Author's Notes: I am in absolute shock that I am posting my the first chapter of my first official chapter project. Though life has put me through the ringer in the two years I've worked on this project, I'm just happy to have finally completed a project in my lifetime. I didn't make this story too long due to the fact that I didn't want it dragging and having too many chapters in the process. I've seen my share of those stories in the past, and I didn't want to fall into that category. This story was inspired by the Criminal Minds episode Somebody's Watching (Season 1, Episode 18) and based around the theme of that episode.

This is my first project, and I hope you guys enjoy it! The story takes place after the events of Trials and Tribulations and before the events of Ace Attorney Investigations.


Chapter One: Murder

[February 12, 4:11 PM, Café Vela]

The chill of the winter air tore through her body, sending a shiver down her delicate spine. She placed her hands on her cup of tea, the warmth of the cup warding the cold off her fingers and shooting through her arms. Letting out the breath she had been holding, Amber picked up her fork and sampled another taste of her half-eaten chicken fettuccine. The sauce flooded her mouth, the combined flavors of mushrooms and parmesan riding her tongue.

"How's your food, Amber?"

The voice of her best friend, Katie Lowell snapped her out of her daze.

"It's excellent. Thanks for taking me here, Kate," she replied with a smile.

"You're welcome. I figured I should take you here, especially considering the good news that we just heard."

Amber couldn't help but chuckle as she remembered the news she heard from her manager twenty minutes prior to coming here. Her latest single had been number one on the charts for the past week, prompting her to want to release her upcoming album sooner than anticipated. In addition, the accompanying music video was scheduled to be released soon, either tomorrow or within the next few days.

As she stared at Katie, her smile widened. She looked gorgeous with her spiral auburn curls, green eyes and peachy complexion. Combined with her outgoing and understanding personality, she was the best friend to turn to.

"Hey, isn't that Amber Brooks?"

Whispers of conversation broke out from the other people in the café, causing her to smile to herself and Katie to smile at her.

"Seems like you've got company," Katie said, gesturing in the direction behind Amber.

The young singer turned around in her seat and noticed a few children and teenagers approaching her.

"Can we get an autograph and a picture, Miss Amber?"

Her smile widened. "Of course."

She hopped off her chair and began signing multiple different autograph books, writing messages alongside them and taking pictures. She also received hugs, praise and high hopes regarding her upcoming album, and once she was done, they returned to their spots throughout the cafe.

"I'm sure you've seen how much of an impact you've made since you made your debut, right?" Katie asked.

She nodded. "In a sense."

"Since you made your debut with your first album, you became number one and you're considered the most successful female artist in the music industry. You inspire a lot of your fans through your songs and give them something good to hold on to whenever they feel down in the dumps or trapped in a terrible situation. Your ability to put positivity into people is just incredible."

Amber chuckled. "It's been my dream to inspire people since I was a small child. With singing the best talent I've come to acquire, I figured music would be the best way to inspire people, and thanks to all the hard work I've gone through, I've finally fulfilled my dream."

Katie nodded. "You've also got your modeling career to add to your success. Your fashion senses have attracted a lot of attention. Not to mention you intimidate the photographers with your stunning beauty."

"I'm giving what I want the fans to see: a confident woman who refuses to take crap from anyone."

"I definitely do see the confidence," Katie said with a chuckle.

"Let's continue this at the theater. I think there's a special Steel Samurai show going on sometime tonight."

Katie nodded as she downed the last of her coffee. "Sounds like a plan."

[February 12, 5:33 PM, Wright & Co. Law Offices]

Another long day was about near its end, which meant the closing of another case and exposing the real culprit for defense attorney Phoenix Wright. He sat at his desk finishing up the remaining paperwork, ready to go home and turn in for the night after working nonstop throughout the day.

Meanwhile, on the couch, Maya and Pearl had the television turned on, tuned in to the channel known for all the celebrity stories. After watching a few reruns of the Steel Samurai, it was time to see something new.

"In recent news, Amber Brooks' latest single, Eyes Wide Open has stayed number one for the past week. There is a large hype among fans for its accompanying music video and upcoming album, Eclipse, both of which are scheduled to be released very soon."

The two spirit mediums squealed in delight, causing Phoenix to glance up from his paperwork at the television. Beside the announcer was a picture of the singer in question, and his throat went dry when he saw her picture.

Amber was a striking woman. She had blonde hair that fell to her shoulders, and hazel eyes that pierced into the souls of everyone around her. Her skin was flawless and the color of milk, as if she had never been exposed to the sun, and her hourglass curves were emphasized by the dress she wore.

Maya took notice of Phoenix's reaction. "Hey Nick, are you familiar with Amber Brooks?"

Her question snapped him out of his daze. "I've heard her name a few times on both the television and the radio, but I never heard any of her songs," he replied.

Both Maya and Pearl's jaws dropped in shock.

"How have you not heard of her, especially considering she's been popular for the past two years?" Maya asked.

Phoenix just shrugged and shook his head in response. With a sigh, Maya took a deep breath.

"I'll explain it all. Amber rose to stardom two years ago with her debut album, Just the Beginning right after graduating from Julliard. She added to her success and career when she started modeling, and released her second album, Strive to Fruition a year later.

"She continued her modeling career and appeared as a guest vocalist with other artists, and is now proceeding to release her third album, Eclipse. There's a lot of hype for Eclipse, as it reflects a darker tone in comparison to the upbeat tone of her previous albums, but based on her latest single, Eyes Wide Open, fans are looking forward to this switch in direction."

Phoenix was surprised. "Maya, you're a diehard fan."

"What can I say? I love Amber's work."

"Due to Amber's success and rise to stardom in the two years since she's debuted, she's being dubbed as the sex symbol of this generation."

Pearl tilted her head to the side. "What does that mean, Mystic Maya?"

Maya and Phoenix exchanged anxious looks before Maya takes a deep breath and looks at the young spirit medium.

"Well, Pearly, Amber is being recognized for being gorgeous. Her beauty has attracted a lot of attention."

"Hmm...okay," Pearl said with a smile and a nod. "Mystic Maya, we should get Amber's new album once it's released!"

Maya smiled. "Agreed. We also need to keep a lookout for the premiere of the music video."

They're both diehard fans, Phoenix thought as he watched them exchange excitement.

"Nick, we should close up the office. It's another day tomorrow," Maya suggested.

Phoenix nodded and glanced at his desk. I could finish up the paperwork in the morning.

[February 12, 7:56 PM, Brooks Mansion]

Amber unlocked the door and went inside with Katie following behind her. Once she turned on the light, two identical Siberian Husky dogs came running to her in excitement.

"Well, Sierra and Nadia are happy to see you," Katie said with a chuckle.

Amber smiled as she gave them both attention. "I don't get to spend a lot of time with them, but it's always nice whenever I do."

They made their way over to the living room, sitting down on the sofa with Sierra and Nadia jumping on the sofa and sitting beside Amber.

"That Steel Samurai show was excellent," Katie stated. "It's good to see that it's still going, despite the murder cases that revolved around it a couple years ago."

"Agreed," Amber said with a nod. "It's making a comeback with this traveling show plan they're doing. Now, the whole world can experience the Steel Samurai up close.

"Anyways, how's things been going for you at your job, Kate?"

"Despite having to deal with long days, things have been going well. It's still taking me some time to get used to, but I love helping people finding their beauty preferences. This job is my path to a promising future."

Amber nodded. "I will admit that the products your company recommends are amazing. I couldn't use anything else until you introduced me to them due to having sensitive skin."

"It's good to know they're working out for you, and your skin looks a lot more better and radiant when you're not wearing any makeup."

"Yes. I have seen a difference in a matter of weeks."

"Not to mention your recommendation has sales shooting through the roof."

"Good to know I could be of some assistance for sales," Amber said with a smile.

Katie looked at the watch adorning her wrist. "I better get going. I don't have too early of a day at work tomorrow, but I must be refreshed and energized. Also, you have to be fresh for the upcoming photo shoots you have to do the next couple days."

Amber nodded. "Okay. You have a good day tomorrow, and if you can, stop by the studio. Maybe we can have lunch together with Trent."

"Ah. I tell you, that man has a sassy mouth and sense of humor."

"That he does." Amber chuckled.

"I'll see you later, Amber."

With those words, Katie stood up from the sofa and made her exit through the front door. Amber watched as she left, petting Sierra and Nadia in the process.

"Okay, girls. I think it's time we turned in too."

She then got up off the sofa and made her way upstairs with the two dogs following behind her.

[February 12, 8:47 PM, Miller House]

She was sitting on the sofa with the book lamp on, making highlights to her assigned role in the script she was given. It was one of the main roles in the project, and to be given such a role was a huge honor and a huge soar to her reputation. Pushing a strand of hair behind her ear, Jessa studied over her lines as she highlighted them. Though shooting wouldn't start until next week, she could use this time to memorize all the lines in her role.

Her cell phone rang, and she looked to see she was receiving a call from her manager, Jaden. She then picked up the phone and answered the call. "Jaden?"

"Hi Jessa," replied a familiar, masculine voice from the other line. "I got a photo shoot planned to promote both the project and some upcoming fashion designs. It could really boost the hype."

"That would be nice. We can set a date later in the week."

"Sounds like a plan. We'll talk more about it tomorrow."

With those words, she ended the call and stood up from the sofa, stretching her arms up to the ceiling and ready to turn in for the night. Suddenly, she heard a noise coming from the front of the house, and made her way outside to investigate. She didn't take so much as a single step out the doorway when she is suddenly struck on the head, and found herself staring at a mysterious figure hiding under a hood. Her vision slowly blurs as the assailant raises their arm and proceeds to beat her face in until she dies.

Right then and there, the assailant pulled out a picture of Amber and scratches her face in, fury rushing through their veins.

It will only be a matter of time before I finally have my revenge against you, Amber Brooks.


End Notes: And that's the first chapter. I would like to know your feedback, and if you all like it and I get enough people saying so, I will post the next chapter in a day or so. Check back!