Disclaimer: The Ace Attorney franchise is property of Capcom. I, the writer of this fanfic, do not own the characters or am associated with the company in any way, shape, or form in the production of this non-canonical, non-profit fanfic.

It's Christmas Eve and there is much activity at the von Karma mansion in Dresden, Germany; but not the kind of activity that people would normally associate with the von Karma family. If you were to ask anyone involved in law enforcement what their opinions of Manfred von Karma were, they would probably tell you that he was a fearsome man who was 111% dedicated to completing his job and was the very embodiment of the term "perfect". A common joke at Prosecutor's Offices around the world was that if Manfred ever saw "fun" or "happiness", he would chase them into the woods, shoot them dead, and turn their hide into a pair of gloves. However, the people who held this opinion of Manfred were unaware about what occurred at the von Karma home during the Christmas season.

Contrary to common belief, Manfred von Karma had an unhealthy love of Christmas that was borderline psychotic. Manfred would have the entire mansion exterior covered in bright, multi-colored lights and large wreaths. The large front yard of the imposing manor would have several large inflatable snowmen while the roof would have a large, flashing neon sign with an arrow pointed at the chimney that read "Enter here, Santa." Inside the mansion, garland and tinsel could be found in abundance in nearly every room in the house as well as multiple miniature statues of Santa. In the main family room, a large, heavily-decorated Christmas tree was proudly placed in the center of the room.

So as you can imagine, Christmas Eve was an exciting time for Manfred; which was why Miles Edgeworth, who was 15 at the time, and Franziska von Karma, who was 9 years-old at the time, were especially nervous when returning to the manor that evening from the library. When they reached the front door, Franziska began to voice her disdain for the situation.

"Miles Edgeworth… I don't want to go into our home, which is now tainted with foolishness, while Papa is like this."

Edgeworth sighs of uncertainty. "Franziska, your father is not THAT bad during this time of the year. In fact, I actually find him to be more pleasurable…"

Franziska, upon hearing such a foolish pinion such as that, scowls in disbelief. "Pleasurable? How on God's green Earth is Papa's behavior this time of the year 'pleasurable?' During this season, Papa is always smiling around us, praising us more often, and when he's at home, he's always wearing that…" Franziska winces. "tacky holiday sweater along with that foolish elf's hat of his."

Franziska starts to get fidgety. "I can't take it anymore, Miles Edgeworth! I am going to stay at the library until this foolishly foolish holiday season has passed!" Franziska then turns around and begins to walk away, but before she can get far, Edgeworth stops her by placing his hand lightly on her shoulder.

"Franziska, you know very well that you can't just run away from home. Mr. von Karma would quickly find out and he would rally the entire Dresden Police Department to find you; and you know very well that one way or another, he'd find you."

"I know, Miles, but Papa is just so… weird at this time of year. For example, last night, he tried to offer me a cup of hot cocoa. HOT COCOA, Miles Edgeworth!" Franziska then shakes her fists in the air as she stomps her feet. "Do I look like some foolish child that enjoys hot cocoa, Miles Edgeworth!?"

A large grin spreads across Edgeworth's face as he crosses his arms. "Well, you are only 9-years old…"

Franziska then slaps Edgeworth. "I am a fearsome Amazon warrior trapped in the foolish body of a 9 year-old. I am not distracted by foolish trivialities."

At that moment, it begins to lightly snow and Franziska's eyes widen out of excitement. "Yay! Snow!" Franziska then runs around the yard trying to catch snowflakes on her tongue.

Edgeworth shakes his head and chuckles to himself. "Look, 'Amazon Warrior', it's starting to get cold out, so let's go inside. If we're quite, we can sneak up to our rooms without having to interact with Mr. von Karma.

Edgeworth quietly opens the door and both he and Franziska are relieved that Manfred is nowhere to be seen. Edgeworth and Franziska then enter the house, but are unaware that Manfred had placed a motion-sensitive Santa statue on an end table near the entrance that greets anyone who comes in. As soon as the two aspiring prosecutors enter the foyer, the statue greets them.

"Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas!" the statue yells while Christmas music plays. Franziska, realizing that this would alert her father, tries to silence the statue as soon as possible. Franziska then grabs the statue.

While the statue is playing Christmas music, Franziska frantically searches for the off-switch. "Where is the foolish off-switch on this foolishly foolish statue!?"

"Merry Christmas!" The statue states.

"SHUT UP!" Franziska then throws the statue against the wall, which causes it to stop playing the music.

Unfortunately for Franziska, Manfred hears the statue and rushes into the foyer to see his family.

For Edgeworth and Franziska, they get to see Manfred in his full holiday attire, which consists of him wearing a red and green striped elf hat and a tacky sweater with a smiling reindeer on the front. Manfred then proceeds to pull both of his children into a large bear hug, which causes Franziska to become terrified.

"Miles Edgeworth, I'm scared! What is Papa doing to us!?"

Manfred has a caring smile on his face, replacing his usually stern, emotionless scowl. He then spoke to Edgeworth and Franziska in a tone of voice that actually emanated a sense of happiness. "Miles, Franziska, I am so glad that you are both home. How about we whip up some hot cocoa and gingerbread cookies and watch some Christmas movies?"

In most families, the activities that Manfred suggested would be seen as average and fun, but the von Karma family is far from average. After spending all but one week of the year in a state of emotionless, perfect work and behavior, these activities feel most alien to Edgeworth and Franziska. Coupled with Manfred's new kind demeanor, Edgeworth and Franziska can't help but reluctantly agree out of fear of what Manfred would do to them.

A/N: I am working on the second chapter now and it should be up sometime tomorrow.