Alright, it's finally time for the sequel of Turnabout Sparks! I've really been wanting to get to this, I even made the cover art myself. Thank you in advance for reading this, I really appreciate it. This first chapter isn't particularly crucial to the story, it's intended to let you get a feel for what's going on right now and see where everyone stands. Hope you like it.

Just so you know I plan on making this a trilogy. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. For now enjoy this chapter, and leave a review telling me what you thought.

Autumn in California was rarely cold, but today the air was crisp and chilled. A frosty wind swept through the streets, seeming to pass through clothing as if it weren't even there. The dull, quiet atmosphere reflected on the city itself; cold and grey.

Miles enjoyed every minute of it. Having spent most of his childhood in Germany, he had learned to adjust to the lower temperatures and even find them pleasurable. The prosecutor had decided to wear a coat rather than a jacket that day, but he still felt the brisk chill. He seemed to be the only one in a decent mood which, he had to admit, was ironic. Miles watched the occasional person shuffle along, bringing their coats up to their faces. He was surprised when he saw a familiar face, glasses and all.

Maria Coldstare was hugging herself, a book wedged between her arms and chest. She wore a thick black overcoat covering most of her body. She quickly paced across the street, and Miles saw a light reflect off her prosecutor's badge. Maria was the only one Miles had ever met who wore that badge, a small detail that made her stick out in his eyes.

Well, that and she's beautiful. Gah! What am I thinking? When Miles had realized his feelings for Maria, he had never anticipated how much it would affect him. He found himself talking to her in the hallway much more often, enjoying her company. Yet at the same time, he felt nervous. He couldn't quite put it into words, nor did her wish to. He could admit to himself how he felt, but that was as far as he had gotten. Miles wouldn't tell anyone, never mind Maria, his affection for the brunette prosecutor.

"Good day, Coldstare," Miles said. He approached Maria, and then matched her pace when they were side by side.

"If you say so," Maria said, pressing her book tighter against her chest.

She doesn't seem to be in the best of moods. Mentally, Miles sighed. But I'm going to talk to her anyway.

"Is something on your mind?" Miles asked.

"It's freezing today," Maria said, as bitter as the wind.

"It's not that bad," Miles said. My palms are sweating after all.

"Maybe not to you, but I hate it when it's cold."

"A bit ironic, don't you think Cold-stare?"

"Oh ha ha ha!" Maria barked; her voice drenched in sarcasm. "I've never heard that one before."

Inwardly, Miles cringed. Was I trying to make a joke? I'm not funny. He tried desperately to think of another topic. "Where are you headed, anyway?"

"The Prosecutors Building," Maria said. "What about you?"

"Actually, I'm walking there as well," Miles said, slightly tilting his head.

A sudden gust of wind rushed through the streets, making Maria's hair flutter away from her face. Her cheeks were tinged red, raw from the cold air. Her forehead creased, and she scowled slightly. In that instant, Miles barely felt the biting chill.

Maria shivered; then looked at Miles. "Shouldn't you button your coat?"

Miles shrugged. "Cold weather doesn't bother me."

"But your face is bright red," Maria said.

Miles looked away for a moment, feeling his face grow redder. "I assure you I'm fine. I spent too much time in Germany to be bothered by a temperature of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Didn't you spend some time around Europe?"

"That doesn't mean I liked it when it was cold. Besides, I never stayed in one place very long."

"When did you come back to the United States?"

"I think I was 23. I became a prosecutor soon after. How long were you in Germany?"

"I moved when I was about 9 and came back when I was 19, so approximately 10 years. I still travel though. Foreign judicial systems have always interested me."

"Like the High Court System in Borginia?"

"That is an interesting system, though personally I find some of their punishments a bit overkill," Miles said. "This republic is slightly more efficient."

"Republic?" Maria said. "Are you talking about the United States? This is a democracy, Edgeworth."

Miles smirked. "Not quite."

"What are you talking about? Our government is very democratic. Representatives are elected by citizens to make decisions based on public opinion. That's a form of democracy."

"True, but the United States is technically a republic," Miles said. "In a democracy, the people's word is law. While the public does have the right to influence government, all citizens are bound by the Constitution. Ergo, this country is a republic."

"People have amended the Constitution before," Maria said, a smirk forming on her lips. "26 times, to be exact."

"Because they couldn't go against the Constitution," Miles said. "If you need more proof, think about the Pledge of Allegiance. 'And to the republic, for which it stands,' I believe is how it goes."

"You're using a song as evidence?" Maria said.

"It's true, isn't it?" Miles said.

"Well, if this government is a republic, why does everyone call it a democracy?"

"In many aspects, the United States is very much like a democracy. However, our Constitution makes this country a republic. There's no getting around it."

Maria stood up straight, holding her book in one arm and adjusting her half-rimmed glasses with the other. "The United States still could be accurately described as a democracy. After all, the government derives its power from the people and is accountable to them for the use of that power."

"True, but this is still a republic," Miles said. "The fact that we have a constitution is evident of that. Furthermore the Constitution clearly states 'The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government.' Never does it mention a democracy."

Maria frowned, trying to think of an argument.

"Just admit I'm right and move on," Miles said. "There's nothing wrong with a republic."

"I have nothing against republics, Edgeworth," Maria said.

"Good, you have been living in one for roughly the past 10 years," Miles said.

"Now who can't let it go?" Maria tapped her book against her arm.

Miles smirked, cocking his head. She doesn't seem to be all that cold anymore.

As they talked, the two prosecutors reached the Prosecutors Building. Miles opened the door and Maria and he stepped into the lobby. The moment they were inside, the air was warm and welcoming. Softly, Maria smiled. When Miles noticed her glasses had fogged up, a thin smile graced his features as well.

"Close the door!" a secretary shouted.

Miles realized he was still holding the door open and promptly closed. Satisfied, the secretary went back to her computer.

Maria took her glasses off and wiped away the moisture. She put them back on and brushed a strand of hair from her face. I wonder if I'm obsessive. Is it normal that I found such a simple action endearing? Miles shook his head as if to shake off the notion. I can focus on this later, when I'm not at work.