Twenty minutes later, everyone had shuffled back into the courtroom. Phoenix and Maya, who had reverted back to herself within that time frame, were using the lull to speak with Sycamore.

"The hour is almost up," Sycamore said. "The judge looks restless. Mr. Wright, what should happen if a decision isn't made?"

"Likely we'll adjourn for the day, and tomorrow, someone else will be standing behind the prosecutor's bench," replied Phoenix. Then, seeing his client's troubled expression, he asked, "What is it, Mr. Sycamore?"

"There are...many who are following this trial, those who are expecting a certain outcome. I wonder if it is fair to them to postpone that, when I've put things off long enough."

Wow. He really feels bad about everything. "Uh, well...I can't speak on whether it's fair or not, but I'm told we don't have any control over what gets decided." Especially if Edgeworth is involved. Geez, how in the hell does that guy have so many connections? "But you could look at it like this... it would only be one more day, you know? Trust me, I know trials are stressful. But I'm not going anywhere until you've been given a proper defense, so there's no use in worrying about things beyond our control."

"Yes...I suppose..."

The doors to the prosecutor's lobby suddenly opened, bringing everyone's attention toward the young man headed toward the judge's section. Dressed in a wine red business suit, he carried himself in a dignified manner.

"Looks like Mr. Edgeworth has made a decision," said Maya.

"That's Mr. Edgeworth?" asked Sycamore. "Such style...such refinement... I must have the name of his tailor!"

Phoenix had to hide his disbelief. The guy who wears a ruffled bib for a tie? Seriously? "Yeah, that's Edgeworth. We'll talk later, Mr. Sycamore." He motioned to Maya, who followed him to the defense's bench.

There was surprised murmuring from the judge, then a vocal expression of agreement. He began to pound his gavel as Edgeworth walked to the prosecutor's side. "This court will now reconvene. Due to the events of last hour, Prosecutor Flynch will be... stepping down for the remainder of the trial. Since this is a most unusual case, Prosecutor Miles Edgeworth has agreed to stand in court in Flynch's place. Now, we will proceed. Is the prosecution ready?"

"Naturally, Your Honor," responded the man, then directed his gaze at the defense. "Mr. Wright, I hope you don't intend to pursue the matter of Mr. Evan Barde, as the act of spirit channeling has no place in a courtroom."

"Says the jerk who saw it two months ago in a courtroom," Maya muttered, seething.

"Not now, Maya," Phoenix whispered to her. Then, with a smirk, he replied, "I was just seeing how serious Mr. Flynch was about proving my client heartless. But since he's lost his nerve, I have no problem backing off."

Edgeworth returned the smug expression. "That's just like you, isn't it, Mr. Wright? It's just as well. Mr. Flynch was having trouble organizing his case, and his notes were scattered after the stunt you two pulled. But thanks to that, I can assemble a series of proper arguments and fortify the stance of the prosecution."

"When he says it like that, I almost feel sorry for Flynch," said Maya.

"Now, continuing with the timeline, Mr. Sycamore was terrorizing the citizens of Misthallery using his excavation machines, which he blackmailed the chief engineer into building. Around this time, he had also kidnapped the butler of the Triton household, as well as the wife of Clark Triton, whom he had illegally named sole inheritor of the Barde estate six months prior, leaving Barde's children penniless and vulnerable."

The familiar feeling of dread returned to Phoenix's gut. There's proper argument number one...

"While it's true Mr. Sycamore is able to escape some of the charges today, he cannot erase the damage done to the psyche and well-being of children who have been orphaned, including one afflicted with a debilitating condition."

So he's going there, is he? thought Phoenix.

"The truth is, the original heir to the will is irrelevant. The fact that Mr. Sycamore tampered with it caused harm to Mr. Barde's children and left them isolated for many months. Mr. Barde's daughter, Arianna, had an illness for which modern medicine had no cure. As a result, she nearly died."

There were gasps from multiple directions in the audience, which were joined by the judge's own expression of outrage.

"The only reason Ms. Barde lives today is due to intervention by various beings. The Garden of Healing, or the Golden Garden, was discovered beneath the town of Misthallery. The air there, which had not been touched for ages, is lauded for its healing properties. Once the people gained access to this place, Arianna Barde was able to convalesce there."

"Beneath Misthallery, you say?" asked the judge. "So Mr. Sycamore, rather, the masked stranger..."

Edgeworth nodded. "It would appear he was doing his best to pursue the location. But instead of working with the townspeople, he coerced, kidnapped, and terrorized them. It was more important that he discover the ancient site before anyone else. Does that make him heartless?" He paused deliberately for effect, showing a smirk. "I'll let the court decide. I call Ms. Arianna Barde to the stand."

Moments later, a young, teenaged girl with medium length auburn hair took her place at the witness' stand.

"Will the witness state her name and occupation for the court?" Edgeworth asked.

"I'm Arianna Barde," she replied. "I am a student."

"Ms. Barde, over four years ago, your father died, leaving you and your brother behind. Is this correct?"

"Yes."

"Please testify to the court about the events leading up to the following year."

Arianna nodded. "Papa fell over a cliffside by our garden. It was an accident, but the police were determined to rule it a suicide. After that, I couldn't bear to hear the townspeople badmouth Papa, and so I shut myself away. I assumed that my brother Tony and I were on our own, especially after we realized there was no money. We dismissed all the house staff. It was terribly lonely, and I spent the days and many sleepless nights in a dust-covered room, too weak to even tidy up. The air outside was harsh on my lungs, but I would always brave it for Loosha's sake. She was the light in our dark time."

The judge nodded as the girl finished. "Just one question. Who is this Loosha?"

"Loosha is a creature from the waters surrounding our home. Tony and I befriended her when she was tiny. In some ways, she was our only friend for so long."

"Incidentally, Your Honor," Edgeworth chimed in, "Loosha is the creature that was mentioned battling with the excavation machines during the night attacks."

"I see." The elder man turned toward the defense. "Well then, Mr. Wright?"

Phoenix stepped out from behind the bench. "Ms. Barde, what did you mean when you said the townspeople were badmouthing your father?"

"I knew they were angry with him for shutting down his factory and letting the workers go," said Arianna. "The truth is, I was sick before that happened, and my father thought that closing the factory would improve the air quality for me. He also raised the rent for many citizens. The townspeople resented him for that, so when he died...that resentment was redirected to his children...or so I thought."

"But that wasn't true."

"No, it wasn't. Regardless of how they felt about Papa, they wanted to know if we were all right. I didn't even want to consider the possibility, though. So Tony and I took solace in our friendship with Loosha."

"It was mentioned that Loosha fought with the excavation machines, and that is what led to the destruction of the buildings..."

Arianna nodded. "Being such a large creature, I couldn't stop her from going anywhere. I could only hope to calm her with a melody."

"And how did you do that?" asked Phoenix.

"I would play a song on the ocarina my father bought. Even though I was at the manor, the pipes carried the sound all throughout Misthallery, and Loosha would withdraw. But...when she was determined, nothing could stop her."

"What do you mean?"

Arianna's expression turned somber. "She wanted nothing more than for me to live, even at the cost of her own life."

"Her own life-"

"Objection!" Edgeworth interrupted. "Mr. Wright, what does this line of questioning have to do with the incidents at Misthallery, or even with the witness' experiences relating to that?"

"If I may, Mr. Edgeworth," Arianna replied. "It was Loosha who found the Golden Garden. Since she was originally born there, she was the only one who knew its location. So, she wasn't just trying to protect Misthallery from the machines, she was also trying to protect her home."

"Hmm..." The man mulled over the response, but he was still not entirely satisfied. "Ms. Barde, you were testifying about your life following the death of your father and his altered will. I understand Loosha ultimately found the site that enabled your recovery. However, this trial is to ascertain the weight of Mr. Sycamore's crimes. If there is any connection between Mr. Sycamore and the death of Loosha, then I would like for you to testify about that. Otherwise, I must stop this line of questioning."

"Sycamore? That's the name of the masked man, correct? Well, he didn't have anything to do with Loosha's death...not directly. I mean, I think if Loosha hadn't spent all her energy fighting his machines, she would have lived, but besides that..."

"So Loosha exhausted herself and died as a result of her injuries?"

"It's more like, since she was the only one who knew the location of the Golden Garden, she used the last bit of her strength to break down the dam concealing it. If she hadn't done that...I suppose it would have meant my death instead of hers."

"In other words, there is nothing directly connecting Mr. Sycamore to Loosha's death."

Arianna shook her head. "No."

"Thank you for your time, Ms. Barde" said Edgeworth. "You have been through much for someone so young, and I appreciate you sharing your account."

Don't tell me he's going there now, Phoenix thought, fighting the urge to roll his eyes.

"You're welcome, Mr. Edgeworth," the girl answered. "Is that all you needed?"

"For now, yes. We may call upon you again should the need present itself."

"All right. Until then, good day." Arianna moved away from the witness stand, exiting through the doors of the prosecutor's lobby. Phoenix took his cue to return to the defense's bench.

The gavel came down once. "Mr. Edgeworth," started the judge, "three witnesses have come to the stand thus far, and all three have referred to the culprit as someone in disguise. Not Desmond Sycamore. In other words, none have been able to connect the defendant himself to any of the crimes of which he stands accused."

"Yes, Your Honor, I admit that is a problem." Edgeworth appeared to be contemplating something. "I have put in a request to the police to expedite the delivery of the costume Mr. Sycamore wore during that time, but even I have my limitations. Until then, we will have to rely on witness testimony, which will act as the foundation for the prosecution's case."

"Speaking of the Yard, the inspector in charge of the investigations back then, Clamp Grosky...why hasn't he made an appearance?"

Phoenix's mouth fell open slightly. Huh. I'd almost forgotten about him.

"Yes, originally he was supposed to arrive first thing this morning. However, a discovery was made in a rural area last night, and he has been on the scene since then. Since it takes over an hour and a half to get there by car, I don't expect we'll see him today."

"Oh? What discovery was that, if I may ask?"

"A suspicious wreckage hidden among the trees, from an airship of some kind. At first, there did not appear to be any survivors, but now Inspector Grosky is investigating the possibility of a murder."

There was a barely audible gasp, some distance to Phoenix's left.

"A murder?" the judge asked. "Might I ask what brought him to that conclusion?"

"There is a lone grave at the hillside there, recently made. Right now, they are exhuming the body, and will perform an autopsy before the day is-"

"No...!"

Stunned, Phoenix, as well as everyone else, turned toward the defendant's chair, where a red-faced Sycamore now stood, eyes wide, expression frozen in fear.

"Mr. Sycamore, what is the meaning of this?" demanded the judge.

"You can't do this!" the man pleaded in desperation. "You mustn't! Raymond devoted his life to serving me and my family...I won't let you disturb his resting place! I won't! Please! Leave him be, I beg of you!"

A hundred verbal exchanges were present in the audience now, and the roar was drowning out Sycamore's pleas.

"Oh my God, Nick," Maya exclaimed. "Mr. Sycamore knows the person in the grave? Then..."

Phoenix nodded. "Yeah...if what he's saying is true, then that's his airship that crashed. This trial just got a lot more interesting."

"Order! Order!" The judge cracked the gavel repeatedly against its sound block. "Mr. Sycamore, you will explain yourself! Are you saying this Raymond person was involved in this wreckage? Are you the owner of that airship?"

"I am," Sycamore declared, looking wounded by the query. "That airship was my home, and Raymond, my butler and most loyal companion. I don't know why I survived the crash, but I couldn't let Raymond go without a burial. So please...don't disturb the place where he rests. Please..."

"Mr. Sycamore," Edgeworth cut in. "I am sorry, but this is out of our hands. Rest assured that once the autopsy is done, Mr. Raymond will receive a proper burial. I will even arrange for you to be there, if you wish. You have my word on that."

"Ugh..." Sycamore sank into his chair, too floored by the last few moments to acknowledge the offer of generosity.

"Furthermore, this incident should have been reported to the authorities within a much shorter time frame. Concealing a death such as this in the manner you did...you do understand new charges could be brought against you? Why did you not so much as even breathe a word?"

"I..." Sycamore shook his head slowly. "I...couldn't. It was...it was better to have left it alone. I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to conceal anything. It was dark, a storm was coming in, and he had just died...right there. I was all alone, and my head was spinning...I didn't know what else to do. But...murder? The engine malfunctioned, nothing more."

"The investigation will clarify the events for the courtroom. It's not that I don't trust your word, Mr. Sycamore, but the police have a job to do. It's nothing personal. In the meantime, if you really did survive a crash of that magnitude, then I suggest visiting the hospital to ensure your health is not in jeopardy. We will have guards escort you there, of course."

"I've already seen a doctor. I'm fine."

"I see. Well then, you will need to wait for the results of the investigation, just as we will." Edgeworth turned to the judge. "Your Honor, the prosecution has nothing further to present today."

The judge nodded. "Understood. Then, we will adjourn for the day-"

"Wait!"

What now? Phoenix wondered. Wait, that voice sounds familiar...

"Who said that?" demanded the judge. "Young man? Was that you?"

A boy, around thirteen years of age, walked past the witness stand. He wore a white dress shirt beneath a blue sweater, tan shorts, and a blue hat. "Yes, Your Honor. You'll have to forgive me, but I was there too! In Misthallery, that is."

"And who are you?"

"I'm Luke Triton, Your Honor. I'm the son of Clark and Brenda, who testified earlier. I'm a friend of Arianna Barde. I also personally know Professor Sycamore and was acquainted with the late Mr. Raymond. So please, allow me to testify!"

"Luke..." Phoenix murmured.

Similarly, Sycamore was astonished. "Luke..."

"Hmm..." The judge took a moment. "Mr. Edgeworth, what do you think?"

"Your Honor, since this young man knows the defendant, then we may gain new insight into this case," replied Edgeworth. "The truth is, I would have eventually called to the stand someone close to Mr. Sycamore..."

Phoenix nearly jumped when he realized Edgeworth was looking in Layton's direction. Crap...I forgot all about that. And if I know Edgeworth, he's already done his homework on Professor Layton's true relation to Mr. Sycamore...if that comes up, I won't be able to stop the professor from taking the stand. And I can see this is rough on him as it is...

"...but I'll welcome such testimony, even sooner than planned."

"Very well, I'll allow it," said the judge. "Mr. Triton, please take the stand."

After Luke took his place behind the witness stand, Edgeworth said, "Please state your name and profession."

"Luke Triton," the boy replied. "I'm a student, but I'll always be Professor Layton's number one apprentice!" Briefly beaming, he caught himself, and cleared his throat. "Errh...presently a student, I mean."

"Mr. Triton," Edgeworth started, "Just how well do you know the defendant?"

There was a pause, and the Luke said, "I, the professor, and others traveled with him over the better part of a year. I can say, without a doubt, that he is the masked scientist known as Jean Descole."

The audience broke into shocked murmurs again.

"And how do you know this?"

"He revealed himself at the end of our trip together. There was something he was hoping to gain, but he couldn't do it dressed as Descole. He had to earn our trust as Sycamore first."

"Hmm." Edgeworth stood there, letting the words sink in. "Let it be known that the witness has confirmed the defendant is in fact the masked man who masterminded the schemes involving the Azran civilization. However, today, I would like for the witness to testify about the events at Misthallery and the Golden Garden."

Luke gave a sheepish smile. "Uh, w-well...there isn't much left for me to say about that, really. I think the previous witnesses covered just about everything."

"That's true...however, having been close to the defendant for a time, perhaps you can offer something that the court has not yet heard. In fact..." Edgeworth looked over at Phoenix with a smirk. "...I'll even let the defense draw it out of you. There's bound to be something that was missed."

Really, Edgeworth? So now you want me to do your work for you? "Fine." Phoenix shook his head and turned back to Luke. "Mr. Triton, your mother told the court earlier how Mr. Sycamore, or rather Descole, had disguised himself as Doland Noble. Can you tell us of the impostor's behavior during the Misthallery incidents?"

Luke seemed a bit stunned. "Oh, well...he behaved normally for much of the time. He even helped me during the specter attacks."

"And how did he do that?"

"I discovered a way to predict when the next attack was to take place, and where. I told Doland, or the man I thought was Doland, and he would warn the townspeople so that they could evacuate."

"Interesting...so he did what he could to keep the residents out of harm's way..."

"Heh heh heh..." Edgeworth shook his head at Phoenix. "Mr. Wright, I've been reviewing the court record. So this is your idea of your client being human and not a simple monster? A man who causes citizens to flee their homes before he takes it upon himself to destroy the place where they live? How pointlessly noble."

"I disagree, Mr. Edgeworth," Phoenix responded. "He could have just done nothing and let harm come to the people."

"And why would he do that? To risk drawing suspicion after giving Mr. Triton the impression he would save the people's lives?"

"No, no, no...I'm just saying the outcome could have been worse."

"Yes, at the cost of outing himself."

Phoenix shook his head. "He didn't have to worry about that."

"And what proof do you have of that, Mr. Wright?" Edgeworth demanded.

"Earlier, during Brenda Triton's testimony, it was revealed that Mr. Sycamore had been working with the police chief to change Evan Barde's will. Chief Levin Jakes was a powerful force in Misthallery, and it's known that he fabricated the outcome of many cases. If Mr. Sycamore had him in his back pocket, he need only call on him should anything go wrong during the night excavations."

That one caught Edgeworth by surprise. "Urk...!"

"Do you get it now? It wasn't Mr. Sycamore's intention to destroy houses or hurt people. He just wanted to search for the Golden Garden, but couldn't do that in the open with his methods. Yes, he would have still caused sinkholes in the streets, but that was all. He had no idea he would be battling a creature, night after night."

"He didn't?" Edgeworth asked, recovering quickly. "I beg to differ. I'll concede that first night, it was likely a surprise. But after the third or fourth time, he should have expected a visit from that creature. His initial lack of awareness does not excuse his recklessness later on."

Phoenix gasped. Damn! I can't argue with that.

"His desire to access this 'Golden Garden' was so great, he was still willing to sacrifice parts of the town to do it."

"And yet, he still warned all the townspeople to leave," Phoenix said, figuratively picking himself back up. "Thank you for proving my point, Mr. Edgeworth. My client is a complex and complicated individual, and not simply a monster."

"Either way, he is guilty," Edgeworth retorted. "I suggest you do your best to remember that, Mr. Wright, and present a stronger defense than the idea that at least the defendant isn't one-dimensional."

"That's not what I was saying," Phoenix muttered.

"Um," Maya cut in, "honestly, it kind of sounds like you were saying that."

"Maya, not you too."

"Listen to your co-counsel, Mr. Wright," Edgeworth said, clearly amused. "Anyway, all we've learned is that despite Mr. Sycamore's talents, his methods are confusing and ineffective. It does not appear we'll learn anything else from further testimony regarding the events at Misthallery, so I believe we can wrap this up. Do you not agree, Your Honor?"

The judge nodded. "You are free to go, young man," he said to Luke. "As a matter of fact, I will conclude proceedings for the day. We will reconvene in the morning."

Back in the defendant's lobby, Phoenix was processing the events of the day. It was only when Sycamore broke into his thoughts that he noticed who was around him.

"Uh, did you say something, Mr. Sycamore?"

"I said, do you have an idea of what will happen tomorrow?"

"Oh! Well, since everyone is finished testifying about Misthallery, they'll probably move on to the events on that island...Ambrosia, was it?"

Sycamore nodded. "Yes."

"I'd like to talk to you more about that at the detention center, if you don't mind."

"Of course..." The man looked pensive. "...Mr. Wright?"

"Yes, Mr. Sycamore?" Phoenix replied. "Err, by the way, is it okay if I keep calling you that? I notice a lot of people who met you refer to you as 'Professor Sycamore.'"

"'Mr. Sycamore' will do. I'm not much of a professor these days. But regarding the crash, what...will happen with Raymond and the investigation into the Bostonius?"

Oh yeah...depending on what they find, that could reflect badly on him too. And I'll have to look into those potential charges Edgeworth mentioned. "I know you're concerned about that, especially since it involves someone you were close to...but you can take Edgeworth at his word. Once the investigation is complete, he will make sure you're there when Raymond is given his second burial."

Sycamore turned his gaze elsewhere, a somber expression on his face. "They should have just left him there. That is where he should rest."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Sycamore. I really am. But...what about you? Are you sure you're physically okay after that crash?"

"Yes, I'm fine. As I said in court, I was examined by a local doctor a few days after it happened. He was concerned about the bruising, but he was confident it did not require a hospital visit. I haven't experienced any strange symptoms since."

Phoenix nodded. "Okay...well, other than that, is there anything else I should know about the crash?"

"Nothing that would provide new insight into this case. They'll see the airship was my home, and full of memories." Sycamore's demeanor quickly changed. "Mr. Wright, what did Mr. Edgeworth mean about you presenting a stronger defense?"

"Oh, pretty sure that was a warning. In some ways, he's right. I need to dig deeper than the fact that humans experience a wide range of emotions. Just because you've entered a guilty plea doesn't mean I can't defend you properly. But you know...I can only do that if you're honest with me."

"About...?"

"Your motive. Professor Layton once mentioned you wanted revenge, so I know you didn't do all of this for fame. You were driven by something else, by someone else. I get the feeling it has something to do with whatever Targent is..."

Sycamore was stunned at first, but frowned. "That is not something I wish to discuss at this time."

"Oh...I see...well, then-"

He was interrupted by the doors opening, and four guards walking in.

"Mr. Sycamore," one guard announced. "We are here to escort you back."

"Goodbye for now, Mr. Wright, Ms. Fey." Sycamore turned and saw Layton, who was standing next to the uniformed men.

"Yeah," said Phoenix. "I'll see you soon, Mr. Sycamore."

"Later, Mr. Sycamore," said Maya.