Chapter 1: TURNABOUT PROLOGUE
"Brigitte Friedmann: Ace Attorney" follows the story of a young woman named Brigitte Friedmann. In this instance, she's a thirteen-year-old girl living in Germany, but was born Los Angeles. This chapter takes place in the year 2016, when Brigitte traveled to the United States on break. Her step-father, Körbl Raskoph is a judge and an old friend of Prosecutor Manfred Von Karma. In order to give Brigitte some first hand experience with the legal system, he had set it up with the American court systems to have Brigitte see a case with veteran prosecutor Miles Edgeworth and green horn defense attorney Phoenix Wright. Brigitte was quite excited to see a case in the American justice system, as she is just about to start law school in Germany.
DISCLAIMER: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners (Capcom, Shu Takumi, etc.) The original characters (Brigitte Friedmann, the Friedmann-Raskoph family, and any other OCs) and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
[September 5, 9:00 AM, District Court, Defendant Lobby No. 1]
"Mäuschen, are you excited to see this trial? I heard it will be quite interesting: a young woman accused of murdering her older sister in cold blood," muttered Körbl Raskoph, his thick accent clear, over the phone to his thirteen-year-old step daughter, Brigitte Friedmann.
Even though he was not her real father, he had raised her since she was seven years old. He was a kind, older man, and gave her many opportunities to reach her dreams of becoming a prosecutor.
"Yes Papa, thank you for this opportunity," Brigitte replied, with a widening smile over face.
"Remember, Bridgey, pay attention to Prosecutor Edgeworth's techniques, he is a professional. Herr Wright is a green horn, but he did win his first trial against veteran prosecutor Herr Payne. You will begin your own studies shortly, please do not disappoint me".
"Ja Richter-er, Papa-I promise I won't disappoint you," Brigitte replied quickly, noting the seriousness in Körbl's voice.
"I know you won't. But, Mäuschen, don't be afraid to talk to Miles-it will help you with your own confidence and it will allow you to learn from the source himself," Brigitte said goodbye to her step-father and waited in the lobby, her notebook tightly pressed against her chest.
A soft sigh escaped Brigitte's lips-it excited her to know that she had the opportunity to meet one of her idols and see him perform, but she felt flustered as well. What will I say to him? What if he doesn't wish to talk with me? Focus Brigitte, focus. He may seem cold on the surface but I'm sure he's a nice guy. Before anymore thoughts could enter her mind, she saw him. She could recognize that maroon-colored suit, cravat, and composed figure anywhere-Miles Edgeworth had arrived. He begun to approach her: she could feel her heartbeat's tempo skyrocket.
"You are Ms. Friedmann, correct? I am Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth, but Miles is fine," he said in a plain voice, wearing an expressionless face.
"H-hello Miles. It is a wonderful opportunity to see you perform," she said timidly, turning her head away.
"Your aspiration is to join the ranks and become a prosecutor, correct? Mr. von Karma told me about his and Mr. Raskoph's discussion. You seem very shy. Are you sure you wouldn't rather have another career. You speak German and English, correct? You could become a translator," Miles said, a bit of concern being shown towards the girl.
"Um, I am a bit shy, ja, but I will work hard. I want to find truth and justice. It's always been my dream to become a prosecutor," Brigitte replied, rouge appearing on her cheeks.
Mr. Edgeworth nodded, but thought to himself. There is a conviction and need to get a guilty verdict at all costs. I can sympathize with wanting to follow one's dreams, but I just don't see a prosecutor in her.
"Ms. Friedmann, let's enter the courtroom. Mr. Wright and the defendant, Maya Fey, will be arriving soon," Edgeworth nodded to the young teen and the two went into Courtroom Number 1.
[September 9, 2:24 PM, District Court, Defendant Lobby No. 1]
The past four days were a total blur to Brigitte-the climax of the trial was when Mr. Edgeworth yelled out "I object! That was….objectionable." losing his cool.
Miles Edgeworth lost? No way, this cannot be happening! However, the truth revealed itself. I had a feeling that Ms. Fey did not kill her sister, she seemed genuinely devastated at her death. Now, that Redd White I could see him being responsible. Mr. Edgeworth could not contain his anger at the ordeal, muttering something about his "perfect win record".
"Mr. Edgeworth, are you okay?" Brigitte inquired, deeply concerned with how this loss would affect him.
"Do I look alright to you? My perfect win-record shattered by that…that amateur! I had not lost a case in the four years I've prosecuted. This…this is unacceptable!" Miles's voice was shaking and becoming more and more exasperated.
"I-I'm sorry. I do not know how to comfort you, Miles, but I know that you will feel better soon. Please don't let this bother you, winning isn't everything…" Brigitte did her best to comfort Mr. Edgeworth, but to no avail.
Despite Mr. Edgeworth losing the trial, Brigitte had gained some valuable experience. After the trial, she met Attorney Phoenix Wright and his client, Maya Fey. Maya's smile after being acquitted brought a smile to Brigitte's lips as well. The three talked about their childhoods, aspirations, etc.; how sad Brigitte was that she would have to return home. She promised that she would do her best to visit the two of them, and Mr. Edgeworth.
"Hopefully when I return, I, too, will be a prosecutor!" she said, beaming.
Wait, Bridgey? You're actually talking to people without being prompted? What sorcery is this?
The dialing tone of a phone could be heard…"Hallo, Papa? Are you there?".
"Ja, Bridgey. How was your first observation of an American trial? How would you describe Herr Wright and Herr Edgeworth's performances?" Körbl inquired, a trace of contentment could be heard in his voice.
Brigitte explained how the trial went: Herr Redd White killed Frau Mia Fey, his secretary Frau April May was his accomplice, and the two of them decided to frame Maya Fay.
"I see, pity that your first trial was one where the prosecutor lost…" Körbl chided Prosecutor Edgeworth.
"I don't mind, I'm glad that the truth revealed itself. Papa, could I possibly visit Los Angeles in the future? I enjoy it here, and it may offer me more experience. Maybe I could practice law in the United States and Germany."
"Oh Mäuschen, you have such big dreams, perhaps you could visit Los Angeles again. Did you practice your violin while you were in the States? What about your studies?".
"Ja, Papa. Are the papers all set so I can enroll in law school?" Brigitte said, changing the subject.
"Ja. You are all set," he said, clearly picturing the smile on his step-daughter's face.
"Danke, Papa! Ich liebe dich!"
"Bitte Schön, Prinzessin. Auf Wiedersehen, I'll be awaiting your return."
"Auf Wiedersehen, Papa. Danke."
A/N: This is a short chapter, but was more of a prologue to the events to come. Thirteen-year-old Brigitte Friedmann has a lot to learn about the law-more than she thinks, at least. The years of rigorous training, along with disappointment and change in the law, will promise this young attorney a battle of wits.
German Translations:
Mäuschen = literally little mouse, but can mean "honey", "sweetie", etc.
Richter = Judge
Ja = Yes/Yeah
Hallo = Hello
Danke = Thank you
Ich liebe dich = I love you
Bitte Schön = You're welcome
Prinzessin = princess
Auf Wiedersehen = Good-bye
