hold it!" Edgeworth said, doing the Hold it pose. "Detective Badd, I ask that you please do not act without my permission. After all, I am the one that is heading up this investigation, am I not?"
"...Don't talk like you know what's going on, boy…" Badd said, scoffing.
"All I want is for this investigation to run perfectly."
"Perfection is the only wish of a disciple of Von Karma, after all." Franziska said.
"Therefore, before you take Detective Gumshoe into custody... ...I'd like to set the record straight on something." Edgeworth said.
"...And what's that...?" Badd asked.
'Hmm, what should I ask Detective Gumshoe about...?' Edgeworth asked, and he thought this to himself.
"You should ask about the motive for the murders." I said, sadly.
"I suppose the one thing I'd liked clarified…" Edgeworth said, frowning. "...is Detective Gumshoe's motive for committing this crime."
"Hmph... Motive, huh. Gumshoe... You got a grudge against Faraday or anything...?" Badd asked, looking at Gumshoe.
"N-No, sir! Not me! Not a single bad thing against Mr. Faraday, sir!" Gumshoe said, worried.
"...Is that a fact...?"
"Objection!" Yew said, doing the Objection pose. "...You really have a problem with lying, don't you, Detective Gumshoe?"
"I'm telling you... I AM NOT LYING!" Gumshoe cried.
"The more unnatural you act, the more suspicious you become, you know." Franziska said.
"If you want a motive, Edgeworth, I have one for you right here." Yew said.
"Could you please share it with us? However, be forewarned that I won't hesitate to object to flights of fancy... ...because all I'm interested in is the perfect explanation." Edgeworth said.
"Phwwh! Ahahahahahaha!" Yew said, cackling. "You're serious, aren't you? ...Fine. You amuse me, so I'll humor you with a little courtroom practice."
-- Gumshoe's Motive --
"It was... about a week ago. I saw the detective get chewed out by a livid Faraday in front of the precinct. He stood there super pale, as Mr. Faraday yelled, 'That's a salary cut for you, you nitwit!' A brand new detective suddenly getting his salary cut -- that's reason enough for a grudge. Well? How's that for a 'perfect explanation'?" Yew asked.
"Y-You totally misunderstand me, pal! No matter how mad I get, I could never hold a grudge!" Gumshoe said, angrily.
"...Quiet. We can't trust anything you say...!" Badd yelled.
"Sir…"
"It's okay." I said, as Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Hmm... There's nothing wrong with the motive she proposed, per se... ...but there are some gaps in her logic that need to be filled in. Ms. Yew's 'perfect explanation'... ...may not be so "perfect" at all...!'
Rebuttal
-- Gumshoe's Motive --
"It was... about a week ago. I saw the detective get chewed out by a livid Faraday in front of the precinct. He stood there super pale, as Mr. Faraday yelled, 'That's a salary cut for you, you nitwit!' A brand new detective suddenly getting his salary cut -- that's reason enough for a grudge. Well? How's that for a 'perfect explanation'?" Yew asked.
"Press for more information here." I said, looking down at the floor.
"Hold it!" Edgeworth said, doing the hold it pose. "You call your explanation 'perfect'?"
"Ahah...!" Yew said, laughing. "Is it not to your liking?"
"Unfortunately for you, it's just not up to my standards and my friend's standards." Edgeworth said.
"Oh? Is there something you want me to clarify, in that case?" Yew asked.
'What should I do? Should I raise an objection?' Edgeworth asked, thinking that to himself.
"She's really pissing me off. Raise an objection, Edgey." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"Alright, if you could clear this one thing up for me...!" Edgeworth said, looking at Yew.
"Ask about his motive for killing Mr. Rell." I said, smirking.
"I understand Detective Gumshoe's potential motive for killing Mr. Faraday... ...however, what about his motive for killing Mr. Rell?" Edgeworth asked.
"His motive for killing Rell? Like I would know." Yew said, scoffing.
"Hmph... If there was no clear motive for both of the murders... ...then I doubt this incident would've occurred. Wouldn't you agree?"
"......"
"Is there anyone else who might have had a grudge against either of the two men? Or should we look into that ourselves?" Edgeworth asked.
"Oh... In that case…" Yew said, sadly. "...I have absolutely no idea."
"...!" Edgeworth said, thinking that to himself. 'What? But that's impossible! She must know SOMETHING!'
"You totally do know something." I said, rolling my eyes.
"Phwwh... Wait…" Yew said, cackling. "Ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! Can you please not glare at me like that? And can your friend please stop supporting you? ...It makes me laugh. Phwwwwwh!"
"God, I'll never forget your laugh." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'Grr...! I didn't even do anything, and Jared said something, and you're already laughing away!'
"Well, anyway... the way I see it, as long as he had a motive to kill one of the two... ...this crime would've played out the way it did anyway." Yew said.
"...Oh? Would you care to explain your logic? And this time, please try to provide a truly perfect explanation." Edgeworth said.
"Phwwwwh...! Perfect this, perfect that... Stop being so uptight, or is that a requisite trait for being a Von Karma? Ahahahaha!" Yew said, cackling.
"Miles Edgeworth! I demand that you shut this rude woman up!" Franziska cried.
'...I wish you'd BOTH be quiet for just one second…' Edgeworth said, thinking that to himself.
"Ahem... Oh well. I guess I'll just have to explain it to you kids." Yew said, sadly.
-- Motive To Kill The Men --
"There's no one out there with a motive to kill both Mr. Faraday and Mr. Rell. All you really have to establish is that someone had a grudge against one of the two men.
Mr. Rell, who happened to be there, became a witness to Mr. Faraday's murder. Therefore, he was killed out of necessity, and set up to look like they had killed each other." Yew said.
'I wonder if that's really true... Is there no one out there with a grudge against both men? I should take another hard look at the evidence for this morning's case. The second KG-8 Incident, as people are calling it, involving an Embassy staff member... ...and the two men who both wound up as suspects in the case... Is there someone else I'm overlooking who is somehow related to them?' Edgeworth asked, thinking that to himself.
Rebuttal
-- Motive To Kill The Men --
"There's no one out there with a motive to kill both Mr. Faraday and Mr. Rell." Yew said.
"Here you go." I said, taking out the KG-8 Incident Overview out of my sling bag and handing it to Miles Edgeworth. "Because that sounded wrong."
"Thank you." Edgeworth said, looking down at the KG-8 Incident Overview. "Objection!" He then did the Objection pose and presented the KG-8 Incident Overview to Yew. "Ms. Yew. I believe there is someone you overlooked in making your statement. Or rather... is it because you'd rather not bring this person up...?"
"...What do you mean?" Yew asked.
"We are looking for someone with a reason to kill both Mr. Faraday and Mr. Rell... I can think of at least one person that fits the bill! He was the suspect in the original KG-8 Incident…" Edgeworth said, smirking. "...and a member of the Cohdopian Embassy staff, Mr. Manny Coachen!"
"...!" Yew said, at a loss for words.
"That's right. The very man who came to visit you earlier out in the hallway." Edgeworth said.
"......"
"The man who killed a member of the Cohdopian Embassy staff, Mr. Rell... ...and the man who was the lead prosecutor of the KG-8 Incident, Mr. Faraday... Are you telling me that Mr. Coachen has no reason at all to kill both of these men?"
"Well... I suppose he might have a reason or two…"
"You! You covered for me, pal! ...Maybe you're not such a bad guy after all." Gumshoe said, happily.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. You're still a suspect, make no mistake about that! The perfect evidence, the perfect testimony... These are the only things I wish to hold." Edgeworth said.
"B-But I didn't do it...!"
"Hmph... You will stay under my authority, and go investigate Mr. Manny Coachen for me. And remember, I will not be very forgiving should any of this leak out…" Edgeworth said, looking at Gumshoe.
"You want to investigate Coachen...?" Badd asked, doing the hold it pose. "You'd just be wasting your time…"
"And why is that?" Edgeworth asked.
"...Coachen was up in the viewing gallery, watching the trial... or so I was told. Every cop in this place has been keeping an eye on the guy since he arrived…" Badd said.
"Then the only real suspect we have is still Detective Gumshoe." Franziska said, frowning.
"...I suppose so." Edgeworth said, letting out a sigh.
"Yup. Love you, Gumshoe. You're like a huge teddy bear. Lovable and such. But not when you're the main suspect." I said, crossing my arms.
"No way... Come on, Detective Badd! You've gotta believe me, sir! I really was in that hallway the whole time, sir! I never took a single step into this room, sir!" Gumshoe said, worried.
"...OK, then are you saying... there was someone else who passed through the hallway?" Badd asked.
"I-I... No... There was no one else, sir."
"...Then why should I believe you didn't do it...!?" Badd exclaimed.
"That is one incredibly foolish detective. Standing right in front of a crime scene all by himself... It's as good as a confession of guilt." Franziska said.
'I have to admit it's a bit strange. Most criminals will fabricate some sort of lie to escape their crimes. And if that detective really wanted to prove that he is innocent... ...you'd think he would at the very least offer up 'I spaced out while on duty' or the like.' Edgeworth said, thinking that to himself.
"...Come on, Gumshoe. Time for your interrogation…" Badd said, looking at Gumshoe.
"...Detective Badd…" Gumshoe said, sadly.
"Miles Edgeworth… Jared Shay… I will go ahead and report this to Papa." Franziska said, walking away from us to leave the room.
"And that, as they say is that! Right, everyone? Ho ho ho." The Judge said, laughing.
"Well, I suppose we should both be getting back to our real jobs now, huh?" Yew asked.
"Before we do, Ms. Yew, there is something my friend and I'd like to speak with you about." Edgeworth said.
"...What is it?"
"It's something." I said, looking at Calisto Yew.
"So? What did you want to ask me about?" Yew asked.
"Ask her about the KG-8 Incident." I said, sadly.
"The current case of the murdered Cohdopian Embassy staff member... ...I've heard that people have begun calling it the second KG-8 Incident." Edgeworth said.
"...Only among you law enforcement types. And? What about it?" Yew asked.
"I'd like for you to tell me and my friend everything you know about the original KG-8 Incident."
"...I'm afraid I can't help you and your friend. I don't know anything beyond what was reported in the papers."
"No, I believe you know much more... since you are directly tied to the KG-8 Incident!" Edgeworth said, angrily.
"...I'd appreciate it if you'd stop with the false accusations. Baseless outbursts are useless both inside and outside the courtroom, don't you know?" Yew asked.
"I do, but I also know that I DO have a leg to stand on here."
"... Phwwh... Phwwwwahahaha." Yew said, cackling. "Think you can stop making that ultra-serious face in front of me?"
"Gnnnrk! I-If you could please stop laughing for just one second!" Edgeworth said, while he thought this to himself. 'I'm not going to make any headway like this... I'm just going to have to show her... ...exactly how related to the KG-8 Incident she is!'
"Time to ask about the KG-8 Incident. So what do you know about it?" I asked, looking down at the floor.
"As you guessed... the one who reported the smuggling activities of the Amano Group... ...was my sister, Cece Yew." Yew said.
'As I thought…' Edgeworth said, thinking that to himself.
"And... she was killed right before she was to testify at the impending trial... ...by Manny Coachen! But, because he was tried once... ...and was acquitted, he gets to live out the rest of his cushy life, completely carefree." Yew said.
"All because of a lack of evidence." Edgeworth said.
"No, I heard that the evidence to convict him did exist."
"What?"
"What are you talking about?" I asked, clutching the strap of my sling bag.
"I heard it from Mr. Faraday himself after Mr. Coachen's trial was over. Apparently. a man in black made off with the most important piece of evidence." Yew said.
"...! Then, the evidence had been tampered with!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"...Isn't it just like a criminal to do something like that? The smuggling ring being run out of the Amano Group by one of its secretaries... They bailed Mr. Coachen out. Turns out, they were in league with each other all along." Yew said.
"How big was that smuggling ring? Was it a large operation?"
"I don't really know. Which is why I wanted to become the lead defense... ...on this case that people are calling the second KG-8 Incident. But, I haven't learned anything new at all. I was probably expecting too much, I know…"
"You mean, you think this case has nothing to do with the smuggling ring?"
"I... don't know what to think…"
"Of course you do. And it would have to do with Manny Coachen." I said, taking out a photo of Manny Coachen out of my sling bag and presenting the KG-8 Overview.
"Why did Mr. Coachen want to meet with you earlier?" Edgeworth asked, looking at Yew.
"Actually... he came to watch the trial. Apparently, he only found out that I was the defense lawyer of this case after he'd arrived. He figured he should say, 'Hi'... and one other thing: 'Looks like you couldn't resolve anything this time either. Too bad.'" Yew said.
"...! What's that supposed to mean!?" Edgeworth exclaimed.
"Phwwh…" Yew said, cackling. "Ahahahahahahahahaha! Ooh, boy! Stop it with the scary face, already! I'm fine. Really. I gave him a good slap across the face!"
"Talk about creepy." I said, and Edgeworth thought this to himself. 'The way she talks about slapping him as she laughs away is kind of creepy…'
"Ahem... But, it's just as Mr. Badd said. He's not related to the double murder. I asked around, and people in the gallery claim that he was in his seat the entire time. ...Talk about 'cruel fate.'" Yew said, happily. "Well, this is about all I know. Haha... Sorry. Guess I wasn't much help, huh?"
"That's not true. I'm sorry I made you recall such a painful time in your life." Edgeworth said.
"Phwwh..." Yew said, cackling. "Ahahahahahahaha! Edgeworth, you really are too serious for your own good. You really need to learn to relax. Your friend knows how to relax. We wouldn't want you to die of stress, would we?"
"...Thank you for the advice, but there's no need to worry. I work in my own way, and I will catch this criminal in my own way as well. You'll see." Edgeworth said, smirking.
"Ahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!" Yew said, cackling. "Look at you with your game face on, ready to go!"
"I...! I'm making no such face!" Edgeworth yelled.
"Did you know? Laughter is the best medicine, Edgeworth. Don't you get tired of making such a serious face all the time?" Yew asked.
"I'm charged with making sure that all the criminals of this world are found guilty. I... have no need for laughter."
"There you go, making that face again. Oh well. I've got to get going. I still have a few loose ends I need to tie up."
'...... The KG-8 Incident and this murder investigation... It is my belief that these two cases are related to each other somehow. Plus, that detective... Detective Gumshoe...It's obvious he's lying, even though the lie is hurting his chances. ...Clearly, this case is far from over. But whether or not that detective is the murderer... ...can only be determined once I've completed my perfect investigation. Mr. von Karma... I swear to uphold your honorable name, or my name isn't Miles Edgeworth!' Edgeworth said, thinking that to himself.
"Goodluck, Edgeworth." I said, frowning.